Herringbone Hardwood Flooring in Michigan
Michigan's most requested pattern flooring — the classic V-shaped herringbone pattern adds architectural drama to any Michigan home. Available in white oak, walnut, and more.
Why Choose Herringbone Flooring?
#1 Trending Pattern Flooring in Michigan Luxury Homes
Herringbone has surpassed all other pattern flooring options in Michigan luxury and custom home builds — driven by the popularity of white oak and the desire for architectural detail.
Makes Rooms Appear Larger
The diagonal lines of herringbone pattern visually elongate a space, making rooms feel larger and more dynamic than straight-lay flooring of the same dimensions.
Available in White Oak, Walnut, Red Oak & Maple
Our Rochester Hills showroom carries herringbone-ready flooring in all major species. Custom herringbone in any species, width, and finish is available through Sheoga.
Herringbone vs. Chevron: What's the Difference?
Herringbone and chevron are often confused — both create a V-shaped visual effect, but they are constructed very differently. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right pattern for your Michigan home.
Herringbone
Planks are cut square on both ends. The end of one plank meets the side of the adjacent plank at a 90° angle. This creates a broken zigzag — the V-shapes do not connect seamlessly, leaving a visible offset at each joint.
Visually: imagine a row of rectangular bricks laid diagonally, alternating direction. Each brick's short end butts against the long side of the next brick. The result is a classic, slightly irregular zigzag that has been used in flooring for centuries.
Character: Traditional, timeless, slightly more rustic. More forgiving of minor installation imperfections.
Chevron
Planks are cut at an angle — typically 45° — on both ends. The angled ends of adjacent planks meet precisely at a point, creating a continuous, unbroken V or arrow pattern with no offset at the peak.
Visually: imagine a series of perfect arrowheads pointing in one direction, with no gaps or offsets at the tips. The pattern flows continuously across the floor, creating a more geometric, modern look.
Character: Modern, precise, more geometric. Requires more precise cutting and installation. More expensive to produce and install.
Which Should You Choose?
Herringbone is the more traditional choice — it suits craftsman, colonial, transitional, and classic contemporary Michigan homes. Chevron reads as more modern and is popular in minimalist and European-inspired interiors. Both patterns are available at Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — visit our Rochester Hills showroom to see samples of each.
Herringbone Installation Considerations
Herringbone is a more complex installation than straight-lay hardwood. Here's what Michigan homeowners need to know before starting a herringbone project.
Herringbone requires more labor than straight-lay installation — expect to pay $1–$3 per square foot more. The pattern requires careful planning, precise cutting, and more time to execute correctly.
Budget 12–15% extra material for herringbone vs. 5–8% for straight lay. The angled cuts and pattern matching result in more offcuts that cannot be reused.
The subfloor must be very flat and level — any variation will be amplified by the herringbone pattern. Subfloor prep is critical and may add cost to the project.
Herringbone is typically glued down (engineered) or face-nailed (solid). Floating installation is generally not recommended for herringbone due to pattern stability requirements.
The starting point is critical — the pattern must be planned from the center of the room outward to ensure symmetrical borders on all sides. This planning step is essential before any boards are laid.
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan installs herringbone flooring throughout Southeast Michigan — Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and beyond. Our installers are experienced with all herringbone formats.
Herringbone Species & Collections
We carry herringbone hardwood flooring from the industry's most respected manufacturers — available at our Rochester Hills showroom or by custom order.
Sheoga Flooring — Custom Herringbone
Custom herringbone in any species, width, and finish. Unfinished for site-finishing. The ultimate choice for Michigan custom home projects requiring a truly bespoke herringbone floor.
View Brand →Provenza Herringbone Reserve
Premium engineered herringbone in white oak. Provenza's Herringbone Reserve collection delivers a ready-to-install herringbone pattern with exceptional finish quality.
View Brand →Indiana Hardwood — Herringbone Patterns
Herringbone patterns in red oak and white oak. Indiana Hardwood's domestic hardwood expertise translates beautifully into their herringbone offerings.
View Brand →Three Trees Versailles & Herringbone
Parquet and herringbone patterns from Three Trees. Their Versailles collection brings European-inspired pattern flooring to Michigan homes.
View Brand →Popular Herringbone Looks in Michigan
These are the herringbone combinations our Michigan customers are choosing most often right now.
White Oak Herringbone, Wire-Brushed Matte
The most popular herringbone look in Michigan contemporary homes. Wire-brushed texture adds depth and hides minor scratches; matte finish keeps it natural and understated.
Walnut Herringbone, Natural Finish
The luxury choice for Michigan master bedrooms and dining rooms. Walnut's rich chocolate tones in herringbone pattern create an unmistakably premium interior.
