Wood floors are commonly laid out in a straight pattern. However, Simply Oak™ flooring is available in Herringbone, Chevron, and Parquet patterns too. These patterns take more effort to cut and install than straight floorboards, but the effects add excitement and beauty to any home or business.
The Romans may have initiated the use of Herringbone patterns underfoot. Ancient architects in the Eternal City discovered that laying bricks in a herringbone pattern (called ”opus spicatum”) increased the beauty and stability of highly trafficked roadways. Some of these roads still exist today — a tribute to their durability.
The pattern itself is said to resemble the bones of a fish. Crosscut floorboards are arranged with the short end touching the next board’s long edge. This arrangement often resembles the letter “L” and gives the floor a zigzag and blockish appearance.