Dreaming of adding a touch of timeless elegance to your home? Look no further than oak herringbone flooring. This classic parquet pattern, crafted from beautiful and durable oak, is a design choice that never goes out of style.
But with so many options to consider, where do you begin? This buyer’s guide is here to help.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect herringbone floor for your space, from understanding the different types of oak and finishes to expert buying tips and maintenance advice.
What is oak herringbone flooring?
Oak herringbone flooring is a type of flooring made from engineered oak planks arranged in a zigzag pattern. The name “herringbone” comes from the resemblance of the pattern to the bones of a herring fish. It’s a classic and elegant choice for floors, and it can truly add a touch of sophistication to any room.
What are the benefits of oak herringbone flooring?
There are lots of benefits to choosing oak herringbone flooring but here are just a few to consider:
Beauty: Oak herringbone flooring is a beautiful and timeless choice for any home. The herringbone pattern adds visual interest and the natural beauty of oak brings warmth and character.
Durability: Oak is a durable wood, which means your herringbone flooring can last for many years.
Versatility: Oak herringbone flooring can be used in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. It can also be used in various rooms, from living rooms to bedrooms and kitchens.
Types of oak herringbone flooring
Oak herringbone flooring offers a timeless elegance, but the magic truly lies in the variety of tones available. Whether you crave a bright and airy space or a dramatic and sophisticated one, there’s an oak herringbone shade to match your vision.
Colour
The warm tones and timeless character of oak flooring make it a popular choice for homeowners, but with a spectrum of colours available, selecting the perfect shade can be the foundation for creating your dream space.
Light Oak
For a touch of sunshine and a feeling of spaciousness, light oak reigns supreme. This option beautifully showcases the natural grain patterns of the wood, creating an open and airy atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for modern or Scandinavian-inspired spaces where light and a sense of openness are key.
Striking a perfect balance, medium oak offers warmth without sacrificing versatility. It complements a wide range of design styles, from contemporary to traditional. This shade creates a more grounded feel compared to light oak, making it a popular choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
For a statement piece that exudes luxury and drama, dark oak takes the spotlight. This bold choice adds a touch of sophistication and intimacy to any space. The deep colour creates a dramatic backdrop, making it ideal for larger rooms or areas where you want to create a cosy and focused feel.
Valletta Herringbone is a sophisticated dark oak flooring that makes for striking herringbone designs.
Grey Oak
Grey oak herringbone flooring has become a design darling, offering a unique blend of contemporary style and timeless elegance. Grey tones add a touch of modern luxury to any space, creating a clean and sophisticated backdrop that allows other design elements to shine, making it a perfect choice for modern or minimalist interiors.
San Marino Herringbone is the epitome of grey oak chic that’s ideal for contemporary design aesthetics.
Remember, light tones are your friend in smaller spaces, as they reflect light and make the room feel bigger. Medium oak offers a great middle ground, while dark oak is best suited for larger areas or rooms where you want to create a specific mood. Then there’s grey oak, which complements a wide range of design styles with neutral tones that effortlessly blend in, allowing you to personalise the space with pops of colour or bold furniture choices.
Finish
While the colour of your oak herringbone flooring sets the overall tone, the finish adds another layer of visual interest. Whether you choose smooth or brushed, the finish can make all the difference to your experience.
Smooth Oak
This classic finish brings out the natural beauty of the oak in its purest form. The smooth surface highlights the subtle variations in grain patterns and creates a clean, sophisticated look. It reflects light more readily, making spaces feel brighter and airier. Smooth oak herringbone is a perfect choice for modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Brushed finishes introduce a subtle textural element to the wood. This process involves gently brushing the surface of the wood to remove the softer grain, highlighting the harder, more textured areas. The result is a beautiful, rustic look that adds depth and dimension to the flooring. Brushed oak herringbone is ideal for creating a more casual and inviting atmosphere. It works well in farmhouse, coastal, traditional, or transitional spaces.
If you’re looking for a sleek and modern look with a focus on light reflection, go for smooth oak. However, if you’d prefer a touch of rustic charm with added texture and a more casual feel, opt for brushed oak. The final decision depends on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming to achieve. Consider the amount of natural light, the size of the room, and your existing furniture styles when making your choice.
