Herringbone Flooring Installation Guide

Laying a herringbone floor requires precision.
With the right preparation and step-by-step plan, you can achieve a flawless result.

What do you need?

  • Suitable subfloor (depending on PVC, laminate or wood)

  • Vapour barrier (if needed)

  • Pencil, tape measure, set square

  • Chalk line or laser for perfect alignment

  • Tapping block and hammer (click floors)

  • Roller (adhesive floors)

  • Adhesive for glue-down PVC or glued wooden floors

  • Skirting boards and transition profiles

Before you start

  • Allow all materials to acclimatise for 48 hours (for wooden floors 5-7 days) in the room.

  • Ensure a flat, dry and stable surface.

  • Draw a straight starting line with a chalk line or laser.

  • Check the pattern layout beforehand.

Per floor type

Herringbone Laminate (Click)

  • Installed with left and right planks.

  • Start from the middle or a perfectly straight wall.

  • First click the long side, then the end.

  • Regularly check that rows remain perpendicular.

Herringbone PVC (Click & Glue-down)

Click PVC Herringbone

  • Similar to laminate, but more flexible material.

  • Click the pattern tightly together and work row by row.

  • Allow for an expansion gap along the edges.

Glue-down PVC (Dryback) Herringbone

  • Only install on a levelled subfloor.

  • Distribute adhesive evenly, press down planks, and roll.

  • Allow the adhesive to cure for 24–48 hours without heavy load.

Wooden Herringbone (Multi-ply)

  • Almost always fully glued down.

  • Requires precise measurements and craftsmanship.

  • Combining with underfloor heating? Follow the heating protocol.

Special laying patterns

Hungarian Point

  • Planks are mitered (usually 45° or 60°).

  • Forms a sharp V-line.

  • Very precise work — professional installation recommended.

Chevron

  • Planks are rectangular, but laid at an angle.

  • Slightly simpler than Hungarian point, but still custom work.

  • An experienced installer will achieve the neatest result here too.

Finishing & Maintenance

  • Install tall skirting boards or scotia trim.

  • Use furniture felt pads to prevent scratches.

  • Clean with suitable cleaners; no steam cleaner.

  • Maintain humidity between 45–65% (important for wood).

DIY or professional installation?

A standard herringbone floor can be laid by yourself with these instructions.
For Hungarian Point or Chevron, we recommend professional installation for the most beautiful and flawless result.

For advice, materials or installation services, please contact Vloerhuis Nederland.