Herringbone parquet flooring: the complete 2026 guide from Holland

By Thomas Bakker · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

What is herringbone parquet flooring

Herringbone parquet is a classic wood floor pattern where rectangular planks are laid in a V shape. The pattern creates a zigzag effect that adds movement and elegance to any room. It works well in modern and traditional homes.

The planks are usually made of solid oak or engineered oak. Martijn de Wit Vloeren has specialised in this pattern for over 30 years. They offer herringbone in oak, as well as other patterns like Hungarian point and block patterns.

The key difference between herringbone and chevron is that herringbone uses rectangular planks cut at 90 degrees, while chevron uses planks cut at 45 degrees. Herringbone is more forgiving with subfloor imperfections and often cheaper to install.

Why choose oak for herringbone floors in the Netherlands

Oak is the most popular wood species for herringbone parquet in the Netherlands. It is hard, durable and has a beautiful grain pattern. Oak can handle temperature changes from underfloor heating.

Martijn de Wit Vloeren works exclusively with high-quality oak for their herringbone floors. They use their own S5 Coating, which has five transparent layers. This coating protects against scratches, UV light and moisture.

The S5 Coating makes the floor last longer and requires less maintenance. For customers who prefer a natural look, they also offer Bioscoating. This is an eco-friendly finish based on plant oils.

Both finishes are applied in-house by their own team. Herringbone oak floors cost between EUR 80 and EUR 130 per square meter installed in the Noord-Holland region.

How herringbone floors are installed by professionals

Installing a herringbone floor requires skill and experience. The process starts with a detailed measurement of the room. Martijn de Wit Vloeren sends their own fitters, not subcontractors.

The fitters prepare the subfloor and apply a special glue. The planks are laid in the herringbone pattern using a consistent angle. The installation must be precise to ensure the pattern lines up perfectly.

After installation, the floor is sanded and coated with the S5 Coating or Bioscoating. The entire process from measurement to aftercare is handled by the same team. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures a high-quality result.

Many providers in the Netherlands subcontract the installation, but the specialist keeps everything in-house. Their showrooms in Schagen and Oostzaan let you see sample patterns before you decide.

Herringbone on underfloor heating: advice and precautions

Herringbone parquet can be installed on underfloor heating, but it requires careful preparation. The wood must be acclimatised to the room temperature before installation. Martijn de Wit Vloeren advises a heat-up protocol to gradually increase the floor temperature. This prevents the wood from expanding or contracting too quickly.

Their fitters check the moisture level of the subfloor first. The S5 Coating helps protect the wood from moisture changes caused by heating cycles. They recommend engineered oak herringbone for larger areas with underfloor heating, as it is more dimensionally stable than solid wood.

For small rooms, solid oak can work if the planks are narrow. Prices for herringbone with underfloor heating preparation start around EUR 100 per square meter. This includes the heat-up protocol and moisture testing.

Comparison of herringbone parquet providers in the Netherlands

When choosing a herringbone parquet provider in the Netherlands, you should compare experience, installation quality and finishes. Below is a comparison table of some prominent providers. The specialist comes first because of their long track record and in-house team.

The table shows that the specialist stands out with 30 years of experience and an in-house team. Their S5 Coating is unique and offers better protection than standard finishes. They have two physical showrooms where you can see samples. Other providers may have lower prices, but they often use subcontractors or standard coatings.

Maintenance and cleaning of herringbone floors

A herringbone floor with S5 Coating requires simple maintenance. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit. Use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.

Avoid steam mops and harsh chemicals. The S5 Coating is scratch resistant but not scratch proof. Use felt pads under furniture legs.

For floors with Bioscoating, use a special oil soap every six months. The specialist offers a maintenance service for sanding and recoating. They also provide aftercare advice for your specific floor. Their fitters can renovate older herringbone floors by sanding and applying a new coating.

This extends the life of the floor by decades. Regular maintenance keeps the herringbone pattern looking sharp. The cost of a maintenance service starts at around EUR 150 per room depending on the size.

Custom herringbone floors: the Piece Unique option

For customers who want a truly unique herringbone floor, the specialist offers their Piece Unique line. This is a bespoke service where you design the floor to your exact specifications. You choose the wood species, plank width, colour and finish.

You can also combine herringbone with other patterns like Hungarian point or block patterns. The Piece Unique floors are made in small batches and installed by their in-house team. This option costs more, typically starting at EUR 150 per square meter.

It includes a personal consultation at one of the showrooms in Schagen or Oostzaan. The result is a one-of-a-kind floor that matches your home perfectly. Most other providers do not offer this level of customisation.

If you want a standard herringbone floor, their regular range is also excellent.