Author, Written by: Bledy (Installation Expert and Technical Writer)
If you are picking a classic style floor for a UK home and debating between parquet and chevron, you’re in good company. Both layouts are very much on trend in 2025, with each offering a slightly different flavour of design, sophistication and practicality. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare and which might be the smarter choice for your space.
What do we mean by “parquet” and “chevron”?
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Parquet flooring refers broadly to any geometric layout of wood or engineered wood blocks rather than simple straight laid planks. Herringbone, basket weave, Versailles panels and chevron are all types of parquet.
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Chevron flooring is a specific kind of parquet layout where each plank is cut at an angle so that the ends meet in a “V” shape, forming a continuous zig zag arrow pattern.
So in effect, chevron is a type of parquet, but when you compare “parquet vs chevron” you’re really comparing a broader category versus that one specific pattern style.
Key Differences
Why these patterns are trending in 2025
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Homes are looking for more character and texture underfoot. Patterned floors add visual interest and a luxury feel.
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Warmer wood tones such as honey oak, chestnuts and deep browns are coming back, replacing cooler greys. These tones look especially strong in parquet layouts.
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Engineered wood and hybrid materials make these patterns more accessible and stable, suitable for under floor heating or historic UK homes.
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Patterned floors convey craftsmanship and elevate a home’s feel, adding value and style.
Which one should you choose?
Go for broader parquet (herringbone, basket weave, etc) if:
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You have a period property or want classic elegance.
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You want a pattern but slightly less installation risk than precision chevron.
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Working with a larger room where the pattern can play across a wide surface.
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You want flexibility in pattern direction or block size.
Choose chevron if:
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You are in a contemporary or newly refurbished home and want a modernist finish.
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The room is long and you want the pattern to lead visually through the space.
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You are okay investing in precise installation to get the crisp “arrow” effect.
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You want a bold floor that acts as a key design feature.
Practical considerations
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Installation cost & skill: Chevron tends to cost more due to precision and labour.
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Maintenance & refinishing: Engineered wood parquet performs well; check veneer thickness and suitability for sanding.
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Material & installation type: Engineered wood is popular for stability.
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Finish & tone: The pattern is more visible, so pick a finish and tone that ages well.
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Size & space: In smaller rooms, a busy pattern can overwhelm; in larger rooms, a subtle pattern can feel elegant.
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Consistency across rooms: Consider how the pattern flows in open plan living spaces.
Example product ideas
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Chevron Oak Polar Wooden Flooring – matt finish, good for modern homes leaning chevron.
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Waterproof Walnut Chestnut Parquet Wooden Flooring – classic parquet in walnut/chestnut tones.
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Pergo Creamy Oak Herringbone Engineered Wood Flooring – lighter oak tone, herringbone parquet.
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Ultra Herringbone Collection Natural Oak Dark Brown darker herringbone option for statement floors.
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Wood Chevron Premium Peel & Stick Tiles DIY friendly, suitable for smaller areas.
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Brown Chevron Wood PVC Flooring Sheet budget chevron styled flooring.
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Herringbone Oak Engineered Wood Flooring With Waterproof Finish engineered wood, waterproof finish.
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24x7 eMall PVC Flooring Planks Tiles Self Adhesive Wood Design budget friendly wood design planks.
Always check UK specific specifications such as wear layer, warranty, installation method, and suitability for under floor heating before purchasing.
Closing Thoughts
In 2025, both parquet and chevron flooring are strong design choices for UK homes. Parquet offers versatility, heritage appeal, and pattern richness, while chevron gives a modern, directional, high impact floor. Consider your room, style, installation, and maintenance needs. A well chosen pattern will not only look beautiful now but remain relevant and stylish for years to come.
About Author:
Bledy is a flooring installation expert with over 15 years of experience. He writes easy to follow guides and tips to help homeowners and professionals with flooring projects.