Wood parqueting is king when it comes to ornate flooring. Wood parqueting offers a striking design element to any space since it is made of tiny hardwood pieces that are geometrically placed together.
Parquet flooring has proven well worth covering our interior floors despite fads in and out of fashion.
Parquet flooring tiles are made with a variety of different wood types and grains that are combined to create the appearance of a pattern.
There is no limit to the size or pattern used in a room, giving the homeowner far more options than the standard types and grains of wood to choose from for a beautiful, finished look.
Laying wooden floors parqueting, which derives much of its appeal from wood species such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, and maple, is not something for a beginner DIY-er.
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Definition and History of Wood parqueting
Parquet is derived from parquetry, a French word that means “little compartment.”
Parquet floors have a rich history dating back to the 16th century in France when artisans arranged little wood blocks in intricate patterns with the designs of the individual blocks varied in size and color.
These wood floors were installed to replace country estate marble or stone floors, which were costly to install and maintain and caused long-term damage to the timber framework.
Throughout France in the 1600s, parquet flooring became synonymous with elegance in manor houses and palaces, public buildings, schools, and factories.
Only after Louis XIV, King of France, installed exceptional parquet designs, including the “parquet de Versailles” geometric patterns in the rooms of Versailles Palace, did this prestigious flooring material become a widely popular style in Europe.
Louis XIV’s artisans designed the Versailles floors with large squares of parquetry laid on the bias, interlaced diagonal squares.
The pattern is still called Parquet de Versailles and is usually made of plain oak wood. Skill and time required Parquet floors were initially considered aesthetic for wealthy households.
The existing example Galerie d’Hercule at the Hôtel Lambert in Paris, is considered a work of art in its own right.
Result of meticulous craftsmanship, and a valid symbol of luxury and opulence, wooden parqueting is an undeniably beautiful work of art.
We are greeted with warmth, style, and appreciation not only because of their beauty but also because of their timeless charm.
It is best to comprehend what precisely wooden parqueting is and assess the upsides and downsides of this flooring choice before installing parquet floors in your home.
Pros of Wood Parqueting
Here are the advantages of wood parqueting which may interest you to install the wood parquet in your home.
1. Appeal and Aesthetics
Parqueting is made of wood, giving you the sensation of warmth and a close feeling to the natural aesthetics when you install it.
Some Historical lavish palaces have chosen parqueting because of their classy appearance.
The geometric and angular pattern alternatives of parquet flooring can be changed to suit any style, preference, or lifestyle that you may have.
As you can customize the parquet patterns and materials, you can opt for the modern or classy look you desire.
Parquet styles add a little luxury to residences and can increase the value of properties when it comes time to sell them.
2. Distinctive
No two rooms are the same in tailoring the mosaic patterns, materials, grains, and parquet flooring colors.
Parquet flooring is an excellent choice to take into account if you’re seeking something unique and exciting.
Materials blended, cut, and installed before being combined give each tile a unique classic look.
3. Allergen Free
Contrary to rugs and carpets, which can act as a haven for allergens, dust, and other unwelcome visitors, wood parqueting doesn’t have any room for malicious threats.
Families with small children susceptible to allergies and those who already have allergies should strongly consider the parqueting option.
4. Simple to Clean
Wooden parqueting is one of the most outstanding solutions for keeping the home clean. Regular Sweeping and mopping will do.
Make sure to clean up any spills. The surface of the parquet is no odor- or stain-absorbing.
5. Enduring
If you truly want to hide the damage, a little bit of sanding will do the trick. Wooden parqueting is much more stable than traditional wooden flooring.
Hardwood floors like parquet are durable and difficult to harm. Even if they are scratched, it doesn’t hinder the floor’s visual attractiveness because it mixes in with the wood’s natural texture.
The three layers of wood are arranged at 90-degree angles to minimize wood movement.
The wear layer refers to the top layer of parquet flooring. This layer has been carefully chosen to guarantee the most excellent durability throughout time.
It can be used in various environments and applications, from heavy machinery to commercial places and kitchens.