Red Oak Herringbone, Early American Stain
The traditional Michigan craftsman home look. Early American stain on red oak herringbone delivers warm, classic tones that complement traditional millwork and trim.
White Oak Herringbone, Fumed/Smoked
A dramatic gray tone for modern Michigan interiors. Fumed or smoked white oak in herringbone pattern creates a sophisticated, European-inspired aesthetic.
Herringbone Room Applications
Herringbone works in virtually every room — but some applications are particularly impactful. Here's how Michigan homeowners are using herringbone throughout their homes.
Entryways
The classic herringbone application — makes a statement at the front door. A herringbone entry floor sets the tone for the entire home and creates an immediate impression of quality and design intent.
Living Rooms
Full-room herringbone is a bold design choice that transforms a living room into an architectural statement. Works best in larger rooms where the pattern can fully develop.
Dining Rooms
Herringbone under the dining table creates a natural focal point. The pattern draws the eye to the center of the room and frames the dining area beautifully.
Kitchens
Herringbone in the kitchen island area or full kitchen adds pattern interest to a high-use space. Engineered herringbone is recommended for kitchens due to moisture considerations.
Master Bedrooms
Walnut herringbone is a luxury bedroom statement. The pattern adds architectural interest underfoot and elevates the entire room without competing with other design elements.
Cost of Herringbone Flooring in Michigan
Herringbone flooring costs more than straight-lay hardwood — primarily due to installation complexity and higher material waste. Here's a realistic breakdown for Michigan homeowners.
Material Cost
Similar to straight-lay hardwood of the same species. White oak herringbone material typically runs $6–$12/sq ft; walnut $10–$18/sq ft. Budget 12–15% extra material for pattern waste.
Installation Premium
$1–$3 per square foot more than straight-lay installation. The premium reflects the additional planning, layout, cutting, and time required to execute herringbone correctly.
Material Waste
Budget 12–15% extra material for herringbone, compared to 5–8% for straight lay. The additional waste comes from the angled cuts and pattern matching at borders and transitions.
Typical Project Cost
A typical herringbone project of 300 sq ft in Michigan runs $4,500–$9,000 installed, depending on species, finish, and subfloor conditions. Contact us for a specific quote.
Get an accurate quote: Herringbone project costs vary significantly based on species, room size, subfloor condition, and finish selection. Call Quality Hardwoods of Michigan at (248) 853-2232 or visit our Rochester Hills showroom for a detailed estimate on your Michigan herringbone project.
Frequently Asked Questions — Herringbone Hardwood Flooring in Michigan
What is herringbone hardwood flooring?
Herringbone is a classic flooring pattern where rectangular planks are laid at 90° angles to each other — the end of one plank meets the side of the adjacent plank, creating a broken zigzag or V-shaped pattern. It is one of the oldest and most recognized flooring patterns, dating back to Roman road construction and European palaces.
Where can I buy herringbone hardwood flooring in Michigan?
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan in Rochester Hills carries herringbone hardwood flooring from Sheoga, Provenza, Indiana Hardwood, and Three Trees. We stock and can custom-order herringbone in white oak, walnut, red oak, and maple. Visit us at 1799 Northfield Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 or call (248) 853-2232.
How much does herringbone flooring cost in Michigan?
Herringbone flooring material costs are similar to straight-lay hardwood of the same species. However, installation adds a premium of $1–$3 per square foot due to the complexity of the pattern layout. You should also budget 12–15% extra material for waste. A typical 300 sq ft herringbone project in Michigan runs $4,500–$9,000 installed.
What is the difference between herringbone and chevron flooring?
Herringbone planks are cut square on the ends and meet at 90° — the end of one plank meets the side of another, creating a broken zigzag. Chevron planks are cut at an angle (usually 45°) so the ends meet at a point, creating a continuous V or arrow pattern with no broken lines. Herringbone is more traditional; chevron is more modern and geometric.
What species looks best in herringbone pattern?
White oak is the most popular species for herringbone in Michigan — its tight, consistent grain reads beautifully in the pattern. Walnut herringbone is stunning for luxury spaces. Red oak herringbone with Early American stain is a classic choice for traditional Michigan homes. The herringbone pattern works well with virtually any species.
Is herringbone flooring harder to install than straight lay?
Yes — herringbone is significantly more complex to install than straight-lay flooring. The installer must carefully plan the starting point from the center of the room, maintain precise 90° angles throughout, and cut more pieces. Expect to pay $1–$3 per square foot more for herringbone installation. Quality Hardwoods installs herringbone throughout Southeast Michigan.
Ready to Install Herringbone Flooring?
Visit our Rochester Hills showroom to see herringbone samples in person — or call us to discuss your Michigan herringbone project. We supply and install herringbone hardwood flooring throughout Southeast Michigan.