Last Updated on June 27, 2026 by Sam Wood Worker
Quick Answer: Herringbone flooring is a timeless, elegant pattern that adds luxury and visual interest to any room. It costs more to install than straight plank flooring and takes longer to lay, but it increases home value and makes spaces look larger. It is worth it for homeowners who want a premium look that lasts for decades.
Key Takeaways
- Herringbone flooring costs 15–25% more to install than straight plank flooring
- It can make small rooms look larger by drawing the eye along a diagonal line
- Oak and white oak are the most popular species for herringbone patterns
- Engineered herringbone is better for kitchens and basements due to moisture resistance
- Solid herringbone can be sanded and refinished multiple times — lasting 50+ years
- Herringbone adds real estate value, especially in living rooms and hallways
- It is not a good DIY project for beginners — professional installation is strongly recommended
My First Experience With Herringbone Flooring
I first noticed herringbone flooring while visiting a friend’s house. The moment I walked through the front door, the floor stopped me. It looked expensive. It looked elegant. The wood pieces were laid in a zigzag pattern that seemed to pull your eyes forward down the hallway. I stood there for a few seconds just looking at the floor.
My friend told me she had it installed two years before when she renovated her living room and hallway. She said the installer warned her it would cost more than regular flooring. She paid the extra money and never regretted it once.
That visit stayed with me. When I started renovating my own home a year later, herringbone flooring was the first thing I researched. I visited flooring stores, talked to installers, and spoke to many homeowners who already had it. Here is everything I learned — the good, the bad, and the honest truth about whether it is worth it.
What Is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone flooring is a wood floor pattern where individual planks are laid at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a repeating zigzag design that looks like the bones of a fish — which is exactly where the name comes from. The word “herringbone” comes from the herring fish skeleton.
A Brief History
Herringbone is not a new idea. The Romans used it in road construction over 2,000 years ago. By the 16th and 17th centuries, it appeared in the grand floors of European palaces and chateaux. The Palace of Versailles in France is one of the most famous examples. The pattern then moved into wealthy homes across Europe and eventually became a classic flooring choice worldwide.
In the 20th century, herringbone fell out of fashion as simpler, faster-to-install flooring options became popular. But in the last 15 to 20 years, it has made a strong comeback. Today it is one of the most searched flooring styles online. Interior designers use it regularly in both modern and traditional homes.
Herringbone vs. Chevron: What Is the Difference?
Many people confuse herringbone and chevron. They look similar but they are not the same.
| Feature | Herringbone | Chevron |
|---|---|---|
| Plank angle | 90 degrees | 45 degrees (cut at an angle) |
| Pattern look | Staggered zigzag | Continuous V-shape / arrow |
| Material waste | Less waste | More waste (angled cuts) |
| Installation difficulty | Difficult | Very difficult |
| Cost | High | Higher |
| Overall look | Classic, busy | Cleaner, more modern |
In my experience, herringbone looks busier and more traditional. Chevron looks sleeker and more contemporary. Both are beautiful, but herringbone is more forgiving in terms of cost and material use.
Herringbone Flooring Pros
1. Luxury Appearance
This is the biggest reason homeowners choose herringbone. No other standard flooring pattern creates the same visual impact. When I visited flooring showrooms, I noticed that the herringbone displays always attracted the most attention. People would walk past straight plank floors and stop when they reached the herringbone section.
The interlocking pattern creates depth and movement. A plain floor looks flat. Herringbone looks architectural — like the room was designed by someone who really cared about the details.
2. Timeless Style
Herringbone has been used in homes for over 400 years. That is not an accident. A design that stays popular for that long is not a trend — it is a classic. If you install herringbone flooring today, you will not look at it in 10 years and think it looks dated.
Many homeowners I talked to mentioned this specifically. One woman told me she chose herringbone because she wanted flooring that would still look good when she eventually sells the house, no matter when that happens.
