Herringbone flooring is a timeless design that adds elegance and sophistication to any room. The classic zig-zag pattern creates a sense of movement and style that works with modern, traditional, or rustic interiors.
While laying herringbone takes a bit more planning than standard planks, you can absolutely achieve a professional-looking result with the right approach.
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to lay herringbone flooring to help you get it right.
Table of Contents
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Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?
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What You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step: How To Lay Herringbone Flooring
1. Plan Your Layout
2. Prepare the Subfloor
3. Mark Your Centre Line
4. Dry Lay Your Pattern
5. Cut Planks as Needed
6. Click-Lock
7. Install the Pattern
8. Roll and Finish
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Pro Tips for Best Results
- Final Note: Transform Your Space
Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone is one of the most popular patterned floors because it:
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Adds visual interest and movement to a room
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Works in modern and traditional homes
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Can make narrow rooms feel larger
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Showcases the beauty of wood or wood-look planks
What You’ll Need
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Tape measure
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Pencil and straight edge
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Chalk line
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Utility knife or saw
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Spacers
- Click-lock planks
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Rubber mallet
- Knee pads for comfort
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Step-by-Step: How To Lay Herringbone Flooring
1. Plan Your Layout
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Decide on the direction of the herringbone pattern (along room length, width, or diagonally).
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Consider focal points like fireplaces or windows.
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Dry-fit a few rows to see how it looks.
Pro Tip: Planning avoids awkward cuts at edges.
2. Prepare the Subfloor
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Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
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Remove old flooring or debris.
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Repair any cracks or holes.
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Use a moisture barrier if needed.
3. Mark Your Centre Line
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Find the centre of the room.
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Snap a chalk line as your guide.
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This line keeps your herringbone pattern straight and symmetrical.
Pro Tip: Double-check measurements to avoid drift.
4. Dry Lay Your Pattern
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Lay out a section of the herringbone pattern without adhesive.
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Make sure the “V” shapes are consistent and aligned with your centre line.
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Adjust as needed for a balanced look at edges.
5. Cut Planks as Needed
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Measure and cut planks to fit edges, corners, and obstacles.
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Use a sharp utility knife for vinyl or laminate, or a saw for engineered wood.
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Always wear safety gear when cutting.
Pro Tip: Cut carefully to maintain tight joints.
6. Click-Lock
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Angle and lock planks per manufacturer instructions.
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Use spacers along walls for expansion gaps.
7. Install the Pattern
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Start along your centre line.
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Work outward in sections, maintaining the herringbone pattern.
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Lock planks in place.
Take your time to keep the pattern consistent and straight.
8. Roll and Finish
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Remove spacers and install trim.
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Clean the floor according to manufacturer guidelines.
Pro Tips for Best Results
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Let planks acclimate to the room for 24 hours before installing.
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Always follow manufacturer instructions for click systems.
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Check frequently for alignment along your centre line.
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Use quality tools for clean cuts.
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Consider professional help for large or complex rooms.
Learn more about our herringbone flooring options
Final Note: Transform Your Space
Herringbone flooring is a stunning upgrade that adds value and beauty to any room.
With careful planning and the right technique, you can achieve a luxurious, custom look that lasts for years.
Ready to get started?
Browse our full flooring range or contact us today for expert advice and samples.
