If you’ve spent any time scrolling through interior design feeds or walking through the newest custom builds in the North Shore or the Western Suburbs, you’ve probably noticed a shift. The classic, long-running straight planks that have dominated Chicago homes for decades are suddenly sharing the spotlight: and in many high-end projects, they’re being replaced entirely.
So, are straight planks dead? Not exactly. They’re still a reliable staple. But if you’re looking for "design-forward" luxury that screams sophistication, herringbone is the undisputed heavyweight champion of hardwood flooring installation in Chicago right now.
At Rovin's Flooring Inc, we’ve seen a massive uptick in requests for pattern flooring. From sleek modern condos in the West Loop to historic renovations in Evanston, homeowners are looking for something that feels more intentional and architectural. Here is why herringbone is winning the race and what you need to know before you commit to this high-end look.
The Visual Impact: Why Herringbone Feels Like Luxury
Standard straight-plank flooring is designed to disappear. It provides a clean, uniform base that lets your furniture and art do the talking. Herringbone, on the other hand, is the art.
The staggered, V-shaped pattern creates a sense of movement that straight lines simply can’t replicate. It draws the eye across the room, making even a modest hallway feel like a grand gallery. This "movement" is exactly what Chicago homeowners are craving. We live in a city known for its architecture, and we want our interiors to reflect that same level of structural beauty.
When you walk into a home with a perfectly executed herringbone floor, the luxury is immediate. It feels expensive because, frankly, it is more labor-intensive to install. It signals that the homeowner didn't just pick the easiest option: they picked the best one.
Choosing the Right Species for the Pattern
Not all wood is created equal when it comes to patterns. Because the herringbone pattern is so busy, the species of wood you choose will drastically change the vibe of the room.
- White Oak: This is the gold standard for herringbone right now. It has a tight, consistent grain that looks incredibly modern. Whether you go with a natural, light finish or a more muted "raw wood" look, White Oak highlights the geometry of the pattern without looking cluttered.
- Walnut: If you want drama, Walnut is the answer. The deep, chocolatey tones and swirling grain patterns create a floor that looks like it belongs in a high-end library or a luxury penthouse. It’s warm, inviting, and timeless.
- Brazilian Cherry: For those who love warmth and traditional elegance, Brazilian Cherry offers a rich, reddish hue that deepens over time. It’s a bold choice for a bold pattern.
Regardless of the species, the quality of the material is the foundation of the project. At Rovin's Flooring, we help you navigate these choices to ensure the wood matches the lighting and aesthetic of your specific space.
The Technical Reality: Why Herringbone Isn't a DIY Job
This is where we have to get a little "shop talk" with you. We love a good DIY project as much as the next person, but herringbone hardwood flooring installation in Chicago is one area where you absolutely need a professional.
Straight planks are forgiving. If you’re off by a hair, you can usually mask it. Herringbone is the opposite. It requires perfect 90-degree angles and meticulous precision. If the first row is off by even a fraction of a degree, that error will compound as you move across the room. By the time you reach the far wall, your pattern will be visibly crooked.
It All Starts with the Subfloor
You can’t put a world-class floor on a third-class subfloor. One of the most common reasons pattern floors fail is poor preparation. Before a single plank is laid, we focus heavily on subfloor installation and leveling. If there’s even a slight dip or peak in your subfloor, the "points" of the herringbone won't line up, leading to gaps or "lippage" (where one board sits higher than the next).
As seen in the image above, a professional glue-down installation requires even adhesive distribution and precise alignment. We use high-end adhesives like Bona R851 to ensure that once those boards are set, they stay put for decades.
The Refinishing Process: Bringing Patterns to Life
Many Chicago homes already have older parquet or pattern floors hidden under carpet. If you’re lucky enough to have an existing herringbone floor that’s seen better days, restoration is a fantastic option.
However, sanding a pattern floor is much harder than sanding straight planks. With straight planks, you sand with the grain. With herringbone, the grain is running in two different directions. If you use the wrong equipment or technique, you’ll end up with massive "cross-grain" scratches that ruin the look.
We use specialized equipment like the Lägler HUMMEL drum sander for commercial-grade refinishing, ensuring a smooth, level surface regardless of which way the wood grain is pointing. Our "dustless" process means you won't be finding sawdust in your cabinets for the next six months.
Protection That Lasts: The Finishing Touch
Once the installation or refinishing is complete, the choice of finish is what determines how long your "design-forward" floor actually stays looking good. Chicago weather is notoriously hard on floors: between the humidity of summer and the salt and snow of winter, your floors take a beating.
For high-end herringbone projects, we almost exclusively recommend Bona Traffic HD.
This waterborne finish is the industry leader for a reason. It’s incredibly durable (ideal for the high-traffic areas where herringbone usually lives, like entryways and kitchens) and it dries clear, so it won’t "yellow" the beautiful natural tones of your White Oak or Walnut. Plus, it’s low-VOC, meaning it’s safer for your family and your pets. Proper maintenance after the finish is applied will keep that luxury glow alive for years.
The Rovin’s Flooring Difference
At Rovin's Flooring Inc, we pride ourselves on staying current with the latest design trends while maintaining the technical skills of old-world craftsmen. Whether you’re looking for an antique, hand-scraped look or a modern, matte finish, we have the experience to pull it off.
We serve the greater Chicago area, specifically focusing on the city and the communities to the North and West. From the high-rises of the city to the sprawling estates of the suburbs, we bring the same level of professional, meticulous detail to every job.
We understand that a hardwood floor is a significant investment. It’s not just about the cost of the wood; it’s about the value it adds to your home and the joy it brings to your daily life. That’s why we offer comprehensive estimates and consult with you on everything from humidity control to the best staircase installation to match your new floors.
Conclusion: Is Herringbone Right for You?
Straight planks aren't dead, but they've certainly met their match. If you want a floor that feels custom, architectural, and timelessly luxurious, herringbone is the way to go. It’s a statement of quality and a nod to classic design that never goes out of style.
However, remember that the beauty of a pattern floor is entirely dependent on the skill of the installer. Don't leave your high-end project to chance.
Ready to transform your home with the top choice for hardwood flooring in Chicago?
Request a quote for your high-end flooring project today and let Adrian and the team at Rovin's Flooring Inc bring your vision to life. Whether it’s a modern herringbone installation or a complete restoration of a classic Chicago floor, we’ve got you covered.