If you're a Chicago homeowner thinking about selling in the next few years, or just want to make a smart upgrade that pays off down the road, flooring is one of the most impactful places to put your money. And not just any flooring. We're talking about herringbone hardwood patterns, the kind of floor that makes buyers stop scrolling and start scheduling showings.
There's a reason herringbone has been around for centuries and keeps showing up in high-end homes, luxury condos, and design magazines. It's not a passing trend. It's a classic that signals quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. For Chicago homeowners, that translates directly into dollars when it's time to sell.
What Exactly Is Herringbone Flooring?
Before we dive into the investment side of things, let's clear up what herringbone actually is, and how it differs from its close cousin, chevron.
Herringbone is a pattern where rectangular planks are laid at 90-degree angles to each other, creating a distinctive zigzag effect. Each plank is cut with square ends that butt up against the side of the next plank. The result is a staggered, interlocking look that draws the eye and adds movement to any room.
Chevron, on the other hand, features planks that are cut at an angle (usually 45 degrees) so the ends meet in a continuous point, forming a sharp V-shape down the center of the floor. It's a bit more streamlined and modern, while herringbone has that classic, textured feel.
Both patterns are stunning, and both require serious skill to install correctly. At Rovin's Flooring, we specialize in both herringbone and chevron installations throughout Chicago and a 60-mile radius extending North and West. These aren't DIY projects, they demand precision cutting, meticulous layout planning, and years of experience to execute properly.
Why High-End Buyers Love Herringbone
When buyers walk into a home with herringbone floors, they notice. It's the kind of detail that separates a "nice house" from a "wow, this place is special" reaction.
Here's why herringbone resonates with discerning buyers:
It signals custom craftsmanship. Standard plank flooring is everywhere. Herringbone says the homeowner invested in something unique, something that required real expertise to install. Buyers recognize that value, even if they can't articulate exactly why the floor feels different.
It's timeless, not trendy. Herringbone patterns have been used in European architecture since the 16th century. They've outlasted countless flooring fads because the design is inherently balanced and visually interesting without being overwhelming. Buyers don't worry about herringbone looking dated in five years because it hasn't looked dated in five hundred.
It works with multiple design styles. Whether your home leans traditional, transitional, or contemporary, herringbone adapts. It looks equally at home in a vintage Greystone in Lincoln Park as it does in a modern build in the North Shore suburbs. That versatility makes your home appealing to a wider pool of buyers.
It photographs beautifully. In today's real estate market, your listing photos matter enormously. Herringbone floors catch light in interesting ways and create visual depth that makes rooms look more dynamic and spacious in photos. That can translate to more clicks, more showings, and ultimately better offers.
The Numbers: Herringbone and Chicago Resale Value
Let's talk ROI, because that's really what this comes down to for most homeowners.
According to the National Association of Realtors, new hardwood flooring installation offers an estimated return of 118% at resale. Refinishing existing hardwood? That can recoup up to 147% of the cost. Those numbers make hardwood one of the smartest renovation investments you can make, period.
But herringbone takes it further. Homes with distinctive flooring patterns like herringbone often command higher resale values because of the design's unique, custom nature. Real estate consultants consistently note that exotic or intricate flooring patterns generate more buyer interest, and interest drives competition, which drives price.
In Chicago specifically, homeowners typically see a 75% to 120% ROI on new flooring installations when they sell. Yes, herringbone costs more upfront than standard plank installation: the precise cutting and complex layout take more time and expertise. But the increased buyer appeal and premium perception help justify that investment, especially in competitive neighborhoods where standing out matters.
The Technical Side: Why Precision Matters
Here's the thing about herringbone and chevron patterns: they're unforgiving. With standard plank flooring, small inconsistencies can blend in. With herringbone, every angle, every cut, every seam is visible. If the layout is off by even a fraction, the whole pattern looks wrong.
That's why these installations require:
Expert layout planning. Before a single plank goes down, we map out the entire room to ensure the pattern is centered, balanced, and flows naturally with the architecture. This includes accounting for doorways, transitions, and any architectural features that could interrupt the pattern.
Precise cutting. Every plank must be cut to exact specifications. For chevron, that means perfect 45-degree angles. For herringbone, it means clean, square ends that align flawlessly. There's no room for "close enough."
Experienced installation. The actual laying of herringbone requires a systematic approach and an eye for detail that only comes with years of practice. At Rovin's Flooring, our team has been handling intricate pattern installations throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas for decades. We understand the technical demands and have the equipment to deliver results that hold up to scrutiny.
Solid vs. Engineered: Options for Every Chicago Home
One question we get frequently: can you do herringbone with engineered hardwood, or does it have to be solid?
The answer is both. We offer herringbone and chevron installations in both solid and engineered hardwood options, and there are good reasons to consider each.
Solid hardwood is the traditional choice. It's exactly what it sounds like: solid wood throughout, which means it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. For Chicago homes built on wood subfloors with stable humidity control, solid hardwood herringbone is a beautiful, long-lasting investment.
Engineered hardwood features a real wood veneer over a plywood or composite core. It's more dimensionally stable, which makes it a smart choice for installations over concrete, in basements, or in homes where humidity fluctuates. Modern engineered products can also be refinished (depending on the veneer thickness), and they're often available in wider planks and more exotic species.
Both options look stunning in herringbone patterns. The right choice depends on your specific home, your subfloor situation, and your long-term plans. During your estimate consultation, we can walk through the pros and cons for your particular project.
Protecting Your Investment: Maintenance and Refinishing
Beautiful herringbone floors deserve proper care. The good news is that maintaining patterned hardwood isn't significantly different from maintaining standard plank floors: it just requires attention to the same fundamentals: controlling humidity, cleaning properly, and refinishing when needed.
Chicago's climate can be tough on hardwood. Our winters are dry (thanks to heating systems), and summers can be humid. Keeping your home within the recommended humidity range: generally 35% to 55%: helps prevent gaps, cupping, and other moisture-related issues. If you're not sure whether your home's humidity levels are in the right range, check out our guide on humidity and hardwood floors.
When your herringbone floors eventually need refreshing: whether from wear, scratches, or just wanting a new look: we offer dustless sanding and refinishing services. Our equipment captures the vast majority of dust at the source, which means less mess in your home and a cleaner process overall. Refinishing can bring even decades-old herringbone floors back to life, and as those NAR numbers suggest, it's one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make.
Learn more about our maintenance services or contact us to discuss your refinishing needs.
Is Herringbone Right for Your Chicago Home?
If you're weighing flooring options and resale value matters to you, herringbone deserves serious consideration. It's not the cheapest option upfront, but it's one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your home's appeal and value.
Whether you're drawn to the classic interlocking look of herringbone or the sharper lines of chevron, we can help you choose the right wood species, finish, and installation approach for your space. Rovin's Flooring serves Chicago and a 60-mile radius extending North and West, and we've been helping homeowners make smart flooring decisions for years.
Ready to explore what herringbone could look like in your home? Request an estimate and let's talk through your options.