Design Ideas To Combine Chevron And Plank Flooring In Your Home

Choosing to combine chevron and plank flooring is a clever way to add character and style to your space. Whether you’re framing a feature area, creating a smooth transition between rooms, or just looking for something a bit different, combining these two patterns brings energy, texture, and elegance into your home. It adds a custom feel that elevates your interiors and reflects thoughtful design.

 

See the Combination in Action

Not sure what combining chevron and plank flooring actually looks like? Let’s start with two real examples that show how this style works in a finished space.

Triple border strip layout
The image below shows a border plank in the middle of the chevron so that you only have one side of the chevron running down each border plank.
Double border strip layout
The image above shows a row of chevron with a border plank either side. You would then add another row of chevron and carry on the same way.

 

Both layouts below use the same materials, but the configuration of the border strips changes the overall effect. The products featured are:

  • TW-E932: Raw Timber UV Oiled Chevron Parquet
  • TW-E521: Matching engineered plank used as border strips

 

Here’s what you’re looking at:

Double Border Strip Layout
  • Chevron is framed on two sides using straight plank strips
  • Creates a subtle feature area, ideal for hallways or entrances
  • Guides the eye through the space without disrupting flow
Triple Border Strip Layout
  • Chevron is framed on three sides for a more pronounced, tailored look
  • Defines zones more clearly, perfect for dining spaces or lounges
  • Adds visual weight and structure without changing material or colour

In both examples, the tone and finish are consistent between the chevron and plank boards. The contrast comes purely from the pattern layout, which means the floor looks cohesive while still feeling considered and designed.

These layouts are a great way to introduce interest, balance and movement into your flooring — right from the moment someone walks in.

 

Contents

 

A Fresh Take on Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is about more than simply choosing a colour or a finish. It plays a big role in how your space flows, how it feels underfoot, and how each room connects to the next. One of the best ways to bring in movement and personality is by mixing patterns: Combining plank and chevron flooring is an easy way to do exactly that.

At The Solid Wood Flooring Company, we’ve seen a growing number of homeowners and designers using this approach to create custom layouts that feel elegant, balanced and unique to the space.

 

Why Combine Chevron and Plank Flooring?

Combining different wood flooring patterns is a simple way to make your space feel more considered and well-designed. Mixing chevron and plank flooring gives you flexibility, contrast, and a look that feels completely custom to your home.

It helps define open spaces

In larger rooms or open-plan layouts, this mix gives you more control over how the space feels. You can:

  • Use chevron to highlight key areas like a hallway, dining space, or entry
  • Lay planks in the rest of the room to keep things calm and consistent

This subtle separation adds structure without needing walls or thresholds.

It brings balance and visual interest

Chevron creates natural movement, guiding the eye through the space. Planks, on the other hand, offer straight lines and a sense of stillness. Together, they:

  • Add gentle contrast
  • Break up large floor areas
  • Bring texture without overwhelming the design

It’s a simple way to make the floor feel more engaging.

It creates a tailored, high-end finish

This type of layout is often found in luxury homes, boutique hotels, and well-crafted interiors. It feels bespoke and carefully designed for the space. When installed using engineered wood, you also get:

  • Long-term durability
  • Easy maintenance
  • A cleaner, more stable finish than traditional solid wood

 

Design Ideas That Make Chevron and Plank Flooring Work

The beauty of mixing chevron and plank flooring lies in the layout. With the right design, you can highlight key areas, guide movement through the space, or simply create something that feels more personal and bespoke.

Here are four layout ideas that bring this combination to life:

1. Chevron Framed with a Plank Border

One of the simplest and most elegant ways to combine the two is to frame a chevron section with wide planks. This is ideal for:

  • Hallways and corridors
  • Dining zones
  • Entranceways

The border helps contain the visual energy of the chevron pattern, keeping it focused and refined. It’s a classic technique that works well in both modern and traditional interiors.

Product pairing to try:

 

2. Alternating Rows of Chevron and Plank

For a bolder look, try alternating rows of chevron and plank flooring. This layout brings a rhythmic, architectural feel to large spaces. It’s best suited to:

  • Long, open-plan rooms
  • Loft-style living areas
  • Gallery-style corridors or commercial spaces

It’s a balance between texture and simplicity, which helps make the floor feel like a true design feature.

