Herringbone vs Chevron Flooring: Which One Is Better?
Herringbone vs Chevron Flooring: Which One Is Better?
Both Herringbone and Chevron are premium parquetry flooring patterns that create a luxurious appearance. However, they differ in design, installation method, manufacturing requirements, cost and the overall atmosphere they create within a home.
There is no single "best" choice. The right option depends on your home's architectural style, personal preferences, budget and long-term goals.
At Elite Wooden Floors, we often guide homeowners through these differences during the selection process to ensure the flooring complements both the property and lifestyle.
Visual Appearance
The most noticeable difference is the finished pattern.
Herringbone Flooring
Herringbone creates a distinctive broken zigzag pattern. Each board is laid at a 90-degree angle, producing a floor that feels rich, textured and full of character.
It suits:
- Victorian homes
- Edwardian homes
- Hamptons style
- French Provincial interiors
- Modern luxury homes
- Scandinavian interiors
The pattern naturally draws attention without overwhelming the space.
Chevron Flooring
Chevron creates perfectly straight diagonal lines.
Every board is cut to an exact angle so the ends meet to form continuous "V" shapes.
The result is:
- cleaner
- more geometric
- more contemporary
- visually symmetrical
Chevron is commonly used in:
- luxury apartments
- architectural homes
- minimalist interiors
- boutique hotels
- designer retail stores
Which Pattern Looks More Luxurious?
Both are considered premium flooring options, but they create different impressions.
Herringbone feels warm, timeless and handcrafted.
Chevron feels sleek, elegant and highly architectural.
Many Melbourne homeowners choose Herringbone because it complements a wider range of interior styles and furniture.
Installation Complexity
One of the biggest differences is the installation process.
Herringbone Installation
Although Herringbone requires experience and precision, installers work with rectangular boards.
The layout must remain perfectly square throughout the installation to avoid visible alignment issues.
Because of its repeating pattern, every room requires careful planning before installation begins.
Chevron Installation
Chevron is generally more demanding.
Every board has precisely cut angled ends.
Even a small installation error can affect the alignment across the entire room.
Chevron therefore requires:
- highly accurate measurements
- perfect room layout
- experienced installers
- greater attention to detail
For this reason, Chevron installation usually takes longer than Herringbone.
Material Waste
Another important consideration is wastage.
During installation, some boards need to be trimmed around walls, doorways and corners.
Typical Wastage
Straight Plank Flooring
8–10%
Herringbone Flooring
10–15%
Chevron Flooring
12–18%
Actual wastage depends on:
- room shape
- room size
- layout direction
- number of doorways
- obstacles
- installation pattern
Because Chevron boards are manufactured with angled ends, offcuts are generally more difficult to reuse.
Installation Cost
Premium parquetry flooring requires more labour than straight plank flooring.
Herringbone installation generally costs more than straight plank because every board must be individually aligned.
Chevron installation is usually even more labour-intensive due to the precision required.
Although pricing varies depending on the project, homeowners should expect:
- Straight Plank — lowest installation cost
- Herringbone — higher installation cost
- Chevron — highest installation cost
However, many homeowners believe the finished appearance justifies the additional investment.
Which Pattern Makes a Room Look Bigger?
This is one of the most common questions we receive.
The answer depends on the room.
Herringbone
Creates movement.
Adds visual interest.
Works exceptionally well in:
- medium rooms
- large open-plan living areas
- hallways
Chevron
Creates long uninterrupted lines.
Can make narrow rooms appear longer.
Works particularly well in:
- apartments
- contemporary homes
- open architectural spaces
Neither pattern physically enlarges a room, but each influences how the eye perceives the space.
Which Pattern Adds More Value to a Home?
Both Herringbone and Chevron are considered premium flooring options.
When professionally installed using quality materials, either pattern can significantly improve the presentation of a home.
In Melbourne's premium property market, parquetry flooring is often viewed as a desirable architectural feature.
Many buyers associate Herringbone flooring with:
- luxury
- craftsmanship
- timeless design
- premium finishes
Because of its broader appeal, Herringbone is often chosen by homeowners planning long-term occupancy or future resale.
Maintenance
Fortunately, maintenance requirements are very similar.
Both flooring patterns benefit from:
- regular vacuuming
- microfibre mopping
- felt furniture protectors
- avoiding excessive moisture
- using manufacturer-approved cleaning products
The installation pattern itself does not significantly affect maintenance; the flooring material is the more important factor.
For example:
Engineered Oak requires different care compared with Hybrid flooring, regardless of whether the boards are installed in a Herringbone or Chevron pattern.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Herringbone | Chevron |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Style | Timeless & Classic | Modern & Architectural |
| Visual Effect | Broken Zigzag Pattern | Continuous "V" Pattern |
| Installation Complexity | High | Very High |
| Material Waste | Medium | Higher |
| Installation Cost | Premium | Highest |
| Suitable for Heritage Homes | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Suitable for Modern Homes | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Property Value Appeal | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Popularity in Melbourne | Very High | Growing |
| Design Flexibility | Excellent | Excellent |
Expert Recommendation from Elite Wooden Floors
If you are looking for a flooring style that combines elegance, versatility and long-term appeal, Herringbone flooring is our most recommended parquetry pattern. It complements both classic and contemporary homes, offers a timeless aesthetic and is available in both Engineered Oak and Hybrid options.
Chevron flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer a bold, modern and highly architectural design. While it typically involves a more complex installation process, the finished result can be truly striking in the right space.
If you're unsure which pattern best suits your project, our team can help you compare colours, layouts and flooring options during a showroom visit or consultation.