Parquet flooring is a type of flooring that is made from small, individual wood pieces arranged in geometric patterns. It is famous for its distinctive and elegant appearance, often associated with traditional or classic interior designs.
The individual wood pieces, called parquet tiles or blocks, are Generally made of hardwood or softwood. These tiles and blocks come in various colors, texture and shapes, such as squares, rectangles, or triangles, and are arranged in different patterns, including herringbone and basket weave designs. You can choose according to your room.
Each parquet tile has tongue-and-grooves on the edge so that the tiles can strongly interlock. The strong and moisture-resistant adhesive is used to glue Parquet files with the subfloor.
History of Parquet Flooring
Parquet Flooring is not a new type of flooring; its history dates back to the 16th century. Parquet flooring originated in France, it was mainly used in royal palaces, but later it gradually became popular and was used in residential and commercial buildings.
It was initially developed as an alternative to marble flooring, which was expensive. Parquet flooring is more affordable with a great appearance. So it quickly spread all over the world.
Pros of Parquet Flooring
Appearance
Parquet flooring is known for its beautiful and elegant appearance, which can add a touch of elegance to any space.
Durable and Stable
Parquet Flooring is very durable and stable. Parquet Flooring made 100 years ago in churches or palaces is often found in good condition.
It is generally made of high-quality hardwood. Each tile or block interlocked tightly, creating a stable and durable surface with proper maintenance, can last for decades and centuries.
Resistant to wear and tear
Parquet flooring is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. It is made from high-density hardwood. Most hardwoods are highly resistant to wear and tear.
Easy to clean and maintain
Parquet flooring is relatively easier to clean and maintain than marble floors. Using a wood floor cleaner or damp mop is usually sufficient to maintain it in good condition.
Additionally, Parquet tiles can be sanded 4 to 5 times to refinish, which removes dents or scratches and provides a refreshed appearance.
Versatile Installation And Color Options
Parquet flooring can be installed in a variety of ways, such as gluing tiles directly to the subfloor or simply installing over plywood or existing flooring.
We get a wide range of design and color options in Parquet Flooring. Parquet tile can be installed in a variety of patterns such as Herringbone, Mosaic, Chevron, Chantilly, and many more.
The color of the Parquet tile depends on the species of wood we can choose according to our choice, such as Oak, Maple, and Mahogany parquet flooring.
Adds value to the property
Parquet flooring is considered premium flooring that can increase the value of a property. Its appearance and durability attract buyers and add value to the property.
Cons of Parquet Flooring
Cost
Parquet flooring can be expensive compared to other wooden flooring options. Sometimes it can be more expensive than marble or ceramic tiles. Cost varies depending on the wood species, the pattern’s complexity, and the installation method.
Installation Complexity
Installing Parquet Tiles is a challenging task. It requires skilled professionals to install Parquet Flooring that understands patterns and designs well. The installation process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Required Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is required to ensure that Parquet Flooring is durable for a long time. The surface is prone to scratches and dents. Sanding and refinishing are necessary steps to maintain the floor’s natural appearance.
Limited Refinishing Options
Parquet tiles are thin pieces of wood, so they can only be sanded and refinished for a limited time. It depends on the thickness of the Parquet tile.
Types of Parquet Flooring
There are many types of Parquet Flooring. We can divide it based on Parquet tile material, pattern or design, and wood species.
Types of Parquet Flooring based on Material
There are mainly two types of Parquet tile material.
- Solid Wood Parquet Tiles: Parquet tile that is made of 100% solid wood. Generally, solid wood is more expensive than Engineered Parquet Tiles.
- Engineered Parquet Tiles: It is similar to the Solid wood Parquet tiles, which are made from a thin layer of real wood veneer bonded to a stable plywood or HDF base.
Types of Parquet Flooring based on Wood species
Parquet tile made from mahogany wood is called mahogany parquet flooring. Several species of wood are used to make parquet tiles. The color and physical properties of all these species differ. Here are some most popular types.