6. Cost-effective
Parquet flooring may be affordable to almost any budget. The variety of options for the type of wood used, the finish, and the pattern, keep a low budget possible.
As the lower layers of parquet floors are not visible, they can be constructed using less expensive materials than the top layer. This contributes to the overall cost of the flooring solution.
7. Refinishing may be possible
Parquet floors occasionally sustain damage, which is a hassle and can reduce their aesthetic appeal.
It is an excellent option for homeowners remodeling or renovating their homes, though, because they can refinish their floors if needed.
8. Environment friendly
Because it is made from old, unused trees, wooden parqueting is environmentally friendly.
It is a sustainable type of flooring because it does not contribute to deforestation, making it the most environmentally friendly option on the market.
Recycling and reusing damaged pieces is also straightforward, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
9. Easy Installation
The installation method of parquet floors is simple. People who cannot hire a professional flooring installer can do it themselves.
Property owners who desire to rebuild their residences but lack the resources to replace all the floorings can install these types of wood flooring.
10. Very lightweight
Parquet wood flooring types are light to transport and use. It is of popular choice for any homeowner who frequently needs to relocate their residence.
Cons of the Wood Parqueting
Although there are numerous benefits, parquet flooring has some cons.
1. Scratches
Parquets are prone to scratches caused by small, sharp objects striking the floor.
When this happens, restoring the original appearance can be difficult. Walking with high heels or using door mats at entry points badly impacts the parquet floors.
One of the main disadvantages of wooden parqueting is that it has a distinct and beautiful style, but if scratched, it may lose its luster.
It may be difficult for homeowners who live with their children or pets and homes where people walk around frequently, causing damage to the floor.
The scratches on the floor, on the other hand, may dull the aesthetic appeal of the wooden parqueting.
However, with the help of a professional, you can fix it as long as they are caught early enough.
2. Expensive
If you want the best materials and decorative patterns in wooden parqueting, it requires a higher installation cost than the other wood flooring options on the market.
This can be one of the reasons why homeowners hesitate to install wooden parqueting on their homes.
3. Requires regular maintenance
Parquet floors are more sensitive to manage and maintain over time. No matter how well you maintain your flooring, the tiles must be resealed, resanded, and re-polished.
This is done to keep the flooring looking beautiful and new and extend its lifespan.
Homeowners must take extra care and maintenance of the floors, making it one of the more expensive options.
4. Moisture Damage
Parquet flooring is susceptible to excessive moisture and humidity. It will warp, mold, and plump in highly wet, moist environments like heavily used bathrooms.
Your parqueted floor should be humidity free in your home, and your home should be kept dry. This is why it shouldn’t be installed in below-grade such as basements or high humidity areas.
5. Tarnishes
Another issue with wooden parqueting is that it can tarnish over time, bringing out the dull look of the wooden parquets.
This is primarily due to the wood used to create every material detail. However, if this problem arises, it is quickly resolved by professionals.
6. Brittle
Parquet floors are particularly vulnerable to damage from heavy items and high-traffic areas.
It is advised to use it in low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and living rooms because it is a brittle and sensitive flooring that could snap easily under pressure.
Summary (Pros and Cons of Wood Parqueting)
Pros |
---|
Aesthetic appeal |
Distinctive |
Allergen free |
Simple to clean |
Enduring |
Cost-effective |
Refinishing option when old |
Environment friendly |
Easy installation |
Lightweight |
Cons |
---|
Scratches |
Expensive |
Requires regular maintenance |
Moisture Damage |
Tarnishes |
Brittle |
Wooden parqueting can be a great solution if you want an aesthetic look for your home. They are long-lasting, simple to install, and provide the desired finishing for your home if properly maintained.
When it comes to this type of flooring, you should consider it for your office or home. There are other flooring options that you can analyze before starting your home improvement. Check out:
19 Pros and Cons of Travertine Flooring
33 Pros and Cons of Resilient Vinyl Flooring
25 Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring
10 Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
10 Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring
16 Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
(Last Updated on September 23, 2022)