The herringbone pattern has been around for thousands of years. The Ancient Romans were early adopters of it, using the pattern for road construction. It was also a favourite of other ancient civilisations, including the Egyptians. The iconic V-shaped pattern was regularly integrated into jewellery and garment designs for the wealthy elite.
However, it wasn’t until the 1500s that it became a go-to pattern for flooring. The French were among the first to embrace it as a parquet flooring pattern. By the end of the 1600s, both herringbone and chevron were commonplace in the palaces and stately homes of France and Europe. Its popularity endures to this day. However, thanks to the rise of affordable flooring installation, herringbone is now a practical style for any residential or commercial space.
But why should you install this ageless classic in your home? Wood Flooring Ireland has come up with four reasons as to why you should.
If you’re looking for long-lasting performance, herringbone is a great option. Furthermore, if you invest in engineered wood flooring, these planks can last for over 30 years.
Once installed, it is far more stable than other varieties, such as laminate. The unique composition of engineered wood also ensures that it holds its shape for a long time.
Although they will hold up well against everyday use, there are many things you can do to keep it looking its best for longer. Think about adding deep pile rugs to protect areas that experience the most foot traffic.
It’s also a good idea to add floor protectors to the feet of heavy furniture, especially if you’re someone who regularly plays around with room configurations.
One of the main advantages of engineered wood flooring is that it’s easy to clean. Unlike traditional oak wood flooring, you don’t have to commit to a gruelling maintenance schedule. To keep your floors looking their best, an occasional clean with a vacuum cleaner is all that’s required. You can keep on top of dust and pet hair with a soft-bristle broom.
Thanks to its distinct parquet pattern, herringbone flooring won’t easily show dirt. However, now and then you’ll want to reach for a mop or damp cloth to tackle stubborn stains.
Wondering how to clean engineered wood floors? A wrung-out mop head is usually all that’s needed to lift surface stains. You should avoid exposing your flooring to high levels of moisture. Never use steam to clean your floors. Floor cleaning solutions can be used, but make sure you’re using them at the right concentrations to avoid discolouration.
If you’re limited by square footage, it’s tempting to go for long planks or white wood flooring. While these styles are a practical option for contemporary spaces, herringbone can also be utilised effectively to give the impression of added space.
Although some parquet styles like Versailles panels are best suited to smaller rooms, herringbone is a versatile option. Its distinctive pattern can instantly transform a space and breathe new life into it.
If you’re looking to refurbish tight corridors and hallways, it is a good choice. Installing these diagonally across wall edges can visually enhance a smaller space. Meanwhile, parallel installation is incredibly effective in longer, tighter spaces.
Just because you’re opting for herringbone, doesn’t mean you’re limited when it comes to aesthetics. Although the signature V-shaped pattern is the key selling point of herringbone floors, you can embrace all manner of extra details. Looking for something more contemporary? Medium wood flooring is a versatile option that coordinates with minimalist interiors and more traditional decors.
If you’re installing flooring in a much larger room, think carefully about veneers. Each panel will boast authentic grain accents that will visually enhance your interiors. If you want your floor to sing, natural oak is the way to go. This robust hardwood species is a timeless choice, with no shortage of subtle character.
Herringbone is a premium flooring choice, but it’s also incredibly cost-effective. Reflooring a smaller room with it is affordable. More expensive than laminate, but for obvious reasons. You are buying a harder wearing, more durable, and premium product. If you have a more sizable budget and are thinking of resurfacing an entire property, it is a viable investment.
Unlike other types of flooring, herringbone is easily repaired over time. If you’ve purchased an engineered wood floor, you won’t have to worry too much about the discolouration and superficial damage. However, in the unlikely event that individual tiles become heavily damaged, repairing or replacing single tiles is quick, easy, and inexpensive.
This is in stark contrast to the long planks and solid hardwood flooring. If a plank becomes heavily damaged, you may need to replace it entirely. Although wood filler can be used in a pinch, the results aren’t particularly appealing and won’t deliver a long-lasting fix.
Is your home in dire need of new flooring? Whether you’re looking to replace a laminate floor or put the finishing touch to a new building project, herringbone flooring is a perfect choice.
At Wood Flooring Ireland, we offer an unbeatable range of engineered wood flooring products, including stunning styles that will instantly transform any interior.
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of wood flooring available? You’ll find something to suit every taste, no matter what your budget is. Alternatively, call us on 021 4629913 or drop us a message via the online contact form.
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