Choosing the right flooring format

The format of a timber floor has a significant effect on the overall character of a space. Beyond colour and finish, the pattern itself influences how a room feels in terms of scale, rhythm, movement and formality.

Plank flooring tends to feel calm, natural and continuous, allowing the grain and scale of the timber to remain the principal feature. It often suits spaces where a simpler, more architectural appearance is desired.

Herringbone introduces more rhythm and movement, giving the floor a classic character that can work equally well in both traditional and contemporary interiors depending on the scale of the block.

Chevron offers a more directional and formal appearance, with its continuous point creating a sharper, cleaner pattern. This can help bring structure and visual flow to a room, particularly in hallways, open-plan areas and more symmetrical spaces.

Parquet panels are typically the most decorative of the principal formats, bringing a more structured and crafted appearance. They can add a strong sense of detail and formality, particularly in larger or more feature-led interiors.

No single format is inherently better than another. The right choice depends on the proportions of the room, the surrounding architecture and the atmosphere you want the floor to create. A successful specification considers not only the timber itself, but also how the pattern will shape the experience of the space.