CRAFT Hardwood Guides

Herringbone vs Chevron:
What's the Difference?

A clear, expert comparison to help you choose the right patterned floor for your home.

​"We'd like a parquet floor, please."
"Perfect! Would you like traditional herringbone or chevron?"
"Aren't they the same thing?"

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This conversation happens quite often during our initial consultations. Both herringbone and chevron create that distinctive zigzag pattern that adds instant character to any room, but they're actually quite different in appearance, installation, and cost.

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After installing hundreds of patterned floors across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, we've learned that understanding these differences helps homeowners choose the pattern that's genuinely right for their space, rather than just the one they've seen in photos.

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Let's clear up the confusion once and for all.

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The Simple Visual Difference​

The easiest way to spot the difference is to look at how the pieces meet:

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Herringbone: The blocks meet at a 90-degree angle, creating a broken zigzag pattern. Each rectangular block has square-cut ends. When laid, one block's end butts against the side of the next block, forming a distinctive "L" shape at each joint.

Chevron: The planks meet at an angled point (usually 45 or 60 degrees), creating a continuous zigzag with a perfect V-shape. Each plank is cut at an angle on both ends. When laid, the angled ends fit together perfectly, creating an unbroken chevron arrow.

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Think of it this way: herringbone looks like a series of rectangles arranged in a broken zigzag, while chevron looks like a continuous zigzag arrow pointing across your floor.

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The Technical Difference: It's All in the Cut​

The fundamental difference comes down to how the timber elements are cut.

Herringbone Blocks

• End cut: 90 degrees (square cut)

• Shape: Simple rectangles

• Installation: Blocks laid at 90-degree angles to each other

• Pattern: Creates a broken, staggered zigzag

• Joint appearance: The end of one block meets the side of another

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Common herringbone sizes we install:

• 70mm x 250mm (traditional solid oak parquet blocks)

• 70mm x 300mm–350mm (medium format)

• 90mm x 600mm (contemporary larger format)

• 150mm x 600mm or 150mm x 900mm (statement sizes)

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Chevron Planks

• End cut: Typically 45 or 60 degrees (angled cut)

• Shape: Rectangular planks with angled ends

• Installation: Angled ends meet to form perfect points

• Pattern: Creates a continuous, unbroken zigzag

• Joint appearance: Two angled ends meet at a perfect point

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Common chevron sizes we install:

• 90mm x 500mm at 45° or 60°

• 120mm x 600mm at 45° or 60°

• 150mm x 750mm at 45° or 60°

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The angle of the chevron (45° vs 60°) affects how steep or shallow the V-pattern appears. A 60-degree chevron creates a sharper, more dramatic V, while a 45-degree chevron is more relaxed.

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Which Looks Better?​

This is entirely subjective, but there are some general observations from our projects:

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Herringbone Tends to Feel:

• More traditional and classic

• Slightly busier and more intricate

• Better suited to period properties

• More forgiving of imperfect room geometry

• Timeless and versatile across different interior styles

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Chevron Tends to Feel:

• More contemporary and striking

• Cleaner and more geometric

• Better suited to modern or minimalist spaces

• More dramatic and statement-making

• Luxurious and high-end (think Parisian apartments)

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That said, we've installed contemporary herringbone in ultra-modern new builds and traditional chevron in Victorian homes. Both patterns are genuinely timeless and work in virtually any setting when chosen thoughtfully.​

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Installation Differences (And Why It Affects Cost)​

This is where things get interesting, and where cost differences emerge.

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Herringbone Installation​

Herringbone is relatively straightforward to install. Each block is a simple rectangle, which means:

• Cutting: Minimal cutting required (mainly at walls and borders)

• Wastage: Typically 10–15% wastage allowance

• Speed: Faster to install per square metre

• Starting point: Can start from any wall or central point

• Adjustability: Easier to adjust if room isn't perfectly square

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The rectangular blocks are simpler to manufacture, which is why herringbone timber tends to be slightly less expensive than chevron.

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Chevron Installation​

Chevron is more complex and demanding. Those angled ends create specific challenges:

• Cutting: Each plank must be precisely cut and placed at the correct angle

• Wastage: Typically 15–20% wastage allowance

• Speed: Slower to install due to precise alignment requirements

• Starting point: Must start from a central line for symmetry

• Precision: Less forgiving – any walls that aren't straight are very obvious

• Set-out and detailing: More complex detailing around fireplaces and doorways

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The precision required means chevron installation takes roughly 10–30% longer than herringbone for the same floor area.

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Even when chevron planks are factory-cut and pre-finished, the installation is still more precise and time-consuming than herringbone. Herringbone is more forgiving and quicker to install, while chevron demands perfect alignment and symmetry, which increases labour time and cost.

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Cost Differences​

Chevron typically costs 15–25% more than herringbone for several reasons:

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Material costs:

• Chevron planks are more expensive to manufacture due to angled cutting

• Higher wastage during installation

• Often comes from specialist suppliers

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Labour costs:

• Longer installation time

• More skill and precision required

• More complex planning and setting out

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Which Pattern Makes a Room Look Bigger?

Both patterns direct the eye, creating movement and visual interest, but they work slightly differently:

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Herringbone creates a more dispersed pattern that the eye doesn't follow in one strong direction. This can make it feel slightly less directional, which works well in square rooms or spaces where you don't want to emphasise one dimension over another.

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Chevron creates strong diagonal lines that draw the eye along the direction of the V-pattern. If installed running toward the longest dimension of the room, chevron can make a space feel longer and more dynamic.

