Parquet flooring is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury and elegance to your home. Made from individual wood blocks arranged in a pattern, parquet flooring comes in a variety of shades, styles, and finishes. Whether you’re looking for a classic herringbone or a modern chevron, parquet flooring is sure to make a statement in your home.
History of Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring throughout the years
Parquet flooring originates from as back in the centuries as the late 1600s when it was first fitted as a substitute to the hard to maintain and clean marble floors in the Versailles. Back in the day, parquet flooring was cut by hand by real masters with a lot of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Despite the progress of the flooring industry nowadays and the fact that geometric wooden blocks are now cut by machines, there are still parquet flooring masters from the old generation, who preserve the craftsmanship and art of handmade parquet flooring. While handmade parquet flooring used to be and still is a luxury enjoyed by wealthy people, nowadays parquet flooring is no more reserved for the royal families only and can be enjoyed in every house or commercial space.
Since its peak of popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, parquet flooring remains one of the most stylish and beautiful interior design assets of every house, restaurant, or office, where parquet flooring is installed. Every now and then parquet flooring is having its huge comeback in the interior design world and in case you want to hop on this wagon, you will be pleased to know that parquet flooring is very in now too. However, parquet flooring is a classic choice that is not pretty concerned with current trends and tendencies. Enjoyed by lovers of classic designs and by followers of current trends, parquet flooring remains one of the most elegant and beautiful options on the market.
What is Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring explained
Parquet flooring is cut from hardwood species just like solid wood flooring. However, in the case with parquet flooring, floorboards are actually smaller in size and dimensions geometric blocks that are usually arranged in different ways so they can achieve the parquet flooring pattern. There are dozens and dozens of parquet flooring patterns, some of them very classic and traditional, others more modern and unique, thirds are masterpieces of art and imagination.
No matter the pattern of choice, parquet flooring is engineered around the idea of bringing a lot of beauty, uniqueness, and character to every space. Some even consider parquet flooring to be a true masterpiece that also ensures a lot of long-lasting and hard-wearing comfort and functionality. Made from individual wood blocks arranged in a pattern, parquet flooring is the perfect choice if you’re looking to add luxury and class to your home, along with an elegant modern touch.
Parquet Flooring – Characteristics
Guide to parquet flooring characteristics
Parquet flooring is not all looks and beauty, despite the fact parquet flooring’s appearance is its strongest and most exciting asset. However, be it a real wood flooring type, parquet flooring also comes with all the advantages and benefits accompanying every real wood floor. Parquet flooring is functional, comfortable, and convenient. It is long-lasting and hard-wearing when parquet flooring is maintained and cleaned properly and regularly. It can last for up to a whole century and even longer if you make sure to maintain the good condition of aged but strong floors.
Parquet Flooring – Maintenance
How to look after parquet flooring
This type of wood flooring usually, do not requires too much of a different and time-consuming maintenance and cleaning routine compared to solid wood and engineered wood floors. Parquetry should be cleaned properly and regularly by vacuuming the surface with the vacuum attachment designed to hard floor surfaces. Mopping the parquet floorboards is recommended with as little amount of water and liquids as possible. The usage of cleaning products is recommended only in case the product is actually designed for parquet flooring and has a neutral pH that does not damage the floor’s finish.
Parquet flooring should be sanded and refinished every now and then in order to maintain its original beauty and perfect condition. In this case, sanding should definitely be left in the reliable hands of knowledgeable and experienced sanding professionals. When it comes to the sanding of parquet flooring, because of the different patterns achieved by assembling the wooden blocks in different directions, there is a high risk of sanding against the grain and damaging the floorboards. This is why you should never attempt such a complex task as a DIY project.
Where to Install Parquet Flooring
Where to consider parquet flooring installation
Parquet flooring is a functional and beautiful choice for both domestic and commercial settings. It fits perfectly in all rooms of the household and looks amazing in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens. It is also a perfect choice for offices, restaurants, pubs, and hotels, however, extra care and a strong and lasting finish is required for busy and high-traffic areas. This type of flooring, like any other real wood flooring, is not recommended for basements and bathrooms as an environment of moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations are not the best for real wood.
Popular Parquet Flooring Patterns
Guide to common parquet flooring designs
Parquet flooring comes in many styles and designs. With such a plethora of patterns and designs, it is easy to find something that perfectly matches your style and meets your requirements and desires for interior design. Keep in mind that some parquetry patterns can be a bit too engaging and complex for smaller and narrow spaces, such as hallways. In this case, stick to simple shapes and designs. Otherwise, you can choose from many beautiful and engaging patterns, the most popular of them being:
- Herringbone pattern – comes in single and double Herringbone
- Chevron pattern
- Hexagons
- Brick Pattern
- Basket Weave Pattern – comes in single and double Basket Weave
- Checkerboard
- Mosaic
The classic parquet flooring patterns that are, unfortunately, rare to find in many places nowadays, but there are still parquetry masters, who can create them, include:
- Aremberg
- Chantilly
- Monticello
Enhance your space with the timeless charm of parquet flooring. Visit our London showroom for a firsthand experience, or order parquet flooring online via our website.
History of parquet flooring What is parquet flooring Parquet flooring - characteristics Parquet flooring - maintenance Where to install parquet flooring Popular parquet flooring patterns