Parquet is the finest choice for home interiors, whether you are designing an impressive villa or a more modest apartment. There are many types and models of parquet, suitable for any design style – classic, modern or minimalist – and the interplay of colors and board dimensions can create surprising, unique patterns. All achieved through quality, professional installation.
If you are considering parquet for your home, we present below the types of parquet and their characteristics, so you can make the best choice.
Types of Parquet
There are three types of parquet, each with specific characteristics and usage recommendations. For instance, certain parquet types cannot be installed in bathrooms or kitchens because they do not resist moisture well. Similarly, if you want to install underfloor heating, you must purchase only a specific type of parquet.
Solid Wood Parquet
This type of parquet is exceptionally elegant, commonly found in older residences. Of course, you can also install solid wood parquet, as it looks stunning and is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms or hallways – areas where humidity levels are not excessive. It is the best choice if you desire a classic, elegant or retro design aesthetic.
Each parquet plank is crafted from a single piece of wood and has a thickness of 18–28 mm. Installation requires professional assistance, as each board must be glued or fixed with nails. Solid wood parquet requires special care. Its advantage is that it can be sanded if damaged, restoring it to pristine condition. However, this procedure cannot be repeated too many times, as each sanding reduces its thickness until it reaches the joint, known as tongue and groove.
Engineered Parquet
This type of parquet is of very high quality, though it is no longer 100% natural like solid wood parquet. It is treated with varnishes and adhesive solutions, as it consists of multiple wood layers bonded together to form a plank approximately 10–22 mm thick. If you choose quality engineered parquet, it will prove highly durable over time, and the substances used are non-toxic.
The top layer is solid wood (which can be various timber species), has a natural appearance, is pleasant to the touch and can be sanded if damaged to restore its original impeccable finish. This top layer is typically treated with a special oil that protects it even under heavy traffic conditions. Engineered parquet can be installed by gluing or floating using click and lock systems.
Two-Layer Engineered Parquet
This parquet is the most recommended option, ideal for underfloor heating systems. It ensures uniform heat distribution, provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation for the room and resists heavy traffic. It can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and even in Horeca facilities.
To achieve a unique design, perfectly suited to your home's style, we recommend engaging professionals for parquet installation. Specialists will find the best mounting solutions tailored to your home's specific requirements, allowing parquet to be used even for staircase cladding. Moreover, through interplay of colors and dimensions, they can create unique patterns in each room, ensuring your home has a distinctive design unlike any other.
Therefore, if you desire quality parquet that is easy to maintain and highly durable over time while maintaining a premium aesthetic, we recommend choosing two-layer engineered parquet.
Three-Layer Engineered Parquet
Three-layer engineered parquet is an excellent choice if you desire durable parquet that can be installed floating (without adhesive) and with a very elegant appearance. Unlike two-layer engineered parquet, it is not the most suitable option for underfloor heating due to its relatively high thermal resistance.
Laminate Parquet
Laminate parquet is the most popular choice due to its very affordable price and simple installation that does not necessarily require specialist assistance. Laminate planks are fixed quickly using click and lock systems, without the need for nails or adhesive. However, you should know that this type of parquet is not made from wood, but from pressed fibers covered with a very thin printed paper that mimics certain wood species.
Although some models are very attractive, with a natural wood appearance and pleasant texture, no laminate parquet will resist wear well over time. There are, however, higher-quality options designed specifically for heavy traffic. Plank thickness varies, starting from 8 mm and reaching up to 12 mm, with the latter being more expensive products of somewhat better quality.
The advantage of laminate parquet is that it is very easy to maintain – it cleans quickly and can be installed in any room. Some superior quality models are treated with special solutions to resist moisture, allowing them to be installed even in bathrooms or kitchens.
