The Block 2025: Herringbone Flooring Steals the Show in Living and Dining Rooms

Timber flooring has always been admired for its authenticity, natural variation, and ability to add warmth and character to any interior. With so many species available, from sophisticated European oaks to uniquely Australian timbers, it’s a beautiful choice for a wide range of home styles. 

Herringbone takes this classic material a step further. Defined by its distinctive zigzag pattern, herringbone instantly becomes a design feature while still creating a base for personal aesthetics It’s directional and visually striking, which makes it best suited to spacious or open-plan homes where the pattern can really shine. This makes it an ideal match for Australian living, where open-plan layouts are incredibly common. 

Unlike trends that come and go, herringbone is considered timeless. It offers a balance of tradition and contemporary elegance, ensuring it will look current for decades to come. 

One of the most exciting aspects of Episode Three was seeing how three different contestant homes embraced herringbone flooring while creating entirely unique interiors. 

House 1 – Emma and Ben 

Emma and Ben chose Sandsong Herringbone in the colour Pebbled. This deeper timber tone grounded the space, creating contrast against pitched ceilings and skylights while softening beautifully under sheer curtains and layered textiles. The overall effect was sophisticated yet welcoming, striking a balance between elegance and comfort. 

House 2 – Han and Can 

Han and Can opted for Marlu Herringbone in the colour Western, a lighter timber that brought brightness and openness to the living and dining areas. With a striking wine cellar as the centrepiece and accents of gold and colour throughout, their home achieved a refined yet liveable feel. The lighter herringbone flooring elevated the sense of sophistication while allowing the feature elements of the interior to shine. 

House 3 – Robby and Mat 

Robby and Mat also selected Sandsong Herringbone Pebbled, using it to establish a warm foundation for their inviting interior. Relaxed sofas, comfortable furniture, and the addition of a fireplace gave their living and dining room a homely, family-oriented atmosphere. The herringbone design brought cohesion to the overall space, making it feel both stylish and approachable. 

Herringbone flooring has become so popular because it delivers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. 

• Distinctive character – The zigzag pattern makes it instantly recognisable and adds a unique focal point to any room. 

• Timeless style – A design element that has been used for centuries, herringbone won’t date or fall out of fashion. 

• Natural beauty – When crafted from timber, herringbone flooring offers the warmth, authenticity, and variation that only real wood can provide. 

• Longevity – With the right care, timber herringbone floors can last for decades. Even if damaged, they can often be sanded or repaired rather than replaced. 

While timber is the ultimate in authenticity, it’s not the only way to achieve the herringbone look. Laminate, hybrid, and vinyl alternatives now make this style more accessible to a wider range of households. 

Products like Woorim Laminate Flooring replicate the beauty of timber in a herringbone pattern while providing extra durability and easier maintenance. Laminate is an excellent choice for busy homes as it’s resistant to scratches, dents, and stains (making it particularly practical for children or pets). It’s also water-resistant, meaning accidental spills are less of a concern. 

ISCOCORE Aspecta Hybrid and vinyl flooring, deliver similar benefits with the added advantage of being soft underfoot and highly water-resistant. These alternatives allow homeowners to enjoy the sophistication of herringbone design without compromising on everyday practicality or budget. 

To keep herringbone timber flooring looking beautiful for years to care goes a long way. 

• Prevention is key – Minimise wear by encouraging a no-shoes policy indoors. Provide a bench, ottoman, or shoe rack at entryways to make this easy for family and guests. 

• Avoid harsh chemicals – Stick to gentle cleaning products designed specifically for timber flooring. Waxes and strong detergents can damage the surface. 

• Clean spills promptly – React quickly to any messes to prevent staining or moisture damage. 

• Protect against pets – Keep pet nails trimmed and clean their paws to reduce scratches and dirt. 

• Regular maintenance – Sweep or vacuum frequently to remove dirt and grit, which can be abrasive if left on the surface. 

• Furniture care – Never drag heavy items across the floor. Instead, lift furniture or use protective felt pads underneath legs. 

By following these simple steps, you can preserve both the beauty and the longevity of your timber floors. 

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Episode Three of The Block 2025 proved just how versatile and impactful herringbone flooring can be and we couldn’t agree more! Whether in darker tones for a sophisticated edge or lighter shades to brighten and open up a room, the contestants showed that this flooring style works across a variety of design approaches. Herringbone (along with chevron flooring) has timeless appeal, natural beauty, and ability to elevate everyday spaces into something truly special. 

For those seeking the same elegance in their own homes, the good news is that there are plenty of options—from authentic timber through to practical laminate, hybrid, and vinyl alternatives, ensuring there’s a herringbone floor to suit every lifestyle and budget. With the right care, herringbone flooring will remain a beautiful feature of your home for years to come. 

Are timber floors high maintenance? – Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, that is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring. 

What is laminate flooring? – Laminate flooring is constructed from several layers to create the appearance of timber or stone. Laminate floors utilise cutting edge photographic technology to simulate the grain, stain and texture of wood at a fraction of the price. It’s highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, with the top layer, known as the wear layer, usually made of a aluminium oxide or melamine resin which enhances it’s durability. 

Who installs engineered timber boards? –Installing flooring can be a complex task and should be left to the professionals. Flooring Xtra stores have their own installation teams, taking the stress off the customer. You can read more about the benefits of professional installers on our website.

In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the areas being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.