Herringbone and parquetry flooring in Brisbane: how to choose a pattern

Parquetry is a decorative timber floor laid in a geometric pattern from smaller blocks, rather than long boards in one direction. Herringbone is rectangular blocks set at right angles in a broken zigzag. Chevron looks similar, but the ends are cut at an angle and meet in a continuous point. At Master Timber Floors, owner Ben brings more than 20 years of experience installing and finishing patterned floors, backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.

If you are considering herringbone flooring for a Brisbane home, species, format and layout all matter as well as the pattern. This guide explains the main options before you book a free quote. For the patterns we supply and install, see our parquetry and herringbone service page.

Herringbone, chevron and parquetry at a glance

Parquetry is the umbrella term. Herringbone and chevron are types of parquetry, not a separate category of flooring.

What herringbone, chevron and parquetry actually are

Up close, herringbone has staggered, square-ended junctions, while chevron blocks are mitred, usually at 45 degrees, so two ends meet in a clean point and form a continuous spine. Basketweave, brickbond and square layouts are other well-established options, and some floors use a border — a frame of straight boards around the patterned field — to finish the room neatly at the walls. You can see these patterns in our gallery and at the Woolloongabba showroom.

Solid vs engineered options

Herringbone and other parquetry patterns are commonly available as:

• Solid timber — traditional hardwood blocks, usually sanded and coated on site so the surface is flush. Solid floors can typically be refinished a number of times. See our solid timber flooring page, and Blackbutt vs Spotted Gum if you are choosing an Australian hardwood.
• Engineered timber — a real timber wear layer over a stable core, often prefinished. The core can help limit seasonal movement, which suits some slab homes. Later refinishing still depends on wear-layer thickness.

We confirm the right option during an on-site inspection.

Installation considerations

Subfloor

The subfloor needs to be clean, dry, sound and flat. Slab moisture is checked before timber goes down, and levelling may be needed. Loose boards or bounce on a timber subfloor should be fixed first. Unevenness shows more clearly in a patterned floor than in a straight run of boards.

Glue-down

These floors are commonly glue-down, or direct-stick: each block is adhered to the prepared subfloor so the pattern stays tight. Some engineered products may allow other manufacturer-approved methods.

Layout and borders

A centre line is set and the pattern is planned through rooms and doorways so the zigzag or spine stays true. A border can frame the field and absorb awkward cuts at irregular walls.

Extra waste and labour

Patterned work typically needs a higher waste allowance than a straight-laid floor, with more cuts at walls and doorways. Chevron often needs more angled cutting, and labour is greater because each block is placed individually. We explain the implications after an on-site inspection and provide a free quote based on what we actually see.

Sanding and finishing a parquetry floor

Site-finished solid parquetry is usually sanded after the blocks are down. Sanding takes care because the grain runs in more than one direction, and herringbone or chevron can scratch or dish if treated like a single-direction board floor. Gaps are filled where appropriate, then several coats of finish are applied.

Prefinished engineered herringbone is typically not fully sanded at installation. Existing parquetry can often be restored by sanding and recoating, provided enough timber thickness remains. See our floor sanding and polishing guide.

A note on Queensland humidity

Brisbane's humid summers and drier winters cause timber to expand and contract. Patterned floors are still timber, so acclimatisation, a dry prepared subfloor, and correct expansion detailing at the perimeter all matter. Blocks or boards are typically allowed to acclimatise in the home before they are laid. We also check subfloor moisture during the on-site inspection.

Which pattern should you choose?

Choose herringbone for a classic look that works in many room sizes and can run through open living areas and hallways.

Choose chevron for a sharper statement, with a spine that can be aligned with a hallway, island bench or view.

Choose basketweave or another classic pattern for less of a directional run, or a quieter field inside a border.

Species and colour still shape the result. A lighter hardwood reads as calmer; a richer species makes the pattern more of a feature. If you are choosing an Australian hardwood, start with Blackbutt vs Spotted Gum, then browse the gallery and visit the showroom.

Caring for a herringbone or parquetry floor

Day-to-day care is the same as for other timber floors. Dry-mop regularly, use a slightly damp mop only when needed, and avoid steam mops or standing water. Use felt pads, door mats, and lift rather than drag furniture. Keep rugs off a newly coated floor until the finish has cured. When the surface looks worn, a professional recoat is often enough. See our sanding and polishing guide and other articles in resources.

Book your free on-site quote

Master Timber Floors is a Brisbane timber flooring specialist at 26 Elliott St, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, serving Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Logan and Ipswich. Owner Ben has over 20 years of hands-on experience. All work is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty, and we're QBCC licensed (15100816).

Call 0405 411 456 to arrange your free on-site inspection and quote, or visit our contact page.