LVT Flooring Patterns and Borders
By Jonathan, Head of Commercial Sales · Updated
LVT flooring can be laid in six main patterns: straight plank, herringbone, parquet block, chevron, stripwood and tile. A border or a design strip can then frame the room. This guide shows each pattern, the piece it is made from, and how much extra to order.
| Pattern | Made from | Extra to order | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight plank | Long planks | 10% | Calm, makes a room look longer |
| Herringbone | Short blocks at right angles | 15% | A zigzag, the classic designed floor |
| Chevron | Blocks cut to a point at the factory | At least 15% | A clean row of arrows |
| Stripwood | Narrow planks | Depends on the pattern | More lines, good for halls |
| Tile | Stone or tile look pieces | 10% | A grid or a brick bond |
| Border and design strip | Thin strips and a frame of planks | By the metre | Frames the room like a rug |
Free deliverySale -33%
Free deliverySale -50%
Free deliverySale -21%
Free deliverySale -50%Plank patterns
A plank floor is laid in rows, with the end joints stepped so they do not line up.
- Random stagger. Joints fall at different points in each row. It looks the most like a real board floor.
- Brick bond. Each row steps by half a plank. It is neat and regular.
- Third bond. Each row steps by a third. It sits between the two.
Run the planks along the longest wall, or towards the main window. Allow 10% extra for cuts. Browse glue down plank LVT.
Herringbone and parquet block sizes
Herringbone uses short blocks laid at right angles, so the floor zigzags. The size of the block changes the look. Small blocks repeat often and suit small rooms. Large blocks show more of each board and suit open rooms.
| Range | Block size | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona herringbone | 114 x 457 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Textures herringbone | 95 x 380 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Elements Inspirations herringbone | 95 x 380 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Invictus parquet | 76 x 229 mm, 102 x 406 mm and 150 x 749 mm | See the product page |
| Amtico Spacia parquet | 76 x 229 mm and 102 x 457 mm | 2.5 mm |
Herringbone takes a fitter longer than plank, and every wall means a cut. Allow 15% extra. Our herringbone laying patterns guide covers setting out, double herringbone and basket weave. See all herringbone LVT.
Real herringbone floors
Chevron
Chevron looks like herringbone at first glance, but the blocks meet point to point in a straight line of arrows. The ends are cut at an angle in the factory. You cannot make chevron from herringbone blocks.
We stock chevron in Invictus Ultimus Heritage Oak, in two colours: Sandringham and Windsor.
Stripwood: one narrow plank, six patterns
Amtico Spacia stripwood is a narrow plank, 102 x 914 mm. The same plank can be laid six ways: Stripwood, Deck Block, Wicket, Herringbone Plank, Boardwalk and Linear Block. A narrow board puts more lines across the floor, which suits a hall, a landing or a period home.
Tile patterns
Stone and tile look LVT is laid in a straight grid, or in a brick bond where each row steps by half a tile. Larger tiles mean fewer joints and need a flatter subfloor. Allow 10% extra. See all stone effect LVT.
Borders and design strips
A border is a frame of planks or tiles laid around the edge of the room, with the main pattern inside it. It works like a rug that never moves. Herringbone inside a plank border is the classic choice.
A design strip is a thin line laid between pieces or between the border and the field. We stock Amtico 3 mm design strips in Polished Gold and Pure Plain Black. A box holds 36 strips, 32.92 m in all.
The design strip calculator works out how many boxes a room needs. A border needs careful setting out, so agree the layout with your fitter before the floor is ordered. That is its one small fault: it takes more planning and more fitting time.
Which pattern suits which room
- Small room or hall: a small herringbone block, or stripwood.
- Open plan room: a large block, a wide plank, or a border to mark out a zone.
- Kitchen: plank, herringbone or a stone look. See the best flooring for kitchens.
- Whole house: one colour as plank upstairs and herringbone downstairs. Daytona, Textures and Elements Inspirations all come in both shapes.
Pattern questions people ask
What is the difference between herringbone and chevron?
Herringbone blocks have square ends and overlap in a zigzag. Chevron blocks have angled ends and meet in a straight line of points.
How much extra flooring does a pattern need?
Allow 10% for plank and tile, and 15% for herringbone. The flooring calculator adds it for you.
Can click flooring be laid in herringbone?
Yes, with a click floor made for it. See herringbone click flooring.
What is an LVT design strip?
A thin strip, here 3 mm wide, laid between planks or tiles to draw a line or frame a border.
Does a border cost more to fit?
Usually, yes. It takes the fitter longer to set out and cut. Ask for it in the quote.
Next steps
- Order free samples in the shape you plan to lay.
- Read the herringbone laying patterns guide.
- Work out strips with the design strip calculator.
- Designing for a client? See LVT flooring for interior designers.