Hardwood Floor Patterns: Choosing Style, Material, and Cost

Hardwood flooring choices now include classic straight planks, diagonal layouts, herringbone/chevron, parquet, borders, and custom medallions. Engineered hardwood and reclaimed or certified woods expand material options. Complex patterns increase cutting waste and labor, so plan for higher installation costs. Choose patterns based on room scale, maintenance needs, and overall style.

If you're replacing carpet with hardwood, you're choosing a timeless option. Hardwood adds visual warmth, can last decades with proper care, and is often easier to clean than carpet. Today's market also offers more material and pattern choices than a decade ago, so you can match the floor to your décor and lifestyle.

Popular hardwood patterns

Straight planks and diagonal layouts

The simplest look is the standard straight plank, laid parallel to a wall. Laying planks on the diagonal or in a diamond layout gives the room more movement and can make narrow rooms feel wider.

Herringbone and chevron

These classic geometric patterns (often called parquet when formed from small blocks) have seen a strong resurgence. Herringbone uses staggered rectangles; chevron creates a continuous zigzag. Both add architectural interest without ornate detailing.

Borders and insets

A perimeter border frames a room. Borders typically use contrasting stains or a different species of wood and can be narrow or broad. Insets and banded borders divide open plans or define a formal space.

Parquet and medallions

Parquet refers to repeated geometric blocks - basket-weave, squares, or star motifs. At the high end, medallions and custom inlays sit at a room's center and use multiple species and grain directions to create a focal point. These are decorative and typically custom-crafted.

Materials and modern options

Solid and engineered hardwood both remain popular. Engineered hardwood offers improved dimensional stability in basements, over concrete, and with radiant heat systems. Reclaimed wood and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified species are common choices for buyers prioritizing sustainability. Likewise, wider plank profiles and mixed-width installations are widely available.

Finishes and maintenance

Modern finishes include oil and water-based polyurethanes and UV-cured factory finishes. Each finish affects sheen, durability, and maintenance needs. Regular sweeping and occasional refinishing extend the floor's life; the frequency depends on traffic and finish type.

Installation and cost considerations

Any pattern beyond straight planks tends to raise the budget. Complex patterns increase layout time, waste from cutting, and require more skill. Medallions and inlays add design, material, and labor costs. Proper subfloor preparation and acclimation of the wood are essential for a stable install.

How to choose a pattern

Match the pattern to room scale and architectural style. Simple patterns work well in busy households; geometric or custom inlays suit formal rooms. If resale value is a concern, choose patterns and species that appeal to broad tastes.

Hardwood flooring offers flexibility: from understated straight planks to dramatic medallions. Balance your design goals with material, maintenance, and installation realities to pick the best solution for your home.