I get asked about herringbone flooring pretty much every week at the moment. And honestly? I'm not surprised. It's one of those patterns that stops you in your tracks when you see it done well — there's a reason it's been around since the Romans were building roads.
So if you've been looking at herringbone flooring for your Perth home and you're not sure where to start, what it actually costs, or how it compares to chevron and parquetry — this is the guide I wish existed when I was first learning the trade.
What Is Herringbone Flooring?
Herringbone is a floor-laying pattern where rectangular planks are placed at 90-degree angles to each other, creating that distinctive broken zigzag or V-shape effect. It's not a material — it's a layout. You can do it in timber, engineered timber, hybrid, vinyl, even tile.
What makes it special is the visual movement it creates. It draws your eye through a space, makes narrow rooms feel wider, and adds a layer of craftsmanship that straight-lay flooring just can't replicate.
Where does it work well? Pretty much everywhere, honestly:
- Hallways and entryways — the pattern pulls you through the space
- Living and dining rooms — it becomes the feature of the room
- Kitchens — especially in hybrid or vinyl where you need something waterproof and hardwearing
- Bedrooms — adds warmth without feeling overdone
Herringbone vs. Chevron vs. Parquetry — What's the Actual Difference?
I explain this almost daily, so let me break it down clearly.
Herringbone
The planks have square ends. Each one butts up against the next at a right angle, which creates that slightly staggered, offset zigzag. The 'V' shapes don't line up into a perfect continuous arrow — they're offset, which is actually part of the charm.
It's more forgiving to install than chevron, works with standard rectangular planks, and is available in just about every flooring material going. It's the classic for a reason.
Chevron
The planks are cut at an angle — usually 45 degrees — so that when they meet, the points line up perfectly into a clean, continuous arrow. The look is sharper and more geometric.
The trade-off is cost. Those angled cuts mean more waste, more precision required, and more time on the job. If you're getting quotes, expect chevron to come in noticeably higher than herringbone for labour alone.
Parquetry
Parquetry is actually the broader category that both herringbone and chevron sit under. But when most tradies and suppliers talk about parquetry, they usually mean the more complex geometric patterns — Versailles panels, basketweave, brick-bond arrangements.
These are stunning when done right, but they're the most labour-intensive floors you can put in. I've seen parquetry jobs take three times as long as a straight lay of the same area. They're not a budget decision — they're a commitment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Herringbone | Chevron | Parquetry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plank end cut | Square | Angled (45°) | Varies |
| Pattern appearance | Broken zigzag | Continuous arrow | Geometric mosaic |
| Installation complexity | Moderate | High | Very high |
| Material waste | Low–moderate | Moderate–high | High |
| Relative cost | $$ | $ | $–$$ |
| Available materials | All types | Mostly engineered/LVP | Timber/engineered |
| Best suited for | Any room | Feature rooms | High-end, formal spaces |
How Much Does Herringbone Flooring Cost in Perth?
Right, let's talk numbers. I'll be straight with you — these are realistic estimates for the Perth metro area, not the figures you see on the low end of overseas websites that don't reflect local labour rates.
Material Costs (Supply Only)
| Material Type | Approximate Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Hybrid herringbone planks | $45–$90/m² |
| Vinyl herringbone planks | $35–$75/m² |
| Engineered timber herringbone | $80–$160/m² |
| Solid hardwood herringbone | $120–$250/m² |
Installation Costs (Labour)
| Pattern Type | Approx. Labour Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Herringbone | $45–$75/m² |
| Chevron | $60–$95/m² |
| Complex parquetry | $85–$150+/m² |
Why does herringbone cost more to install than a straight lay?
Even though you're using standard rectangular planks, the pattern takes considerably longer to execute properly. Before a single board goes down, a good installer will spend real time finding the true centreline of the room, snapping chalk lines, and planning the layout so the pattern doesn't visually drift by the time you get to the far wall. Add in the cutting around edges, doorways, and corners, and you're looking at a 15–30% labour premium over a standard straight or diagonal lay. That's just the reality of the job.
Total Installed Cost Estimate (Herringbone, 30–40m² room)
| Option | Estimated Total Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl herringbone | $2,400–$5,200 |
| Hybrid herringbone | $2,700–$6,600 |
| Engineered timber herringbone | $3,800–$9,400 |
| Solid hardwood herringbone | $7,000–$16,000+ |
These figures are indicative for the Perth metro area. Subfloor prep, underlay, skirting boards, and door trims are on top of this. Always get a written measure and quote before committing.
Which Material Works Best for Perth Conditions?
Perth's climate is worth thinking about here. Hot summers, the occasional cold snap in winter, and significant temperature variation between seasons means dimensional stability matters more than it does in most other Australian cities.
Hybrid herringbone — our most recommended option
The rigid core in hybrid flooring is genuinely well-suited to Perth. It handles temperature swings without moving, it's fully waterproof, and the click-lock system makes for a cleaner, more precise herringbone install. If someone asks me what to go with and they don't have a strong preference for timber, this is usually my answer.
Engineered timber herringbone — the premium choice
A genuine timber veneer over a stable engineered core gives you the real thing — the look, the feel, the warmth underfoot — without the dimensional instability of solid hardwood. Species like Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Tasmanian Oak, and European Oak all look incredible in a herringbone pattern. Most can be sanded and refinished at least once down the track.
Vinyl herringbone — the budget-conscious option
If you want the herringbone look without the bigger investment, vinyl is a solid choice. It's waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and the price point makes it accessible. Just go in knowing the lifespan is shorter than hybrid or engineered timber.
Solid hardwood herringbone — proceed with your eyes open
I won't tell you not to do it — solid hardwood done well is absolutely stunning. But Perth's climate means you need to be serious about subfloor moisture testing, proper acclimatisation, and using a good adhesive-down installation rather than floating. Cut corners here and you'll be looking at gapping, cupping, or movement down the line.
Five Things That Actually Make the Difference
In my experience, this is where jobs either come out looking exceptional or come out looking almost right.
Your starting centreline is everything. A good installer doesn't just start at the wall — they find the true centre of the room and work outward from there. Get this wrong and the pattern visually drifts before you reach the edges.
Order more material than you think you need. Budget for 10–15% waste on a herringbone lay. Straight lays get away with 7–10%. The extra cutting and the need for consistent off-cut matching means you'll burn through material faster.
Plank consistency matters more in herringbone than straight lay. A 0.3mm variance in width or thickness that you'd barely notice in a straight lay becomes very apparent when planks are meeting at 90-degree angles repeatedly. Don't skimp on product quality.
Underlay is part of the system, not an afterthought. Get acoustic underlay appropriate for your subfloor type. It affects comfort underfoot, sound transmission (especially in double-storey homes), and the long-term performance of the floor.
Get your subfloor sorted before anything else. Herringbone exposes subfloor imperfections more than almost any other pattern. A level, flat base isn't just recommended — it's the difference between a floor that looks right and one that doesn't.
Ready to Get Started?
Herringbone is one of the more rewarding floors to install when it's done properly — and one of the more painful to look at when it's not. At Spencer Flooring, we take the layout and planning as seriously as the installation itself, because that's where the result is actually made.
Whether you're looking at hybrid, engineered timber, or vinyl, we'll help you choose the right product for your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.