Herringbone is a pattern. If you buy white oak you can lay it out in the herringbone pattern.

engineered

In theory, so long as the engineered edge system allows the 'short ends' to lock int the "long sides" then you are in business. That's really all that is needed. The PROBLEM comes in when you have to cut away those edges to create the right lengths of runs....then your MASTERFUL flooring professional with more time on his/her hands than most people have money - will then MILL NEW EDGES on those planks that have been cut. It is sooooo much fun. Should take plenty of time and money but it is more than doable.

A glue down is easier to get this to work because you don't necessarily require all the tongue-groove components to be in place. Nail of float is a different story!

I appreciate the help. The problem as you noted is the locking system of the planks. Older wood floors were face nailed and a regular wood floor is easily routed.

Whiteside? was making some bits to match a popular brand but I haven't researched further.

Cancork you are obviously the floor pro do you think gluing would be sufficient to lock the floor in with those loose ends. Its going on slab so there will be movement. Any white oak brands that have a router bit set or use a simple tongue and groove.

They don't want to upset floor height and that is issue for using engineered on their slab.

I'd get white oak herringbone tile.

I'd skip the herringbone concept entirely. Free yourself .....as while wood floors are indeed lovely, it's freedom to "rug" that sets them off even more. Vary the plank size if you want more interest. Keep is simple. It never fails long term. The photo actually makes me dizzy.

I appreciate the help and Oak I will pass along your info.

Let me know if you have any other wood flooring questions. joel@oakandbroad.com

Gluing to slab is FRAUGHT with danger. Even when everything lines up PERFECTLY - there is ALWAYS risk to gluing down to slab. If homeowner wants engineered hardwood herring bone they have to pay the piper. Someone like Oak & Broad will produce the high-end option without the need to muck around with edging (so a floating install is the way to go)....OR you pay massive amounts of money to glue into place with on-site milling of edges.

If you need to glue....get the homeowners to sign a waiver stating that they know and take full responsibility for the risky install. Their wish is your command....but they take ALL the responsibility with moisture failures.

Not a lot of homeowners will sign a waiver like that. A custom made product designed for herring bone (such as Oak & Broad) will save you/them MASSIVE amounts of aggravation. With a price tag to match.

Wood look tile will be a much cheaper option in the end than a custom milled floor. It takes a very specific LARGE space with little ornamentation in order to appreciate such a pattern, and not compete with it into visual overload. Most folks don't have a 1000 sq Ft great room with a single giant sectional in it and stark white walls.