- Oak Parquet Flooring (Color: light to medium brown)
- Walnut Parquet Flooring (Color: light brown to dark chocolate)
- Pine Parquet Flooring (Color: pale yellow)
- Maple Parquet Flooring (Color: darker reddish brown)
- Cherry Parquet Flooring (Color: reddish-brown)
- Mahogany Parquet Flooring (Color: dark brown)
Types of Parquet Flooring based on Pattern and Design
Parquet flooring offers a variety of patterns. Here are some common types of parquet flooring based on their patterns and designs:
- Herringbone
- Chevron
- basket weaving
- Versailles
- Brick Bond
- Dutch pattern and more
Price
Real wood parquet flooring typically ranges from $30 to $50 per square foot with materials and installation. The price of parquet flooring depends on many factors, like the type of wood, pattern, design, and material quality.
Parquet Floor Care and Maintenance
To maintain the beauty of parquet flooring for a long time, cleaning and caring for it regularly will make it last longer. Here are some tips for maintaining the Parquet Flooring:
- Never use chemical-based cleaners. They may damage your floors.
- Use furniture pads to prevent dents from furniture legs.
- Parquet Flooring is sensitive to changes in humidity, which can cause it to have gaps or warping. Protect the floor from moisture.
- Protect your wooden floor from direct sunlight, which can cause the wood to fade or discolor over time.
- Seal and finish the gap between the tiles properly so that water or dust does not enter inside.
- Pets’ nails need to be trimmed regularly.
Parquet Flooring Repair
Parquet floors are easier to repair with the right tools. If there is rot or damage in the parquet tile, it can be easily fixed or replaced with new tile. Sometimes it isn’t easy to match the old tiles to the new ones, but not always.
Oak Parquet Flooring
Oak parquet flooring refers to parquet tiles made from oak wood. It is a straight-grained, light to medium brown hardwood species which is native to native to the Northern Hemisphere.
Oak wood is resistant to decay and moisture and can easily withstand humidity or outdoor weather. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools.
Overall, oak parquet flooring is a classic and elegant option that enhances beauty with durability and longevity.
Wooden Parquet Flooring
Wood parquet flooring is a type in which parquet tiles or blocks are usually made from hardwood species such as oak, walnut, maple, cherry, or mahogany. This hardwood species is durable, stable, and less prone to dents and scratches.
Vinyl Parquet Flooring
Vinyl parquet flooring which is similar in appearance to traditional wood flooring but is made of vinyl material. It is made from a synthetic polymer called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl parquet tiles have multiple layers that provide durability, stability, and a visually appealing finish.
Wooden vs Vinyl Parquet Flooring
The installation and maintenance cost of Vinyl parquet flooring is less than wood parquet flooring. Vinyl parquet flooring has more color, design, and texture options than wood parquet flooring.
Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials so that you won’t get the same feel and texture as natural solid wood flooring.
What is Parquet Flooring Made Of?
Parquet flooring is usually made of different types of wood, but it can also be made of an engineered material such as plywood or the popular vinyl material.
FAQ
Is Parquet Flooring Durable?
Parquet flooring is extremely strong and durable. We can see its durability in palaces and houses that have been around for 100 to 200 years and still have it in good condition.
The durability of Parquet flooring depends on many factors, such as the type of wood used, the tiles’ thickness, the installation method, and how well it is maintained.
Is Parquet Flooring Moisture Resistant?
Yes, Parquet flooring is moisture and water-resistant but not moisture-proof. In other words, Parquet flooring can withstand moisture or water for a short period but only for a short time. Parquet tiles swell and smell when exposed to water for a long time.
Is Parquet Flooring Good for the Outdoor?
No, Parquet Flooring is not suitable for outdoor use. It is designed for indoor use. Outdoor conditions, such as exposure to sunlight, rain, and moisture, can damage parquet tiles.
Where to Buy Parquet Flooring?
Parquet flooring tiles can be bought online and offline from various sources. Here are some common places where you can buy:
- Home Improvement Stores
- Flooring Specialty Stores
- Online Retailers
- Local Flooring Contractors