How to Choose Herringbone Flooring: 5 Steps to the Perfect Install
If you are looking to elevate your home with a touch of timeless elegance, there is perhaps no better choice than herringbone. At Flooring Matters SW Ltd, we have seen a significant surge in demand for this classic pattern across Devon and the wider South West region. From coastal retreats in Salcombe to modern developments in Newton Abbot, herringbone brings a sophisticated geometry that complements both period properties and contemporary builds.
However, choosing the right product and ensuring a flawless installation is a complex process. It requires a blend of aesthetic vision and technical precision. We believe that a floor is only as good as the subfloor beneath it and the hands that lay it. That is why we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the journey to your perfect herringbone floor.
Need expert advice for your home? Contact Flooring Matters SW Ltd today to discuss your project or visit our showroom to see our extensive range of Herringbone Flooring Devon.
Step 1: Selecting Your Material – LVT vs. Engineered Wood vs. Laminate
The first decision any Devon homeowner must make is the type of material. While the herringbone pattern remains consistent, the material’s performance characteristics can vary widely.
The Beauty of Wood Flooring Devon
For many, nothing beats the authentic feel of real timber. We are proud to supply and install Ted Todd, Kahrs and V4 engineered wood. These floors offer the depth, grain, and warmth that only natural wood can provide. Engineered wood is particularly well-suited to the South West climate; unlike solid wood, its layered construction makes it far more stable in the face of the humidity fluctuations we often experience near the coast.
The Versatility of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
If you are looking for maximum durability and water resistance, perhaps for a busy family kitchen or a bathroom, homeowners often opt for LVT. Brands like Amtico and Invictus offer incredibly realistic wood effects with the added benefit of being easy to clean and highly resistant to scratches.
A Practical Laminate Option from AlsaFloor
For homeowners who want the herringbone look with impressive durability and straightforward day-to-day maintenance, laminate is also well worth considering. We can supply AlsaFloor laminate flooring in herringbone styles, giving you a hard-wearing surface that works brilliantly in busy households. A key benefit is its AC6 rating, which reflects excellent resistance to wear, making it a strong option for high-traffic areas. It also comes with a 35-year guarantee, offering extra confidence from day one.
Herringbone Wood Flooring
Invictus Herringbone LVT Flooring
Herringbone Laminate
See it. Feel it. Choose with confidence.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Scale and Colour
The scale of your herringbone planks can dramatically alter the perception of space in a room. Smaller “parquet” style blocks offer a traditional, intricate look, while larger “chevron” or “oversized herringbone” planks can make a room feel more expansive and modern.
Lighting and Tones in the South West
The natural light in Devon can be quite unique, especially in properties with large windows overlooking the sea or the moors. We always recommend viewing samples in your own home’s light.
- Light Oaks: Great for creating an airy, Scandinavian feel.
- Rich Walnuts: Perfect for adding “weight” and luxury to a dining room or study.
- Smoked or Distressed Finishes: These are brilliant examples of how to hide daily wear and tear while adding character.
Invictus Herringbone LVT
Fitted by Flooring Matters in a Kitchen of Devon home
LVT Fitted in Bovey Tracey
Invictus was laid in a herringbone style throughout the ground floor
Step 3: Professional Subfloor Preparation
This is the most critical stage, and it is where many DIY attempts fail. Herringbone is a geometric pattern; if the floor underneath is not perfectly level, the lines of your herringbone will eventually “drift,” leading to unsightly gaps or “lipping” where one plank sits higher than another.
Our Technical Process
At Flooring Matters SW Ltd, we don’t just “lay” floors; we engineer them from the ground up.
- Moisture Testing: Essential for homes in the South West. We check for dampness in the concrete or timber subfloor.
- Smoothing Compounds: We use high-quality screeds to ensure a glass-like finish before the first plank is laid.
- Acclimation: For Wood Flooring Devon, we ensure the material is stored in your home for at least 48 hours. This allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your room, preventing excessive expansion or contraction after installation.
Don’t leave your subfloor to chance. Contact the team at Flooring Matters SW Ltd today for a professional site survey.
Step 4: The Precision of the Install
The actual installation of herringbone is an art form. Unlike straight-lay planks, herringbone starts from a central “spine.”
Setting the Line
We begin by finding the dead centre of the room. This ensures that the pattern remains symmetrical as it reaches the walls. Our installers are trained to maintain a 10mm expansion gap to allow for the natural movement of the flooring itself, as each plank can expand or contract ever so slightly.
Using the correct adhesives is equally vital. We select specific adhesives based on whether you have underfloor heating or if you are installing over a specific type of subfloor. This attention to detail is why we are considered the leading flooring contractors Devon homeowners trust.
Step 5: Finishing and Maintenance
Once the floor is laid, the finishing touches make all the difference. This includes matching door bars, thresholds, and scotia or skirting boards that complement the herringbone pattern.
Long-Term Care
To keep your herringbone flooring looking its best, we provide tailored maintenance advice.
- For Wood: Use PH-neutral cleaners and avoid excessive water.
- For LVT: Regular sweeping and the occasional damp mop with Amtico-approved cleaner will keep it looking brand new for decades.
- For Laminate: Regular vacuuming or sweeping, along with a lightly damp mop, will help keep AlsaFloor laminate herringbone flooring looking smart with minimal effort.
We are committed to the longevity of your investment. We believe that a quality floor should last a lifetime, which is why we only partner with brands that offer robust warranties and sustainable sourcing practices, including AlsaFloor laminate flooring with its AC6 rating and 35-year guarantee.
Why Choose a Local Expert?
Your Journey Starts Here
Choosing herringbone flooring is a significant decision, but with the right guidance, it is one of the most rewarding home improvements you can make. From initial inspiration in our showroom to the final sweep of the brush after installation, we are here to guide you through every step.
Whether you are looking for Residential Flooring or specialised LVT solutions, our team has the expertise to deliver a result that exceeds your expectations.
Ready to transform your home?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a clear vision or just a few questions about where to start, our friendly team is ready to help.
- Visit our Showroom: See our Ted Todd and Amtico displays in person.
- Book a Survey: We can come to you, measure the space, and provide a detailed quote.
- Expert Advice: Read more of our Flooring Tips and Advice online.
A huge thank you to all our existing customers in Devon and the South West for continuing to trust us with your homes. We look forward to meeting many more of you soon!
Contact Flooring Matters SW Ltd today. We are your local experts for Herringbone Flooring Devon.
See it. Feel it. Choose with confidence.
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As Award winning Devon Flooring Specialists, we offer a comprehensive range of flooring services to suit your project.
