Herringbone Vs. Chevron - What's the Difference?

As we launch our new Chevron Plank to the Knot and Grain bespoke collections, we thought we'd answer some of your most frequently asked questions around parquet floors. More specifically, what makes chevron different to herringbone and which one is right for your space?  

1. Are there particular property types or room sizes where these patterns work especially well?

 With their repeating geometric patterns, both styles add structure and rhythm, transforming wood flooring from a simple backdrop into a focal point. Inspired by classic European design yet given a modern twist, they suit both contemporary and traditional homes, offering a timeless, designer look without costing the earth.

Herringbone is very adaptable and a great choice for rooms of all sizes, including smaller ones, as the broken pattern adds texture without overpowering the space or making it feel too busy. Chevron, by contrast, tends to shine in larger, more open spaces. Its continuous “V” shape draws the eye, making it especially effective in long rooms or hallways where it gives a sense of length and flow.

Pristine Herringbone in 'Hay Bale'

2. What's the visual and structural difference between herringbone and chevron?

Herringbone and chevron both form a geometric V-shaped pattern. Herringbone uses standard rectangular planks, so you get a broken, staggered zigzag look. Whereas chevron, on the other hand, is a clean, continuous zigzag creating a sharp “V” shape.

It’s easy to think that chevron and herringbone patterns are similar, but in fact, each pattern has its own character and can create a very different feel within a space.

3. How does the way the boards meet (point vs offset), as well as board size, influence the overall look and feel of a space?

When boards meet at a point (chevron), your eye is drawn along those sharp “V” lines. This creates a strong sense of direction and flow, which can make a space feel more ordered, formal, and even a bit larger or longer, depending on how it’s laid.

With an offset (herringbone), the pattern is more broken up. This softens the visual impact, so the space feels warmer, more relaxed, and less directional - you notice the texture rather than a strong line pulling your eye.

4. What are the key differences in how herringbone and chevron floors are installed? 

When installing herringbone, you start by measuring the longest wall and dividing it in half to figure out the room’s centre line, which you mark with a chalk line. From there, you connect two planks and position them along this line to form the starting point of the pattern. It’s good practice to add extra guidelines - such as a perpendicular line to maintain a perfect 90-degree angle and parallel lines to define the edges - because precision at this stage is key to keeping the pattern consistent across the floor.

The boards themselves are standard rectangular planks (laid at 90 degrees), and you build the pattern outwards from the centre. Compared to chevron, it’s a more forgiving installation method, allowing for small adjustments as you go and typically resulting in less waste since there are no angled cuts involved.

 With chevron, everything is pre-cut at an angle, so the boards meet in perfect points. That means the layout must be accurate from the start, usually set out from a straight centre line. If you’re even slightly off, the error can affect the entire floor. It’s less forgiving, more time-consuming, and usually involves slightly more waste and planning.

5. What subfloor preparation is essential before installing either pattern?

The subfloor must be dry, clean, and perfectly level. We suggest using a straight edge to check for any unevenness. Remember to fill any dips or grind down any high spots. A damp-proof membrane is also essential on concrete subfloors to protect your new wood floor from moisture

Glue-Down: This method involves adhering the planks directly to the subfloor with a special adhesive. It provides an incredibly solid feel underfoot and is often the best choice for large areas or when installing over underfloor heating. This is the method we most recommend at Knot & Grain, especially for herringbone wood floors, which require greater stability.

Don’t forget to allow your wood flooring to acclimatise to its new environment. Unbox the planks and let them sit in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 to 72 hours. This allows the timber to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, preventing future expansion or contraction.

Finally, while DIY installation is rewarding, it’s also a complex job that requires precision and experience. If in doubt, remember that a professional installation can guarantee a flawless and long-lasting result, giving you complete peace of mind.

6. Are there specific challenges or common mistakes you see during installation?

With herringbone, the most common issue is losing the centre line early on. If the first rows aren’t set straight, the pattern slowly drifts. Inconsistent spacing at the edges, especially around walls that aren’t perfectly square, can also be a common mistake to look for.

With a chevron design, if the centre point is even slightly incorrect, the ‘V’ pattern will look visibly off centre. Making sure the joints meet cleanly is also important, as errors won’t go unnoticed.  

7. What are the main cost differences between herringbone and chevron, and what drives them?

Both herringbone and chevron typically require more material than standard plank layouts, as the intricate patterns involve precise cutting and careful planning. The way the boards are positioned can result in more offcuts and leftover material. The installation process is slightly more time-consuming, which can increase overall labour costs.

Those looking to save on costs while still achieving an aesthetically pleasing floor should consider long planks, as they are quicker to install, require less cutting and therefore produce less wastage.

8. How do these patterns perform over time in terms of maintenance and repair?

Keeping engineered wood flooring clean is key to maintaining its appearance and longevity. With proper care, it can last for decades, and occasional professional cleaning or resealing will help preserve its finish. If the planks begin to look tired, they can be sanded and refinished to restore the original look. 

Both herringbone and chevron are durable and perform well over time when properly installed. The main difference comes with repairs: herringbone is easier to fix using standard boards, while chevron requires more precision due to its angled cuts, making repairs more complex.

9. How do factors like moisture, humidity and underfloor heating impact these floor styles? 

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. Solid wood planks are prone to cupping, bowing, and gapping when subjected to the direct heat of a UFH system.

Engineered wood, such as the planks we craft at Knot & Grain, is built differently. It- The planks feature a multi-layered construction in which each layer of plywood is oriented at a cross-grain configuration. This "sandwich" creates a structural counterforce. When heat is applied, the layers push against each other, cancelling out the natural urge to warp. This dimensional stability is exactly what you need when your floor is sitting directly atop a heat source.

10. Where would you recommend investing more budget, and where can homeowners save?

As the saying goes, buy cheap, buy twice – the same applies for flooring too. Although low-cost flooring, such as laminate, might seem appealing at first, the poor-quality materials used mean they'll likely need replacing more often. It's an important factor to consider for those who want to sell their house in the near future, as low-quality finishes can put off a buyer. Instead, investing in engineered flooring helps future-proof your space and is designed to withstand the everyday wear and tear of a busy household.

Alongside the practicalities that an engineered wood floor offers, the style of planks also makes a big difference to the overall finish. Choosing a classic or decorative plank, such as herringbone or chevron, can help to add value when selling your home, as it offers buyers a turnkey experience.

If you have any questions about any of the floors in our collections, or need technical assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team who will be more than happy to help! hello@knotandgrain.com, 01905 935246.