Things to consider before buying oak herringbone flooring
Here are some key buying tips to bear in mind if you’re considering buying oak herringbone flooring:
Style and design
Oak herringbone flooring can complement various styles, from heritage to contemporary. Consider your existing decor and desired aesthetic to ensure a herringbone pattern will match your goals. Remember too that a herringbone pattern can visually add width to narrow spaces but in smaller, darker rooms it might feel busy.
Practical considerations
Herringbone flooring might not be suitable for all subfloors, especially uneven ones. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional to assess your subfloor’s suitability.
As part of your planning process, you might want to consider whether or not you’d like to install underfloor heating at this stage. Engineered oak flooring like ours is the perfect material for the job because it doesn’t overly expand or contract with fluctuating temperatures.
Additional factors
Oak comes in various pre-finished stains and unfinished options. Choose a finish that complements your space and desired level of formality. Remember too that wider planks can make a room feel more spacious, while narrower planks create a more intricate pattern. It really depends on the space available and your design preferences.
Oak herringbone flooring care and maintenance tips
If you’ve taken the plunge and invested in oak herringbone flooring, you’ve made an excellent choice. To ensure its natural beauty endures for many years of enjoyment, here are some key maintenance and care tips to follow.
Cleaning
Sweep or vacuum frequently (ideally daily in high-traffic areas) using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment. This removes loose dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop with a solution specifically formulated for your oak floor’s finish. Less is definitely more, so be sure to wring the mop thoroughly to avoid soaking the wood.
If you spill liquids on your oak flooring, blot it immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth to prevent it from seeping into the wood.
Mats and rugs
Place doormats at all entrances to trap dirt and moisture from shoes before they’re walked onto the floor. Also, consider placing area rugs in high-traffic areas and under furniture to minimise scratches and wear.
It’s also a good idea to put felt pads or furniture protectors under furniture legs to prevent nicks and dents.
Other considerations
Where possible, try to limit your oak herringbone flooring’s exposure to direct sunlight. Excessive UV rays can cause fading over time, so consider investing in a good set of blinds or UV-filtering window treatments.
Avoid stiletto use on your floor too, as the pointed tips can leave permanent indentations
Aftercare equipment
It’s important to use the right type of cleaning products on your oak herringbone flooring. Regular household cleaners can be too harsh for engineered wood. These cleaners can contain abrasive ingredients or strong chemicals that can dull the finish, wear away the sealant, or even warp the planks.
Specialised cleaners are formulated to be gentle on the wood while still effectively removing dirt and grime. They also help to preserve the natural shine and lustre of the oak flooring. We stock a range of Bona floor cleaning products that are specially formulated to ensure gentle yet powerful cleaning, leaving your Oak floors looking pristine without compromising their integrity.
Frequently asked questions about oak herringbone flooring
Can I install oak herringbone flooring myself?
While technically possible, installing oak herringbone flooring is a complex process due to the intricate pattern involved. It requires precision and experience. For a flawless and long-lasting installation, we recommend hiring a professional flooring installer experienced in herringbone patterns.
Here at Oaksmith Flooring, we can provide the full supply and installation service or we can put you in touch directly with one of our trusted fitters. Either way, you can be sure of a first-class installation you can rely on.
How difficult is it to maintain oak herringbone flooring?
Maintaining oak herringbone flooring requires regular cleaning and a few practical measures to maintain its longevity. Regular sweeping, occasional mopping with appropriate cleaning solutions (such as our specialised Bona cleaning products), and using protective measures like area rugs and furniture pads are essential.
Does oak herringbone flooring go with any design style?
Oak herringbone flooring is a versatile choice that can complement various design styles, from traditional to modern. The warm tones of oak add character, while the herringbone pattern creates a touch of elegance. Consider the colour and finish of the oak, as well as the overall feel of your space when making your choice.
Browse the herringbone collection at Oaksmith Flooring
Oak herringbone flooring offers timeless elegance and sophistication for your home. The beautiful herringbone pattern adds visual interest, while the natural oak creates a sense of warmth and character. This versatile flooring design complements various styles and can even make narrower spaces feel more open and spacious.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting floor with a touch of classic flair, consider oak herringbone flooring from Oaksmith Flooring. Crafted from sustainably harvested Western European Oak and featuring a Hevea hardwood core cultivated on responsible plantations, our luxury oak wood flooring effortlessly marries unparalleled stability, aesthetic allure, and a long-lasting quality that outshines the rest.
Buyer’s Guide: Oak Herringbone Flooring
Dreaming of adding a touch of timeless elegance to your home? Look no further than oak herringbone flooring. This classic parquet pattern, crafted from beautiful and durable oak, is a design choice that never goes out of style.
