Is Herringbone Wood Flooring Worth the Price?
Is Herringbone Wood Flooring Worth the Price?
Traditionally, wood flooring has been available mainly in plank style. However, more and more modern interiors are gravitating towards intricate patterns, with herringbone leading the way, closely followed by the chevron style. When you examine examples of herringbone wood flooring, its evident that these options are generally more expensive than their traditional plank counterparts. This price difference is largely due to the intricate and time-consuming craftsmanship required for herringbone styles. So, the question arises: is herringbone wood flooring worth the extra cost when compared to plank style?
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What Is The Herringbone Shape In Regards to Flooring
The herringbone pattern in flooring refers to an arrangement of rectangular blocks or planks, traditionally made of wood, vinyl, or laminate, that are laid in a distinctive V-shape. This pattern closely resembles the skeleton of a herring fish, which is how it gets its name. In the herringbone pattern, each rectangular piece is aligned at a 90-degree angle to its neighbours, creating a series of adjoining Vs that span the floor.
This pattern is particularly popular because of its historical significance and the visual interest it adds to a space. It has a way of elongating a room, guiding the eye along the V shapes, and can add a touch of luxury or character that simpler patterns may not achieve.
The herringbone design is often confused with a chevron pattern, but there are key differences. In a herringbone pattern, the ends of each plank or tile are cut at a 90-degree angle, whereas in a chevron pattern, they are cut at a 45-degree angle, creating a more continuous zigzag effect.
What Are The Types of Herringbone Wood Flooring
The choice of hard flooring in a herringbone pattern offers both real wood and wood-effect solutions. Real wood options include solid wood and engineered wood, while wood-effect alternatives encompass luxury vinyl and laminate.
Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring Also referred to as semi-solid flooring, engineered wood flooring comprises a top layer of real wood shaped in a herringbone pattern. The core and backing are made from MDF, ply, and softwood. The top layer of real wood gives these floorboards an authentic, natural look and feel.
Herringbone Solid Wood Flooring Also known as real wood flooring, this option consists entirely of natural wood. While impressive, the use of complete wood limits the floorboards suitability. For instance, they should not be installed in wet, humid, or temperature-fluctuating environments. Moreover, among the four options discussed here, these are the most expensive.
Herringbone Vinyl Flooring Vinyl flooring consists of several layers: a wear layer designed to protect the floor, a design layer featuring a printable herringbone film, a core made from PVC, WPC, or SPC, and a cork backing. This results in a realistic wood-effect flooring featuring herringbone patterns.
Herringbone Laminate Flooring Laminate flooring is similar to vinyl but differs in its core composition, which is wood-fibre-based rather than synthetic, as in vinyl. While herringbone laminate may look similar to vinyl (both have similar wear and design layers), it is less resilient and unsuitable for wet areas because wood fibre is a porous material that absorbs water.
What Are The Benefits of Herringbone Wood Flooring
Herringbone wood flooring offers a range of benefits that can enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a space. Here are some of the key advantages:
Visual Appeal One of the most obvious benefits is the striking visual impact that herringbone patterns can create. The intricate V-shaped design adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.
Versatility Herringbone flooring is versatile and can be adapted to suit various styles, from traditional to contemporary. The choice of wood type, colour, and finish can drastically change the look and feel of the pattern, making it highly customisable.
Sense of Space The herringbone pattern can elongate a room and guide the eye in a specific direction. This can make a room appear larger and more open, which is particularly beneficial in smaller spaces.
Increased Value Homes with unique features like herringbone wood flooring often have a higher resale value. The unique and custom nature of the design can make a property more appealing to prospective buyers.
Timelessness Herringbone patterns have been used for centuries, giving them a timeless appeal. Unlike some other flooring trends, a herringbone floor is less likely to appear dated as time passes.
Is Herringbone Wood Flooring Worth the Price?
