Project Overview
This project in Hornchurch involved the installation of a chevron parquet floor — one of the more demanding jobs in the wood flooring trade. Chevron is a pointed-end pattern where each board cuts to a precise angle so that the rows meet in a continuous arrow or V-shape across the floor. Getting this right requires experience, careful subfloor preparation, and exact cutting and laying technique. Chevron and herringbone parquet fitting typically costs between £70 and £100 per square metre, reflecting the time and skill involved.
The Challenge
Chevron floor installation is considered one of the most complex jobs in the wood flooring industry. This pattern requires extra craftsmanship, experience, and knowledge compared to a standard plank or herringbone layout. The cut angle on each board must be exact and consistent, otherwise the pattern will not align cleanly as it progresses across the room. Our team of experienced professionals provides parquet floor installation services across London and the surrounding areas, and this Hornchurch project was completed to a high standard.
Our Approach
- Subfloor preparation: Before a single chevron board was laid, we made sure the subfloor was completely dry, level, and clean. This stage is non-negotiable for any parquet installation — a chevron pattern will show even small variations in flatness far more clearly than a straight plank floor. The subfloor was checked for moisture content, levelled where needed, and primed for adhesive.
- Layout planning: The starting point and central axis of the chevron pattern were carefully worked out relative to the room shape. The room in Hornchurch had an irregular shape, which added to the complexity of getting the layout to look balanced.
- Chevron floor fitting: Boards were adhered to the prepared subfloor starting from the datum line, working outward in both directions to keep the pattern expanding symmetrically. Each board was pressed into the adhesive and checked for alignment before moving to the next.
- Perimeter cuts: Cutting chevron boards to fit the room's edges requires precision — particularly at angles and around door frames — to keep the pattern readable right to the boundary of the floor.
- Flooring accessories: Once all boards were laid and the adhesive had cured, we fitted all the finishing accessories — thresholds, beading, and door trims — to complete the installation.
The Result
In order to ensure the durability of the parquet floor, we began with thorough subfloor preparation — confirming it was completely dry, levelled, and clean before installation. Once the subfloor was in the right condition, the chevron fitting began. Parquet floors are available in a wide range of patterns, and chevron is one of the most striking. We finished the installation by fitting all flooring accessories to give the floor a complete, polished appearance. The Hornchurch client now has a distinctive, high-quality floor that is well-fitted and properly finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between chevron and herringbone parquet?
A: In a herringbone pattern, each rectangular board is laid at 90 degrees to the adjacent one, creating a zigzag effect with square-cut ends. In a chevron pattern, the ends of the boards are cut at a precise angle so that when two boards meet, they form a clean V or arrow point. Chevron has a sharper, more geometric look and is generally considered the more challenging pattern to lay correctly.
Q: Can chevron parquet be fitted in any room shape?
A: Yes, though irregular or non-rectangular rooms add complexity to the layout planning and the perimeter cuts. The key is establishing the correct datum line at the start. Our team assessed the room shape in Hornchurch before starting and planned the layout accordingly to make sure the pattern sat correctly within the space.
Q: Do chevron floors need to be sanded after installation?
A: This depends on the product. Pre-finished engineered chevron boards come with the factory finish already applied and do not require sanding after fitting. Unfinished boards need sanding and finishing on-site after installation. We advise on the right product and process during the quoting stage.
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