The herringbone pattern is the epitome of classic elegance in flooring. Moreover, its interlocking zigzag design has graced the floors of grand European manors and stylish city apartments for centuries. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after choices for homeowners looking to add a touch of timeless sophistication to their interiors.
When clients come to us at Luxury Wood Flooring, one of the first and most important decisions they face is choosing between unfinished and pre-finished herringbone parquet. But before we dive into that, let’s clarify a common point of confusion.
What is Herringbone?
Often, the terms ‘herringbone’ and ‘parquet’ are used interchangeably. It’s important to understand that ‘parquet’ refers to a type of flooring made from small blocks of wood fitted together in a geometric pattern.
‘Herringbone’ is one of the most famous of these patterns. So, when you opt for a herringbone floor, you are selecting a specific pattern of parquet flooring. Usually, when high-quality parquet is needed, herringbone remains the preferred pattern. Learn more about – What is Parquet flooring?
Types of Parquet Flooring.
These parquet blocks typically come in two main types:
- Solid Parquet: Traditionally, herringbone is made from solid wood blocks. Each piece is milled from a single piece of timber. Solid wood is beloved for its authenticity and ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its very long lifespan. This is indeed the traditional method and is most often supplied as unfinished, raw wood.
- Engineered Parquet: This modern innovation consists of a top layer of real hardwood (the veneer) bonded to a stable plywood core. The key advantage is its superior dimensional stability, making it highly resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. This makes it an excellent choice for London properties with underfloor heating, or for installations over concrete subfloors. Engineered herringbone is most commonly available in a pre-finished form, though unfinished engineered options do exist.
There are of course options to have pre-finished Solid parquet flooring, as well as unfinished engineered ones. But let’s not make things overcomplicated and stick to the central question – which one is better for your project – Unfinished or Pre-finished Herringbone Parquet. The answer depends entirely on your priorities regarding customisation, budget, and the installation process.
The Art of the Unfinished Herringbone Parquet
Unfinished herringbone parquet arrives at your project raw and untreated. The installation and finishing process is a true craft, performed entirely on-site by skilled professionals.
The Process:
- Professional Installation: Our expert fitters meticulously install each wood block, ensuring the pattern is perfectly aligned and the surface is flawlessly level.
- Sanding: Once installed, the entire floor is sanded smooth using industrial sanders. This step removes any minor height discrepancies between blocks and creates a perfectly smooth surface.
- Staining & Sealing: This is where the magic happens. You can choose any stain colour imaginable—from classic natural oak to dramatic ebony or bespoke grey tones. After staining, multiple protective coats of oil or lacquer are applied to seal and protect the wood.
Key Benefits of Unfinished Parquet:
- Limitless Creative Freedom: This is the single biggest advantage.
You are not limited to a manufacturer’s catalogue. You can work with our team to create a completely bespoke colour and finish. Whether you wish to perfectly match an existing piece of wooden furniture, achieve a specific shade from a designer’s mood board, or create a truly unique tone, it’s all possible. You also have control over the sheen level, from an ultra-matte oil to a high-gloss lacquer.
Indeed, you can create a truly unique, one-of-a-kind floor that matches your exact design vision and complements your interior perfectly. - A Perfectly Seamless Surface: Because the entire floor is sanded as one single surface after installation, the result is a perfectly flat, monolithic floor. There are no bevels or tiny gaps between the blocks, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface, resulting in a sleek, seamless appearance that highlights the pattern itself.
- Ideal for Renovations: Unfinished parquet is excellent for matching existing flooring or integrating with unique architectural features. The ability to custom-mix stains on-site ensures a flawless blend between old and new.
- Flawless Finish: Any minor imperfections in the subfloor or tiny height differences between blocks are completely eliminated during the final sanding process, guaranteeing a perfectly level finish.
- Perfect for Complex Spaces: On-site finishing ensures that every nook, corner, and irregularity is finished to the same impeccable standard as the main area.
- Ideal for Solid Wood: If your heart is set on a traditional solid wood herringbone floor, unfinished is typically your only, and best option.
Considerations
The on-site finishing process is more labour-intensive, takes longer, and involves some disruption, including temporary inaccessible flooring area, so the finish can be applied and dry properly. In addition there is likely to be some odour of the finishing products while they cure. You may also need to allow few days for the floor finish to get fully cured before moving furniture or allowing other contractors to work in the area.
The Convenience of Pre-finished Herringbone Parquet
Pre-finished herringbone parquet is manufactured with the stain and protective top coats already applied at the factory. The individual blocks or panels are delivered ready to be installed.
