| Boards (approx.) | |
| Boards, material | |
| Supply and install, rough |
Disclaimer: the 3D designs, quantities, material lists and prices on this site are concept-level estimates only. They are not a quote, a construction drawing or professional advice. Check room measurements on site, and confirm waterproofing, falls, set-out and every other detail against the National Construction Code, Australian Standards (including AS 3740 for wet areas) and your local council requirements with a licensed tradesperson or building practitioner before buying materials or starting work. This site uses Google Analytics to count visits; we only receive your name and contact details if you send a quote request.
Straight (also called brick or staggered) is the quickest to lay and wastes the least, around 10%. Boards run the length of the room, which makes a narrow room look longer.
Herringbone sets rectangular boards at 90° to each other in a zigzag. It suits wide boards and older Melbourne homes, needs about 15% extra material and roughly double the labour of a straight lay.
Chevron cuts each board end at 45° so the rows meet in a clean V. It is the most formal of the three, needs 20% extra material because of the cuts, and most suppliers sell chevron boards pre-cut as left and right pieces.
The visualiser lays each board individually with the bevel and colour variation you set, so you can see the pattern at your room size before buying.
Allow 15% over the floor area for herringbone and 20% for chevron, against 10% for a straight lay. The extra covers the angled cuts at every wall.
Expect roughly $70–$90 per square metre for herringbone or chevron hybrid and engineered timber installation in Melbourne in 2026, versus $35–$45 for a straight lay. Removal of the old floor, levelling and skirting are extra.
Usually along the longest wall or towards the main light source. For herringbone and chevron the arrows normally point down the length of the room or hallway. Switch the direction in the tool to compare.
Herringbone uses rectangular boards that overlap at right angles; chevron boards are cut at an angle so the rows meet in a continuous point. Chevron looks more formal and costs more because of the cutting.
Yes. Hybrid (SPC) herringbone boards are common in Australia, usually around 600×120 mm, waterproof and click-together. The tool defaults to a 1220×180 mm plank; change the board size to match what you are quoted.