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Herringbone uses rectangles; chevron uses parallelograms. Each chevron plank has its ends cut at an angle, usually 45°, though 30° and 60° versions exist. Two planks meet end to end in a straight seam that runs down the centre of each V, giving a crisp arrow shape.
Chevron vs herringbone
| Herringbone | Chevron | |
|---|---|---|
| Plank shape | Rectangle | Parallelogram, angled ends |
| Where planks meet | End against side, staggered | End against end, in a straight line |
| Look | Woven zigzag | Clean continuous V's |
| Planks | A and B | A and B |
Setting out
- Snap a centre line where the points of the V's will sit.
- Lock an A and a B plank together on the line and check that the seam sits exactly on it.
- Complete the first course along the whole line before starting the next.
- The straight seams make any drift very visible, so check alignment with a long straightedge every metre.
Waste
About 10–15%. The angled ends mean offcuts are rarely reusable.