visgraat

Visgraat, meaning fishbone in Dutch, is a herringbone pattern widely used in parquet flooring, wall tiling, and brickwork. The design is formed by rectangular units arranged in a zigzag so that adjacent pieces meet at a 90-degree angle, producing a continuous sequence of V-shaped motifs. In most installations the pattern is aligned so the V shapes point along a diagonal of the space, commonly at 45 degrees to the room walls.

Applications and materials: Visgraat is most common in wooden parquet floors, but the concept is also used for ceramic or stone tiles and for brick or concrete pavements. The pattern offers a high degree of visual interest and can enhance the perceived length of a room. Fabric and textile versions exist in prints and knits as well.

Installation and variations: The pattern requires precise cuts and a flat subfloor; it typically uses uniform rectangular elements in standard lengths. Variants include standard visgraat and double visgraat, as well as offset patterns that alter the size of the V shapes.

History and etymology: Called visgraat in Dutch, the pattern is often described in English as herringbone. It has ancient roots in brick and stone pavements and became popular in European parquetry from the 17th century onward.

Care and maintenance: Wood visgraat floors require sealing and routine maintenance to protect against moisture; ceramic and stone versions follow standard tile maintenance.