If you are looking to elevate your home’s interior, few things make a statement quite like the timeless zigzag of a patterned floor. From period properties to ultra-modern apartments, herringbone flooring has remained a gold standard for adding texture and architectural interest to a room, as well as promoting resale value.
However, with so many options – ranging from herringbone engineered wood flooring to herringbone vinyl click flooring – it can be tough to know which one fits your budget and lifestyle.
In this guide, we break down the most popular herringbone and chevron options, ranked from the most premium investment to the most budget-friendly.
1. Chevron Flooring (The Premium Choice)
While often confused with herringbone, chevron flooring is typically the most expensive and elite option.
- The Difference: In a herringbone pattern, rectangular planks meet at a 90-degree angle. In a chevron pattern, the planks are cut at a 45-degree angle to create a continuous V shape or arrow head.
- Why it costs more: The angled cuts require more material waste and a much higher level of precision during installation. It offers a sleek, symmetrical look that is synonymous with high-end luxury design.
2. Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring
For those who want the look, feel and resale value of real timber, herringbone engineered flooring is the top-tier wood choice.
- The Build: It consists of a real hardwood top layer (often oak herringbone flooring) bonded to multiple layers of high-density plywood. This makes it more stable than solid wood while remaining indistinguishable once laid.
- The Appeal: It feels warm underfoot and can often be sanded and refinished. It is a popular choice for ‘forever homes’ and traditional renovations.
3. Professional Glue-Down LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Premium lvt flooring herringbone styles are usually ‘glue-down’, which means each individual tile is permanently bonded to a perfectly prepared, flat subfloor.
- The Performance: Because it is glued directly to the floor, it is incredibly stable and quiet. It is a favourite choice for high-traffic areas because it is waterproof and very difficult to damage.
- The Benefit: This method allows for the most realistic ‘natural wood’ look without the maintenance or degradation elements of real timber.
Need to know how to care for your LVT? Read our guide on cleaning and maintaining your lvt flooring.
4. Herringbone LVT Click Flooring
If you want the luxury look without the professional installation price tag, herringbone lvt click flooring (also known as rigid core) is a fantastic modern solution.
- The Build: These planks click together using a locking system. Many options come with built-in underlay, making it a favourite for DIY enthusiasts.
- The Click Look for herringbone vinyl click flooring if you need a floor that is DIY-friendly but still offers the waterproof benefits of high-quality vinyl.
5. Standard Herringbone Vinyl (Sheet or Basic Tile)
At the most affordable end of the spectrum is standard herringbone vinyl or herringbone floor tile effects.
- The Build: This is often thinner than luxury tiles and may come in rolls or basic stick-down formats.
- The Appeal: It’s perfect for a quick refresh of a bathroom or utility room. While it doesn’t have the same depth as wood, a brown or grey herringbone floor in this format can provide a modern aesthetic on a very tight budget.
Quick Comparison Table: Herringbone Flooring Options
| Flooring Type | Durability | Waterproof? | DIY Friendly? |
| Chevron (Engineered) | High | No (Water Resistant) | No |
| Herringbone Engineered | High | No (Water Resistant) | No |
| Glue-down LVT | Very High | Yes | Moderate (Requires Subfloor Prep) |
| Herringbone Vinyl Click | High | Yes | Yes |
| Standard Herringbone Vinyl | Medium | Yes | Yes |
Choosing Your Style
When browsing your options, keep these trending styles in mind:
- Grey Herringbone Floor: Perfect for a ‘Scandi’ or minimalist look.
- Oak Herringbone Flooring: The timeless choice that adds warmth and increases property value.
- Herringbone Click Flooring: The best balance of cost-effectiveness and high-end appearance for a DIY project.
Whether you choose the architectural precision of chevron or the practical durability of herringbone lvt, you are choosing a pattern that has been in style for centuries – and it certainly isn’t going anywhere.