Good flooring is crucial in designing every home. It may transform the appearance of your home by providing a more comfortable, welcoming, and fashionable look. It not only beautifies your space but also makes your feet feel more comfortable. Professionals choose the best option by taking durability, style, and material into account when choosing the perfect interior design.
Parquet flooring is created by placing small wood pieces together in gorgeous designs, to bring elegance and charm to any room. This Brick & Bolt article has covered—the history, advantages, and types of parquet flooring to help you make informed decisions about choosing parquet flooring for your home.
What is Parquet Flooring?
“Parquet” means “small compartment” in French. It describes how these small wooden pieces are arranged with great care to create distinctive patterns.
Parquet flooring is made by arranging small wooden slats in repeating patterns. In earlier days, parquet flooring was arranged individually (one by one), but today, it comes up with preassembled tiles with wooden slats attached to a backing.
You can glue, nail, or staple these parquets to the floor. It resembles regular solid hardwood for its beauty and durability.
What is Parquet Flooring Made of?
Wooden strips can be arranged in patterns directly on the floor to make parquet flooring. They come in common sizes, including:
- 9×9 inches
- 12×12 inches
- 19×19 inches
Parquet flooring is between 5/16 inch and 3/4 inch thick. The tiles contain a backing of paper, cloth, or plastic that holds the wood pieces together. The finish layer is frequently oak but also maple and walnut, providing a fashionable appearance and enduring strength.
History of Parquet Flooring
The word “parquet” is derived from the French word “parqueterie.” Developed in 17th-century France, it was an advanced but maintenance-free alternative to marble floors that required ongoing maintenance and was employed to press wooden joints below. It spread as far as the Royal Château of Versailles.
By the 1960s, parquet flooring was already a popular substitute for conventional hardwoods in most homes, particularly in living rooms and kitchens. This type of flooring is adored by people for its geometrical patterns, and these days it comes in woods like walnut, oak, and maple so that you can have the one you prefer.
Different Styles of Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring offers timeless elegance with its geometric designs. Some of the most common styles include:
Herringbone:
The planks have rectangular wooden panels set at right angles of 90°, which close-pack so well and form a stable yet wonderful design.
Chevron:
Just like in the herringbone, the ends of the planks are angled in a way that creates a “V” shape and, thereby, results in a crisp and visible pattern.
Versailles:
This complex design has crossed diagonals and was utilised in the Palace of Versailles, hence providing a sense of rich and elegant appearance.
Mosaic (Brick):
This style creates a clean, symmetrical look, perfect for modern and classic interiors alike.
Types of Parquet Flooring Available
Parquet flooring comes in two main types, each with unique benefits.
Solid Parquet:
- It is made of solid pieces of wood, and it has the look and feel of natural timber flooring.
- Solid parquet resembles traditional hardwood, offering durability but requiring more upkeep.
Engineered Wood Parquet:
- This is made by placing a thin layer of hardwood (veneer) on top of several layers of wood.
- It’s a newer, less expensive product that requires much less maintenance.
Both types are visually and texturally similar, but solid parquet is likely to last longer.
Pros and Cons of Parquet Flooring
| Aspect | Parquet Flooring Pros | Parquet Flooring Cons |
| Aesthetics | Looks great, with lots of pattern options | Hard to install and refinish |
| Investment | Increases home value | Expensive to install, high upfront costs |
| Comfort | Comfortable to walk on | Not as soft as carpet |
| Functionality | Great for busy rooms | Might not suit all room styles |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Can be damaged by moisture |
| Durability | Long-lasting and tough | Prone to scratches, needs upkeep |
Advantages of Parquet Flooring
The parquet flooring is outstanding due to its unique and stylish look. Unlike the traditional wooden planks, it has elegance from the intricacies of the patterns. You can either opt for premade tiles or assemble your pattern. You can prefer wood, faux wood, or other materials.
Popular designs of parquet flooring include herringbone, chevron, and basketweave. Premade tiles help in easy installation if you want to do it yourself. Just ensure you have enough knowledge about subflooring and removing old floors before going into your project.
Disadvantages of Parquet Flooring
Refinishing wood parquet flooring can be challenging, especially when the planks are arranged in several directions. This requires additional assistance to adequately achieve the correct refinish on each piece, particularly with variations of wood types. The result would require more time and effort than refinishing a typical hardwood floor.
Solid wood parquet is expensive and difficult to find. It can be very costly to purchase and install, and installation requires a professional. Although you can save some money by doing it yourself, the complexity may make it challenging for most DIY makers.
Parquet may not be the best choice for busy homes, as it is a big investment. If children or pets damage it, it may lower your home’s value when you sell.
How to Install Parquet Flooring?
When selecting parquet flooring, opt for a mix of style and functionality.
Select the Right Colour for Your Room
Lighter colours work best in small, gloomy spaces, whereas darker hues work best in vast, light spaces. Your floor should complement your furniture.
Select the Design Most Suitable for Your Home
There are a variety of designs in parquet, from plain to extravagant.
Fit Within Your Budget
You have too many alternatives for you to produce a parquet floor, and thus you should not overspend on the price for a gorgeous floor. In case solid wood proves too costly, opt for other materials such as wood veneer or engineered wood.
Conclusion
Parquet flooring is a luxury and style in itself. Introduced into use in the 16th century in France as a replacement for heavy marble and stone floors, it was the palace floor of choice for the Palace of Versailles. Parquet flooring will add beauty and elegance to any home or apartment. When provided with proper care, a hardwood parquet floor will last generations, giving solid, comfortable, and stable flooring for many years.