What Is Parquet Flooring? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

What Is Parquet Flooring?

Parquet flooring is a wood floor made from small blocks arranged in a repeating geometric pattern rather than long, straight planks. We most often see it in herringbone, chevron and other decorative layouts that turn the floor itself into part of the room’s design.

It has a long history, too. Parquet de Versailles was introduced at the Palace of Versailles in 1684 to replace sections of marble flooring that required frequent washing, something that could damage the timber structure beneath. Christie’s history of Versailles parquet flooring.

If you are buying a home with parquet, uncovering an old floor or choosing a new one, the pattern is a good place to start.

 

The Six Parquet Patterns, Compared

Parquet patterns can look surprisingly similar at first glance. Look at how the ends of the individual wooden blocks meet and the overall shape created across the room.

Herringbone

Herringbone parquet flooring uses rectangular wooden blocks laid so that the end of one meets the side of another at a 90-degree angle. The result is the familiar broken zigzag pattern.

It works particularly well in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways because the pattern adds movement without becoming too intricate. Oak is a popular choice, although herringbone can be made from a wide range of timber species and colours.

Chevron

Chevron parquet creates a continuous V-shaped pattern. Unlike herringbone, where rectangular blocks meet at right angles, the ends of chevron blocks are cut at an angle so that two pieces meet point-to-point.

That distinction is worth remembering: herringbone has a staggered zigzag; chevron creates clean, continuous Vs.

Chevron parquet can give a room a slightly sharper, more architectural feel. The strong lines can also help draw the eye along the length of a hallway or towards a feature within an interior.

Basketweave

Basketweave uses short wooden blocks grouped together to create repeating squares, usually with the direction of the timber alternating from one square to the next.

The result resembles woven material, hence the name. It is a more decorative alternative to herringbone and works well where you want the floor pattern to be noticeable without relying on the strong directional lines of chevron.

Brick Bond

Brick bond parquet is one of the simpler parquet patterns. Rectangular blocks are laid in straight rows, with each row offset from the one beside it much like bricks in a wall.

It gives you the character of small-block wood flooring while producing a calmer, less intricate geometric pattern.

Double Herringbone

Double herringbone follows the same basic direction as traditional herringbone but uses pairs of blocks rather than individual pieces.

That extra width gives the pattern more visual weight. In a larger room, double herringbone can create a bold first impression while retaining the classic character associated with traditional parquet wood flooring.

Versailles Panels

Versailles parquet is constructed as decorative square panels containing an intricate arrangement of timber, traditionally with interlocking diagonal elements framed within each panel.

The style is closely associated with the Palace of Versailles in France and remains one of the most recognisable luxury parquet patterns. Its strong geometry and craftsmanship make it particularly suited to larger rooms where the full panel design has space to be appreciated.

 

How to Tell Which Parquet Pattern You Have

If you have moved into a property with an existing wooden floor, do not rely on the first few blocks you can see. Stand back and look at how the pattern repeats across a wider section of the room.

Start with the joints.

If rectangular blocks meet the sides of neighbouring blocks at 90 degrees, you are probably looking at herringbone. If two angled ends meet to form a continuous V, it is chevron. Paired blocks arranged into alternating squares point towards basketweave, while straight staggered rows suggest brick bond.

Then check the direction of the blocks at a doorway threshold. Doorways often make the pattern easier to read because you can see how one complete section finishes before the flooring continues into the next room.

Measure the blocks as well. Consistent dimensions can help you identify whether you are looking at individual blocks, paired units or larger decorative panels.

On an older parquet floor, another useful place to inspect is the edge beneath or alongside a skirting board. Previous sanding, repairs, fitted furniture or changes in colour can make the centre of a floor harder to interpret. An undisturbed edge can sometimes reveal the original shape, grain direction and pattern of the parquet more clearly.

And do not assume every patterned floor is herringbone. We regularly find that similar-looking layouts are described under the same name even though the construction is quite different.

Understanding what you actually have matters if you intend to reclaim loose blocks, repair a damaged section or match new parquet to an existing floor. If the existing surface is badly worn, it is also worth understanding what is involved in professional wood floor sanding and refinishing before deciding whether to repair or replace it.

 

Which Pattern Suits Which Room?

The best parquet floor pattern is not simply the most fashionable one. Think about the scale, proportions and available light in the room.

In a smaller room, a very large or intricate pattern can dominate the space. Traditional herringbone tends to be easier to accommodate because the blocks create detail without requiring large panels.

Chevron has stronger directional lines, so consider where those lines will lead the eye. Used well, they can make a hallway feel more purposeful or draw attention towards a window, fireplace or architectural feature.

Larger living rooms give you more freedom. Double herringbone and Versailles panels have enough space to reveal their pattern properly rather than disappearing beneath furniture.

Colour matters as much as shape. Pale oak can keep a room feeling lighter, while darker walnut and other rich timber tones create more contrast and visual weight.

Before choosing new parquet flooring, it is worth looking at a sample in the actual room. Natural and artificial light can change the appearance of the grain, colour and finish considerably throughout the day.

 

Can a Parquet Pattern Be Restored?

In many cases, yes.

An old parquet floor does not necessarily need replacing because blocks have become loose, the finish is worn or sections look uneven. Depending on its construction and condition, loose blocks can be carefully lifted and re-laid, old adhesive or bitumen residues dealt with appropriately, repairs completed and the pattern sanded flat before a new finish is applied.

Solid parquet can often tolerate restoration particularly well because there is real wood beneath the worn surface. Our parquet floor restoration service explains how we approach repairs, sanding and refinishing in London homes.

If you are considering tackling the sanding yourself, it is also worth reading our guide to whether you should sand hardwood floors yourself or hire a professional. Parquet requires particular care because the grain direction changes from block to block, and mistakes can quickly leave an uneven surface.