The Process:
- Professional Installation: Even though the boards are pre-finished, installation is still a job for experts. Our fitters ensure the subfloor is perfectly prepared and the pattern is laid with precision to avoid any damage to the pre-finished surface.
- Completion: Once the last piece is placed and any necessary trimming is done, the floor is essentially complete. A final clean is all it needs to be ready for use.
Key Benefits of Pre-finished Parquet:
- Faster Installation & Move-In Time: There is no waiting for the floor finish to dry or for multiple coats of sealant to cure. The installation is cleaner and often quicker, with minimal disruption to your household.
- Predictable Cost: The cost of finishing (materials and labour) is included in the product price. This often makes pre-finished options a more cost-effective solution upfront, as it eliminates the additional, and significant, cost of on-site sanding and finishing.
- Durable Factory Finish: Pre-finished floors undergo an industrial curing process (often using UV-cured, or aluminium oxide sealants) that creates an exceptionally hard and durable surface that is highly resistant to scratches, wear, and stains.
- Less Mess and Odour: The dust and fumes associated with sanding and on-site finishing are completely avoided, making it a cleaner choice for occupied homes.
- Predictable Results: What you see is what you get. The sample you choose in our showroom will be an exact match for the floor installed in your home, removing any guesswork about the final colour or sheen.
Considerations
Bare in mind that with pre-finished herringbone parquet, your choice is often limited to the finishes offered by the manufacturer. In addition, most pre-finished blocks also feature a ‘micro-bevel’ on the edges, which helps define each block. This creates a slightly different aesthetic from the seamless surface of an unfinished floor.
Unfinished vs. Pre-finished: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Unfinished Herringbone | Pre-finished Herringbone |
| Customisation | Virtually limitless choice of colour, stain, and sheen. | Limited to manufacturer’s available range. |
| Final Appearance | Perfectly smooth, seamless, monolithic surface. | Defined blocks, usually with micro-bevels. |
| Installation Time | Longer due to on-site sanding and finishing. | Faster installation, ready to use almost immediately. |
| On-Site Disruption | More disruptive (sanding dust, fumes from finishes). | Minimal disruption, much cleaner process. |
| Cost | Generally higher initial cost due to intensive labour. | Often more cost-effective due to reduced labour. |
| Best For | Bespoke designs, historic renovations, achieving a unique look. | Projects prioritising speed, durability, and convenience. |
So, Which One is Better? Unfinished or Pre-finished?
The answer is not about one being objectively “better,” but about which is better for you, your project, and your vision.
Choose Unfinished Herringbone if:
- Your priority is a completely custom colour and finish that you cannot find off-the-shelf.
- You desire a perfectly smooth, seamless surface without bevels.
- You are installing a solid wood floor.
- You are undertaking a major renovation where disruption and time are less of a concern.
Choose Pre-finished Herringbone if:
- Budget and timeline are key considerations.
- You need a quick installation with minimal mess and disruption.
- You appreciate the superior durability of a factory-applied finish.
- You have found a pre-made colour and finish that perfectly suits your design scheme.
The Non-Negotiable: Professional Parquet Installation
Regardless of whether you choose unfinished or pre-finished, the success of your herringbone floor lies in the quality of the installation. This is not a DIY job, therefore always choose Professional floor fitter for perfect herringbone parquet installation.
Indeed, laying a parquet flooring pattern requires immense skill, precision, and experience. From preparing a perfectly level subfloor to setting out the crucial centre line, making precise cuts, and ensuring perfect alignment, every step demands a master’s touch. Improper installation can lead to gaps, squeaks, and a pattern that fails to flow correctly, ruining the entire aesthetic and investment.
Luxury Wood Flooring: Best Herringbone Installers
At Luxury Wood Flooring, we pride ourselves on our team of highly skilled and experienced parquet flooring installers. We serve discerning residential clients across London and beyond, ensuring that every block is laid with the precision and care that a luxury material deserves. Important to remember is that herringbone parquet is a precision pattern. Its beauty lies in its perfect alignment and flawless execution.
Indeed, our master class craftsmen are specialising in the intricate art of parquet installation. In addition, we ensure that your floor, unfinished or pre-finished, is installed to the highest possible standard, providing a breath-taking centrepiece for your home that will last for generations.
Ready to explore the perfect herringbone floor for your London home?
Contact Luxury Wood Flooring today for a consultation. We will guide you through every step, from selecting the right type of herringbone and finish to providing a flawless installation that exceeds your expectations.
