Pattern laying done precisely.
The set-out is where most fitters get it wrong.
45° herringbone and chevron in engineered oak, walnut and ash. The laying takes longer than straight boards — which is exactly why the set-out, subfloor preparation and precision cutting matter so much.
Four herringbone formats. One standard of precision.
The pattern and format you choose depends on the room, the property type and the look you want. We advise at the survey with sample boards.
Classic Herringbone
Planks laid at 45° to the room in the traditional V-pattern. The most requested format — works in hallways, reception rooms and open-plan living spaces.
Most popularChevron
The plank ends are cut at an angle so adjacent planks meet in a continuous arrowhead. Cleaner and more graphic than herringbone. Suits contemporary interiors.
Modern lookDouble Herringbone
Two planks wide rather than one, creating a larger version of the classic pattern. Works well with wider planks in bigger rooms.
Bold scaleBorder & Feature Strips
A contrasting border in a different species or finish can frame the herringbone field and define the room. We plan and price borders separately so you can choose what suits the space.
Bespoke finishMultiple species, engineered or solid, custom sizing.
Available in engineered and solid
Engineered herringbone handles UFH and period subfloors. Solid herringbone is available for dry, stable subfloors that can carry the weight.
Multiple species and finishes
Oak, walnut and ash in brushed, oiled, smoked and white-oiled finishes. Havwoods and Ted Todd ranges available at trade prices.
Custom plank widths
Narrow finger parquet to wide-plank herringbone. The right format depends on the room dimensions and the look you want — we advise at the survey with sample boards.
Period properties handled carefully
Victorian and Edwardian properties are where herringbone belongs. We work around original features and plan the set-out to suit the room's geometry.
A subfloor imperfection that is invisible under straight boards shows immediately under herringbone.
Pattern laying magnifies every subfloor defect. A hollow board in a herringbone field creaks loudly. A misaligned starting point sends the pattern out of true across the entire room. We level to a tighter tolerance than straight-laid floors, plan the set-out before starting, and do a full dry-run of the first row before adhesive is applied.
Six steps from consultation to a finished herringbone floor.
Pattern & format consultation
We discuss the pattern, species, plank width and finish at the survey. A sample board is brought to the visit. Pattern laying is more of a commitment than straight planks — getting the specification right before ordering matters.
Free visit, 45–60 minutesSet-out planning
The starting point and direction of the pattern are critical. An incorrectly set-out herringbone has awkward cuts at every prominent sightline. We plan the layout on paper and agree it with you before the first board goes in.
Fixed quote within 3 working daysSubfloor preparation
Pattern laying amplifies every subfloor imperfection. We level to ±2mm per 2m — tighter than the standard for straight-laid boards — because a rocking or hollow board in a herringbone pattern is visible and audible immediately.
1–2 days typicallyAcclimatisation
All material left on-site for 48–72 hours minimum. Engineered herringbone planks need to stabilise before any adhesive is applied.
48–72 hours minimumPrecision laying
Pattern laying takes longer than straight laying — allow one to two additional days per room. Every cut is made with a precision mitre saw. Border strips are set in after the main field is complete and cured.
1–2 extra days per room vs straight layFinishing & walk-through
Hand-sanded at the edges where the drum sander cannot reach. Skirting, beading and threshold bars fitted. Walk-through before we leave — anything imperfect fixed before we sign off. Written 1-year guarantee issued.
Written guarantee issued on completion4.7 stars from 386 verified reviews.
A selection of feedback from homeowners we have fitted herringbone flooring for across London.
“Herringbone oak throughout the hallway and ground floor. The set-out was planned carefully — the pattern runs perfectly from the front door through to the kitchen with no awkward cuts anywhere you look.”
C.M.
Marylebone, London
“We specified smoked oak herringbone in the living room and it has completely changed the space. The finishing was meticulous — hand-sanded at the edges, two full coats. Exactly what we wanted.”
K.B.
Chelsea, London
“The floor took longer than straight laying, as they told us it would. The result is worth it. It looks like the original floor the house would have had when built. Well-made and properly done.”
N.F.
Fulham, London
Considering herringbone flooring for your property?
Free subfloor survey and pattern consultation. Fixed-price quote within 3 working days.
Herringbone flooring questions, answered.
Typically one to two additional days per room compared to straight-laid planks of the same area. The extra time is in the set-out, the angled cuts, and the hand-finishing at borders and edges. We give you a specific timeline in the quote — not a rough estimate.
In herringbone, the plank ends are square-cut and butt against the sides of adjacent planks, creating a broken V-pattern. In chevron, the ends are cut at an angle so the tips of adjacent planks meet, forming a continuous arrowhead. Chevron has a cleaner, more modern look. Herringbone is the more traditional format and tends to work better in period properties.
Both. Engineered herringbone is more widely available and suitable for UFH and period subfloors. Solid herringbone is available for stable, dry subfloors. We advise on the right specification at the survey.
Narrow formats — 60–80mm — suit period rooms and smaller spaces like hallways. Wider planks — 120–150mm — work better in larger, more contemporary rooms. Very wide herringbone can look disproportionate in a tight space. We advise at the survey with sample boards.
Yes, if you specify engineered herringbone in a product that is formally approved for UFH. Solid herringbone over UFH is not recommended due to the movement risk. We confirm UFH compatibility before specifying.
Yes. Engineered herringbone can be sanded two to three times; solid herringbone up to five or more times depending on thickness. The pattern does not change after sanding — the floor comes back to near-new condition.
Both. We source from our Havwoods and Ted Todd trade accounts, or we will fit material you have sourced yourself. If you supply, share the technical specification before the survey so we can plan the set-out and subfloor preparation correctly.
Still have questions? Call 07405 739028 (Mon–Sat, 7am–7pm) or email info@corebuildgroup.co.uk
Looking for a straight-laid or waterproof option instead?
Engineered Wood Flooring
Straight-laid engineered wood. More stable over UFH and period subfloors.
Read moreLaminate Flooring
Realistic wood look at a lower price point. Scratch-resistant click-lock system.
Read moreLVT Flooring
100% waterproof. The practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms and rentals.
Read moreHerringbone Flooring across London and the South East.
Free survey and fixed-price quote at all locations. Not listed below? Call us — we cover more than we list here.
Don't see your area? Call 07405 739028 — we cover more locations than listed above.
Ready to fit a herringbone floor in your property?
Tell us the room, the pattern you have in mind, and whether there is underfloor heating. Free survey, fixed-price quote in three working days, real start date.