3. Works in Both Modern and Traditional Homes
I was surprised by how versatile herringbone is. In traditional homes with crown moulding and wood panelling, herringbone feels right at home. But I also saw it in modern, minimalist apartments with white walls and clean lines. In that setting, a light white oak herringbone floor looked incredibly fresh and contemporary.
The wood species and finish you choose make a big difference. Dark walnut herringbone feels traditional and warm. Light, matte-finished white oak herringbone looks modern and Scandinavian. The pattern itself adapts to whatever style you bring to it.
4. Makes Rooms Look Larger
This is something I noticed immediately in my friend’s hallway. The herringbone pattern draws your eye diagonally along the room, which makes the space feel longer and wider than it actually is. Straight plank flooring laid parallel to the walls tends to emphasize the room’s actual dimensions. Herringbone works against that, creating an optical illusion of more space.
For small rooms, this is a real benefit. A narrow hallway or small bedroom can feel noticeably more spacious with herringbone than with straight planks.
5. Increases Home Value
Real estate agents consistently report that quality hardwood flooring increases home sale prices. Herringbone specifically gets attention from buyers because it looks premium and custom. I spoke to a homeowner who sold her house last year. Her real estate agent told her that the herringbone floors in the living room and dining room were one of the first things every buyer commented on during viewings.
Studies on home renovation ROI regularly place hardwood flooring among the top investments. Herringbone amplifies that effect because it suggests the home was cared for and renovated with quality in mind.
6. Unique and Personal
Walk into ten homes with straight plank flooring and they all look similar. Walk into a home with herringbone and you remember it. For homeowners who want their home to have its own personality, herringbone delivers that. It is not unusual — but it is not generic either.
Herringbone Flooring Cons
1. Higher Installation Cost
This is the biggest downside, and I will not soften it. Herringbone flooring costs significantly more to install than straight plank flooring. The reason is simple: the installer has to cut and place each plank at a precise 90-degree angle, working from a central reference point and building outward. It takes much longer and requires more skill.
A typical straight plank installation might cost $3 to $6 per square foot in labor. Herringbone installation can run $7 to $12 per square foot or more, depending on your location and the installer’s experience. For a 300-square-foot living room, that difference could easily be $1,200 to $2,000 in labor alone.
2. More Material Waste
Herringbone requires more wood than straight plank because of the cuts needed at the edges and borders. A straight plank floor typically adds 10% extra for waste. Herringbone typically requires 15 to 20% extra. For expensive wood species like walnut, that waste adds up quickly.
3. Difficult Repairs
If a plank cracks, warps, or gets badly damaged years down the road, replacing it in a herringbone floor is much harder than in a straight plank floor. Each piece is locked into the pattern at a specific angle. Removing one plank without disturbing the surrounding pieces requires skill and patience. If the repair is done by someone inexperienced, it can look worse than the original damage.
I talked to one homeowner who had a small water leak from a potted plant. Three planks were damaged. The repair cost him almost as much as the original installation of that area because finding an installer willing to match the pattern precisely took time.
4. Longer Installation Time
Because of the precision required, herringbone takes longer to install. A straight plank floor for a 200-square-foot room might take one day. The same room in herringbone could take two to three days. This matters if you are living in the home during renovation. More time with furniture moved out and rooms unusable means more disruption to daily life.
5. Not Suitable for Every Room
Herringbone is a strong visual pattern. In rooms that are already busy — with patterned wallpaper, bold furniture, or lots of decorative elements — herringbone can feel overwhelming. It works best as the star of a simpler, more neutral room rather than one more element competing for attention.
It is also not ideal for very small rooms where the repeating pattern has no room to breathe. A tiny bathroom or cramped storage room is not where herringbone shines.
