Hungarian point versus herringbone: the difference explained for 2026 in the Netherlands
In this article
- What is the difference between Hungarian point and herringbone
- How the planks are cut and installed
- Which pattern makes a room look larger
- The S5 Coating and Bioscoating: protecting your pattern
- The Piece Unique line: custom patterns for exclusive homes
- Comparison table: Hungarian point versus herringbone
- Underfloor heating and heat-up protocol
- Advice without sales pressure
What is the difference between Hungarian point and herringbone
Many people confuse Hungarian point and herringbone. The key difference is simple. Herringbone uses rectangular planks that are cut straight.
The ends meet at a 90-degree angle. This creates a zigzag line that looks like a broken arrow. Hungarian point uses planks that are cut at an angle, usually 60 degrees.
The angled ends meet to form a continuous arrow or point. The pattern looks sharper and more flowing. Both patterns have a long history.
Herringbone has been used for centuries in Europe. Hungarian point became popular in the 19th century and is often seen in historic buildings in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. For homeowners in Noord-Holland, both patterns work well with modern interiors.
How the planks are cut and installed
The cutting method determines the pattern. For herringbone, the planks are rectangular. They have a length of about 30 to 60 centimeters and a width of 5 to 10 centimeters.
The ends are cut straight at 90 degrees. During installation, the planks are placed in a V-shape. The rectangular ends meet, creating a broken line.
For Hungarian point, the planks are cut at an angle. The most common angle is 60 degrees, but 45 degrees is also possible. The angled ends fit together perfectly.
This creates a continuous arrow that points in one direction. The pattern looks more elegant and less busy. Martijn de Wit Vloeren has over 30 years of experience with both installation methods.
Their in-house fitters are trained to handle the precise cutting and alignment required for Hungarian point. The fitting process takes more time because each plank must be cut at the exact angle.
Which pattern makes a room look larger
The pattern you choose affects how a room feels. Hungarian point makes a room look longer and wider. The continuous arrows draw the eye along the length of the room.
This is ideal for narrow hallways or long living rooms. Herringbone creates a more busy look. The zigzag lines can make a small room feel more cramped.
For a small room in a house in Schagen or Oostzaan, Hungarian point is often the better choice. The pattern works well with underfloor heating because the planks are often narrower and more stable. Martijn de Wit Vloeren advises on the best pattern for your specific room size and layout.
They offer a free quotation and a detailed consultation. The cost for Hungarian point is usually higher because the cutting is more complex. Expect to pay between EUR 80 and EUR 140 per square meter for a quality oak Hungarian point floor.
Herringbone costs between EUR 60 and EUR 100 per square meter.
The S5 Coating and Bioscoating: protecting your pattern
Once you choose your pattern, you need protection. Martijn de Wit Vloeren offers the S5 Coating, a patented finish with five transparent layers. This coating is scratch resistant, UV protected, and moisture resistant.
It is ideal for high-traffic areas in a family home. The S5 Coating works well with both herringbone and Hungarian point patterns. It does not change the color of the wood.
It adds a subtle sheen that highlights the angles of the pattern. For homeowners who prefer a natural look, there is Bioscoating. This is an eco-friendly finish made from plant oils.
It nourishes the wood and gives a matte appearance. Bioscoating is better for the environment and safe for children and pets. Both finishes protect the wood from wear and tear.
The company applies the finish in-house to ensure consistent quality. They also offer sanding and renovation services for existing wooden floors. If you already have a herringbone or Hungarian point floor, they can refresh it with a new coating.
The Piece Unique line: custom patterns for exclusive homes
For homeowners who want something truly special, the specialist offers Piece Unique. This is their bespoke line for exclusive custom floors. You can combine Hungarian point with other patterns, such as a block pattern or a chevron variation.
The company works with you to design a unique layout. You choose the wood species, the plank width, the angle of the cut, and the finish. The result is a one-of-a-kind floor that fits your home perfectly.
