If you’re thinking of installing hardwood flooring in your home, there are a lot of different options to look at. You’ve probably already thought about the very popular plank style of hardwood flooring, but have you considered something a little different?

Parquet flooring is a traditional style of hardwood flooring that looks very elegant and makes a change from standard hardwood planks. It comes in a variety of styles, colours and materials so can be used in a wide variety of settings.

In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the most popular questions asked about parquet flooring so that you can make an informed choice for your home.

What is parquet flooring?

Parquet (pronounced ‘parkay’) flooring is made up of short wooden battens that are slotted together in a geometric mosaic. This gives a decorative flooring effect that is both beautiful and long-lasting.

Also known as herringbone flooring, parquet flooring first became popular with European aristocracy in the 1600s. The intricate wooden patterns became a popular replacement for marble floors as it required less maintenance. However, this original form of parquet flooring was very expensive and took great skill to create and so installing parquet flooring became an extravagant demonstration of wealth.

Thankfully, parquet flooring isn’t quite so expensive anymore and is now a popular form of flooring for all sorts of homes.

What are the pros and cons of parquet flooring?

As with all hardwood flooring, parquet wood flooring has the benefits of looking beautiful and feeling wonderful underfoot. It is durable, sustainable, and with a little care will stay looking good for many years.

Wood flooring has a timeless appeal and parquet flooring has a particularly elegant appearance. It looks good in period properties as well as complementing the minimalist style of modern homes, and the wide range of colours and finishes means there’s sure to be a parquet floor to suit your taste.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that parquet flooring is more difficult to install than traditional hardwood planks and could work out more expensive to install. And you do need to ensure that your herringbone flooring isn’t exposed to water or excessive sunlight as this can cause warping or cupping.

What rooms is parquet flooring suitable for?

Parquet floors will look beautiful in most rooms but the more decorative appearance of parquet flooring means it is particularly suited to reception rooms, hallways (especially entryways), and dining rooms.

Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms can have a more humid atmosphere which could damage wood floors. Our Brecon parquet waterproof flooring (pictured above) is ideal for use in these rooms. It’s part of our Stratex range and has a waterproof, wood-effect vinyl layer on top of a mineral resin-limestone core. Its ‘score and snap’ system makes it easy to install and it comes with a market-leading 25-year warranty.

What parquet flooring colours are available?

If you’re considering installing herringbone flooring, wood colour is a very important factor to decide on. Woodpecker parquet flooring is available in a wide range of colours to suit every style of interior decor.

From the dark good looks of Goodrich Charred Oak (pictured above) to the paler tones of Goodrich Ecru Oak, you’re sure to find something to suit your home’s decor and aesthetic. You can see Goodrich Ecru Oak used to create continuity between the historic house and modern extension at Worcester Lodge in our transformation blog post.

And of course, if you’re not sure which colour to select, our free sample service will allow you to see the flooring up close in your own home. Browse our full range to order up to three free samples – delivery is free, too!

What parquet flooring patterns are there?

The best-known pattern for parquet flooring is the traditional single herringbone style, or its close relative, the double herringbone pattern. But there are several other patterns that you could choose including brickbond, chevron, and basketweave. You can also incorporate handcrafted design panels for a more elaborate look.

Additionally, you can combine flooring styles in a plank and herringbone mix to add interest or divide an open space room into distinct areas.

Creating a border helps to hide uneven walls and complements a minimalist style, while ladder or bookend patterns turn the battens at a 90-degree angle to create a wide border that looks stunning in larger rooms.

And you can also incorporate our stunning brass or stainless steel Design Strips to add a finishing touch or transition between two styles of flooring, too.

Is laying parquet flooring difficult?

Laying a herringbone floor is more complex than laying hardwood plank flooring, so you will probably need to hire an expert to install your parquet flooring for you.

The design you choose will affect how difficult it is to install your flooring. For instance, mixing different wood colours, combining parquet flooring and planks, or adding a ladder border will be more difficult than choosing a simple herringbone pattern.

If you have any questions about installing parquet flooring, please feel free to contact our expert Customer Service team for help and advice.

How much does parquet flooring cost?

The overall cost of installing your flooring will depend on factors such as the type of wood and pattern you choose, what underlay you use, and whether you install underfloor heating.

Incorporating a border or design strips will add impact to your room but will also increase the overall cost.

How should I clean and care for Parquet flooring?

Parquet floors need to be cleaned and cared for in the same way as any other engineered and hardwood floors. This is very important to reduce the risk of damage to your floor, as well as keeping them looking at their best for longer.

You should use a soft brush to sweep your floors regularly or use a vacuum cleaner which is designed for use on hardwood floors. When you mop your parquet floor, you should take care to remove any excess water to avoid warping, and each month you should give your parquet flooring a deep clean with a specialist hardwood cleaning product.

How can I repair parquet flooring?

Wood floor scratch repair is a natural part of caring for your wooden floor and keeping it clear of dirt, grit, and water is the best way to avoid scratches.

Depending on how bad the scratches are, you may be able to use a scratch repair product such as Woodpecker Scratch Cover to quickly hide minor damage. You can also use Woodpecker Touch-up Oil to improve the appearance of minor marks on oiled wooden floors.

However, if your parquet flooring becomes warped, water damaged, or suffers heavy scratching, you will need to consult an expert to repair the floor.

If you’re lucky enough to buy a period property that has antique parquet floors, restoring parquet floors will bring back their natural beauty. You will need to seek advice from a restoration expert on what work needs to be done.

So if parquet or herringbone floors sound like an option for you, why not take a look through our Woodpecker range of parquet flooring and order some free samples to see them in person. Alternatively, if you’re still after some more useful information then we’ve also created an in-depth guide to herringbone flooring which you can view, download and print.

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