When it comes to home interiors, particularly flooring, trends come and go. One moment, industrial concrete floors may be all the rage, while the next, you’re being told to go for bold bohemian rugs. Amidst these constantly changing trends, one style has stood the test of time: parquet flooring.
About Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring has remained a constant feature of elegant homes throughout the world due to its timeless beauty. Dating back to 1600s France, this flooring involves geometric patterns of inlaid wood that produce a stunning mosaic. Commonly used in the homes of the rich and noble at the time, the parquet floor is now accessible to anyone who wants radiant flooring.
There are two types of flooring available: solid parquet and parquet veneer flooring. Solid parquet utilizes solid wood from top to bottom while parquet veneer flooring involves a layer of parquet that is installed over subflooring, much like engineered flooring.
Today, parquet flooring is adored by those who appreciate ornateness fused with refinement, and it’s easy to see why. After all, what could be more stunning than the flooring used by France’s nobility?
Whether you like to create a grand entryway or formal dining area in your home or you want your entire business to look sophisticatedly stylish option.
Styles of Parquet Flooring
Despite its traditional heritage, parquet flooring works well in contemporary homes. Your traditional options include Chantilly, Chartreuse, D’Aremberg, Fountainbleu, Gaujacq, Monticello, and Soubise. In contrast, the contemporary patterns (the more popular ones) are Chevron, Herringbone (available in single, double or diagonal), and Hexagon. Chevron, for example, can work brilliantly in a contemporary showroom while Monticello can be found in period homes.
Choice of Materials and Options
Like all wooden floors, you can choose from a wide variety of wood species when it comes to your parquet flooring. Popular options include oak (the most prevalent and budget-friendly option), mahogany (the luxury choice), ash, and maple, though be aware that imported wood will be pricier than Australian options. Combining more than one wood species can also work wonderfully, resulting in a design that pops out from the floor thanks to the various tones and textures used. You can also choose from rustic, distressed, or industrial styles depending on your desired look and how heavily the flooring will be used.
When making your choice, bear in mind that solid hardwood parquet will be more expensive than parquet veneer, while parquet veneer offers much of the same benefits that engineered flooring does. If unsure of all the different options available to you, reach out to a company that truly understands this flooring and can guide you in the decision-making process.
Installing Parquet Flooring
Because of the intricate nature of the designs, it’s best to turn to a professional company for your parquet flooring installation. Those with extensive DIY experience and time on their hands can try tackling the project themselves.
The process begins with preparing the subfloor, which means that no part of it should be warped or rotted. Nails, wax, debris, and oils must be cleaned, and the subfloor must be level. Parquet flooring is suitable for installation over concrete subfloors, wood subfloors, and even flooring with radiant heating installed – contact a professional to ensure you have prepared your subfloor appropriately.
Maintaining your Parquet Floor
Although you might be used to mopping wooden floors, it’s recommended to use a vacuum cleaner for your parquet flooring as dust can settle into its crevices. However, never use the rotating brush on your parquet floor, as this can damage it. Even better, try using a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for use on hardwood.
If needed, spot cleans the floor using a soft, dampened cloth. If using a cleaner, again, make sure that it is precisely for hardwood. If you have a wax finish on your floor, it’s essential to buff it now and then with whatever wax paste has been recommended by the floor’s manufacturer.
If you’ve laid parquet flooring in an area that will be heavily used, such as your entrance, consider putting a rug to protect the carpet.
Parquet flooring is adored for its never-ending charm. Floors laid in European palaces during the 1700s are still appreciated by tourists, with the flooring style now being readily available right in your own home or business.