Herringbone Flooring vs. Straight Plank Flooring
| Feature | Herringbone | Straight Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | Higher (15–20% more waste) | Standard |
| Labor cost | $7–$12/sq ft | $3–$6/sq ft |
| Appearance | Dramatic, luxury, unique | Clean, simple, versatile |
| Installation time | Longer | Faster |
| DIY friendliness | Not recommended for beginners | Possible for confident DIYers |
| Maintenance | Same as straight plank | Same as herringbone |
| Repair difficulty | High | Low to medium |
| Resale value | Premium boost | Standard boost |
| Best for | Living rooms, hallways, dining rooms | Bedrooms, large open areas |
| Room size effect | Makes rooms look larger | Neutral effect |
Who should choose herringbone: Homeowners who want a premium, long-lasting look in a main living area, have the budget for professional installation, and plan to stay in the home for several years or are preparing to sell at a higher price point.
Who should choose straight plank: Homeowners on a tighter budget, those planning DIY installation, or anyone who wants a clean, simple floor that works in every room without being the center of attention.
Best Wood Species for Herringbone Flooring
Oak (Red and White)
Oak is the most common choice for herringbone, and for good reason. It is hard, durable, widely available, and takes stain beautifully. Red oak has a warmer, slightly pinkish tone. White oak is cooler and more neutral, which is why it has become especially popular in modern interiors.
If you want to learn more about white oak flooring specifically, this guide covers white oak floors costs, pros, and what to expect in detail. For a deep dive on the wood itself, the white oak tree guide explains why this species is one of America’s strongest hardwoods. You can also compare red oak vs white oak to decide which suits your home better.
- Janka hardness: Red oak 1290 lbf / White oak 1360 lbf
- Price: $4–$9 per square foot (material)
- Best finish: Oil-based polyurethane or hardwax oil for a natural look
- Maintenance: Moderate — sweep regularly, refinish every 8–12 years
Maple
Maple wood is harder than oak and has a very tight, uniform grain that looks clean and contemporary. It is a great choice for herringbone in modern homes. The light, almost cream color works beautifully in Scandinavian-style interiors. You can also explore maple hardwood flooring pros, cons and cost tips if maple is your top choice.
- Janka hardness: 1450 lbf (hard maple)
- Price: $5–$10 per square foot
- Best finish: Water-based polyurethane to preserve the light color
- Maintenance: Low — very resistant to dents and scratches
Walnut
Walnut is one of the most beautiful woods for herringbone. The rich chocolate-brown color and flowing grain create a floor that looks truly luxurious. It is softer than oak, so it dents more easily in high-traffic areas, but the visual payoff is hard to beat. For a full overview, see this complete walnut wood guide.
- Janka hardness: 1010 lbf
- Price: $8–$15 per square foot
- Best finish: Oil finish to enhance the natural warmth
- Maintenance: Higher — avoid dragging furniture, use felt pads
Hickory
Hickory wood is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods available. It has strong, dramatic grain variation that creates a bold, rustic look in herringbone. It is ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with dogs and children. The visual character is intense — some people love it, others find it too busy paired with the herringbone pattern.
- Janka hardness: 1820 lbf
- Price: $5–$10 per square foot
- Best finish: Oil-based finishes
- Maintenance: Low — extremely resistant to wear
Ash Wood
Ash wood has a light, creamy color with a prominent open grain that gives herringbone floors a lot of visual texture. It is strong, flexible, and takes stain well. A good mid-range option between the cost of oak and the luxury of walnut.
- Janka hardness: 1320 lbf
- Price: $4–$8 per square foot
- Maintenance: Low to moderate
Engineered Oak
For homeowners who want the look of solid oak herringbone with better moisture resistance and easier installation, engineered oak is the most popular choice. The top layer is real oak veneer, so it looks identical to solid oak. The core layers are stable plywood or HDF that resist warping in humidity changes. For more on manufactured versus solid options, see this guide to manufactured wood vs. solid wood.
