LVT Herringbone Flooring

How to choose LVT herringbone

Click or glue-down?

Click herringbone, usually with a rigid SPC core, locks together and floats over a thin underlay (or has one attached). It is quick to fit, copes with temperature changes and is the popular choice for homes. Glue-down herringbone (dry back) is thinner and bonded to a smooth, level subfloor; it is very hard-wearing, ideal for large open-plan areas and shops, and the traditional way professionals lay patterned vinyl.

Wear layer

For kitchens, hallways and homes with pets and children, choose a wear layer of about 0.5mm or more; around 0.3mm suits bedrooms and quieter rooms.

Realism

The best herringbone vinyl has a different wood print on many of the blocks, bevelled edges that outline each block, and embossed grain you can feel. Lay samples side by side to see how the pattern reads.

Block size and colour

Smaller blocks give a tight, traditional pattern for hallways and period homes; longer blocks give a bold, modern look in large rooms. Light oak keeps a kitchen bright; grey suits modern units; dark tones make the pattern stand out.

Where LVT herringbone works best

Kitchens: water-resistant and easy to clean, and it can run through an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. Bathrooms: a parquet look that copes with splashes; seal the edges. Hallways: hard-wearing, and the pattern hides scuffs and dirt. Conservatories: only with a product rated for strong sun and heat.

Planning and fitting

Herringbone vinyl uses A and B (left and right) blocks in equal numbers. Decide the direction first: along the longest wall or the main line of sight makes a room feel longer. Snap a centre line so the pattern finishes evenly at both walls, and allow about 10% extra for the angled cuts at the walls; our measuring guide shows how.

The subfloor must be clean, dry and flat, because vinyl shows bumps and dips. Click herringbone goes on a thin, firm LVT underlay unless one is attached; glue-down herringbone needs a smooth, primed subfloor and a vinyl floor adhesive. Click herringbone suits a patient DIYer; glue-down is best left to a professional. Our installation guides include herringbone SPC and glue-down LVT herringbone.

Looking after vinyl herringbone

Vacuum regularly, mop with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid steam mops unless the maker allows them. Use felt pads under furniture and door mats without a rubber backing, which can stain vinyl.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Laying click herringbone on a thick, soft underlay, which lets the short blocks flex.
• Starting against a wall instead of a centre line, so the pattern runs off square.
• Ordering unequal numbers of A and B blocks.
• Mixing blocks from one pack only, which makes the print repeats easier to spot; open several packs and mix them as you go.

Herringbone vinyl or herringbone laminate?

Both bring the parquet look for less than real wood. Vinyl herringbone is water-resistant, warmer and quieter, so it suits kitchens, bathrooms and busy family rooms; herringbone laminate has a harder, very scratch-resistant surface and suits dry living rooms and bedrooms.