What is parquet?
Parquet (also called parquetry) is a timber floor made from small blocks or panels laid in a repeating geometric pattern, rather than long boards laid in parallel rows. The word comes from French. Australians often say "parquetry"; New Zealanders and Europeans more often say "parquet".
Parquet blocks can be solid (timber all the way through, like Timbo's 18mm European oak) or engineered (a hardwood wear layer on a core). Patterns are set by the block shape and how blocks are combined. For a broader comparison with conventional boards, see parquet vs floorboards.
The main parquet patterns
The most common patterns are herringbone, chevron, basket weave, Versailles panels and multi-block variations such as double herringbone.
| Pattern | How it's made | Look | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herringbone | Square-ended left/right blocks at 90° | Stepped zigzag | Medium–high |
| Chevron | Angle-cut left/right blocks meeting in a V | Clean arrows | High |
| Double / triple herringbone | 2 or 3 blocks side by side per step | Wider, bolder zigzag | High |
| Basket weave | Groups of blocks forming squares that alternate direction | Woven checkerboard | Medium |
| Versailles | Pre-made square panels with lattice and diagonals | Ornate, formal | High (panels) |
| Straight / brick-bond block | Blocks in parallel rows with staggered joints | Simple, contemporary | Low–medium |
Herringbone
Herringbone is rectangular blocks laid at right angles, the end of one meeting the side of the next. It is the most versatile parquet pattern: traditional in a period home, clean in a modern apartment. Timbo's herringbone comes in 710 × 123 × 18mm and 820 × 123 × 18mm Prime grade European solid oak. Full detail in the herringbone flooring guide and on the herringbone collection.
Chevron
Chevron uses blocks with angled ends that meet tip to tip, so every row forms a continuous V. It reads as more formal and directional than herringbone. The end angle varies by product. See the chevron flooring guide and Timbo's chevron collection.
Double and triple herringbone
Double herringbone sets two blocks side by side in each step of the zigzag; triple herringbone uses three. The result is a wider, more graphic pattern that suits big rooms. Because each step is wider, more of the room's edge is cut, and setout tolerances are tight. Most standard herringbone blocks can be laid double or triple – ask Timbo about suitability for a given block size and your project.
Basket weave
Basket weave groups blocks (usually two to four) into squares, alternating the direction of each square to create a woven, checkerboard effect. Variations include a square centre "dot" between groups. It's calmer than herringbone and suits bedrooms, studies and heritage restorations.
Versailles and panel parquet
Versailles parquet is a large square panel made of interlaced straight and diagonal pieces, usually pre-assembled and laid as units on a diagonal grid. Other panel designs – Chantilly, Chamonix and many proprietary designs – follow the same idea. Panels are a premium product; specifications vary widely, so ask for the panel size, thickness and fixing method. Timbo's pattern parquet range, including the Hybrid Oak Timeless Pattern Parquet (15mm patterned oak squares, 450 × 450mm and 800 × 800mm), is on the patterned collection.
Borders and feature bands
A border is one or more rows of blocks or boards that frame the parquet field around the walls of a room. Borders do three jobs:
- Frame the pattern – giving a finished, architectural look.
- Hide out-of-square walls – the pattern stays true and the border absorbs the difference.
- Manage transitions – at doorways, fireplaces and joinery.
Common border styles include a single row of blocks laid lengthways, a double row, or a contrasting band between rows. Borders add cutting time and waste – see the herringbone layout and waste guide.
Parquet terms worth knowing
A few terms come up in every parquet quote and specification.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Block | A single parquet piece, e.g. 710 × 123 × 18mm |
| Field | The main patterned area inside any border |
| Border / band | Rows framing the field around walls or features |
| Left-hand / right-hand | Mirror-image blocks with tongues and grooves on opposite sides, needed for herringbone and chevron |
| Tongue and groove (T&G) | Machined edges that lock blocks together and keep faces level |
| Setout | Marking the centre line and guide lines before laying |
| Solid / engineered | Timber all the way through vs a hardwood wear layer on a core |
| Raw / prefinished | Unfinished (sanded and coated on site) vs factory-finished |
Pattern, cost and waste
The more complex the pattern, the more it costs to lay and the more timber is lost to cuts. Straight block layouts are quickest; herringbone and basket weave sit in the middle; chevron, multi-block herringbone and panels with borders are the most labour-intensive. Herringbone and chevron commonly need about 10–15% waste as a rule of thumb, and borders add more. Your installer sets the allowance after measuring.
Choosing a pattern
Choose by room size, architecture and the effect you want: herringbone for versatility, chevron for crisp direction, basket weave for calm, and Versailles for statement rooms.
| Room / goal | Pattern to consider |
|---|---|
| Long hallway | Herringbone or chevron running lengthways |
| Open-plan living | Herringbone in a larger block (e.g. 820mm), or double herringbone |
| Small bedroom or study | Basket weave or 710mm herringbone |
| Formal dining or entry | Chevron or Versailles with a border |
| Heritage restoration | Match the original – often herringbone or basket weave |
Practical points for every pattern
- Subfloor first. Parquet is glued down, so the slab or sheet subfloor must be flat, dry and sound. Concrete slabs are commonly required to be flat within about 3mm under a 3m straightedge, and the adhesive maker's moisture limits govern (Bowens).
- Moisture. Install within about ±2% of the timber's expected in-service moisture content (WoodSolutions).
- Labour. Patterns cost more to lay than straight boards; published labour-only rates for herringbone are about $60–$100/m², or $90–$120+/m² for complex work, incl. GST (The Flooring Guys).
- Grade. Clean grades read as crisp geometry; rustic grades make busy patterns busier. See oak flooring grades.
Sources
- Bowens – Hardwood timber flooring
- WoodSolutions – Moisture guide
- The Flooring Guys – Herringbone flooring cost
Frequently asked questions
Which parquet pattern is easiest to install?
Straight or brick-bond block layouts are the simplest, followed by basket weave. Herringbone needs careful setout, and chevron is the least forgiving because every point must land on its line. Versailles panels need accurate setout of the panel grid.
What is a Versailles parquet panel?
A Versailles panel is a large square panel of interlaced straight and diagonal timber pieces, originally laid at the Palace of Versailles. Panels are usually made in a workshop and laid as complete units, often in a diagonal grid.
Where does basket weave parquet work best?
Basket weave suits bedrooms, studies and heritage restorations where you want texture without the strong movement of herringbone or chevron. A pale or matt finish gives it a contemporary feel.
Do parquet borders need to be the same timber?
No. Borders can be the same oak as the field for a subtle frame, or a contrasting species or tone for a stronger outline. Using the same oak avoids mismatched movement and colour change over time.
What is the difference between parquet blocks and parquet panels?
Blocks are individual pieces – such as herringbone or chevron blocks – laid one at a time on site to form the pattern. Panels, such as Versailles, are pre-assembled squares containing many pieces and are laid as units. Panels speed up complex patterns but need accurate grid setout.