Engineered vs. Solid Herringbone Flooring
| Feature | Engineered Herringbone | Solid Herringbone |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $4–$10/sq ft | $6–$15/sq ft |
| Moisture resistance | Good — stable in humidity changes | Poor — expands and contracts |
| Lifespan | 25–40 years | 50–100+ years |
| Refinishing | 1–3 times (depends on veneer thickness) | 5–8 times |
| Installation | Can float or glue — easier | Must glue or nail — harder |
| Best rooms | Kitchens, basements, over radiant heat | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways |
| Appearance | Identical to solid | Natural solid wood look |
My recommendation: For most homeowners, engineered herringbone hits the sweet spot. You get the same beautiful pattern and real wood surface for less money, with better stability in rooms where humidity changes. If you are installing in a living room or dining room in a stable climate and you plan to stay in the home for many years, solid herringbone is worth the investment because you can refinish it many more times and it will genuinely last a lifetime.
Is Herringbone Flooring More Expensive?
Yes — and the price difference is real. Here is how the costs break down.
Material Costs
The wood itself costs the same per square foot whether you are laying it in a straight pattern or herringbone. The difference is waste. Herringbone requires 15–20% more material because of the extra cuts at borders and edges.
For a 300-square-foot living room using $6/sq ft white oak:
- Straight plank: 330 sq ft needed (10% waste) = $1,980 in material
- Herringbone: 360 sq ft needed (20% waste) = $2,160 in material
That is already an extra $180 before any labor is considered.
Labor Costs
This is where herringbone really adds up. Professional herringbone installation typically costs $7–$12 per square foot in labor, compared to $3–$6 for straight plank.
For that same 300-square-foot room:
- Straight plank labor: $900–$1,800
- Herringbone labor: $2,100–$3,600
Total cost comparison for a 300 sq ft living room using mid-range white oak:
- Straight plank: approximately $2,880–$3,780
- Herringbone: approximately $4,260–$5,760
That is a difference of roughly $1,400–$2,000 for one room. It is significant. But when spread over the lifespan of the floor — 30, 40, or even 50+ years for solid hardwood — the annual cost difference becomes small.
Long-Term Value
The extra upfront cost of herringbone tends to pay back over time through higher home resale value and the simple fact that you never need to replace a well-maintained hardwood floor. Cheap flooring options need replacing every 10–15 years. A good herringbone floor, properly maintained, can outlast the homeowner.
Rooms Where Herringbone Flooring Works Best
Living Room ✓ Excellent
The living room is the most popular room for herringbone, and it makes sense. It is a high-visibility space where guests spend time and where the pattern has room to breathe and be appreciated. The diagonal lines create movement that makes even a medium-sized living room feel spacious.
Hallway ✓ Excellent
Hallways are where herringbone truly shines. The pattern draws the eye forward down the corridor, making the hallway appear longer and wider. I noticed this in my friend’s home immediately. Many of the homeowners I spoke to said the hallway was the single best decision they made during their renovation.
Bedroom ✓ Good
Herringbone works well in bedrooms, especially master bedrooms where you want a sense of luxury. Use a calmer wood species like walnut or white oak to keep the room feeling restful rather than busy.
Home Office ✓ Good
A herringbone floor in a home office adds a sense of professionalism and seriousness. It gives the space a design-forward feel that works well in video calls and makes the room feel intentional and elevated.
Kitchen ✓ With Conditions
The kitchen is possible but requires engineered herringbone rather than solid, because of moisture and humidity from cooking and cleaning. I would also recommend a harder wood species like maple or hickory in the kitchen to handle dropped items and heavy foot traffic.
Bathroom ✗ Not Recommended
Solid herringbone should not go in bathrooms at all. Engineered herringbone is also risky in bathrooms due to constant moisture exposure. Tile or luxury vinyl plank is a better choice here.
Real Examples From Homeowners I Spoke To
Example 1: The Living Room Renovation
A family in the Midwest renovated their living room and dining room together — about 450 square feet total. They chose solid white oak herringbone with a matte finish. Total cost came to approximately $7,200 including material and labor. They told me every single guest who visits comments on the floor. The husband initially thought the price was too high. Three years later, he said it was the best money they spent on the renovation.
