24 November 2021
Is parquet flooring old fashioned?
We prefer the term ‘timeless’ to ‘old fashioned’ because that’s what parquet flooring is – timeless. Parquetry has been around since the 16th century and with good reason; in fact, there are several good reasons. And that’s why we’ve dedicated this entire article to parquet.
What is parquet flooring?
Parquetry is the technique of creating a decorative wooden floor using wooden tiles or blocks. Think of a parquet floor like a mosaic of wood pieces.
You’ll probably be familiar with the Herringbone and Chevron designs – commonplace in school halls – but other designs are available. Although parquet floors are often geometrical, they can include curves and intricate design features too.
Parquet flooring gained popularity from the 16th century onward, although it was more prevalent in the homes of the wealthy due to the cost and skill involved.
In the 1930s, carpet provided a much cheaper flooring alternative, and parquet became less popular. However, it has seen quite a revival in recent decades due to the many benefits it offers.
Benefits of parquet flooring
Perhaps the biggest advantage of parquet flooring is its durability. Because it is made of wood, it is hardwearing and strong, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. If it starts to look a bit tired, it can be sanded, refinished and made to look like new. A properly installed, quality parquet floor can last a lifetime and beyond.
Another advantage is it is low maintenance. Unlike carpet, it doesn’t stain, so spills and dirt can be easily cleaned up. It’s a great choice if you have pets as it won’t retain the allergens like other flooring options can.
Plus, parquet flooring looks amazing. Classic or contemporary, there’s a design to suit buildings of any age and any style of décor. Go narrow or wide plank, light or dark wood, natural or stained, or combine different shades. Choose a traditional Herringbone or Chevron design, or opt for something more contemporary. Intricate parquet designs are incredibly popular, with highly artistic, decorative and even bespoke designs available,
The choice is yours, but whatever you decide on, your parquet floor will be a standout feature of your home.
Alternatives to parquet
Parquet flooring isn’t without its downsides, most notably the cost. It can last fifty years or more when looked after, meaning it is a good long-term investment. But the quality of the materials used, coupled with the time and skill involved in installing it, makes parquet an expensive flooring choice.
So if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to parquet, there are lots of alternatives, including softwood options like bamboo and cork or eco-friendly options like hemp. Then there are the more popular flooring types such as carpet, laminate and vinyl options, or ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles.
One of the most popular alternatives to hardwood floors is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). LVT is made up of multiple layers and comes in a vast array of designs, including all kinds of wood effect options. Unlike lower end laminate and vinyl, LVT is textured, so it looks very much like real wood flooring.
As well as being a cheaper alternative to parquet flooring, LVT does have some other advantages. It’s durable, hardwearing and easy to clean, making it a great flooring option.
To parquet or not to parquet?
While parquet flooring may be considered old-fashioned to some, it looks like it’s here to stay. There’s no denying it’s a great investment, but is it right for you?
It’s certainly not a decision you should rush into – there are many factors to consider, not least the cost.
If you are convinced that parquet is the way to go, you should speak to a flooring expert to ensure that you choose the right design. After all, it’s likely your parquet floor will be around for years to come, so you don’t want something you’re going to hate after a week.
Once you have chosen your parquet flooring, don’t try and DIY it when it comes to installation. Parquetry is a specialist skill and highly complex – the floor needs to be properly prepared, blocks need to be precisely laid, and you need to sand and seal your floor for the perfect finish.
The cost of getting it wrong is likely to be much higher than the cost of getting it properly installed.
Parquet flooring at Beyond Flooring
The Beyond Flooring team are specialists in all types of flooring, including parquet. We can help you select the perfect design and finish, and we’ll install your parquet floor to the highest standard.
In fact, we’re so confident in our fitting service that we offer a two-year installation warranty on all domestic projects, giving you complete peace of mind.
So if you are considering parquet flooring for your home, check out our gallery for inspiration, visit our fantastic showroom, or get in touch with our friendly team to request a quote.
