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The Roadmap to Herringbone Success

Step 1: Location & Layout

Herringbone patterns create instant structure and luxury, even in small areas. However, they require thoughtful placement and planning. 

Key Tips:

• Herringbone is inherently directional. Align it with the dominate traffic flow to create momentum, or turn it 90 degrees to create a pattern break and focal point. 

• Full-room herringbone is usually less expensive to install and has a more casual feeling. Herringbone as an inlay, or with a room border, creates a more formal look at a higher price point. 

• Consider plank sizes that fit the scale of the space. A plank's length is typically a multiple of its width. Always discuss custom plank dimensions with the supplier before specifying. 

• Secret: European herringbone is often what US manufacturer's call Chevron. Make sure you are "speaking the same language" when specifying Herringbone or Chevron from US or international suppliers.

🎯 MUSE can save you time by helping you select layout, product fit, sizing, and transition options that best support your design direction. 

Step 2: Know Your Crew & Conditions

Let’s be real: herringbone is not a job for rookies.

Before you commit:

• Confirm your installer has patterned floor experience. You probably don't want them "training" on your job. Ask for details on what they installed and how it was integrated with other areas of flooring. 

• Ensure the subfloor is flat and dry. Seems obvious, but herringbone is more susceptible to subfloor and moisture problems than running plank. Compliance with NWFA guidelines is an absolute must for long term success. 

• Review the floor layout in detail with the installer in advance of ordering material. Patterns require extra material for cuts, transitions need to be planned, not ad hoc.

• Secret: Many herringbone systems require "left hand" and "right hand" planks. Custom planks can be "milled for spline" so that they are multi-directional. Always review this with the installer when getting quotes. 

🎯 You don't have to become a flooring expert to navigate installation challenges and pitfalls. MUSE helps you match the right installer and approach for a stress-free result.

Step 3: Choose the Right System

Many hardwood floors aren't available in herringbone, won’t work with your site conditions, or don't fit your budget. That’s where things can fall apart. Understanding and selecting the right "product system" will help you design with confidence. 

Here are our top picks across three tiers:

💸 Best Budget: Bjelin Woodura Herringbone

• Floating 5G click install with pre-cut starters and accessories.

• Great look, quick install, amazing price.

• Limited colors/sizes and can’t be resanded.
  [Watch install video →] [WebSite →]

🏡 Best Large Format: Mannington Park City

• Flexible Tongue-and-groove profile for  nail down, glue down or floating install.

• Matching herringbone and long plank format and colors. They work together. 

• Big and bold (7.5” x 37.5”)—might not be ideal for small rooms.
  [Watch installed video →] [WebSite →]

🛠 Best Custom: Peachey Hardwoods

• Made-to-order in the USA

• Sawn-face, resandable, highly customizable.

• Ideal for insets, borders, and unique textures. 
  [Visit Peachey's WebSite →] [Visit Peachey’s Instagram →]

• One Last Secret: Because all herringbone planks are exactly the same width and length, you can use them to create other patterns such as basketweave, ladder, and stacked bond effects. Check with us first on which systems work for this. 

🎯 MUSE makes custom easy—guiding you from sample to install.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Settle

✨ Your client gets the wow-factor.
🖼 You get a portfolio piece.
🔧 You set your contractor up for success.

That’s the MUSE Herringbone Effect.
Let’s make it happen!