You’ve heard of parquet, herringbone, and chevron, and sometimes they are (mistakenly) used interchangeably. This guide will clarify exactly what defines each one, with some additional patterns you may not be so familiar with.
So, what exactly is parquet flooring?
‘Parquet’ is the umbrella term for flooring patterns made up of slender, rectangular planks or blocks, which are often made of wood, laminate, or porcelain. These planks can be laid in a range of different patterns to suit your space, and each one can completely change the overall feel and look of your room.
Most parquet flooring labelled as ‘herringbone’ is made to be installed via tongue and groove installation, meaning it comes pre-designed for the planks to easily slot together in this style. If you want to lay your flooring in other patterns, the planks will likely need to be cut to specific dimensions to fit seamlessly together.
This guide outlines each style so you can make an informed decision on which is most suited to your home, office, or studio. These laying patterns range in complexity, so it is recommended you hire a professional, especially when it comes to laying more intricate patterns.
Parquet Flooring Table of contents
1. Herringbone
Herringbone flooring is one of the most popular styles of parquet flooring, especially in recent years.
Dating back to Ancient Rome, the herringbone pattern was used to build roads as it ensured sturdy infrastructure. It went on to become popular in grand interior designs, particularly in France, and today, it works beautifully in both modern and classic spaces.
Herringbone gets its name from the likeness of a herring fish skeleton, which resembles a geometric zigzag. Herringbone differs from patterns such as chevron because it is more of a ‘staggered’ zigzag and doesn’t have to be cut in order to be laid.
Available in both engineered wood and porcelain floor tiles, you can create a truly unique space with this style of flooring thanks to its many sizes and colours. It is commonly installed via the tongue and groove method, and many products labelled as ‘herringbone’ are already crafted to fit together in this particular pattern. Herringbone parquet flooring is of an intermediate skill level of laying, so a professional will likely be required to fit it for you.
2. Chevron
Often confused with herringbone, chevron parquet flooring is laid in a uniform or ‘fixed’ zigzag, often creating more symmetrical lines and looks like a continuous ‘V’ pattern.
To achieve this look, the planks must be cut at a 45- or 60-degree angle to ensure they fit seamlessly together.
Like herringbone, chevron flooring was popularised in France, particularly during the 19th Century, when chateaux design became prominent, and interiors featured geometric shapes and proportion was a trending asset.
Today, chevron parquet is still a timeless flooring design that can be used in any space. Choose from natural woods, grey tones, and even black to create a truly chic and elevated look. Due to the cutting process and intricate lining up of the pattern, this is quite a tricky one to fit, so we recommend hiring a professional.
3. Versailles
One of the more complex laying patterns, Versailles parquet flooring derives from the reign of King Louis XIV and the grand palace of Versailles.
Originally used to replace marble flooring which was difficult to maintain, the Versailles pattern reflects opulence and sophistication. This is reflected in the intricate, interwoven designs, often contained within squares where the designs can be interchangeable depending on your preference. Patterns such as crosses and lattice are often used.
If you have a larger space where you really want your flooring to be the feature, Versailles is the perfect choice. This laying pattern also works extremely well in vintage-inspired homes.
The Versailles laying pattern is extremely advanced, so hiring a professional is advised. It can sometimes be pre-constructed to make fitting easier so you may want to speak to a specialist about specific designs and fitting.
Tip: If you’re on a budget or time constraint, opt for a Versailles, basket weave, or Dutch wood effect floor tile where the design is printed on the surface – so the hard part is already done for you!
4. Dutch
Dutch parquet is defined by its distinctive geometric design, where blocks of parquet are arranged into squares. This is a very versatile design where the arrangement can be formed of however many blocks you’d like, so long as it forms the signature smaller square or diamond pattern.
This design dates back to French and Flemish architecture and was introduced into modern buildings – not just opulent palaces. Dutch parquet remains a stunning modern addition to any home. Symmetry, precision, and clean lines are all prevalent in this laying pattern, so it is best suited to more contemporary spaces.
Dutch parquet flooring is an advanced laying pattern, so like with most of these, we advise you get a professional to do it for you.
5. Brick Bond
This style is the simplest of parquet laying patterns, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. The brick bond pattern is made up of pieces of parquet arranged in a brickwork style, where each length is offset by half of the adjoining length.
Perhaps the most versatile, it can be used in a variety of spaces, from hallways, to kitchens, to living rooms. The elongated placing of the planks can even make your space look bigger so it’s great for smaller rooms, too. The straight, clean lines it creates complement minimal homes, as well as maximalist to create a sense of balance.
This laying pattern is easy with the correct tools and equipment, so if you’re an avid DIY-er this is the perfect style for you.
So, there’s a list of the five main parquet patterns and what each one looks like to inspire your next flooring project. Check out our parquet flooring category to get a feel for the different colours and styles we offer, or give us a call on 01752 581 507 for further information on the parquet products we offer.
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