Herringbone flooring is a classic pattern where planks are laid in a V shape, creating a staggered zig-zag design. It’s different from straight plank layouts (where boards are side by side) and chevron (where boards are cut at angles to meet in a point). Herringbone planks are rectangular and meet at 90 degrees, creating a more traditional, woven look. The pattern adds a lot of movement and structure to a room, which makes it a popular choice for feature areas like entrances, hallways, and living spaces. It works well with both modern and traditional interiors depending on the colour and material you choose. While it’s been around forever (think old European homes and heritage builds), modern versions using hybrid or vinyl give it a fresh, accessible twist for today’s homes.

Compared to standard plank flooring, yes—it’s a bit trickier. Because of the way the boards interlock at angles, the layout needs to be precise from the start. If you’re using hybrid, laminate, or vinyl herringbone with a click-lock system, it's still DIY-friendly, but you’ll want to take your time and follow the layout instructions carefully. A lot of people start the pattern from the centre of the room and work outward to keep things balanced. Engineered timber herringbone, on the other hand, usually requires professional installation—it’s often glued down and needs tight tolerances. Either way, once it's installed, it looks incredible. The pattern instantly lifts a room and gives it a designer edge that flat layouts can’t match. So if you’ve got the patience or are willing to bring in a pro, it’s absolutely worth the effort.

You’ll find herringbone styles in hybrid, laminate, vinyl plank, and engineered timber. Hybrid herringbone is probably the most popular right now—it's waterproof, tough, and comes in a range of modern colours. It’s perfect for homes with pets, kids, or open-plan spaces where the flooring needs to handle daily wear. Laminate herringbone gives you that visual impact at a budget-friendly price. Vinyl herringbone (both glue-down and loose lay) is great if you want comfort underfoot and minimal noise—especially good for apartments or upstairs areas. Engineered timber herringbone is the premium pick. It’s real wood, so you get the grain, knots, and texture that only timber can give. It costs more and takes longer to install, but if you want that timeless feel, it’s unbeatable. No matter the material, herringbone brings that extra bit of polish to your floors.

Herringbone flooring works best in rooms where you want to make a statement—hallways, entryways, living areas, or even feature bedrooms. Because of the pattern, it naturally draws the eye, so it’s perfect for spaces where you want the floor to do more than just sit quietly in the background. In narrow spaces like hallways, herringbone can actually make the area feel wider and more dynamic. In open-plan living areas, it adds structure and movement without being too bold. It’s also a great choice for older homes where you want to keep a bit of character while updating the materials. If you’re doing the whole house in herringbone, just be ready for a bit more install time—but the results are stunning and genuinely elevate the space.

If you want your floor to be more than just functional—yeah, it’s worth it. Herringbone instantly gives a space a high-end look, even if you’re using affordable materials like laminate or vinyl. It makes a room feel thought-out and finished in a way that regular planks don’t. The pattern adds texture, movement, and a touch of classic design, whether you're going modern, rustic, or somewhere in between. Yes, installation takes longer, and yes, you’ll need more care with measurements and layout—but it’s not wildly more expensive if you go with hybrid or vinyl options. For the visual payoff and resale value alone, it’s easily one of the most impactful design choices you can make in a reno or new build.