February 18, 2024, 11:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Oak, beech, ash—real parquet flooring typically retains the natural color of the wood. To ensure its durability, it is treated with oil or varnish. These sealants are now also available in colored options.
If you’re laying a new parquet floor, you still have the freedom to choose the color, type of wood, and installation pattern. If classic wood seems too dull or doesn’t match your decor style, you can opt for colored parquet. Even if you’re just in the mood for something different and want to give your parquet floor a fresh coat, colored varnishes and oils are a good choice.
Color for Parquet Changes the Entire Room Effect
White-transparent shades for parquet are reminiscent of Scandinavian styles. According to Michael Schmid, chairman of the Association of the German Parquet Industry (VDP), they are subtle and open up the space. “Brown tones like walnut or cognac or a trendy gray are much more dominant, bringing the floor to the forefront, but can also create a cozy feel-good effect,” Schmid says. A “strong design statement,” according to him, is intensely black-colored parquet floors.
When choosing a color for parquet, you should also consider the size and appearance of the furniture pieces in the room. According to the VDP, a color-accented floor can be particularly appealing with light furniture. A Biedermeier cabinet might stand out well on lighter parquet—or on a color that closely matches the furniture piece.
Related: Overview of Typical Parquet Types
How Often You Should Clean Hardwood Floors
Chalk paint is particularly well-suited for this purpose.
Color Works with All Installation Patterns
A color treatment can be applied regardless of the installation pattern of the wood floor. According to the VDP, oak, which is widely used in parquet assortments in this country, is particularly suitable. It absorbs the color pigments “excellently” due to its pore structure and depth. Parquet that has been brushed by the manufacturer is also particularly absorbent.
If you choose very dark tones but later want the floor to be lighter again, you should expect extra effort. The color pigments penetrate deep into the wood pores, making the layer to be sanded thicker.
Coloring Wood Floors – What to Consider
If you want to color your parquet floor, you have several options. You can use stain to give the wood a new look. Oil or varnish works just as well. You can read about the exact differences in this article. If you’re unsure about handling the parquet, you should consult a professional company.
With material from dpa