Guide to wood-effect floor patterns

LVT homepage image

Wood-effect flooring has revolutionised modern interior design, offering the timeless beauty of natural wood with enhanced durability and versatility. Whether you’re giving your home a fresh look or designing a new space, wooden floor patterns can be perfect for creating the ideal ambience. This style of flooring creates a statement and sets the tone for your entire living space, using Luxury Vinyl Flooring to replicate the look of real wood.

At Greg Stone Flooring, we offer a wide range of wood-effect flooring that evokes the charm and beauty of real wood but without the maintenance requirements. Visit our warehouse to browse in person or arrange a home visit.

Classic Straight Pattern

Timeless and classic, the straight pattern remains the most popular choice for wood-effect flooring, and for good reason. This design features planks laid parallel to each other, running from one wall to another in a clean, linear formation. The simplicity of this style makes it incredibly versatile, complementing everything from ultra-modern minimalist spaces to cosy traditional homes.

When it comes to installing a straight wood-effect layout, consider the direction carefully. In smaller rooms, laying the planks along the longest wall will create an illusion of expanded space, making cramped areas feel open and airier, while in larger rooms, you can use the direction to highlight specific architectural features or create visual pathways that guide the eye through the space.

Get in touch for a quote or visit our warehouse

Dynamic Diagonals

For homeowners looking to add visual interest without making it overwhelming, the diagonal pattern offers the perfect solution. Just like the straight pattern but installed at a 45-degree angle from corner to corner instead, this layout creates a sophisticated twist on traditional flooring. The diagonal orientation can dramatically alter a room’s perceived dimensions, making spaces appear wider or longer depending on the installation direction.

This pattern requires more precision during installation and typically results in more waste due to edge cuts, but the visual impact justifies the extra effort. The diagonal pattern works exceptionally well in larger, open-plan spaces where it can create dynamic movement and energy, or in transitional areas like hallways or entryways.

Herringbone Designs

Perhaps no pattern commands attention quite like the herringbone, with its distinctive zigzag formation that has graced floors for centuries. This pattern creates natural dimensional stability as each plank supports its neighbours, reducing movement and maintaining tight joints over time. The herringbone pattern can be installed either parallel or diagonally to the room’s walls, offering flexibility in how it interacts with your home. The pattern’s rich history—dating back to ancient Roman road construction—speaks to its enduring appeal and structural benefits.

herringbone floor

Sophisticated Chevrons

Often confused with herringbone, the chevron pattern uses a continuous zigzag effect. The key difference lies in how the planks are prepared: chevron patterns require the planks to be cut at precise angles, so their ends meet in perfect alignment, creating unbroken diagonal lines across the floor. This results in a sharper, more geometric appearance that exudes contemporary sophistication.

The chevron pattern demands a skilled installer and very precise measurements for a professional result, so it’s a premium flooring choice. Like herringbone, it’s best suited for larger spaces where the pattern can be fully appreciated without overwhelming the room.

Versatile Basketweave

The basketweave pattern gives the illusion of interwoven planks, mimicking traditional basket construction techniques. This pattern typically uses square or rectangular blocks arranged in alternating perpendicular orientations, creating a textured, dimensional appearance that adds warmth and character to any space. Unlike some other complex patterns, basketweave works well in rooms of all sizes, making it incredibly versatile. For added visual interest, consider mixing different wood tones or species effects to create depth and highlight the pattern’s intricate structure.

Choosing the Right Pattern for Your Space

Choosing the perfect wood-effect pattern depends on the size of the room you’re installing in – while busy patterns like herringbone and chevron create stunning focal points in large spaces, they can overwhelm smaller rooms where simpler patterns might be more appropriate. It’s also worth thinking about your room’s natural light sources, existing décor, and intended use when making your decision so you can choose the right layout.


For expert advice from our flooring experts, contact Greg Stone Flooring today or arrange a home visit so we can help you choose the right flooring for your home.