Rectangular blocks laid at 90 degrees to each other in a staggered zigzag. The ends overlap, so the pattern reads as broken.
Blocks with angled ends meet in a clean point, forming a continuous V down the room.
Small wood pieces set in squares or basket weave, sometimes framed with a border.
A pattern floor is only as straight as its first row. We find the centre line of the main room or hallway, snap a reference line, and dry-lay blocks to check how the pattern lands at doorways and walls. Walls in older houses are often out of square, so we split the difference so the cuts at each wall look balanced. Blocks are then glued and pinned to a flat, solid subfloor, one row at a time.
Pattern floors have more line items than straight planks, so each one is written out.
Any border, feature strip or threshold where the pattern meets another floor is listed with its own price.
We state whether the blocks are solid or engineered and prefinished or unfinished. Unfinished blocks add sanding and finish on site.
The quote names the adhesive or underlay for your subfloor. Over concrete in a condo, that system has to meet the building's flooring rules.
Glued blocks need time before sanding or heavy furniture. The quote shows how many days each room is closed.
Estimates before 13% HST. Sources differ, so treat these as a guide. Pattern, block size, species and borders move the price.
About $15 – $30 / sq ft
$1 – $4 / sq ft
$4.50 – $8 / sq ft
Block size and borders change how a herringbone floor reads. Short, narrow blocks make a busy pattern that suits small rooms and hallways, while longer, wider blocks look calmer in open living and dining areas. A border of straight boards around the room frames the pattern and hides walls that are slightly out of square, but it adds cutting time. Solid blocks can be sanded several times, and engineered blocks go over concrete and into condos with the right underlay system. We lay sample blocks on your floor so you can see the scale before ordering.
Angled cuts at walls and doorways waste more wood than straight planks.
Small blocks show every dip. The base is levelled before the first row goes down.
Health Canada recommends 30 to 50% indoor humidity. Steady humidity limits gaps between small blocks in winter.
Excellent flooring installation from start to finish. The team was professional, punctual, and left our Toronto home spotless. Our new hardwood floors look incredible.
Reliable and professional Toronto flooring contractors. They answered all our questions, respected our home, and delivered exactly what they promised.
Every block is placed and cut by hand along a layout line, so labour runs about 2 to 3 times a standard install. You also typically order 10 to 20% extra wood for waste, depending on room shape and block size.
Often, yes. Engineered herringbone can be installed with an acoustic underlay system that suits the product and your building. Check your condo's flooring rules and get board approval first.
If the blocks are tight and firmly glued, sanding and refinishing is an option. Loose or missing blocks are re-glued or replaced first.