But with so many options to consider, where do you begin? This buyer’s guide is here to help.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect herringbone floor for your space, from understanding the different types of oak and finishes to expert buying tips and maintenance advice.
What is oak herringbone flooring?
Oak herringbone flooring is a type of flooring made from engineered oak planks arranged in a zigzag pattern. The name “herringbone” comes from the resemblance of the pattern to the bones of a herring fish. It’s a classic and elegant choice for floors, and it can truly add a touch of sophistication to any room.
What are the benefits of oak herringbone flooring?
There are lots of benefits to choosing oak herringbone flooring but here are just a few to consider:
Types of oak herringbone flooring
Oak herringbone flooring offers a timeless elegance, but the magic truly lies in the variety of tones available. Whether you crave a bright and airy space or a dramatic and sophisticated one, there’s an oak herringbone shade to match your vision.
Colour
The warm tones and timeless character of oak flooring make it a popular choice for homeowners, but with a spectrum of colours available, selecting the perfect shade can be the foundation for creating your dream space.
Light Oak
For a touch of sunshine and a feeling of spaciousness, light oak reigns supreme. This option beautifully showcases the natural grain patterns of the wood, creating an open and airy atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for modern or Scandinavian-inspired spaces where light and a sense of openness are key.
Check out Oak Rustic Absolute Herringbone and Tallinn Herringbone if you’re looking for light herringbone options.
Medium Oak
Striking a perfect balance, medium oak offers warmth without sacrificing versatility. It complements a wide range of design styles, from contemporary to traditional. This shade creates a more grounded feel compared to light oak, making it a popular choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Sierra Herringbone and Oak Rustic Herringbone are among our most popular medium herringbone designs.
Dark Oak
For a statement piece that exudes luxury and drama, dark oak takes the spotlight. This bold choice adds a touch of sophistication and intimacy to any space. The deep colour creates a dramatic backdrop, making it ideal for larger rooms or areas where you want to create a cosy and focused feel.
Valletta Herringbone is a sophisticated dark oak flooring that makes for striking herringbone designs.
Grey Oak
Grey oak herringbone flooring has become a design darling, offering a unique blend of contemporary style and timeless elegance. Grey tones add a touch of modern luxury to any space, creating a clean and sophisticated backdrop that allows other design elements to shine, making it a perfect choice for modern or minimalist interiors.
San Marino Herringbone is the epitome of grey oak chic that’s ideal for contemporary design aesthetics.
Remember, light tones are your friend in smaller spaces, as they reflect light and make the room feel bigger. Medium oak offers a great middle ground, while dark oak is best suited for larger areas or rooms where you want to create a specific mood. Then there’s grey oak, which complements a wide range of design styles with neutral tones that effortlessly blend in, allowing you to personalise the space with pops of colour or bold furniture choices.
Finish
While the colour of your oak herringbone flooring sets the overall tone, the finish adds another layer of visual interest. Whether you choose smooth or brushed, the finish can make all the difference to your experience.
Smooth Oak
This classic finish brings out the natural beauty of the oak in its purest form. The smooth surface highlights the subtle variations in grain patterns and creates a clean, sophisticated look. It reflects light more readily, making spaces feel brighter and airier. Smooth oak herringbone is a perfect choice for modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
If a smooth finish appeals, you’ll love Oak Rustic Herringbone and Oak Rustic Absolute Herringbone.
Brushed Oak
Brushed finishes introduce a subtle textural element to the wood. This process involves gently brushing the surface of the wood to remove the softer grain, highlighting the harder, more textured areas. The result is a beautiful, rustic look that adds depth and dimension to the flooring. Brushed oak herringbone is ideal for creating a more casual and inviting atmosphere. It works well in farmhouse, coastal, traditional, or transitional spaces.
For a little added tactile texture, take a look at our San Marino Herringbone, Florence Herringbone and Segovia Herringbone flooring choices.
If you’re looking for a sleek and modern look with a focus on light reflection, go for smooth oak. However, if you’d prefer a touch of rustic charm with added texture and a more casual feel, opt for brushed oak. The final decision depends on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming to achieve. Consider the amount of natural light, the size of the room, and your existing furniture styles when making your choice.
