If you want your floors to make a statement, then yes, herringbone floors are worth it! The unique pattern of these floors can make rooms seem larger and grander than they are, allowing you to add a touch of elegance to your home.
Herringbone flooring is typically expensive, even if you lay it yourself, so you will need to consider your budget and ensure that you can afford it before taking the plunge.
If investing in herringbone flooring will put you in debt or be a stretch for your finances, then it isn’t worth it. No flooring is worth that kind of stress! But if you have the budget for it, why not treat yourself to herringbone flooring?
Not only will herringbone flooring make your rooms seem larger, but it can also even add value to your home! Recent studies have found that good wood flooring (like herringbone) can add up to 2.5% value to your home! By the way, if you have heard about rubberwood flooring, we have a detailed guide on it.
That’s some welcome news for those considering selling their house in the future. Why not treat yourself to good quality flooring and enjoy a little more value on your home too? That 2.5% could be quite the difference when it comes to selling your home.
Although herringbone flooring can make a room seem bigger, ideally, you want to showcase the pattern and place the flooring in rooms where there is a large space or clutter-free floors. What’s the point in investing in patterned flooring if you won’t be able to see it?
We still think herringbone flooring is worth it despite these factors, but the final decision rests with you. Consider these factors before deciding if herringbone flooring is worth it in your home.
Does herringbone wood flooring make the room look bigger?
Yes, if laid correctly, herringbone flooring gives the appearance that the room is larger than it is! Laying the boards in a V pattern creates an optical illusion that the room is larger than it is. The flooring appears to expand the width of rooms, transforming even the smallest of space into a more spacious room to enjoy.
Given that it makes rooms feel more spacious and larger, it’s no wonder that the flooring was placed in European castles and palaces; imagine how much bigger those rooms must have felt!
Larger herringbone slats can also make the room feel more spacious than smaller boards, although not everyone agrees. As you will need smaller slats to cover the floor space, it can give the illusion that there is more floor to cover, making the room feel larger and more spacious!
Others disagree and argue that larger slats give the room a feeling of grandeur and more space compared to smaller slats. It’s worth trying out some sample sizes of herringbone flooring and seeing which you think will be a better fit in your rooms and home.
Pay attention to the color too. Lighter flooring can give the impression of an airy and large space but can be marked and damaged easily. Darker flooring can sometimes also appear as if the room is larger but works best when contrasted with lighter colored walls and natural light in the room.
Whichever you choose, you can be assured that herringbone flooring will make your room appear bigger than before.
Can you float herringbone flooring?
Yes, you can float herringbone flooring! But you need to be careful that you have the correct flooring, as most herringbone has to be glued to a base or underlay. There are some exceptions, though, such as engineered hardwood which can be laid as herringbone flooring floating instead of glued down.
You can check whether your herringbone flooring can float before purchasing it to ensure that you aren’t disappointed! The slats you purchase for your flooring usually come with instructions stating how they should be laid. Be sure to check these beforehand to avoid any disappointment along the way.
If you are unsure, you can also consult a professional. If you are paying for your work to be completed, you will be consulted on the flooring you wish to lay and your options to be floating or not discussed with you then.
Alternatively, you can contact a professional yourself for further advice. They can help you secure the correct herringbone flooring for floating and provide you with advice on laying it if needed.
Does herringbone flooring need an underlay?
Whether your herringbone flooring needs an underlay or not will depend on the herringbone flooring you purchase. The need for an underlay and the adhesives used varies from brand to brand, and you must check when purchasing your flooring whether it needs an underlay or not.
If it does, remember to factor in the cost of the underlay and install it into your budget. If you are installing the underlay yourself, you won’t need to consider additional labor costs. Still, the underlay will add time to the project, pushing the cost up for those hiring a professional.
Most herringbone flooring will require an underlay if there is not already one in your home. When shopping for your flooring, you will be told either by the professional fitting the floor or the information on the packaging of the boards.
Be sure to check this information beforehand to factor in the cost and time of an underlay. Generally speaking, though, most herringbone flooring requires an underlay.
However, it’s not always the case. If you are using engineered herringbone flooring, then it will be fully bonded to the base using the correct adhesive. In these cases, you don’t need to lay an underlay underneath the flooring.
Again, if this is the case, you will be made aware when speaking to the professional fitting the floor at the point of purchase. You can also check before purchasing to ensure that the flooring is right for you.
Can you do herringbone with engineered hardwood?
Yes, you can! Pre-finished engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for your herringbone flooring and one many people opt for. The engineered hardwood is fairly easy to install, with many professionals opting to use engineered hardwood when laying herringbone flooring.
If you hire a professional to complete the job, they will discuss your flooring options with you and help decide on material if you are unsure. You can discuss engineered hardwood with them for their opinion, but most will approve and be happy to use it!
For those completing the task themselves, there are countless articles, step-by-step guides, and tutorials online dedicated solely to using engineered hardwood to lay herringbone flooring. If you run into any difficulties, be sure to consult these or a professional for advice along the way.
So why is engineered hardwood a firm favorite for herringbone flooring? Aside from being easy to install, the hardwood flooring offers a high-sheen that will look fantastic in any room!
You also don’t need to carry out any additional stains or finishes to the wood; simply lay it, and you are away to go! It’s perfect for those that don’t want to carry out any additional treatments or finishes to their flooring.
We would suggest ordering a little more wood than you need, though. It’s better to have some extra just in case there is a mishap or miscalculation along the way! The last thing you want is to be a few boards short, do you?