Herringbone vs straight plank flooring
3 min read · Written by the WFA flooring team · Updated June 2026
Quick answer
Herringbone (and chevron) lays short boards in a zig-zag for a classic, high-end look that makes rooms feel more crafted. It costs more to install and needs about 15% waste. Straight planks are faster and cheaper to lay, need about 10% waste, and make long, open rooms look bigger. Many homes use herringbone as a feature in entries or living rooms and planks everywhere else.
Look
Herringbone / chevron: Classic, detailed, European
Straight plank: Clean, calm, modern
Waste
Herringbone / chevron: About 15%
Straight plank: About 10%
Install time
Herringbone / chevron: Slower — more cuts
Straight plank: Faster
Best for
Herringbone / chevron: Entries, living rooms, feature areas
Straight plank: Open-plan, long rooms, whole-of-home
| Herringbone / chevron | Straight plank | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Classic, detailed, European | Clean, calm, modern |
| Waste | About 15% | About 10% |
| Install time | Slower — more cuts | Faster |
| Best for | Entries, living rooms, feature areas | Open-plan, long rooms, whole-of-home |
Herringbone vs chevron
Herringbone boards meet at right angles in a broken zig-zag. Chevron boards are cut at an angle so they meet in a clean V point. Both come in engineered timber, laminate and hybrid on our site.