It is a real oak parquet floor in which small rectangular oak blocks are laid at right angles to form the classic zig-zag pattern, built on a stable multi-ply core rather than solid timber. The surface is genuine oak that can be sanded and re-finished, while the engineered core lets the floor cope with underfloor heating and centrally heated homes.

Yes. Every herringbone range we stock works with both wet and electric underfloor heating up to a maximum surface temperature of 27C. Acclimatise the blocks for at least 48 hours before fitting and follow the supplied installation instructions.

Herringbone uses rectangular blocks laid at right angles, so they step past one another in a zig-zag. Chevron blocks are cut at an angle at each end so the points meet to form a continuous arrow, which reads as sharper and more directional. Both are engineered oak parquet formats.

Usually a little. Herringbone uses smaller blocks, which means more pieces, more milling and more handling than a wide plank and installation takes longer. Our own-label GF Engineered Wood Herringbone keeps the cost down by selling direct without a national brand premium.

Yes. Because the blocks carry a real oak wear layer, usually 3mm to 6mm thick, the floor can be sanded and re-finished. A thicker wear layer allows more sandings over the life of the floor, which is the main thing to check when comparing ranges.

Blocks are typically supplied on 14mm to 20mm boards with a 3mm to 6mm oak wear layer, in widths around 90mm to 125mm. A common specification reads as 15/4 x 90mm, meaning a 15mm board with a 4mm wear layer and a 90mm block. Exact dimensions vary by range and are shown on each product page.

Two. GF Engineered Wood Herringbone is our own-label European oak range, available to buy online with full pricing and up to five free samples. V4 Deco is V4's designer-led herringbone collection, sold on a Request a Price basis. Both work over underfloor heating and both can be supplied and fitted across the North West.