Wood Floor Patterns Explained

The same oak can look calm, classic or dramatic depending on how it is laid. Here is every common pattern, what it looks like and where it works best. Each pattern is explained below, with where it works best.

Short answer: The main wood floor patterns are straight-lay planks (random or fixed lengths), wide plank, diagonal, herringbone, double herringbone, chevron, basket weave and geometric parquet. Planks are the most versatile and economical; herringbone and chevron add movement and suit halls and reception rooms; geometric parquet is a statement. Updated October 2026 by the LIGNORA flooring team

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Plank patterns

Boards laid in straight lines — the most versatile choice.

Straight-lay options

Straight lay, random lengths: boards of mixed length with staggered joints — the natural, easy look for any room and the most economical to lay
Wide plank: boards of 190mm and wider for a calm, generous floor in larger rooms. Wide plank floors
Diagonal: planks laid at 45° to the walls, which can make a small room feel wider but needs more cutting

Parquet flooring patterns

Blocks laid in a repeating design.

Classic parquet

Herringbone: rectangular blocks meeting at right angles in a broken zigzag — timeless in hallways, kitchens and period rooms. Herringbone floors
Double herringbone: blocks paired side by side for a bolder, wider zigzag in large rooms
Chevron: blocks cut at an angle so the points meet in a continuous V — sharper and more formal. Chevron vs herringbone
Basket weave: pairs of blocks alternating direction in squares — a traditional pattern found in many period homes
Geometric: panel designs such as hive, trellis and Cairo for a statement floor. Design Collection

Choosing a pattern

Three questions that settle it.

How big is the room? Busy patterns need space to read; in a small room choose plank or a narrow herringbone block. What is underneath? Parquet patterns are glued down, so they need a flat, sound subfloor. How much will you order? Allow 10% extra for plank and 15% for herringbone and chevron — the flooring calculator works it out.

About this guide

Written by the LIGNORA team. Our in-house fitters have over 11 years’ experience laying engineered oak, parquet and solid wood floors, and this guide reflects how we specify floors on real projects. Last reviewed October 2026.

Wood Floor Patterns,
Answered

The questions we are asked most often.

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What is the most popular wood floor pattern?

Straight-lay plank is the most common, and herringbone is the most popular parquet pattern, especially in hallways and kitchens.

What is the difference between herringbone and chevron?

Herringbone blocks are cut square and meet at right angles in a broken zigzag; chevron blocks are cut at an angle so the points meet in a continuous V.

Which wood floor pattern makes a room look bigger?

Long boards laid lengthways make a room look longer, and diagonal planks can make a narrow room feel wider. Large-scale patterns read best in bigger rooms.

Do parquet patterns cost more to lay?

Yes. Herringbone, chevron and geometric patterns take longer to set out and lay, and need more extra flooring to cover cuts.

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Send us a photo of the room and tell us about the subfloor and heating, and we will recommend the right board. Or order free samples to see them at home.

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