Herringbone and Chevron Wood Floors in Miami Condos: What to Know
Updated: 19 hours ago
Quick answer: Herringbone and chevron wood floors are a popular choice in Brickell and Miami condos. Herringbone uses rectangular pieces set in a staggered zigzag, while chevron pieces are cut at an angle so they meet in a clean V. In Miami's humidity and over concrete slabs, an engineered board is usually the safer choice, and your building's rules on sound underlayment and work hours come first.
Want to see herringbone or chevron in your own light? Order wood samples or call 908-232-6600, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 Eastern.
Herringbone Vs Chevron: What's The Difference?
Shown: White Frost Chevron
Both patterns are made from short pieces of wood laid in a zigzag, but the ends are different.
Herringbone: the pieces are rectangles. The end of each piece butts against the side of the next, so the pattern looks staggered and woven.
Chevron: the ends of each piece are cut at an angle, so the pieces meet point to point and form a continuous V.
Herringbone tends to feel classic and textured. Chevron reads as cleaner and more directional, which can draw the eye down a hallway or across an open living room. See our herringbone wood floors and chevron wood floors.
Why Engineered Herringbone And Chevron Suit Miami Condos
Most Brickell condos sit on concrete slabs, and Miami's air is humid for much of the year. An engineered board has a real wood top layer over a cross-layered core, so it moves less with changes in humidity than a solid board and can be glued down to a tested concrete slab.
Many of our herringbone and chevron floors come in engineered versions as well as solid.
Ask for the thickness of the top wood layer, because it decides how many times the floor can be sanded in the future.
Read Best Wood Flooring for Miami Humidity for more on engineered vs solid.
Condo Rules, Sound Underlayment And Concrete Slabs
Before you choose a pattern, get your building's flooring rules in writing. Condo buildings commonly ask for approval of the floor, a sound-rated underlayment, proof of contractor insurance, and work within set hours.
Test the slab for moisture and check that it's flat. Patterns show unevenness more than straight planks do. See Wood Floors Over Concrete in Miami and our wood floor testing.
For building approval and sound ratings, read Wood Floors in Brickell Condos.
Planning The Layout
Shown: Natural Chevron
Herringbone and chevron floors are laid by hand from a carefully placed center line, so planning matters more than with straight planks.
Decide which way the pattern should point, usually toward the main view, window wall or entry.
Plan how the pattern meets doorways, kitchens and other rooms. A border or a change of direction can help.
Expect more cutting and installation time than a straight plank floor, because every piece has to line up.
Finishes And Care In A Beach City
Light, natural and matte finishes hide sand and dust better than dark or glossy floors, which helps near the beach. Low and zero-VOC finishes keep the smell down in a high-rise. See our green-friendly finishes.
Keep the air conditioning running all year, use felt pads under furniture, and clean with a product made for your floor's finish. If the floor needs a refresh later, read Refinishing Wood Floors in a Brickell Condo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Herringbone And Chevron Floors?
Herringbone pieces are rectangles laid in a staggered zigzag. Chevron pieces have angled ends that meet point to point to form a continuous V.
Can Herringbone Or Chevron Go Over A Concrete Slab?
Yes. An engineered herringbone or chevron floor can be glued to a concrete slab once the slab has been tested for moisture and checked for flatness, following the flooring maker's and your building's requirements.
Does A Herringbone Floor Take Longer To Install Than Straight Planks?
Usually, yes. Each piece is placed by hand from a center line and the pattern needs more cutting, so plan for more installation time than a straight plank floor.
Can Herringbone And Chevron Floors Be Refinished?
Yes, as long as there is enough wood above the tongue. Solid floors and engineered floors with a thick enough top layer can be sanded and refinished.
Talk To A Wood Floor Expert About Your Brickell Home
Brickell Wood Floors, a Huggins Wood Floor Specialist brand, is led by Joe Avila, who brings 26 years in wood flooring and NWFA certifications (CSI, CI, CWFI, CFS). For more than a decade Joe has taught accredited continuing-education programs to AIA, ASID and IDCEC audiences. He trained at NWFA schools in advanced European techniques, including bending wood, custom herringbone and parquet design, mixing species, fuming, aniline dyes, tannic reactions and smoking. We serve Brickell and South Florida's luxury residences and ship material nationwide.
Call (908) 232-6600 (9am to 5pm Eastern), email Joe@hugginsflooring.com, book a virtual consultation, or send us a message.
Planning a herringbone or chevron floor for your Brickell condo? Book a virtual consultation to talk through the pattern, layout and building rules.
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