Herringbone vs Chevron Wooden Floors – What’s the Difference Between the Two?

The phrase “buy cheap, buy twice” applies just as much to flooring as it does to furniture or appliances. While budget-friendly options such as laminate can appear attractive initially, lower-quality materials often show signs of wear far sooner, leading to costly replacements down the line. For those planning to sell their homes in the future, flooring is an especially important consideration, as poor-quality finishes can negatively impact a buyer’s perception of a property.

Engineered wood flooring offers a more durable, long-term solution. Designed to cope with the demands of busy family life, it combines practicality with a premium aesthetic that can help futureproof a home. Beyond durability, the style of flooring also plays a major role in the overall look and impact of a space. “Choosing a classic or decorative plank, such as herringbone or chevron, can help to add value when selling your home,” says Natalie, creative director and co-founder of Knot & Grain.

Engineered wood is also particularly well suited to homes with underfloor heating. Unlike solid wood, which naturally expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity, engineered planks are constructed using multiple layers arranged in a cross-grain formation. This layered structure creates stability, helping to prevent issues such as warping, bowing or gapping when exposed to heat.

With the right care, engineered flooring can last for decades. Regular cleaning, occasional resealing, and professional maintenance help preserve its finish, while the ability to sand and

Whether you choose solid or engineered wood flooring, each floor is totally unique and will require individual care. No matter your choice, as a natural material, timber needs regular cleaning and maintenance to prolong the life and beautiful finish of the wood.

To preserve the longevity of timber flooring, we recommend sweeping, vacuuming or dry mopping at least once a week alongside using an appropriate cleaning solution. It’s important to choose a cleaning product that is compatible with the floor’s specific factory finish as this adds a further protective layer as well as removing scuffs and superficial blemishes. Although engineered wood flooring is a durable and long-lasting surface, regular care will help remove dust or grit that could scratch or scuff the floor underfoot or when furniture is moved during everyday use.

Answered by Anthony Scott

Anthony Scott is global product & innovation director at Havwoods, a market-leading supplier of high-quality wood flooring and joinery solutions.

When you’re laying a solid or engineered wood floor, there is no best adhesive, only the correct one for the specific job. Factors such as the subfloor composition, environment, type of floor (solid or engineered) and size of plank all need to be assessed to ensure you are using the right adhesive.

In some cases, installation will influence the type of adhesive. For instance, extra-wide boards may require one with higher strength, while intricate patterns may need an adhesive with good initial grab. MS-Polymer (or hybrid) adhesives are often recommended due to their versatility, high-strength and flexibility. They are also well-suited for use with underfloor heating and have a very low VOC content. It’s always advisable to consult with the flooring supplier or adhesive manufacturer to determine the most suitable adhesive for your needs.

Answered by Anthony Scott

Anthony Scott is global product & innovation director at Havwoods, a market-leading supplier of high-quality wood flooring and joinery solutions.

Oak parquet flooring, finished in clear matt oil, works wonderfully in open-plan spaces. The herringbone pattern adds visual depth and movement, subtly guiding the eye through the space, while the light tone of the oak enhances natural brightness. Together, these qualities create a warm, refined atmosphere that conveys both quality and a strong sense of wellbeing.

Answered by Tom Manwell

Tom Manwell is the founder and director at Wellstudio Architecture. Tom founded the practice in 2021 with a goal to design homes that actively enhance mental and physical wellbeing.

The simplest renovation job for a wooden floor is sanding and varnishing the boards. This works well for Victorian or early 20th-century floors that have regularly sawn boards of good quality timber. Later examples are unlikely to be of sufficient quality to make it worthwhile. This is a  straightforward job for a competent DIYer. Floor sanders can be hired from most tool hire centres, but make sure all the nails are fully driven home before you start.

Answered by Alan Tierney

Alan Tierney is Build It’s period property and conservation expert. He ran a historic building consultancy, offering hands-on advice to the owners of heritage homes, but is now focused on renovating Old Barnstaple House.

In a run-down house at the start of a project, worn floors can look as if they are in need of major improvement. It’s always important to look past that and try to visualise how they will contribute to the finished product. Older floor finishes represent a lot of the character in traditional houses and carry the marks of a place’s history. Once everything around them has been smartened up the apparent eyesore can often become a key feature.

Very old wooden floors – dating from before the mid-18th century – are practically impossible to overhaul successfully, as any new timber replacements will contrast badly with the original. Thankfully, the existing boards are likely to be of such quality and durability that they will be perfectly usable, possibly with minor local repair or added structural support. Often all that’s needed is a good polish. If the floor is not level, adjusting furniture to compensate is likely to be cheaper and easier than addressing the floor. If it’s unusable, the best option might be to overlay it with a new, level floor.

Answered by Alan Tierney

Alan Tierney is Build It’s period property and conservation expert. He ran a historic building consultancy, offering hands-on advice to the owners of heritage homes, but is now focused on renovating Old Barnstaple House.