Example 2: The Practical Engineered Choice
A homeowner renovating a rental property wanted herringbone but needed it to be cost-effective and moisture-resistant for tenants. She chose engineered oak herringbone for the living room and hallway — about 300 square feet. Total cost was approximately $3,800. She got the premium look at a reasonable price point. She told me that tenants consistently mention the floor when viewing the property, which helps her rent it faster.
Example 3: The Budget Renovation
A first-time homeowner with a tight budget wanted herringbone in just his hallway — about 60 square feet. He chose engineered oak at the lower price range and got three installer quotes, choosing the middle one. Total cost was under $900. He told me that tiny herringbone hallway made the whole house feel more impressive when people walked in.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make With Herringbone Flooring
Choosing the cheapest installer. Herringbone requires real skill and experience. A poorly laid herringbone pattern looks worse than straight plank flooring. The lines will not meet correctly, the pattern will drift, and the final result will be visually uncomfortable. Always ask installers to show you examples of previous herringbone jobs. Get at least three quotes and check reviews carefully.
Wrong wood species for the room. Using walnut in a high-traffic kitchen or a soft wood species in a home with large dogs is a mistake that becomes obvious fast. Match the hardness of the wood to the demands of the room. My guide on the best wood finishes can help you think through protection options for softer species.
Poor room measurements. Herringbone needs to be carefully centered in the room and worked outward from a center reference line. If the installer does not plan this correctly, the pattern will be off-center, and border pieces will be awkwardly sized. A good installer will lay out a dry run before any adhesive touches the floor.
Ignoring subfloor problems. Herringbone is unforgiving of an uneven subfloor. Any high or low spots will show through the finished floor as bumps or hollow-sounding areas. Before installation, the subfloor must be clean, dry, flat, and structurally sound. This sometimes adds cost if repairs are needed, but skipping this step is a mistake you will live with for years.
Not acclimating the wood. Solid hardwood planks need to sit in the room where they will be installed for at least 3–5 days before installation. This allows the wood to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Skipping this step causes the wood to expand or contract after installation, leading to gaps or buckling.
Maintenance Tips for Herringbone Floors
Daily cleaning: Sweep or dry mop regularly. Dust and grit act like sandpaper under foot traffic. A microfiber dry mop is ideal. Do not use wet mops — standing water damages wood floors.
Spills: Wipe up immediately. Even engineered flooring can warp if water sits on the surface for too long.
Moisture protection: Use rugs near entry points and sinks. Place waterproof mats under plant pots. I wrote about how to waterproof wood which covers protective finishes that help extend the life of any hardwood floor.
Furniture pads: Always use felt pads under chair legs and furniture feet. Herringbone floors scratch the same as any hardwood — protecting against furniture drag is the single best thing you can do for daily care.
Refinishing: Solid herringbone can be sanded and refinished every 8–12 years. Engineered herringbone can typically be refinished 1–3 times depending on the veneer thickness. Refinishing restores the original look completely and is far cheaper than replacing the floor. If you want to understand your finish options, this guide on oil-based vs. water-based stain is a good place to start.
Avoid steam cleaners: Never use a steam mop on herringbone or any hardwood floor. The steam drives moisture directly into the wood and will damage it over time.
Does Herringbone Flooring Increase Home Value?
Yes — and the effect is meaningful. Hardwood flooring in general consistently ranks among the top home improvements for resale ROI. Herringbone specifically adds a perceived quality premium that buyers notice and respond to.
Real estate professionals report that homes with quality hardwood floors sell faster and at higher prices than comparable homes with carpet or laminate. A well-maintained herringbone floor signals to buyers that the home has been renovated thoughtfully and with quality materials.
