Epsom · Herringbone
1930s herringbone parquet
A tired orange finish taken back to clean, even herringbone blocks.
View project
Wood type
Herringbone Flooring
Herringbone is the most elegant of patterned floors. Restoring it needs pattern-aware sanding to bring out its geometry without visible scratches.
Up close
Know your herringbone
Because every block in a herringbone floor sits at 90° to its neighbour, there is no single 'with the grain' direction to sand. We plan the sanding angle and sequence, work the borders and bays carefully, and finish with fine sanding so the pattern looks crisp from every angle in the room.
Project highlights
- Epsom: herringbone restored right into the bay window
- Planned sanding angles for alternating grain
- Natural, oiled or lacquered finishes
Characteristics
- Zig-zag pattern of rectangular blocks
- Strong sense of movement
- Often framed by a border
Common problems
- Dull, worn surfaces
- Loose blocks at borders
- Uneven blocks
Restoration challenges
- Alternating grain direction
- Keeping borders crisp
- Large continuous areas
Our methods
- Planned sanding angles
- Multi-disc fine sanding
- Border detailing
Recommended finishes
- Hardwax oil
- Extra-matt lacquer
- Smoked and natural tones
Maintenance
- Gentle cleaning
- Oil refresh when dry
- Avoid standing water
Restoration examples
Herringbone – before & after
Gallery
Our herringbone flooring work
FAQs
Herringbone Flooring questions
Can herringbone be stained?
Yes – after careful sanding herringbone takes stain beautifully, from pale to smoked and dark tones.
Free quotes · Merton, Sutton, South West London & Surrey
Ready to bring your floor back to life?
Call, email or WhatsApp a few photos for a fast, free, friendly quote.