Have you ever walked into a room and been captivated by the v-shaped patterns on the floor? Or how about the zigzag layout of wooden planks of a herringbone floor.  Herringbone can make compact rooms feel more spacious while the chevron way of wood flooring layouts more of a visual movement to enjoy.
Herringbone uses rectangular planks set one after another on top of each other spaced at the same distance for a row to be completed. Herringbone is typically easier to install because the installer doesn't have to measure the 45 degree angle needed for every hardood plank he cuts to fit a row.

You may not know it, but these two timeless patterns have been charming us for centuries. Chevron and herringbone each have their unique rhythm and flow, showing its roots from ancient Roman roads to modern Manhattan lofts. Let's cover the differences between them, explore their aesthetics in various settings, and help you choose which is best suited for your space. Are you ready?

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The comparison of hickory vs oak flooring is a tale as old as time. It's a tough decision because both are popular for good reason. They're durable, beautiful, and can elevate any room home’s look. You'll learn the hardness rating differences, color and texture differences, as well as the value of these American wood species. The decision to make between these two wood floors should be made with information, and we will cover everything anyone would need to know. Let's unpack the showdown ... Read more...

Do you know how those websites have to put the disclaimer in the intro to their webpage? I want to go ahead and get that out of the way: I absolutely love engineered hardwood flooring. My last house had it, my current house has it, and the house I am trying to get built right now will have it. Why? Because if we will buy a high-quality, well-constructed engineered floor (at a steep discount from ReallyCheapFloors.com) we will be happy with our purchase and its performance for decades. The ... Read more...

If you are planning a home renovation in 2026, you probably want to know the general wood hardness of red oak before you spend your hard-earned money. Currently natural oak flooring dominates the product type segment in North America, commanding over 52% of the total market revenue in the flooring market alone. Let's look at the raw lumber for a project and prefinished planks for your living room flooring project. Understanding red oak is hard and known widely as a truly a tough material where ... Read more...

When you’re asking how durable is engineered hardwood flooring, you’re really asking one thing, will it survive life happens without looking tired and worn. In 2026, the quick truth is this, engineered flooring keeps winning because the wear layer and construction method do a lot of the heavy lifting, and a 2mm wear layer is often the line between “looks good” and “looks rough” in a high-traffic home. Key Takeaways What matters for durability What to look for Wear ... Read more...

In 2026, 22% of U.S. homeowners are choosing hardwood (stained or unstained) for their kitchen remodels, and it makes sense. But the real question is not what looks good in a showroom, it is what survives life happens in the kitchen, the spills, the wet feet, the muddy dog paws, and the “we forgot to wipe that” moments. Key Takeaways Best for real kitchen use Engineered hardwood usually handles moisture swings better than solid. Laminate’s biggest win Killer ... Read more...

  If you are wondering how long until its time to replace prefinished hardwood flooring, here is the blunt truth most sales pitches skip, high-quality prefinished hardwood is typically built to last 20 to 30 years when you treat it like a floor, not like disposable decor. Key Takeaways Question people ask Straight answer What lifespan should I expect from prefinished hardwood flooring? Usually 20 to 30 years, depending on grade, finish type, and maintenance. Do ... Read more...

I am traveling back from a special buyers meeting held by one of the largest manufacturers of flooring in the world. These meetings tend to get into my head. I am reminded that LVP, or luxury vinyl plank, is still the fastest-growing flooring category in the US. If so, why don’t we know more about this popular product besides that its a waterproof one? Well, pull out our notepad, and I will tell you what I know about luxury vinyl planks. I'll share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Who’s ... Read more...

How durable is prefinished hardwood flooring? In 2026, it is not a guessing game, because modern factory finishes can take serious abuse, including up to 1,000 abrasive rubs before you see obvious wear. And yeah, that is the good news, the kind that matters when you have muddy dog paws, tracked-in salt, and the occasional laundry basket “incident.” Key Takeaways Quick answer Prefinished hardwood durability depends on finish strength, installation quality, and how you handle ... Read more...

If you are shopping in 2026 for wide plank wood flooring, you'll notice various wood species are the main differences of floors with competing colors. Homes shopping for a wider plank are usually replacing glossy floors because the “shine” doesn’t survive real life. That means your species and finish of choice has to handle daily wear, moisture swings, and the occasional laundry basket drop, plus still look good when it is not Instagram perfect. Key Takeaways Best all-around ... Read more...