---
title: How to install a herringbone floor in 7 steps
description: Want to lay a herringbone floor yourself? A piece of cake if you follow these seven steps! Our tips for a herringbone floor that’s perfect in every way!
image: https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/hubfs/walnut%20brown_lam_social-1.png
---
[Skip to content](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/how-to-lay-a-herringbone-floor#main-content)
[](http://www.bintg.com)
[](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/)
- [Choose my floor](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/choose-my-floor)
- [Interior & colour](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/interior-colour)
- [Practical advice](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/practical-advice)
- [Choose my floor](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/choose-my-floor)
- [Interior & colour](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/interior-colour)
- [Practical advice](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/practical-advice)
- [English](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/how-to-lay-a-herringbone-floor)
- [Dansk - Danmark](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/da-dk/praktiske-råd/hvordan-lægger-man-et-fiskebensgulv)
- [Français - Belgique](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/fr-be/conseils-pratiques/comment-poser-un-sol-batons-rompus)
- [Français - France](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/fr-fr/conseils-pratiques/comment-poser-un-sol-batons-rompus)
- [Nederlands - België](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/nl-be/praktisch-advies/visgraatvloer-leggen-in-7-stappen)
- [Norsk – Norge](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/no-no/praktiske-råd/hvordan-legge-et-fiskebensgulv)
- [Polski (Polska)](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/pl-pl/praktyczne-porady/jak-układać-podłogę-w-jodełkę)
English
[Visualise in my room](https://www.berryalloc.com/global/en/floorfit)
[Find a dealer](https://www.berryalloc.com/global/en/dealers?location=London%2C+United+Kingdom)
# How to install a herringbone floor in 7 steps
written by:
Katrien, Lustrous Laminate Expert
date:
23/12/2025
reading time:
10 minutes
> Dreaming of an elegant wooden herringbone floor? Good news: this timeless classic can be installed entirely by yourself! With a bit of preparation and the right materials, you can transform your space into a true interior gem. So put on your DIY outfit, because we’ll guide you step by step.
## Step 1: Choose your materials and tools
Everything starts with… proper preparation. Choose a high-quality herringbone floor: durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to install yourself thanks to a handy click system. Also decide whether you want to install the floor floating or glued. Gluing your floor helps dampen sound in the room and eliminates the need for transition profiles between different spaces. However, a glued installation is more expensive than a floating installation.
### What do you need?
- **Herringbone planks:** choose the colour and finish that match your style
- **Underlay:** check in advance whether you need it (see step 3)
- Spacers for an expansion gap
- Measuring tape, pencil, square
- Jigsaw to cut panels to size
- Tapping block and hammer for secure connections
- Gloves and safety glasses
- 
**Tapping block and hammer**
- 
### BerryAlloc installation tool
- 
**Underlay**
## Step 2: Prepare the room properly
Good preparation is half the battle! Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove old flooring and fix any unevenness with levelling compound, because a flat base is crucial for a perfect result. Let the planks of your new floor acclimatise for at least 48 hours in the room, so they can adjust to temperature and humidity. Usually, that’s between 15 and 27°C and humidity between 40 and 60%, but always check the installation instructions, as this may vary per floor.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0LwZTAgb0o&list=PL-ZhZIhPnCmvhIZ21RSMbiy2rI3e0aNm2&index=30)
## Step 3: Lay the underlay
Check in advance whether your planks already have an integrated underlay, as is the case with some [vinyl floors](https://www.berryalloc.com/global/en/vinyl-planks/zenn). If not, order the underlay best suited to your chosen floor. The type of installation also matters: for glued installation, you can replace the underlay with a layer of glue if the subfloor is flat and even. If the existing subfloor is not suitable, a floating installation may be a better option, provided you use the right underlay.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0LwZTAgb0o&list=PL-ZhZIhPnCmvhIZ21RSMbiy2rI3e0aNm2&index=30)
Do you need a separate underlay for a floating installation? Then it’s best to get advice from the supplier where you bought your floor. The right underlay is excellent at reducing noise and conducts temperature well in combination with underfloor heating. Cut the underlay to size with a utility knife.
## **Step 4: Determine the centre of your room**
Measure twice, cut once. For a successful result, measure the room and determine the exact centre point. Then draw a guideline in the middle of the room using a measuring stick and pencil. Use a square to ensure a perfect 90-degree angle. That way, you’ll be sure to lay the perfect herringbone pattern.
## Step 5: Lay the floor plank by plank
Time to get started and lay your planks. Always consult the installation instructions before you begin, as different herringbone types require different installation methods. Follow the steps carefully — a good start makes laying your floor a breeze. Don’t forget to place spacers along the walls to allow room for the floor’s natural movement.
Tip: Check that the planks are securely connected and use a tapping block to gently tap them into place.
## Step 6: Cut planks to size
Reached the wall? Use a jigsaw, utility knife or mitre saw, depending on the product, to cut everything perfectly to size. Measure carefully and mark the cutting pattern on the panel before sawing. Take the expansion gap into account and work precisely to ensure a clean finish.
- 
- 
## Step 7: Finish with skirting boards
Skirting boards provide the finishing touch and hide the expansion gaps. Choose a style that matches your floor and interior. Think of sleek white skirting boards for a modern look or dark skirting boards for a warm contrast.
