Herringbone is laid from rectangular boards set at right angles, so the ends overlap in a zigzag. Chevron boards are cut on an angle at each end, so every row meets in a clean point. Parquet panels are squares built from smaller pieces, and we make our own on the bench. The photos of all three are from jobs on our Google listing.
Herringbone or chevron?
| What | Herringbone | Chevron |
|---|---|---|
| Board ends | Square | Cut on an angle |
| Where the rows meet | Ends overlap, in a broken zigzag | Ends meet in a straight line of points |
| How it reads | Woven, a little busier | Arrows that pull the eye down the room |
Borders and inlays
A border is a band of contrasting wood set into the floor, usually following the walls. We lay it out before the first board goes down so the pattern inside lands evenly on every side.
Parquet panels, built by hand
A panel is a square of smaller pieces inside a frame. We cut the pieces, glue them up in clamps and tape the small parts in place while the glue sets. The finished panels go down like large tiles.
“Parquet panel designs are true artisan work, so we do most of these projects in Montecito, where clients demand that level of custom, high-end craftsmanship.”La Cumbre Floor
What a patterned floor asks for
- A flat base. Short boards show every dip, so we check and correct the subfloor first. See the subfloor guide.
- A center line. The pattern starts from a line snapped down the middle of the room, so it lands evenly at both walls.
- More cuts and more time. A pattern takes longer than a straight lay and wastes more wood at the edges, so expect it to cost more. More on what sets the price.
Repairing a patterned floor
A patch in herringbone has to match the board size, the angle and the color of the floor around it.
“From start to finish, TONATIUH was very professional and upfront about the cost. He repaired a section of our flooring on both sides of a wall that had a floor heater removed. He did a fantastic job and matched our existing flooring in terms of color and wood strips. We highly recommend him for your flooring needs.”Maria R. · Google review
Questions
What is the difference between herringbone and chevron?
Herringbone uses boards with square ends laid at right angles, so the ends overlap. Chevron uses boards with ends cut on an angle, so each row meets the next in a point.
Does a patterned floor cost more than a straight one?
Yes, as a rule. There are more cuts, more layout time and more waste at the walls. The estimate is free and gives you a number for your room.
Can a herringbone floor be sanded and refinished?
Solid wood and engineered wood with a thick top layer can be. The grain runs two directions, so it takes more care to sand than a straight floor.