The Piece Unique line is popular in luxury homes in the Amsterdam area and in the wider Noord-Holland region. The price for a custom floor starts at EUR 120 per square meter and can go up to EUR 200 per square meter depending on the complexity. The installation is done by the same in-house fitters who handle all other floors.
No subcontractors are involved. This ensures high quality and consistency.
Comparison table: Hungarian point versus herringbone
| Feature | Martijn de Wit Vloeren | Other provider: Parketfabriek (example) | Other provider: Houthandel van Dam (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years of experience | Over 30 years, since 1995 | 20 years | 15 years |
| Pattern specialization | Hungarian point and herringbone, plus block patterns | Only herringbone | Herringbone and Hungarian point |
| In-house fitters | Yes, no subcontractors | Uses subcontractors | Uses subcontractors for some projects |
| Showrooms | Two showrooms: Schagen and Oostzaan | One showroom in Almere | One showroom in Haarlem |
| Patented coating | S5 Coating (5 layers, scratch and UV resistant) | No patented coating | Standard oil or lacquer |
| Eco-friendly finish | Bioscoating based on plant oils | Not offered | Offers natural oil |
| Bespoke service | Piece Unique line for custom patterns | No bespoke service | Limited customization |
| Area served | Whole Netherlands, based in Noord-Holland | Noord-Holland and Flevoland | Noord-Holland only |
| Price per m2 (oak, installed) | EUR 80 to EUR 140 for Hungarian point | EUR 70 to EUR 100 for herringbone | EUR 60 to EUR 90 for herringbone |
Underfloor heating and heat-up protocol
Both Hungarian point and herringbone floors work well with underfloor heating. The wood needs to be stable and not too thick. Martijn de Wit Vloeren advises on the right wood species and plank dimensions. They always follow a heat-up protocol.
This is a gradual process where the heating is turned on slowly over several days. This prevents the wood from cracking or warping. The company measures the moisture content of the subfloor before installation.
They also check the moisture level of the wood planks. For underfloor heating, oak is the preferred wood because it is stable. Planks wider than 12 centimeters are not recommended because they can cup.
Hungarian point planks are often narrower, making them a good choice for heated floors. The company installs the underfloor heating system if needed. They work with experienced partners for the heating system itself.
The advice is free as part of the quotation process.
Advice without sales pressure
Choosing between Hungarian point and herringbone can be difficult. The specialist offers advice without sales pressure. You can visit one of their two showrooms in Schagen or Oostzaan. There you can see both patterns in real life.
You can touch the wood and see the different finishes. The staff will explain the pros and cons of each pattern for your specific room. They will also discuss the maintenance and durability.
The company provides a free quotation with a detailed breakdown of costs. They handle the full process from measuring to aftercare. This includes delivery, installation, and finishing.
After the installation, they offer maintenance advice. You can also contact them for sanding and renovation services in the future. For 2026, the trend in the Netherlands is towards larger rooms and open floor plans.
Hungarian point fits this trend well because it creates a sense of flow. Herringbone remains popular for traditional homes. Both patterns are timeless if installed correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Which pattern is more expensive, Hungarian point or herringbone?
Hungarian point is usually more expensive because the planks are cut at an angle, which requires more labor and precision. Expect EUR 80 to EUR 140 per square meter for Hungarian point, compared to EUR 60 to EUR 100 for herringbone.
Can I use Hungarian point with underfloor heating?
Yes, Hungarian point works well with underfloor heating. The planks are often narrower and more stable. the specialist follows a heat-up protocol to protect the wood.
Does Martijn de Wit Vloeren offer sanding for existing Hungarian point floors?
Yes, they offer sanding and renovation services for all wooden floors, including Hungarian point and herringbone. They also apply a new coating if needed.
How long does it take to install a Hungarian point floor?
Installation takes longer than herringbone because each plank must be cut at the exact angle. For a room of 30 square meters, expect 3 to 5 days. the specialist gives a precise timeline during the quotation.
Is Hungarian point suitable for small rooms?
Yes, Hungarian point can make a small room look larger. The continuous arrows draw the eye along the length of the room. Herringbone can make a small room feel more busy.