Fischgrät

Fischgrät, known in English as the herringbone pattern, is a geometric design that resembles a fish skeleton. The term is used in architecture, flooring, tiling, and brickwork to describe a V-shaped arrangement formed by alternating angles. It is also used in textiles and other decorative applications.

In parquet flooring, Fischgrät typically uses rectangular wood blocks of equal length laid in a repeating, interlocking V formation. Each block is oriented at a right angle to its neighbor, creating continuous zigzag patterns across the floor. The pattern can be produced with various wood dimensions and finishes, and there are standard and broken (half-turn) variants to fit different room geometries.

In brickwork and paving, Fischgrät refers to a herringbone bond where bricks are laid at 45 degrees (or sometimes 60 degrees) to form a series of Vs. This interlocking arrangement provides structural stability and a distinctive decorative surface. Herringbone brickwork is common in walkways, pavements, and some facade treatments, though it requires careful cutting at edges and corners.

In textiles, the herringbone pattern is produced by a type of twill weave that creates diagonal lines in opposite directions, producing the characteristic zigzag look. The term Fischgrät is used in German to describe this and related herringbone designs in fabrics.

Overall, Fischgrät is valued for its strong visual rhythm and its ability to create dynamic patterns in surfaces while offering durable, interlocking structures in both wood and masonry applications.