Things to consider before buying oak herringbone flooring
Here are some key buying tips to bear in mind if you’re considering buying oak herringbone flooring:
Style and design
Oak herringbone flooring can complement various styles, from heritage to contemporary. Consider your existing decor and desired aesthetic to ensure a herringbone pattern will match your goals. Remember too that a herringbone pattern can visually add width to narrow spaces but in smaller, darker rooms it might feel busy.
Practical considerations
Herringbone flooring might not be suitable for all subfloors, especially uneven ones. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional to assess your subfloor’s suitability.
As part of your planning process, you might want to consider whether or not you’d like to install underfloor heating at this stage. Engineered oak flooring like ours is the perfect material for the job because it doesn’t overly expand or contract with fluctuating temperatures.
Additional factors
Oak comes in various pre-finished stains and unfinished options. Choose a finish that complements your space and desired level of formality. Remember too that wider planks can make a room feel more spacious, while narrower planks create a more intricate pattern. It really depends on the space available and your design preferences.
Oak herringbone flooring care and maintenance tips
If you’ve taken the plunge and invested in oak herringbone flooring, you’ve made an excellent choice. To ensure its natural beauty endures for many years of enjoyment, here are some key maintenance and care tips to follow.
Cleaning
Sweep or vacuum frequently (ideally daily in high-traffic areas) using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment. This removes loose dirt and debris that can scratch the surface.
For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop with a solution specifically formulated for your oak floor’s finish. Less is definitely more, so be sure to wring the mop thoroughly to avoid soaking the wood.
If you spill liquids on your oak flooring, blot it immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth to prevent it from seeping into the wood.
Mats and rugs
Place doormats at all entrances to trap dirt and moisture from shoes before they’re walked onto the floor. Also, consider placing area rugs in high-traffic areas and under furniture to minimise scratches and wear.
It’s also a good idea to put felt pads or furniture protectors under furniture legs to prevent nicks and dents.
Other considerations
Where possible, try to limit your oak herringbone flooring’s exposure to direct sunlight. Excessive UV rays can cause fading over time, so consider investing in a good set of blinds or UV-filtering window treatments.
Avoid stiletto use on your floor too, as the pointed tips can leave permanent indentations
Aftercare equipment
It’s important to use the right type of cleaning products on your oak herringbone flooring. Regular household cleaners can be too harsh for engineered wood. These cleaners can contain abrasive ingredients or strong chemicals that can dull the finish, wear away the sealant, or even warp the planks.
Specialised cleaners are formulated to be gentle on the wood while still effectively removing dirt and grime. They also help to preserve the natural shine and lustre of the oak flooring. We stock a range of Bona floor cleaning products that are specially formulated to ensure gentle yet powerful cleaning, leaving your Oak floors looking pristine without compromising their integrity.
Frequently asked questions about oak herringbone flooring
Can I install oak herringbone flooring myself?
While technically possible, installing oak herringbone flooring is a complex process due to the intricate pattern involved. It requires precision and experience. For a flawless and long-lasting installation, we recommend hiring a professional flooring installer experienced in herringbone patterns.
Here at Oaksmith Flooring, we can provide the full supply and installation service or we can put you in touch directly with one of our trusted fitters. Either way, you can be sure of a first-class installation you can rely on.
How difficult is it to maintain oak herringbone flooring?
Maintaining oak herringbone flooring requires regular cleaning and a few practical measures to maintain its longevity. Regular sweeping, occasional mopping with appropriate cleaning solutions (such as our specialised Bona cleaning products), and using protective measures like area rugs and furniture pads are essential.
Does oak herringbone flooring go with any design style?
Oak herringbone flooring is a versatile choice that can complement various design styles, from traditional to modern. The warm tones of oak add character, while the herringbone pattern creates a touch of elegance. Consider the colour and finish of the oak, as well as the overall feel of your space when making your choice.
Browse the herringbone collection at Oaksmith Flooring
Oak herringbone flooring offers timeless elegance and sophistication for your home. The beautiful herringbone pattern adds visual interest, while the natural oak creates a sense of warmth and character. This versatile flooring design complements various styles and can even make narrower spaces feel more open and spacious.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting floor with a touch of classic flair, consider oak herringbone flooring from Oaksmith Flooring. Crafted from sustainably harvested Western European Oak and featuring a Hevea hardwood core cultivated on responsible plantations, our luxury oak wood flooring effortlessly marries unparalleled stability, aesthetic allure, and a long-lasting quality that outshines the rest.
Visit our Ormskirk flooring showroom or browse our Herringbone Collection online today.