Parquet flooring is the name given to a type of flooring which owes the origins of its name to the French word parqueterie and dates back to the mid to late 1600’s. Popularly associated with Versailles and the Grand Trianon, parquet flooring is a type of wood flooring made from small blocks or strips of wood which are laid to create a regular and geometric pattern. In the early days, parquet flooring was use to cover or replace cold tiles and remains popular to this day.
Adding much of its appeal to the use of various species of wood such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine and maple, laying parquet flooring isn’t something suited to an inexperienced DIY-er. Often referred to as mosaic flooring, parquet flooring is highly appreciated and recognised thanks to it’s decorative effect.
Typically laid in regular and geometric, angular shapes, you will see squares, triangles and lozenges featuring strongly in traditional parquet flooring. That said, stars and sun effects are also commonly found. For people who prefer a less overall effect, the classic herringbone or chevron patterns are more likely to appeal. In fact nowadays, the herringbone pattern is arguably the most popular choice for anyone installing parquet flooring.
Parquet flooring can be made from both solid, and engineered wood nowadays, although originally it would have been made from 100% solid wood. Solid wood parquet flooring, as the name suggests is parquet flooring made from solid pieces of timber. Engineered parquet flooring on the other hand is made from layers of different types of wood, topped by hardwood. No matter whether you choose solid or engineered parquet flooring, the end look will be the same.
When it comes to installing parquet flooring, without a doubt, this is a job for the professionals. At one time laid with hot bitumen, today, parquet flooring is installed using a cold adhesive which gives a very stable result. Easy to clean and pleasing to the eye, parquet flooring is typically laid in hallways and bedrooms because it is a great alternative to tiles and is much warmer under foot.
Like most other wooden floors, parquet flooring should be regularly cleaned using your vacuum cleaner and a damp, but not wet mop. For deep cleaning, you may find that you require a specialist wood flooring detergent solution, but if so, your floor supplier will be able to advise you of the most appropriate.
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FAQ
Q1: What is the historical significance of parquet flooring?
Parquet flooring, whose name comes from the French word “parqueterie”, dates back to the mid to late 1600s. It is popularly associated with Versailles and the Grand Trianon. It was initially used to replace or cover cold tiles and remains popular to this day.
Q2: What types of wood are commonly used for parquet flooring?
Parquet flooring gains much of its appeal from the use of various species of wood such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, and maple. The choice of wood impacts the aesthetic and durability of the floor.
Q3: What patterns are common in parquet flooring?
Parquet flooring is typically laid in regular and geometric, angular shapes, including squares, triangles, and lozenges. Stars and sun effects are also commonly found. However, the classic herringbone or chevron patterns are often preferred for a less overall effect.
Q4: How is parquet flooring installed?
Installing parquet flooring is typically a job for professionals. Previously, it was laid with hot bitumen, but today, a cold adhesive is used for installation. This method provides a very stable result. It’s a pleasing and warm alternative to tiles, typically laid in hallways and bedrooms.
Q5: How should I clean and maintain my parquet flooring?
Like most other wooden floors, parquet flooring should be regularly cleaned using a vacuum cleaner and a damp, but not wet mop. For deep cleaning, you might need a specialist wood flooring detergent solution. In such cases, your floor supplier should be able to advise you on the most appropriate solution.