The rooms where herringbone adds the most resale value are the living room, dining room, and main hallway — the spaces buyers see first and spend the most time in during viewings. A herringbone hallway creates a strong first impression the moment the front door opens.
One important note: the increase in value depends on the quality of the installation. A poorly laid herringbone floor can actually work against you by suggesting the renovation was done on the cheap with an inexperienced installer. Quality installation is non-negotiable if resale value is part of your motivation.
If you are considering financing your flooring renovation, this guide on home equity loans for home renovation explains the options available to homeowners.
Pros and Cons Summary Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning luxury appearance | Higher installation cost |
| Timeless, never goes out of style | More material waste (15–20%) |
| Makes rooms appear larger | Difficult and expensive to repair |
| Adds real home resale value | Longer installation time |
| Works in modern and traditional homes | Not DIY-friendly for beginners |
| Unique, memorable design | Can feel visually busy in small or already busy rooms |
| Solid versions last 50–100+ years | Requires experienced professional installer |
FAQ
Is herringbone flooring worth it?
Yes, for most homeowners who can afford the installation cost. Herringbone adds visual luxury, makes rooms feel larger, and increases resale value. It is a timeless pattern that will never look outdated. The higher upfront cost is offset over decades of use. If budget is tight, engineered herringbone is a more affordable way to get the same look.
Is herringbone outdated?
No. Herringbone has been used in homes for over 400 years and is more popular today than it has been in decades. It appears regularly in interior design magazines and on home renovation shows. It suits both traditional and contemporary homes depending on the wood species and finish chosen.
Does herringbone make rooms look bigger?
Yes. The diagonal lines of the herringbone pattern draw the eye along the length of the room, creating an optical illusion of more space. This effect is especially noticeable in hallways and narrow rooms. It is one of the best flooring choices for making a small space feel larger without changing the room’s actual dimensions.
Is herringbone hard to install?
Yes — it is significantly harder than straight plank flooring. Each piece must be cut and placed at a precise 90-degree angle, working outward from a carefully measured center line. Mistakes are hard to correct once adhesive is applied. Professional installation is strongly recommended. A poorly installed herringbone floor will look worse than a well-installed straight plank floor.
Can you DIY herringbone flooring?
Technically yes, but practically it is not recommended for most homeowners. The installation requires precision, experience with flooring tools, and the ability to read and maintain a reference line across the entire room. Experienced DIYers with previous flooring installation experience might attempt it, but most people will save money in the long run by hiring a professional and avoiding costly mistakes.
Which wood is best for herringbone flooring?
White oak is currently the most popular choice because it suits both modern and traditional interiors, takes a wide range of stains and finishes, and is very durable. Oak in general — both red and white — is the safest, most versatile choice. Walnut is the most beautiful but softer and more expensive. Hickory is the most durable. Maple is ideal for modern, light interiors.
Does herringbone add home value?
Yes. Quality hardwood floors consistently increase home resale value, and herringbone specifically creates a premium impression that buyers remember and value. The rooms that benefit most from herringbone for resale purposes are the living room, dining room, and main hallway — the first spaces buyers see during a viewing.
Final Thoughts
If I were renovating my own home today and choosing a main living area floor, I would choose engineered white oak herringbone. Here is my honest reasoning: engineered gives me better moisture stability for everyday life, the real oak veneer surface looks identical to solid, I can refinish it a couple of times if needed, and the installation cost is somewhat lower than solid while still requiring a professional.
The pattern itself — I would not change. Herringbone is the most beautiful standard flooring pattern available. It takes a floor from functional to architectural. It makes guests notice and comment. It makes rooms feel more considered, more designed, more intentional.
Yes, it costs more. Yes, it takes more time to install. But I have never heard a homeowner say they regretted choosing herringbone. I have heard many say they wish they had done it sooner and in more rooms.
If you are on the fence, visit a flooring showroom and stand on a herringbone display floor for a few minutes. Look at how the room feels around you. That experience usually makes the decision easier.