Herringbone wood flooring is truly exceptional, offering a WOW effect that few other flooring solutions can match. When you consider that quality wood flooring can last for decades, the choice becomes even more compelling. If your budget doesnt stretch to real wood, alternatives like herringbone vinyl or herringbone laminate flooring are also available.
FAQ
What is the appeal of herringbone wood flooring over traditional plank styles?
Herringbone wood flooring adds a unique visual touch to your interior space, giving it a WOW factor that is not easily achieved by traditional plank flooring. Its intricate V-shaped pattern also adds historical significance and elevates the rooms aesthetic.
How does the herringbone pattern differ from the chevron pattern in flooring?
While both patterns may look similar, they have distinct differences. In a herringbone layout, the ends of each rectangular plank are cut at 90-degree angles. In contrast, a chevron pattern features planks cut at 45-degree angles, forming a more seamless zigzag pattern.
What material options are available for herringbone flooring?
You can choose from various materials, such as real wood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl, and laminate. Each material offers its own set of advantages and limitations, such as suitability for specific environments or costs.
What are some of the key benefits of installing herringbone wood flooring?
Herringbone flooring not only enhances visual appeal but also offers versatility in design. The pattern itself can create a sense of spaciousness, making rooms appear larger. Moreover, this type of flooring can increase the resale value of a property and stands the test of time, rarely appearing dated.
Is herringbone wood flooring worth the extra financial investment?
Given its longevity and the significant visual and functional benefits, many consider herringbone wood flooring to be worth the additional cost. If you are on a budget, you can also explore alternatives like vinyl or laminate flooring that mimic the herringbone pattern.
Flooring On A Budget | How To Keep The Cost Down
Save On Budget, But Not On Style With Our Best Ways To Keep Costs Down...
Are you worried that investing in a new floor will cost you an arm and a leg? Well, think again! Here at Flooring365, we have plenty of high-quality flooring options that wont break the bank. Here are our top tips on how to keep the cost of your flooring project to a minimum.
Invest in flooring that will last you a lifetime
Our engineered and solid wood flooring ranges are designed to last a lifetime. They may be more expensive than alternatives such as laminate or LVT, but they will last for decades, and you wont have to buy another floor again.
Wood floors are great insulators helping your home stay warm and cosy, even hours after youve turned your heating off. As a result, choosing a wood floor could help you become more energy efficient and bring down the cost of your energy bills.
Both engineered and solid wood floors are extremely durable and have the option to be sanded and refinished. This means if they become damaged you can sand and refinish them so that they look as good as new a much cheaper alternative to replacing a whole floor. Bear in mind, if this is something that you plan on doing in the future, you will need enough wood to be able to sand down. Therefore, with engineered wood flooring, you will want to opt for the thicker flooring boards as these have more solid wood veneer to be able to sand down and refinish. The same applies to solid wood except you can continue sanding until there is 1m of floor left as the whole board is solid wood.
Whilst solid and engineered wood floors do cost a bit more than their alternatives, they are certainly worth the investment, especially if you dont want to keep buying a new floor every couple of years.
Cheaper flooring alternatives
However, if youre looking for a stunning, good-quality floor that wont cost you as much initially then our laminate and LVT ranges will be the perfect choice for you!
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is the original low-cost alternative to wood. It is made up of several layers of pressed wood pulp and topped with a protective layer. Laminate flooring has the printed effect of wood or stone so, if youre wanting the look of a wood floor at a fraction of the cost then laminate would be ideal.
Why you should choose laminate flooring
If youre looking for cheap flooring ideas, then our laminate flooring range could be exactly what youve been looking for. There are so many reasons to love laminate, but ultimately it depends on you and your project requirements.
Durable
A laminate floor is extremely durable as they have a tough wear layer that is resistant to scratches, bumps, and stains. Laminate also copes well with high-traffic areas of the home. Whilst it cant be sanded and refinished like solid or engineered wood, laminate flooring remains one of the most hard-wearing flooring types on the market.
