Why Herringbone Flooring Is So Popular (And Why It Costs More to Install)

Herringbone flooring has become one of the most requested premium finishes we install across South East Queensland and Northern NSW — especially in homes throughout the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Byron Bay regions. It’s a pattern that instantly elevates a space, but it also comes with a higher installation cost than standard straight-lay floors.

In this guide, we’ll break down why herringbone flooring looks so good, what’s involved in herringbone flooring installation (and why it’s more premium-priced), plus the pros, cons and price points of the five main herringbone flooring options: solid timber parquetry, engineered timber, hybrid, vinyl and laminate.

Why herringbone flooring looks so good (in almost any home)

Herringbone is a pattern where planks are laid in a repeating “V” formation. It creates movement and texture, which is why it works so well in both modern and classic interiors.

What it does for a space:

• Makes rooms feel more high-end (it’s a pattern you associate with custom homes and designer builds)
• Adds visual interest without being “busy”
• Works with almost any style — coastal, Hamptons, modern, industrial, classic
• Looks intentional — like the flooring was designed, not just chosen

It’s also one of those finishes that photographs beautifully — which matters more than ever when people are thinking about resale value, Airbnb appeal, or simply wanting their home to feel “done”.

Why herringbone flooring installation costs more (and why it’s worth it)

The biggest difference isn’t always the product — it’s the labour.

Straight-lay flooring is relatively fast: you set a reference line, run boards in one direction, and keep it consistent.

Herringbone flooring installation is different. Every single piece affects the next piece, and the pattern needs to stay perfectly aligned across the whole room.

Here’s what makes herringbone flooring more premium to install:

1) More layout and set-out time

Herringbone needs a proper set-out before the first plank goes down:

• Centre lines and reference points
• Pattern alignment
• Doorways and transitions planned in advance

If the set-out is slightly off at the start, it gets worse as the floor goes on — so we take more time upfront to get it right.

2) More cuts (and typically more waste)

Because the pattern changes direction constantly:

• There are more cuts around edges
• You’ll usually see more product waste than straight lay
• Offcuts often can’t be reused the same way

3) It’s slower to lay (because it’s more technical)

Installers can’t just “run boards”. They’re constantly checking:

• Pattern consistency
• Tight joins
• Alignment across the room
• Symmetry at walls and thresholds

4) Subfloor prep matters more

A herringbone pattern will highlight imperfections more than a straight-lay floor. If the subfloor isn’t level or stable, it can affect:

• The look of the pattern
• The feel underfoot
• Long-term performance

5) The finish has to be cleaner

Because herringbone is a feature, your eye naturally tracks it — which means small issues stand out more. The standard for finishing is higher.

Bottom line: herringbone flooring is premium because it requires premium workmanship. When it’s done properly, it’s one of the best “wow factor” upgrades you can make.

Herringbone flooring options: timber, engineered, hybrid, vinyl and laminate

Not all herringbone floors are the same. The best option depends on your budget, lifestyle (kids/pets), and whether you want a true timber feel or a lower-maintenance alternative.

1) Solid timber parquetry herringbone (classic, highest-end)

This is the traditional herringbone: solid timber blocks laid in the pattern.

Best for: true luxury homes, long-term value, people who want the “real thing”.

Benefits:

• Authentic timber look and feel
• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
• Timeless, premium resale appeal

Things to consider:

• Generally the most expensive option (product + install)
• More sensitive to moisture and movement
• Requires a stable subfloor and proper acclimatisation

Price point: $$$$ (highest)

2) Engineered timber herringbone (premium timber look, more stable)

Engineered timber gives you a real timber top layer with a more stable core — which is why it’s such a popular premium choice.

Best for: homeowners who want real timber aesthetics with better stability than solid.

Benefits:

• Real timber surface
• More stable than solid timber
• Still delivers that high-end feel

Things to consider:

• Can be refinished (depending on wear layer thickness)
• Still needs good subfloor prep
• Premium install cost still applies

Price point: $$$–$$$$

3) Hybrid herringbone flooring (tough, family-friendly, great value)

Hybrid is one of the best “busy household” options — durable, stable, and easier to maintain.

Best for: kids, pets, rentals, high-traffic homes.

Benefits:

• Very durable and scratch-resistant (varies by product)
• Stable in Queensland conditions
• Lower maintenance than timber

Things to consider:

• Not a real timber surface (it’s a printed design layer)
• Herringbone installation still takes longer than straight lay

Price point: $$–$$$

4) Vinyl herringbone flooring (quiet underfoot, comfortable)

Vinyl is a great option when comfort and acoustics matter — and it’s a favourite in apartments and commercial spaces.

Best for: apartments, multi-residential, commercial, anyone wanting a softer feel.

Benefits:

• Comfortable and quieter underfoot
• Great for acoustics
• Water-resistant and easy to clean

Things to consider:

• Subfloor prep can be more critical depending on vinyl type
• Design realism varies by range

Price point: $$–$$$

5) Laminate herringbone flooring (budget-friendly, stylish upgrade)

Laminate can be a smart way to get the herringbone look at a lower entry price.

Best for: budget-conscious renovations where you still want a feature floor.

Benefits:

• Generally more affordable
• Good scratch resistance (varies by rating)
• Looks great from a distance in the right colour/finish

Things to consider:

• Moisture resistance varies (choose carefully for kitchens/laundry areas)
• Not as quiet/soft as vinyl

Price point: $–$$$

Which herringbone flooring option is right for your home?

If you want the most premium, timeless finish:

• Solid timber parquetry herringbone
• Engineered timber herringbone

If you want the herringbone look with durability and easier maintenance:

• Hybrid herringbone flooring
• Vinyl herringbone flooring

If you want herringbone style on a tighter budget:

• Laminate herringbone flooring

The key is matching the product to your lifestyle and making sure the installation is done properly — because herringbone only looks premium when it’s installed with precision.

Get a herringbone flooring quote (Gold Coast, Brisbane & Byron Bay)

If you’re considering herringbone flooring and want a clear, all-inclusive quote (with honest advice from people who install floors every day), we can help.

Visit our Molendinar showroom to compare herringbone options side-by-side, or Book a measure and quote and we’ll help you choose the right product for your home and budget.

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