# Herringbone, chevron and parquet: what is the difference?

Source: https://milaflooring.com/guide/herringbone-chevron-parquet
Last updated: 8 October 2026

Parquet is the general name for floors made of small blocks laid in a pattern. Herringbone is the most common parquet pattern, with rectangular blocks laid in a staggered zigzag so each block's end meets the side of the next. Chevron looks similar but the block ends are cut at an angle, so they meet in a clean point and form a continuous V.

## At a glance

- Parquet: any floor of small blocks laid in a pattern
- Herringbone: rectangular blocks, ends meet sides in a stepped zigzag
- Chevron: angled block ends meet in a clean V point
- Comes in solid wood, engineered wood, laminate and vinyl
- Takes longer to lay than straight planks, so fitting costs more

## Herringbone vs chevron at a glance

| | Herringbone | Chevron |
|---|---|---|
| Block shape | Rectangles with square ends | Parallelograms with ends cut at an angle, often 45 degrees |
| Where blocks meet | The end of one block butts into the side of the next | The angled ends meet point to point |
| The look | A broken, stepped zigzag with lots of movement | A continuous, cleaner V running down the room |
| Style | Classic, traditional and modern homes alike | Sharper and more formal |
| Waste and setting out | Less waste | Angled cuts and careful alignment |

Both patterns point the eye in one direction, so the way they are laid out matters. In a hall the pattern usually runs along the length, leading the eye through the house. In a living room it is usually set out from the centre line of the room or the main doorway, so the pattern looks even from where you see it most.

## Which materials come in herringbone and chevron?

**Solid wood blocks** are the traditional parquet. They are usually glued to a flat, dry subfloor and can be sanded and refinished many times.

**Engineered wood blocks** have a real hardwood top layer on a stable core. They look the same as solid wood once laid, cope better with underfloor heating, and the top layer can be sanded, how many times depends on its thickness.

**Laminate and vinyl (LVT or SPC) blocks** print a wood image on the surface. Many click together instead of being glued, which makes them quicker to lay. Vinyl herringbone is waterproof, so it is the choice for a herringbone kitchen or utility room.

## Why herringbone takes longer to fit

A plank floor goes down in long straight runs. A herringbone or chevron floor is built block by block from a set-out line, and every block at a wall, door or radiator needs its own cut. Many fitters also add a border, a frame of straight blocks around the edge of the room. All of this takes more time than planks, so expect fitting to cost more than for the same area of straight boards.

The pattern also shows every fault in the subfloor. A slight dip that a plank floor would hide can open the joints in a herringbone floor, so the subfloor is checked for level and moisture, and levelled where needed, before the first block goes down.

## Borders, transitions and stairs

- **Borders.** A row or two of blocks around the room frames the pattern and hides the cut ends at the walls.
- **Doorways.** Herringbone can run through doorways from room to room, or stop at a threshold strip where it meets tile or another floor.
- **Stairs.** Stair treads cannot take the pattern, so they are usually finished to match the floor's colour, giving the hall and stairs one look.

## Is herringbone a good choice for my home?

Herringbone suits almost any room, period or modern, and makes the floor the feature of the room. It works especially well in halls, where it draws the eye through the house, and in open plan kitchen and living spaces. In a small room, a larger block keeps the pattern calm. Choose the material for the room: wood or engineered wood for living rooms and halls, vinyl where water is a risk.

## Get a quote

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