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However, most laminate flooring is not water-resistant, so we wouldnt recommend installing it in your bathroom. In fact, we advise that you avoid prolonged periods of water contact at all. Therefore, any spillages should be cleaned up quickly to avoid water from seeping into the laminate and causing damage over time.
Great Quality
Laminate floors are long-lasting, good-quality floors. They may not last as long as solid or engineered wood floors but if looked after properly, your laminate floor will last. The lifespan for laminate flooring varies, with the average being between 15-25 years. However, some lower-grade laminates may need to be replaced after 10 years and higher grades can potentially last around 30 years. Sadly, you do just get what you pay for sometimes, but thankfully this provides options for all kinds of families, on all kinds of budgets. Once youve found the right one for you and your lifestyle, you can be sure that your laminate flooring will follow you through the decades.
Looks Good
Laminate primarily focuses on recreating the look of hardwood flooring so if youre wanting a floor that looks like real hardwood without having to splash out on the real deal then laminate flooring is the solution for you.
Easy To Fit
Most laminate floors have a built-in click system and are laid on top of an underlay which creates a floating floor. The click system on laminate flooring means that you wont need to use nails or adhesives. This is why laminate is often the go-to choice for DIY lovers and savvy budgeters alike. Unlike many of the other flooring alternatives, laminate is extremely easy to install and can save you the cost of hiring a professional fitter.
Easy to maintain
Once laid, laminate flooring is incredibly easy to maintain. Simply sweep regularly and clean with a damp mop for a deeper clean.
Although its always recommended to clean up spillages immediately, laminate flooring isnt as susceptible to staining or water damage as engineered or real wood floors as it has a harder, clear protective layer. We still wouldnt advise letting it sit around for too long though as we want to see your flooring last you many years to come!
Cost Effective
As we have mentioned previously, laminate flooring is a cheaper alternative to solid or engineered wood. Laminate floors are able to provide a realistic wood finish at a fraction of the cost. The actual cost of your laminate flooring, however, will vary depending on the thickness of the board and what style/colour you want.
Underfloor Heating and Underlay
Laminate flooring can be fitted with underfloor heating however, our floors are only suitable for water-based underfloor heating. Laminate flooring is a floating floor which means it needs to be installed on an underlay.
The benefits of underlay:
Additional comfort: An underlay provides an extra layer to your floor making it softer and more comfortable beneath your feet.
Extra heat insulation: Underlays help with insulation, making your rooms warmer and improving the energy efficiency of your home.
Sound insulation: An underlay will reduce the noise of foot traffic.
Even sub-floors: Installing underlay will smooth out your subfloor and make it even, so you wont have to worry about stability when installing your laminate flooring.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
LVT flooring is an affordable, easy maintenance option that is simple to install. Unlike other flooring alternatives, it comes in many different styles and designs, besides the typical wood look. Our vinyl flooring also comes in stone, ceramic tile, and marble designs, taking fake it till you make it to the next level.
Why you should choose LVT
Just like Laminate, LVT is a cheaper alternative to solid or engineered wood. There are many benefits to installing LVT in your home and we are confident that youll be able to find the perfect LVT flooring that suits you and your needs.
Durable
LVT floors are an excellent choice when it comes to durability. They dont wear and tear easily making them a very popular choice with houses that have a high volume of traffic.
LVT flooring is also made from PVC making it 100% waterproof. This often makes it the go-to choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Great Quality
The lifespan of an LVT floor depends entirely on whether it has been fitted correctly and if it has had the correct maintenance. LVT has an estimated lifespan of between 10 to 20 years however, it can last longer than this, as long as it has been looked after properly.
Wide Range Of Styles
If youre wanting an affordable floor but wanting to branch out and choose a floor that doesnt resemble real wood, then LVT might be the perfect choice for you. LVT comes in many different designs, plenty of which are not just wood. You can have your vinyl flooring in stone, ceramic tiles, or marble as well as intricate tile effect patterns.