Product pairing to try:

 

3. Chevron Inlay “Rug” Effect

Want a feature that feels truly bespoke? A chevron inlay designed to mimic a rug is a great way to create a focal point. It works beautifully in:

  • Dining rooms under a table
  • Lounge or reading areas
  • Bedrooms with a defined seating zone

This draws on both classic marquetry techniques and modern zoning ideas, offering visual separation without physical dividers.

Product pairing to try:

Smooth-White-Lacquered American Oak Flooring

 

4. Seamless Transitions Between Spaces

You can also use chevron and plank to create subtle transitions from one room to another without using thresholds or abrupt changes. This is especially useful for:

  • Hallways flowing into lounges
  • Kitchens and dining areas in open-plan layouts
  • Homes with minimal or no internal doors

The shift in pattern helps distinguish each area while keeping the entire floor continuous and cohesive.

This layout relies on tone matching and careful planning, so order samples first and test in natural light.

 

Practical Things to Keep in Mind Before You Start

Mixing chevron and plank flooring can create a truly striking look, but the layout needs to be carefully planned to get the best results. Here are a few important things to think about before you begin.

Professional installation is key

Chevron patterns require precise alignment, and transitioning between layouts takes experience. This isn’t a job to DIY. Hiring a professional installer who’s worked with mixed flooring patterns will help ensure the finish looks clean, balanced, and intentional.

Make sure your products are compatible

Not all floors are created equal. Before you choose your combination, double-check that the chevron and plank products are:

  • The same thickness
  • Compatible in joint type (tongue-and-groove or click)
  • Finished or unfinished to the same level, depending on your preference (or at least able to finish one to equalise them)

This helps avoid issues during installation and ensures a smooth, continuous surface. For environmentally conscious choices, consider flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This makes sure the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Always test with samples

Before committing, order samples of both patterns and lay them out in the room. Look at how they interact in natural and artificial light, and consider how the tones and textures work together. Seeing the products in your own space is the best way to make an informed choice and avoid surprises later on.

 

Beyond Chevron and Plank: Other Layout Ideas

If you love the idea of custom flooring but want to explore even more design options, there are a few other styles that can add depth and individuality to your space. These alternatives can be used on their own or alongside plank and chevron for a truly unique finish.

  • Classic patterns like herringbone, basket weave, or diagonal plank offer timeless appeal with a twist
  • Mixed materials, such as wood paired with stone or tile, can help define zones in open-plan layouts
  • Creative finishes, including painted or stencilled effects, add subtle personality to feature areas
  • Artisan details like reclaimed boards or mixed-width planks create a more natural, handcrafted feel

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Chevron and Plank Flooring

1. What is a chevron and plank combination floor?

It’s a mixed wood flooring layout that combines traditional straight-laid planks with angled chevron boards. The result is a custom pattern that adds visual movement, contrast, and a more tailored look to your space.

2. Where can I use this type of flooring?

This combination works well in hallways, open-plan living areas, dining rooms, and entranceways. It’s also popular for creating feature inlays or subtly zoning spaces without using walls or thresholds.

3. Is this layout difficult to install?

Yes. Installing chevron flooring, especially alongside planks, requires precision. The alignment and pattern transitions can be tricky, so we highly recommend hiring a professional installer with experience in patterned layouts.

4. Do the planks and chevron boards need to match?

They don’t need to be identical, but they should complement each other in tone, finish, and thickness. Order samples first and test them together in your space, especially under natural and artificial light.

5. How do I care for a mixed chevron and plank floor?

Maintenance is the same for any engineered wood floor.

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and grit
  • Clean with a wood-safe floor cleaner
  • Recoat or refresh the finish when needed to protect the surface over time

 

Bringing Your Design Vision to Life

Deciding to combine chevron and plank wood flooring gives you the freedom to design a space that feels thoughtful, personal, and full of character. It’s a simple way to add flow, texture, and interest without overcomplicating the look.

With the right layout and well-matched products, you can create a finish that looks custom-made and works beautifully with the way you live.

 

Thinking about trying this in your own space?

Take a look at our chevron and plank flooring collections and order a few free samples to see how the combination could work in your home.