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Parquet Flooring Patterns Explained: Herringbone, Chevron, Basketweave and More
Updated: 22 hours ago
A field guide to the classic parquet patterns, and what it takes to lay them beautifully.
Planning a project? Talk with Joe Avila: call 908-232-6600 or book a virtual consultation.
Parquet is any wood floor laid in a geometric pattern instead of straight rows. Here is how the classic patterns differ and what to think about before you choose one.
The Short Answer
Parquet means a wood floor laid in a pattern. The pattern you pick changes the whole feel of a room, from the woven movement of herringbone to the bold arrow of chevron to the calm grid of a basketweave. What every pattern has in common is that it only works if every piece is milled to the same exact size.
The Classic Patterns
Herringbone: rectangular pieces with square ends, laid in a staggered zigzag. Works in almost any room shape.
Double herringbone: two pieces side by side in each step of the zigzag. A bolder, more architectural look.
Chevron: pieces with angled ends that meet point to point to form a continuous V. Strong and directional, great for long rooms.
Basketweave: small groups of pieces laid at right angles to each other, like a woven basket.
Brick or stacked: pieces laid in offset or stacked rows, a simple, modern take on parquet.
Square or checkerboard: square blocks, such as 9 x 9 inch, laid with the grain turning 90 degrees from block to block.
Versailles and other panels: large square panels with an interlocking lattice inside. The most formal and traditional of all.
Patterns at a Glance
Pattern | Look | Best for |
Herringbone | Woven zigzag | Most rooms, open plans |
Double herringbone | Bold, graphic | Large rooms, statement spaces |
Chevron | Continuous arrow | Long rooms, hallways |
Basketweave | Grid, woven | Entries, kitchens, smaller rooms |
Square or checkerboard | Blocks, alternating grain | Traditional and mid-century rooms |
Versailles panels | Formal lattice | Formal living and dining rooms |
Specifying floors for a client or your own home? Book a virtual consultation with Joe Avila.
Why Milling Precision Decides Everything
In a straight-laid floor, a tiny difference in board width disappears. In a pattern, it adds up across the room until the pattern drifts and joints open. That is why our herringbone and chevron pieces are milled on laser-guided precision equipment to a tolerance of no more than .005 inch in the width or profile of any one piece.
Piece Size Changes the Style
Smaller pieces read traditional and detailed. Longer, wider pieces read modern and calm. Our white oak double herringbone is made to order in sizes from 2 1/4 x 11 1/4 inches up to 6 x 36 inches, in solid wood, 2-layer or 3-layer engineered construction, and plainsawn or rift and quartered cuts.
Cut matters in a pattern too. Plainsawn grain adds movement, while straight grain lets the pattern lead. See rift and quartered vs. plainsawn white oak for the difference.
Planning a Parquet Floor
Decide on a border. Many patterns are framed with a border of straight boards, which also makes the edges of the room easier to finish.
Order extra. Patterns need a bigger waste allowance than straight floors. See how much hardwood flooring to order.
Plan lead time. Our herringbone flooring is made to order, one at a time to your specifications, and ships in 3 to 6 weeks depending on type, quantity and size. The minimum order is 200 square feet.
Choose herringbone or chevron with our guide to herringbone vs. chevron.
Quick Answers
What is parquet flooring?
Parquet is a wood floor made of smaller pieces laid in a repeating geometric pattern, such as herringbone, chevron or basketweave, instead of long boards in straight rows.
What are the most popular parquet patterns?
Herringbone and chevron are the most requested today. Other classic patterns include double herringbone, basketweave, brick, square or checkerboard, and panel patterns such as Versailles.
Is parquet flooring more expensive than plank flooring?
Usually, yes. Pattern pieces must be milled to tight tolerances and laid by hand one piece at a time, and patterns need a larger waste allowance than straight-laid floors.
Can parquet be installed over concrete or radiant heat?
Yes, with the right construction. Engineered pattern pieces, or rift and quartered solid wood, are more stable choices over concrete slabs and radiant heat.
Talk to a Wood Flooring Specialist
Not sure which option fits your project? Call 908-232-6600 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern), visit our showroom at 406B West Broad Street in Westfield, New Jersey, or book a virtual consultation. We work with homeowners, architects and designers across New Jersey, New York City and the East Coast, and serve clients nationwide.
Call 908-232-6600, email joe@hugginsflooring.com or book a virtual consultation. Explore our sanding and finishing, eco-friendly finishes and floor care services.
About The Author
Joe Avila has 26 years in the wood flooring trade. He is an NWFA-certified wood flooring inspector, installer and sander, and for more than a decade he has taught accredited continuing-education programs for AIA, ASID and IDCEC audiences, training thousands of architects and design professionals in how to specify wood flooring correctly.
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