If youre looking for a greater choice of design, we suggest looking at our LVT range.
Easy To Fit
Our LVT floors are relatively easy to install. So, whether youre DIY savvy or prefer the professional approach were sure that the installation of your LVT will go smoothly without too much stress! Our LVT floors are fitted with the Click Lok system. The Click Lok system is a glue-free option that has two interlocking ends that hook together. It is intended to make laying flooring easier for any DIY enthusiast, by simply pushing, dropping, or clicking boards into place.
LVT is usually laid using a floating floor method, similar to Laminate and Engineered Wood Flooring, meaning tiles are laid directly over a subfloor, sitting on top of an existing base. Whilst this method of installation is generally easier to fit, you must create an even level and prepare your subfloor properly to ensure a high-quality finish.
Underfloor Heating and Underlay
LVT can be fitted with underfloor heating however, our floors are only suitable for water-based underfloor heating. Our LVT flooring comes with a built-in, ultra-thin, durable underlay, so theres no need to purchase one. Simply lay your flooring over a level subfloor. As theres an underlay already built-in to the floor you wont need to spend extra money on an underlay, saving you even more money!
Cost Effective
As we have mentioned previously, LVT flooring is a cheaper alternative to solid and engineered wood flooring. The standard styles of LVT will be very cost-effective. However, if youre looking for something more unique and luxurious, it can start getting more expensive. Ultimately, it's up to you how much you spend. Some costs will save you more money in the long run, whereas others will simply add to the aesthetic. Its about deciding what is most important to you. If you can determine this, you will have no problem finding a floor that will last you as long as you need it to.
Get DIY Savvy
Looking for a cheaper alternative to hiring a floor fitter? Then weve got you covered! With our DIY-friendly floors and installation methods youll be all set to embark on your DIY journey! Have a look at our DIY Installation blog to say goodbye to extra costs and hello to your toolbelt!
Opt for Click Lok flooring
Click Lok flooring has a locking mechanism on the edge of the boards which creates a glue-free, interlocking fitting system, meaning it can be laid more easily and relatively hassle-free. The Click Lok system is intended to make laying flooring easier for any flooring novice, by simply pushing, dropping, or clicking boards into place. If youre considering Click Lok flooring, its important to think about the underlying surface on which your new LVT flooring will be laid. Uneven surfaces make Click Lok much more difficult to fit and keep in place, which often means the need for levelling underlay.
Choose a floating floor
Just like with the Click Lok installation method, floating floors are ideal for DIY installation as theyre relatively simple to lay and not as time-consuming as other installation methods. A floating floor refers to a floor that can be fitted without the need for heavy-duty adhesives or sticking to the subfloor; meaning theres a bit more wiggle room for mistakes, as pieces can be re-laid if needed. The floor will be placed on top of an underlay and this, along with the floors locking mechanism ensures the planks remain stable.
Due to a floating floor not requiring any adhesives or nails, you can even save money on supplies and tools that you might otherwise need. You also wont need to splash out on a professional floor fitter, providing your subfloor is decent.
Spread the cost with our finance options
Here at Flooring365, we provide a range of finance options to help you with the cost of your new floor. If youre interested in spreading out the cost of your floors over a few months rather than one upfront payment, head over to our finance page where we provide all the information youll need. However, if youre still unsure then you can call a member of our sales team to discuss our finance options further. We understand that everyones circumstances are different and would be happy to go through the options with you.
Conclusion
All the floors that we have discussed have their own unique benefits and money-saving hacks to keep costs to a minimum. Ultimately it comes down to your personal preference, budget, and project requirements, but one thing we can be sure of is that we will do what we can to help you get the most from your flooring, at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to find your dream flooring? Check out our clearance section to get the best deal.
Still unsure? Our sales team is here to help you with any queries you may have, you can give them a call or request a call back on the website.
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