Herringbone Timber Flooring: Is It Worth the Investment?
When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, style, quality, and long-term value are all key considerations. Among the many choices available, herringbone timber flooring stands out for its striking appearance and classic sophistication. While it may be a larger investment compared to standard installations, many Melbourne homeowners are finding it well worth the cost.
At RG Timber Floors, we specialise in high-quality patterned timber floors across Melbourne, including herringbone, chevron, and custom layouts. Our team has installed these intricate designs in both contemporary and heritage homes throughout the city, and the results speak for themselves.
If you're considering herringbone timber for your next project, here’s everything you need to know about the benefits, considerations, and why this flooring style continues to be one of the most sought-after in interior design.
What Is Herringbone Timber Flooring?
Herringbone is a traditional flooring pattern that dates back centuries, defined by rectangular timber boards laid in a staggered zigzag pattern. Each board is placed at a 90-degree angle to the next, forming a distinctive V shape that creates visual movement across the floor.
Although originally used in European architecture, the herringbone pattern has seen a resurgence in modern Australian homes, especially those seeking to blend timeless design with modern finishes.
At RG Timber Floors, we provide full herringbone timber flooring installation services, offering both engineered and solid timber options with a wide variety of finishes and board sizes to suit your home’s style.
Why Choose Herringbone Timber Flooring?
1. Unmatched Visual Impact
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose herringbone flooring is its ability to elevate any space. The pattern adds character, depth, and texture to both open-plan and smaller rooms. It draws the eye through the space, creating a sense of movement and luxury.
This style suits both period properties and modern homes across Melbourne. We’ve installed herringbone floors in Victorian terraces in Caulfield and sleek architectural builds in Brighton, each time enhancing the home’s design with elegant flooring.
2. Timeless Style That Doesn’t Date
Trends come and go, but herringbone flooring remains a design staple. The classic look works across a range of aesthetics - from traditional to contemporary - and never feels outdated.
Unlike some bolder flooring choices, patterned timber floors like herringbone offer longevity in both form and function, which is ideal if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term or want to maintain strong resale appeal.
3. Enhances Property Value
Well-executed herringbone timber flooring is seen as a premium feature in Melbourne homes. It communicates quality and design detail, which is something buyers notice immediately.
If you’re renovating with the goal of increasing market value, upgrading to a patterned timber layout like herringbone can deliver a strong return on investment.
4. Works with a Range of Timber Types
From rich European oak to lighter Australian hardwoods, herringbone can be crafted from a wide selection of timbers. Whether you’re looking for warm tones to complement a coastal style or deep, dark hues for a more dramatic look, there are endless combinations available.
At RG Timber Floors, we help you select the ideal species, grade, and finish for your herringbone design, taking into account your home’s lighting, architecture, and daily use.
5. Can Be Installed in Various Layouts
While the classic herringbone pattern is the most well-known, we can customise the layout to suit your preferences. This includes options like:
Double herringbone
Diagonal layouts
Framed borders or feature zones
Staircase integration with matching nosing
Our carpentry-trained team ensures each board is perfectly cut and aligned for a flawless finish.
Considerations Before Choosing Herringbone Flooring
While herringbone offers undeniable elegance, it’s important to understand the specific requirements involved before committing to this flooring style.
More Labour-Intensive Installation
Herringbone timber flooring takes longer to install than standard straight-lay floors. Every board must be precisely measured and laid in a specific sequence, which means more time on site and more skilled labour.
At RG Timber Floors, our installers have years of experience with complex stair and patterned floor installations, so we’re able to achieve accurate, symmetrical layouts that last.
Higher Material Waste
Because of the cutting required to form the pattern, herringbone flooring tends to generate more offcuts compared to traditional layouts. This results in slightly higher material requirements overall.
We help clients plan appropriately by factoring in this extra quantity from the beginning, ensuring the right amount of timber is ordered and that colour and grain match seamlessly across the boards.
Subfloor Preparation Is Essential
A flawless patterned floor starts with a perfectly level subfloor. Any imperfections will be much more noticeable in herringbone layouts than in standard planks.
RG Timber Floors carries out full subfloor inspections and preparation as part of every project, ensuring a stable and level surface before any boards are laid.
Engineered vs Solid Timber for Herringbone Patterns
Both solid timber and engineered timber can be used for herringbone flooring, but the right choice depends on the home’s structure and your goals.
Engineered timber offers greater stability, especially in homes with concrete slabs or fluctuating humidity. It’s ideal for newer Melbourne homes or apartments where subfloor heights are limited.
Solid timber delivers unmatched character and longevity and is suitable for homes that already feature solid boards or require matching to existing floors.
We offer both options and will walk you through the pros and cons of each during the consultation stage.
Combining Herringbone Flooring with Other Features
We also help clients extend the herringbone look beyond the main flooring. For multi-storey homes, we can match stair treads and nosing to the pattern, or use herringbone inlays in specific zones like entryways or living rooms for added impact.
This custom detailing is what sets RG Timber Floors apart. From custom stair nosing to precision caulking and transitions, we ensure every part of the job aligns with the overall design vision.
Where in Melbourne Is Herringbone Flooring Most Popular?
We’ve seen growing interest in herringbone timber flooring across suburbs such as:
Brighton and Elwood - where coastal homes are combining light oak with matte finishes
Toorak and Caulfield - where heritage restorations embrace deep-toned European oak
Mount Eliza and Mornington - where luxury homes blend classic timber patterns with modern interiors
Whether you’re upgrading a period home or designing a new build, herringbone flooring makes a statement that lasts.
Why Choose RG Timber Floors for Patterned Timber Floors in Melbourne?
With over 18 years of experience and a strong foundation in carpentry and architectural detailing, RG Timber Floors delivers premium results for complex timber flooring projects.
We specialise in:
Herringbone and chevron pattern installations
Subfloor preparation
Engineered and solid timber supply
Custom stair nosing manufacture
Stair installation and finishing
Sanding and protective coating
Our service area includes Melbourne’s inner suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, and South East regions.
We take pride in offering detailed consultations, accurate quoting, and clean, professional installation that leaves your home looking polished and complete.
To learn more or request a quote, visit www.rgtimberfloors.com.au.
