From grand mansions to cozy cottages, there’s something undeniably timeless about the warmth and beauty hardwood flooring brings to any space.
They’ve been a staple of interior design for centuries for a reason! They can fit in almost any interior design style and can elevate the look of any home, from rustic farmhouse vibes to a sleek and modern look.
But what makes one floor different from the rest? A big element lies in hardwood floor installation patterns, adding visual interest and creating a sense of depth and dimension that even the nicest carpets can’t achieve.
Today, we’re exploring 6 types of patterns for hardwood floor installation that have stood the test of time.
From the timeless elegance of the herringbone pattern to the bold sophistication of the chevron pattern, this curated selection should get you a little closer to choosing the perfect hardwood floor installation pattern look and feel for your home!
6 Hardwood Floor Installation Patterns That Never Go Out of Style
By now, you probably know that you don’t just want to install a hardwood floor pattern willy-nilly– you want to pick one that works with your space’s design and lifestyle needs. We’ve gathered up our customers’ most popular hardwood floor installation patterns so you can move forward with a little more confidence.
Herringbone Pattern
If there ever was a hardwood floor pattern that oozed elegance and sophistication, installing a herringbone pattern hardwood floor will likely bring you what you’re looking for.
A herringbone pattern is a wood designed as rectangular planks, arranged in a zigzag pattern to add some visual interest to your floors and naturally draw your eyes to the floor. This adds a sense of movement to a space, which is particularly useful for more minimalistic and modern spaces that are looking for a little bit of excitement and dimension to pair with sleek and clean furniture and designs.
Herringbone patterned flooring is great for:
- Adding a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication to any space
- Creating visual interest and focal points in rooms with its mesmerizing zigzag arrangement
- Making small spaces appear larger and adding a sense of movement to the floor
- Elevating the ambiance of both traditional and modern interiors with its versatile charm
- Bringing a sense of luxury and refinement to any home, regardless of its architectural style or décor
Tip: When it comes to how to install hardwood flooring in a herringbone pattern, make sure you consult a hardwood flooring professional. Herringbone flooring can be tricky because you need that perfect angled cut to make sure everything fits together.
Random Plank Pattern
If you’re craving that cozy, lived-in look, the random plank pattern is for you.
A random plank pattern is a collection planks of varying widths and lengths, scattered across your floor like pieces of a puzzle. It’s rustic, it’s charming, and it’s oh-so-inviting, especially if you’re into a more fun and effortless style.
Random plank patterned flooring is great for:
- Creating a rustic and charming atmosphere reminiscent of traditional handcrafted hardwood floors
- Mimicking the natural variation found in wood, adding warmth and character to the space
- Offering versatility and adaptability to farmhouse-style or eclectic interiors
- Adding a cozy and inviting feel to any room, making it perfect for creating a welcoming ambiance
- Providing customization options by selecting planks of different widths and lengths to achieve an authentic and visually appealing look
But don’t let the word “random” fool you! Achieving that effortlessly chic look takes a bit of planning to get this more whimsical style.
When it comes to how to install hardwood flooring patterns in a random plank design, a good flooring specialist will select planks with different widths and lengths to create that natural variation before actually laying anything down.
Chevron Pattern
It’s bold, it’s dynamic, and it’s guaranteed to turn heads.
The Chevron pattern has a more upscale, curated look than random planks do. They’re made up of a series of parallelogram-shaped planks arranged in a striking V-shaped formation.
The Chevron pattern’s unique shape is what sets it apart from the rest, with a more angular look compared to straight or even the random plank pattern.
It adds more architectural interest to any room, which is great for more minimalistic spaces that need some visual movement to add depth. Great for a classic or contemporary look, this pattern naturally draws the eye and adds a sense of drama to the space.
Chevron patterned flooring is great for:
- Adding a touch of sophistication and dynamic visual interest to any space
- Creating architectural intrigue with its distinctive V-shaped arrangement of parallelogram-shaped planks
- Elevating the ambiance of both traditional and modern interiors with its timeless charm
- Making a bold design statement that draws the eye and adds drama to the room
- Offering versatility in design options and adaptability to various interior styles and preferences
Straight Pattern
The straight pattern is a tried-and-true classic that never goes out of style.
The straight pattern is made up of planks laid out parallel to each other in perfectly straight rows.
Its adaptability is probably what makes it the most popular. It’s trustworthy and doesn’t risk looking too out there if you’re not into the bold and edgier styles of herringbone or chevron styles.
Straight flooring is great for:
- Achieving a classic and timeless look that never goes out of style
- Providing simplicity and elegance with planks laid parallel to each other in straight rows
- Versatility in complementing a wide range of interior design styles and preferences
- Offering a clean and uniform appearance that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space
- Making your room feel spacious and cohesive with its straightforward installation
Diagonal Pattern
This bold and visually striking option can make a great statement, especially for those who want a little bit of visual dimension and movement in their room or home.
A diagonal pattern is when planks are installed across the room at a 45-degree angle, creating a sense of movement that can make even the smallest of rooms feel larger than life. Plus, it adds a touch of visual interest that adds a little bit of subtle depth to your space without it being too obvious.
Diagonal pattern flooring is great for:
- Creating a bold and visually striking design statement in any room
- Adding a sense of spaciousness and movement by installing planks diagonally across the space
- Making small rooms or narrow spaces appear larger and more expansive
- Offering a unique and dynamic alternative to traditional straight or parallel patterns
- Enhancing the architectural interest of the room with its dramatic diagonal arrangement
Parquet Pattern
Parquet pattern flooring features small wood blocks or tiles arranged in mesmerizing geometric patterns.
When it comes to parquet designs, the possibilities are truly endless– there are so many ways to be creative with your floors! Classic squares, elegant diamonds, trendy hexagons, there’s a design out there to suit every style and taste
Just make sure you’re working with an installation team that knows their way around preparing the space to make sure the arrangement is just right.
Parquet pattern flooring is great for:
- Infusing an intricate and luxurious aesthetic into any space with small wood blocks or tiles arranged in geometric patterns
- Elevating the ambiance with timeless elegance and sophistication, making it a popular choice for upscale interiors
- Offering a wide range of design possibilities, including squares, diamonds, or hexagons, to suit various interior styles and preferences
- Providing a sense of depth and dimension to the floor, creating visual interest and focal points
- Adding a touch of craftsmanship and artistry to the space, making it a standout feature in any room
Additional Tips for Patterns for Hardwood Floor Installation
Now that we’ve covered some of the most popular hardwood floor installation patterns, let’s talk about some additional tips to ensure your floors look their best for years to come.
Pick the right hardwood species, finishes, and plank sizes to complement your chosen installation pattern. Whether you’re going for a rustic oak or a sleek maple, be sure to choose a hardwood that suits your style and preferences, so you can be happy with your choice for years to come
(In fact, this isn’t just about look– but about protection too. Consider your kids, pets, and other factors that might require harder wood types or specific finishing.)
Proper preparation and subflooring are also key to ensuring the longevity and durability of your hardwood floors. Be sure your installation team cleans and levels the subfloor before installation, and at least entertains the idea of using a moisture barrier to protect against damage over time.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Good wood flooring specialists won’t hesitate to answer any questions you have about the style, type, or finish of your hardwood flooring pattern installation project.
Looking for support with hardwood installation, refinishing, repairs, stairs (or a custom flooring project)? We’re here to help! Give us a call or fill out our online form so we can help you find the hardwood floor installation patterns of your dreams. 🪵
