When you want to lay a herringbone floor, the choice between wood and PVC is important. Both materials offer the iconic herringbone pattern, but they differ in appearance, maintenance, durability, and comfort. This article will help you make the right choice for your living room or apartment, including tips on underfloor heating.
Advantages of herringbone wood
- Authentic appearance: Wood feels warm and natural, with unique color and grain patterns.
- Durability: A well-maintained wooden floor can last for decades.
- Value-adding: Wooden floors provide a luxurious look and can increase the value of your home.
Advantages of herringbone PVC
- Low maintenance: PVC is easy to clean and resistant to moisture.
- Durable and hard-wearing: Ideal for heavily used areas and families with children or pets.
- Comfort and compatibility: PVC feels soft and is excellently suited for underfloor heating.
- Versatile appearance: Available in various colors and wood-look finishes.
Disadvantages to consider
- Wood: More expensive to purchase, requires periodic maintenance, and can be sensitive to scratches and moisture.
- PVC: Feels less natural than real wood, and some cheaper variants may seem less durable.
Practical comparison for living rooms
In a living room where comfort and appearance are important, wood offers a warm and authentic atmosphere. PVC is a practical choice for high-traffic areas or families who want less maintenance. Both materials work excellent with underfloor heating, but wood may heat up slightly slower than PVC.
Apartments
In apartments, PVC is popular due to its light weight, easy maintenance, and compatibility with underfloor heating. Wood adds luxury and is ideal for larger spaces or living rooms where the floor is a true eye-catcher.

Combining whalebone and herringbone
Do you want to combine different spaces or alternate materials? Check out our inspiration blogs, such as Herringbone in small spaces, to make the right choice between wood and PVC and style your floor optimally.
Conclusion
The choice between herringbone wood and PVC depends on budget, maintenance preferences, and desired appearance. Wood offers authenticity and luxury, while PVC is practical, durable, and low-maintenance. Both materials are suitable for living rooms and apartments and work perfectly with underfloor heating.
More information about herringbone floors can be found in our Herringbone floor guide.