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In practice: The difference is subtle. Both patterns add visual interest that generally makes rooms feel more spacious and characterful compared to plain plank flooring.

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Historical Context: Which Came First?

Herringbone is the older pattern. It's been used for centuries, appearing in Roman pavements, medieval European floors, and extensively throughout Georgian and Victorian Britain. Traditional parquet herringbone was the luxury flooring choice in British homes from the 1800s through to the mid-1900s.

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Chevron has equally ancient roots in decorative arts but became particularly fashionable in French château and Parisian apartment floors during the 17th and 18th centuries. It experienced a revival in high-end interiors over the past 15-20 years and has become the "contemporary luxury" choice.

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When we restore original floors in period properties across Lancashire and Liverpool, we almost always find herringbone rather than chevron.

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Room Suitability: Where Each Works Best​

Herringbone Works Particularly Well In:

• Period properties - It's historically appropriate and feels authentic

• Smaller rooms - The broken pattern doesn't overwhelm compact spaces

• Irregular rooms - More forgiving of walls that aren't perfectly straight

• Traditional interiors - Complements period features

• Versatile spaces - Works with both traditional and contemporary furniture

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Chevron Works Particularly Well In:

• Large, open-plan spaces - The continuous pattern suits generous proportions

• Rectangular rooms - Emphasises length when laid along the longest dimension

• Modern interiors - Suits clean, contemporary design

• High-ceiling rooms - The bold pattern complements grand proportions

• Statement spaces - Entrance halls, main living areas where you want impact

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Borders and Finishing

Both patterns can be installed with or without borders, but this affects them differently:

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Herringbone with border: Very traditional. The border frames the herringbone pattern beautifully and can help disguise slightly irregular room shapes. We often use a double border (two rows of blocks) for a classic, elegant finish.

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Herringbone without border: Contemporary and clean. The herringbone runs to the wall edges, creating a more modern, seamless look. This is increasingly popular in new builds and modern renovations.

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Chevron with border: Less common but can work beautifully, especially with a simple single plank border that emphasises the chevron's geometry.

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Chevron without border: The most common approach. The chevron pattern typically runs edge-to-edge, maximising the dramatic continuous zigzag effect.​

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Practical Considerations​

Room Shape and Walls

Herringbone is more forgiving. If your Victorian terrace has walls that aren't quite parallel or corners that aren't quite 90 degrees (most older properties), herringbone handles this better. The broken pattern disguises minor irregularities.

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Chevron demands precision. In rooms with irregular walls, the continuous pointed lines of chevron will highlight any imperfections. You'll see if walls aren't straight or if corners are out of square.

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Pattern Direction​

Herringbone: Can be laid in any direction. We usually run it parallel to the longest wall or orient it to create the best visual flow through connecting rooms.

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Chevron: The direction matters more. The V-pattern creates a strong directional flow, so we consider carefully which way it should point. Usually, we run it along the longest dimension of the room or toward a focal point like a window or fireplace.

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Maintenance and Repairs

Both patterns are equally easy to maintain once installed, but repairs are different:

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Herringbone: Individual blocks can be replaced more easily if damaged. The pattern accommodates repairs better because each rectangular block is independent.

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Chevron: Replacing damaged blocks is more complex because of the angled cuts. You need to ensure replacement pieces are cut to exactly the right angle.

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In practice, both last decades without needing repairs, so this is rarely a deciding factor.

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Which Do We Install More Often?

In our Lancashire and Greater Manchester projects, we install herringbone about 90% of the time and chevron about 10%.

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Herringbone dominates because:

• It's more versatile across different property types

• Lower cost appeals to more budgets

• Better suited to period properties (which are common in the North West)

• Homeowners feel confident it won't date

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Chevron is chosen when:

• Clients want a contemporary, high-end statement

• The property is modern or has been extensively renovated

• Budget allows for the premium

• Rooms are large and regular-shaped

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Can You Mix Them?

Technically yes, but we rarely recommend it. Using different patterns in adjoining rooms can work if there's a clear threshold or doorway separating them, but mixing them in one space looks confused.

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What does work beautifully is using the same pattern throughout a ground floor, flowing from hallway through to kitchen and living areas. This creates wonderful continuity and makes spaces feel larger.​

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Our Honest Opinion

Both patterns are genuinely beautiful and timeless. We've never had a client regret either choice.

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Choose herringbone if:

• You want a classic, versatile pattern

• Budget is a consideration

• Your property is period or traditional

• Your room geometry isn't perfect

• You want something that works with any interior style

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Choose chevron if:

• You want a bold, contemporary statement

• You're willing to invest in the premium

• Your property is modern or has large, regular rooms

• You love clean, geometric patterns

• You want that Parisian apartment aesthetic

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The wrong choice isn't picking one over the other, it's choosing a pattern without understanding how it will work in your specific space.

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Still Can't Decide?

This is exactly why we offer free site visits. We'll bring samples of both patterns, lay them in your actual space, and help you visualise which pattern suits your room proportions, natural light, and interior style.

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We can also show you photos of previous projects with similar room sizes and styles to help you see each pattern in context.

Remember, you're not just choosing a floor pattern - you're choosing something you'll live with and enjoy for decades. It's worth taking the time to make an informed decision.

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Need help deciding between herringbone and chevron? Call us on 07856 308 208 or email contact@crafthardwood.co.uk for a free consultation.

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We serve Chorley, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and throughout the North West. We're happy to visit your property, bring samples, and provide expert recommendations based on your specific space.