Flooring is important when decorating a building or modifying the current state of a house; several factors come into play concerning the general outlook and the functionality of a given building. Other than choosing tiles, laminate, or timber flooring, the design in which your floors are placed will also have a drastic impact on the appearance and sensation of a space.
No pattern of flooring exists without its particular advantages and some disadvantages as well. While a straight lay with its clear lines is undoubtedly admirable, and other patterns can grab eyes due to their harmonious beauty, they all have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. This is the review of six common patterns of flooring, their advantages and disadvantages, and the way to understand which of them is the most suitable in your home.
Straight Lay
The most popular type of flooring is the straight lay, in which products are laid parallel to each other. It fits just about any room, and it is ideal to demonstrate timber flooring wood grains. Such a layout shows a clean and very simple look, and they are also fast and easy to install, which is well suited to a small room or minimalist designs. But in wide open plan spaces, a straight lay can be a bit monotonous or uninspired because there is not a lot of visual difference.
Diagonal Lay
Diagonal flooring is when planks are placed at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the walls. The method gives a space depth and visual interest and can even be used to make a room look bigger than it is. The pattern also develops a contemporary, diversionless appearance that works with all types of interior styling. Its demerit is the fact that this layout consumes more material that is costly and produces more waste.
Herringbone
The herringbone pattern lays the planks in a staggered zigzag pattern. It is the iconic design, which has still passed the test of time and is commonly tied to European class and architecture. This trend is elegant and classic and will never go out of fashion; it is used to create texture and class in a room, whether it be modern or traditional.
Chevron
People usually mix Chevron flooring with herringbone; however, there is a difference between them. The planks in a chevron pattern are cut on a slant to construct a continuous V, causing a smooth and classy finish. This layout presents a distinct effect of meaning and direction, so it would be a perfect setting in a formal room or a modern feature floor.
Basket Weave
The basket weave pattern was inspired by the traditional woven baskets, that is, placing the rectangular planks in pairs and making them appear woven up. This design also creates a distinct and ancient look in a place; it suits well in a foyer or study, especially a small room. Although the make is very attractive and character-rich, basket weave designs have a way of dominating a room that is bigger and has an open-flow layout.
Parquet
It uses a decorative technique of parquet in which small pieces of wood are used in geometric or artistic patterns like mosaic, brick, or the elaborate Versailles patterning. It is ideal for the consumer who desires to have a showpiece on their floor, especially in formal living rooms or entry areas. Parquet floors are luxurious and easy to notice; that is why they can be used with a great variety of designs. They are, however, difficult to fix at the cost of repair and break and may need specialised skills to put up.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Flooring Pattern
Choosing the flooring pattern, one should pay attention to the size of the room, to the general interior style, to your budget, and to the functionality of the room as to the traffic travelling there. As an example, timber flooring laid in a herringbone or chevron style offers high fashion and a grand look to the floor finish, whereas straight-lay flooring provides a neat and durable base to the floor, which is well-suited to most looks.
After all, a proper flooring pattern has the power to change your room of yours, improve circulation, and make it rather representative of your personality. You must consult a professional installer in order to have an impeccable job done, and the installer would be able to help you form your vision and the material and layout.
