Installation Instructions for Herringbone Floors

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

What do you need?

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

  • Vapor barrier (if necessary)

  • Pencil, tape measure, set square

  • Smudge line or laser for perfect alignment

  • Strike block and hammer (click floors)

  • Waltz (glued floors)

  • Glue for adhesive PVC or glued wooden floors

  • Skirting boards and transition profiles

Before you start

  • Allow all materials to acclimatise in the room for 48 hours .

  • Ensure a flat, dry and stable surface.

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

  • Check the pattern progression beforehand.

By floor type

Herringbone Laminate (Click)

  • Laid with left and right planks.

  • Start from the center or a perfectly straight wall.

  • First click the long side, then the end side.

  • Check regularly that rows remain perpendicular .

Herringbone PVC (Click & Stick)

Click-PVC herringbone

  • Similar to laminate, but a more flexible material.

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

  • Please allow for an expansion joint along the edges.

Adhesive PVC (Dryback) herringbone

  • Only lay on a leveled subfloor .

  • Distribute glue evenly, press the strips together and roll .

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

Wooden Herringbone (Multi-plank)

  • Is almost always completely glued .

  • 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 tight V-line.

  • Very precise work — professional installation recommended .

Viennese Point

  • Planks are rectangular, but are laid at an angle.

  • A little simpler than Hungarian point, but still custom-made.

  • Here too, an experienced layer works most accurately.

Finishing & Maintenance

  • Install high skirting boards or adhesive skirting boards.

  • Use furniture felt to prevent scratches.

  • Clean with suitable cleaners; do not use a steam cleaner .

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

Install it yourself or have it done?

You can easily install a standard herringbone floor yourself using these instructions.
For Hungarian point or Viennese point, we recommend professional installation for the most beautiful and sleek result.

For advice, materials or an installation service, please contact Vloerhuis Nederland .