In short
- Herringbone adds style, depth and character; straight planks create calm and space.
- Herringbone is more expensive because of extra cutting and offcut waste — according to Werkspot around €9 per m² more on average for glued PVC.
- Both patterns are available in glued PVC, click PVC and laminate.
- With herringbone, a flat subfloor and a perfectly straight starting line are extra important.
Look and sense of space
Herringbone brings movement into a room. The zigzag pattern draws the eye and gives a classic, luxurious look — in a modern interior just as well as in a 1930s home. Straight planks are calmer and let furniture and walls speak more. Long planks laid lengthways also make a room look longer.
The laying direction makes the difference
- Preferably run the pattern or planks along the length of the room or towards the light.
- In rooms that flow into each other (living room–kitchen–hallway), one continuous direction creates calm.
- With herringbone, a perfectly straight centre line determines whether the pattern works across the whole room.
We always discuss the laying direction on site: what looks good on paper sometimes works differently in the room.
Cost: what is the difference?
Herringbone involves more cutting and more offcut waste, so both material and labour cost more. According to the Werkspot price guide:
| Including installation, average per m² | Straight | Pattern (herringbone) |
|---|---|---|
| Glued PVC | €34 – €59 | €43 – €68 |
| Click PVC | €31 – €64 | €44 – €77 |
Read more about prices in How much does it cost to have a PVC floor installed?
Which material for herringbone?
- Glued herringbone PVC — rock-solid, quiet and ideal with underfloor heating. Needs a level subfloor.
- Herringbone click PVC — quicker to install and comfortable.
- Herringbone laminate — scratch-resistant and affordable, with a warm wood look.
Torn between glued and click? Read Glued or click PVC.
Tips for the right choice
- Look at the room: in a small room a fine herringbone pattern can be beautiful; a large, open room can handle both.
- View the pattern in the light of your own room — a sample on the floor says more than a photo.
- Think about transitions: hallway, kitchen and living room in one pattern looks calm.
- Limited budget? Straight planks in a beautiful design are timeless and more affordable.
From our work
We have laid herringbone floors in living rooms, kitchens and hallways, among others — see our projects or our page on herringbone flooring.
Need help with your floor?
We handle the subfloor, installation and finishing — in Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe. Feel free to send a photo on WhatsApp for a first estimate.
Related services
This article gives general information and guidelines. The situation on site and the manufacturer’s instructions always take precedence.
