Installation & Maintenance
Karndean Flooring Fitters Guide to Installing Parquet / Herringbone
Mar
Herringbone and parquet designs are now among the most requested laying patterns in UK homes, and professional fitters are being asked to install them more than ever. At Grosvenor Flooring we are an approved Karndean retail partner providing specialist Karndean flooring installation across Manchester, Cheshire, South Manchester, and the wider North West — including Sale, Hale, Timperley, Bowdon, Knutsford, Wilmslow, and Warrington. This guide covers the gig method for setting out a herringbone pattern accurately, ensuring equal perimeter cuts and a balanced, professional finish.
Step 1 — Build the gig: Construct a setting-out gig using 10 blocks arranged in a herringbone pattern (Fig 21). Make sure the right-hand block sits above the left-hand block — this determines the direction of the herringbone and must be consistent throughout the installation. The gig acts as your master template, so take time to get it square and tight before positioning it in the room.
Step 2 — Position on the centre line: Find the centre of the room and snap a chalk line. Measure 25mm (1 inch) to the right of this centre line and position the gig as shown (Fig 22). This offset accounts for the way herringbone blocks interlock and ensures the pattern radiates symmetrically from the centre of the room rather than from the edge of a single block.
Step 3 — Check and adjust the perimeter cut: With the gig in position, measure the gap between the last full block and the wall. This will give you equal cuts at both sides of the room, but the cut may be too narrow for a clean finish. If the perimeter cut is too small, measure 108mm (4¼ inches) to the right of the centre line and reposition the gig (Fig 23). This shifts the entire pattern just enough to produce a more workable border cut on both sides — wide enough to look intentional and to fit cleanly against skirting or edge trim.
This technique works for all Karndean herringbone products — whether you are fitting Art Select, Van Gogh, or Knight Tile — and applies equally to other herringbone LVT brands including Amtico Signature, Nordikka Tromso, Bodo Herringbone SPC, and Project Floors Herringbone. To see these patterns laid out in full-size room displays, visit our 24/7 Smart Showroom at 82 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1BS — request a door code online and browse at any time.
Tips for Karndean flooring fitters
1. Acclimatization-Karndean should be acclimatized for 24-48 hours prior to fitting.
2. Always prime the floor prior to screed.
3. Water based screed is far superior to latex.
4. Geometric Designs-Fit the field first and the border second.
5. Wood plank or border installations with no pattern-Fit the border first and the field second.
6. High temperature adhesive when using with underfloor heating and areas subject to heat such as conservatories.
7. Score and snap when cutting Karndean.
8. Cut into waist material to give a compression joint.
9. Always use Karndean cleaning products to maintain the floor.
You can buy Karndean parquet floors from Grosvenor Flooring at a competitive price with fast delivery or collection:
Buy Karndean Knight Tile Parquet
Buy Karndean Art Select Parquet
