CRAFT Hardwood Guides
The Benefits of Herringbone Flooring
Discover why herringbone flooring adds value, character, and durability to any home — expert insight from Lancashire's patterned flooring specialists.
Written by Wojciech, founder of CRAFT Hardwood | Updated May 2026 | 5 min read
Herringbone flooring has been installed in prestigious homes for centuries — from the Palace of Versailles to Georgian townhouses across the North West.
It remains one of the most requested floor patterns in the UK today. But beyond its visual appeal, herringbone offers a number of practical advantages that make it one of the best long-term investments you can make in your home.
It Creates a Timeless, High-End Aesthetic
The interlocking zigzag pattern creates a sense of movement and depth that straight-lay boards simply can't match. It instantly elevates any room, which is why it's consistently popular with interior designers and architects working on high-end residential projects.
Whether you have a Victorian terrace, an Edwardian semi, or a contemporary new build, herringbone works across both period and modern interiors without ever looking out of place.
It Makes Rooms Feel Larger
The diagonal angle of herringbone draws the eye along the floor rather than across it, creating the visual illusion of a wider, longer space.
This makes it particularly effective in hallways, narrow rooms, and open-plan living areas where proportion matters.
It's Exceptionally Durable
Solid oak herringbone — our most popular choice at CRAFT Hardwood — is one of the hardest-wearing floor surfaces available.
Properly installed and finished, it can last well over 100 years and be sanded and refinished multiple times. This makes it far more cost-effective over its lifetime than carpet, LVT, or laminate.
The Victorian and Edwardian parquet floors we restore today are living proof: floors installed over a century ago, still coming back to life with the right attention.
It Adds Measurable Property Value
Estate agents consistently report that solid hardwood flooring — particularly patterned formats like herringbone and parquet — adds measurable value to UK properties.
Buyers notice quality underfoot, and a well-installed herringbone floor is a genuine selling point in the Lancashire and Greater Manchester property market.
It Works in Any Room
Herringbone suits living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, kitchens, and bedrooms. It pairs well with underfloor heating when installed correctly, and suits a wide range of finish colours — from pale natural oak to deep smoked and fumed tones.
It Can Be Sustainably Sourced
We work with suppliers offering FSC-certified European oak, so you get the beauty of real hardwood with responsible sourcing. European oak also carries a significantly lower carbon footprint than imported tropical hardwoods.
How Does Herringbone Differ from Chevron?
Herringbone boards are cut square at the ends and meet at a 90° angle to form the zigzag. Chevron boards are cut at an angle so the points meet perfectly in a V-shape, creating a cleaner, more graphic pattern. Both are beautiful — read our full comparison here.
What Does Herringbone Cost?
Costs vary depending on the timber species, board size, and installation complexity. For a full breakdown, see our Herringbone Flooring Cost Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can i buy herringbone floor in Chorley?
A: We supply and install herringbone flooring directly to Chorley homeowners — no middleman. We hand-deliver samples to your home so you can see the blocks in your own light before committing. Contact us to arrange sample delivery.
Q: Where to buy eco-friendy herringbone in Lancashire?
A: CRAFT Hardwood can supply and install sustainably sourced solid wood herringbone flooring across Chorley and the wider Lancashire area. We work with high-quality engineered and solid oak products from responsibly managed forests, combining traditional craftsmanship with long-lasting natural materials.
Our in-house craftsmen have over 14 years of flooring experience and specialise exclusively in parquet patterns including herringbone, chevron, and bespoke designs. From helping you choose the right eco-conscious timber to professional installation and finishing, every stage is handled by our own team.
If you’re planning a new hardwood floor in Lancashire, contact CRAFT Hardwood to discuss sustainable herringbone options tailored to your home and budget.
Q: How long does hardwood floor installation take in Lancashire?
A: Most hardwood flooring installations in Lancashire take between 1-5 days, depending on the size of the space, the flooring type, and the pattern being installed.
As a general guide:
• Engineered wood flooring usually takes 1-2 days to install.
• Solid wood flooring typically takes 2-3 days.
• Herringbone, parquet, and other detailed patterns can take longer due to the precision involved.
• Subfloor preparation or levelling may add an extra 1-2 days.
Before installation, hardwood flooring normally needs 7-14 days to acclimatise to the room’s temperature and humidity levels.
If the floor is being sanded and sealed on-site, finishing and curing times can add several more days. While light foot traffic is usually possible sooner, full curing can take a few weeks depending on the finish used.
For a standard room of around 16-20m², installation is often completed within 2 days.
Interested in Herringbone for Your Home?
We install herringbone and parquet floors across Chorley, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester.
We offer free consultations with hand-delivered samples — no obligation.
You can see examples of our projects in our project portfolio.
We offer free site visits across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire.
Call: 07856 308 208 Email: contact@crafthardwood.co.uk
We serve Chorley, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, and throughout the North West.