Herringbone vs. Chevron: What’s the Difference?

The WOW Factor in your Flooring

Though they were both created thousands of years ago, Chevron and Herringbone patterns continue to be popular in home design. The new Artistry Collection of Engineered Hardwood Floors in both Chevron and Herringbone makes applying these timelessly classic styles both easy and beautiful.

Herringbone vs. Chevron: What’s the Difference?

Though the two can be easy to mix up, Herringbone and Chevron differentiate in the way that the floorboards are laid down.

Traditional herringbone uses boards of equal size which are laid with the shorter side butting up with the edge of the longer side of the next piece. Each end of a piece of Herringbone flooring is cut at a 90-degree angle.

Chevron floors need a little bit more finesse work. Chevron floors are installed with the edges of the floorboards being cut at 45 degrees with parallel cuts.  Then, each side is aligned with the 45-degree angle of the neighbouring piece.

Still not quite sure about the difference between the two? Think zig-zag versus arrow shape. Herringbone will create an ongoing pattern as the boards connect creating a long zig-zag across the room. A Chevron pattern will create arrowheads with each pair of boards that are put together. Herringbone floors move in a horizontal manner while Chevron’s movement is vertical.

How Can I Use Herringbone or Chevron Floors in my Home?

If we had it our way: everywhere!

Realistically, Herringbone and Chevron floors are often installed in smaller areas to create a visual impact, or make a space feel bigger. But if you’re considering installing Herringbone or Chevron floors in your living or dining rooms, we are here for it!

When installing Herringbone, make sure to install the pattern with the points running in the longest direction. You want to create the illusion of length in any space, and running the pattern in this way will trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it actually is.

Chevron is installed in much the same way. The point of the two angled pieces should face the longest-running direction. Like with Herringbone, this layout maximizes an area’s total space.

How Does Artistry Herringbone and Chevron Engineered Hardwood Work?

Artistry’s new collection of Herringbone and Chevron engineered hardwood floors marries the durability of Artistry’s quality products with the elegance of these classic patterns.

Both are made of engineered 3-layer solidcore material, the 2.5 MM wood face layers are lightly wire brushed to add detail and depth to each piece. European Oak offers beautiful graining that is complemented by different stain options. The matching straight planks ensure that installation is as flawless as its design.

Herringbone comes in seven elevated stain choices that will perfectly match any decor style. Cool-toned Arabelle and Cavallina stains contrast with the warmer tones of the Estate and Canyon options.

Chevron is available in warm Canyon and Estate stains, and Citadel in a cool tone.

Complementary straight planks are available in all coordinating shades for a seamless, high-end finish.

There are few design styles that have enjoyed the staying power that Herringbone and Chevron patterns have since they were first applied on floors in the 15th century. Originally designed for kings and noblemen, today Chevron and Herringbone floors can be found in exquisitely decorated homes. If you’ve been toying with the idea of new floors, and want a sophisticated but whimsical look, consider Artistry’s Chevron or Herringbone engineered hardwood.

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