Herringbone vs Chevron Flooring: What Architects Need to Know

The difference is in the cut

Herringbone uses rectangular boards laid at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a staggered zigzag. Chevron boards are mitre-cut at 45 degrees so the ends meet in a clean V. The visual result is similar from a distance, but up close the distinction is unmistakable.

Herringbone has been used in European architecture since the 16th century, originally in French chateaux and later in Haussmann-era Parisian apartments. Chevron emerged as a more refined variation — the mitre cut creates continuous V-lines that give the pattern a more geometric, formal character.

Spatial impact

Herringbone creates a sense of movement and texture — it draws the eye along the length of a room without a single vanishing point. The staggered joints introduce visual rhythm that makes large spaces feel warmer and more intimate.

Chevron is more geometric and formal. The continuous V directs attention toward a focal point, making it ideal for hallways, grand entries, and spaces where you want to create a sense of direction. In narrow rooms, chevron laid lengthwise can make the space feel longer.

Installation considerations

Herringbone is more forgiving during installation because the rectangular boards can accommodate slight subfloor imperfections. The staggered joints distribute stress more evenly.

Chevron requires precision mitre cuts and a perfectly level subfloor. Any imperfection in the subfloor will telegraph through the pattern as misaligned V-joints. Labour costs for chevron are typically 15-20% higher, and material waste is 5-8% greater due to the angled cuts.

Which to specify

For residential living spaces where warmth and approachability matter, herringbone is the safer choice. It works at any scale — from compact apartments to expansive open-plan homes.

For architectural statements — lobbies, formal dining rooms, boutique retail, and hotel entries — chevron delivers the geometric precision that elevates a space. It reads as more intentional and designed.

Both patterns are available in all twelve Maison Oak tones. We recommend requesting samples in your preferred pattern to evaluate the grain direction and scale in your specific space.

To see either pattern in your own room, upload a photo to the floor visualiser.

All twelve tones are shown in plank, herringbone and chevron in the European oak collection.