Herringbone and Chevron Floors in Ontario, CA
Hardwood Floors Maple Ontario covers herringbone and chevron hardwood floors for Ontario, CA — what separates the two patterns, why the layout takes more time and material than straight planks, and where a pattern earns its place in a house.
Illustration
Herringbone versus chevron
| Herringbone | Chevron | |
|---|---|---|
| Plank ends | Square, one plank butts the side of the next | Cut at an angle, ends meet in a point |
| Look | Zigzag with a stepped edge | Continuous V shape |
| Layout | Easier, planks are standard | Exacting, each plank cut to the angle |
| Waste | Higher than straight planks | Higher still |
Both come in solid and engineered boards. A pattern is a layout choice, not a different wood.
What the numbers show
- Centre line The layout starts from one straight line so the pattern reads evenly from both walls.
- Plank Every herringbone plank is the same short rectangle.
- Square joint Planks meet at right angles; a chevron floor cuts the ends at an angle instead.
- Border A straight border plank frames the pattern along the wall.
Why a pattern costs more
Straight planks run in long rows. A pattern is set out from a center line, checked against the walls, and cut at the edges, so more of each board ends up as offcuts. Installers commonly allow 15 to 20 percent for waste, against 5 to 10 percent for straight planks. Labor is slower, and the layout has to be squared before the first board is fixed.
Where a pattern fits
Entries, dining rooms and hallways show a pattern at a glance; a long open living area makes a bolder statement. In a 1950s bungalow near Euclid Avenue a herringbone field with a border echoes the period; in a modern slab-built home, engineered herringbone glued to a tested slab is the usual route.
What patterned floors cost in Ontario, CA
| Space | Area | Herringbone or chevron, wood subfloor |
|---|---|---|
| Entry and hall | about 150 sq ft | $2,100–$3,300 |
| Living room | about 300 sq ft | $4,200–$6,600 |
| Open main floor | about 600 sq ft | $8,400–$13,200 |
A slab adds $1–$4 per square foot. Prices are installed for 2026 and are market estimates, not quotes.
Herringbone and Chevron Floors — common questions
Is herringbone or chevron harder to refinish?
Not harder to sand, but the grain runs in two directions, so the sanding plan has to follow the pattern. Ask the contractor how the edges and the border will be handled.
Herringbone and Chevron Floors: check availability and price range
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