### Tips for a professional result
- **Work precisely:** Make sure your pattern is straight from the start, because once laid, you can’t adjust it!
- **Protect your floor:** Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
- **Maintenance:** Keep your wooden herringbone floor in top condition with a vacuum cleaner and a slightly damp mop.
Laminate - Chateau+ - Charme light natural
### Want to follow an installer step by step? Watch this handy instruction video for a floating herringbone floor.
- [ Laminate - Chateau+ - Texas Light Natural](https://berryalloc-cd.bleu-prod-vnext.dlwnet.com/global/en/laminate/chateau/chateau--p--?page=1#chateau%2C=p=%2C-texas-light-natural)
- [ Vinyl planks - Zenn herringbone - Porto](https://berryalloc-cd.bleu-prod-vnext.dlwnet.com/global/en/vinyl-planks/zenn/zenn-herringbone/zenn-click-comfort-55-herringbone?page=1#zenn-click-comfort-55-herringbone-porto-)
- [.jpg?width=4125&height=6000&name=albatre%20herringbone%20calm_swf_v4_504x84_berryalloc_rsh_01%20(1).jpg) Strong wood floors - Parqwood herringbone - Oak Calm Albatre](https://berryalloc-cd.bleu-prod-vnext.dlwnet.com/global/en/strong-wood-floors/parqwood/parqwood-herringbone?page=1#parqwood-herringbone-oak-calm-albatre)
- [ Laminate - Chateau+ - Java brown](https://berryalloc-cd.bleu-prod-vnext.dlwnet.com/global/en/laminate/chateau/chateau--p--?page=1#chateau%2C=p=%2C-java-brown)
A **herringbone pattern** and **Hungarian point** are very similar, but are two different floor patterns.
[What is the difference?](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/fr-be/choissir-mon-sol/difference-chevrons-point-de-hongrie?hsLang=en)
Share:
[mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20How%20to%20install%20a%20herringbone%20floor%20in%207%20steps%20&body=Check%20out%20https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/how-to-lay-a-herringbone-floor](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20How%20to%20install%20a%20herringbone%20floor%20in%207%20steps%20&body=Check%20out%20https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/how-to-lay-a-herringbone-floor)
[previous](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/which-parquet-to-choose?hsLang=en)
[ overview](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/tag/practical-advice)
[following](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/what-is-a-herringbone-floor?hsLang=en)
## Read these next!
You’ll probably like these articles as well.
[](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/what-is-a-herringbone-floor?hsLang=en)
#### [What is a herringbone floor? Tips for choosing the right...](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/what-is-a-herringbone-floor?hsLang=en)
#### [What is a herringbone floor? Tips for choosing the right...](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/what-is-a-herringbone-floor?hsLang=en)
A herringbone floor… It’s a classic, but does it fit your interior? From rustic to minimalist:...
8 min. Read full article
[](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/difference-herringbone-chevron?hsLang=en)
#### [What is the difference between herringbone and chevron?](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/difference-herringbone-chevron?hsLang=en)
#### [What is the difference between herringbone and chevron?](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/choose-my-floor/difference-herringbone-chevron?hsLang=en)
When choosing your new floor, there’s one more important decision to make: the floor pattern....
4 min. Read full article
[.jpg?width=300&name=Overview%20image%20blog%20home_Myfloorstyle_excellence%20plus%20acc(398x344).jpg)](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/should-i-install-laminate-floating?hsLang=en)
#### [Why should I install laminate as a floating floor?](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/should-i-install-laminate-floating?hsLang=en)
#### [Why should I install laminate as a floating floor?](https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/should-i-install-laminate-floating?hsLang=en)
When it comes to installing laminate flooring, a floating installation is often recommended. But...
4 min. Read full article
## Stay informed. **Stay inspired.**
Not sure yet which direction you want to take with your floor or interior? Want to check if you're really up to date with the latest trends? We’re happy to provide you more information and inspiration!
Don't worry, we promise not to spam you! 😉
I am a(n)
Professional
Individual
[](https://www.berryalloc.com)
- [cookie policy](https://mediacenter.bintg.com/api/wedia/dam/variation?object=blicomrelasset&id=6&variation=original)
- [privacy policy](https://mediacenter.bintg.com/api/wedia/dam/variation?object=blicomrelasset&id=40&variation=original)
- [contact us](https://www.berryalloc.com/global/en/contact)
stay connected [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BerryAlloc/?ref=bookmarks) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/berryalloc/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.pinterest.com/BerryAlloc/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/berryalloc-nv) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.youtube.com/user/BerryAlloc)
[](https://www.bintg.com/nl)
Copyright ©2026 BerryAlloc
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Katrien, Lustrous Laminate Expert",
"url" : "https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/author/katrien"
},
"dateModified" : "2025-12-23T10:03:00.506Z",
"datePublished" : "2025-12-23T10:03:00.000Z",
"headline" : "How to install a herringbone floor in 7 steps",
"image" : [ "https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/hubfs/walnut%20brown_lam_social-1.png" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/en/practical-advice/how-to-lay-a-herringbone-floor",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://myfloorstyle.berryalloc.com/hubfs/BA_logo_black.jpg"
},
"name" : "Beaulieu International Group nv"
}
}
```