September 16, 2023, 9:39 am | Read time: 6 minutes

Parquet is considered one of the most popular types of flooring. At the same time, it is also one of the highest quality, which is why it comes with a price. However, not all parquet is the same. There are several differences to consider when purchasing. All types of parquet have one thing in common: they always add a lot of charm, individuality, and coziness to a home.

What Exactly Is Parquet?

Parquet refers to a high-quality flooring made from real wood, intended for indoor installation. Primarily, European hardwoods such as beech, oak, ash, or walnut are used. However, there are also more exotic options like olive or bamboo wood.

There are various manufacturing methods and corresponding types of parquet on the market. A significant advantage and often a reason for purchase is that it is a durable flooring that does not need to be replaced every few years but only needs to be sanded down when necessary.

Solid and Engineered Parquet

Here, we would like to introduce you to the most important types of parquet in more detail. The first major difference lies in the following classification: there is solid parquet, also known as single-layer parquet, and engineered parquet, also known as prefinished parquet.

As the name suggests, solid parquet is made entirely of solid hardwood, allowing it to be sanded multiple times. Engineered parquet, on the other hand, consists of several layers, with only the top or wear layer of about 3 mm made of fine hardwood. All other layers are made of cheaper softwood, which is why this type of parquet is generally lower in price. It is also often available as a click system and can be installed by oneself.

Since solid parquet is first glued, then sanded, and finally treated with a surface finish, it is more complex to install than prefinished parquet and should ideally be done by a professional.

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Types of Solid Wood Parquet

Strip Parquet

One of the best-known types of parquet is the so-called strip parquet (sometimes also called nail parquet), which is classified as a type of solid parquet. The thickness of the wooden strips is 22 mm, giving this type of parquet enormous stability. The width and length of the individual strips can vary, offering a form of flexibility that provides many different design options.

Strip parquet is usually installed by full-surface gluing to the subfloor. If the subfloor is uneven, it needs to be treated with leveling compound. On a wooden subfloor, this type of parquet is nailed.

Mosaic Parquet

Due to the relatively low height of the wooden slats of 8 mm, mosaic parquet is suitable for installation over underfloor heating. The heat can penetrate well into the room. Typically, the thin wooden slats are up to 2.5 cm wide and 16.5 cm long. For better cohesion, they are glued onto a mesh.

Installation often occurs in English bond, herringbone, or cube patterns with edge lengths of 12 to 16 cm. Generally, mosaic parquet is offered in numerous woods, grades, and installation patterns, but its popularity has somewhat declined in recent years.

More on this: The Most Popular Parquet Installation Patterns

Vertical Slat Parquet

This type of parquet consists of mosaic parquet strips that are installed vertically. Several strips form an installation unit and are fixed to the subfloor using parquet adhesive.

Vertical slat parquet is considered a particularly robust type of parquet, which is why it is often used in high-traffic areas. It is also referred to as industrial parquet, as it can withstand even more wear and tear with appropriate sealing, such as parquet lacquer. A prime example is commercially used spaces like offices or kindergartens.

Types of Engineered Wood Parquet

Two-Layer Parquet

Two-layer parquet is a popular flooring choice, especially in older buildings. Its two-layer construction, with a solid wood layer resting on a multi-layer or plywood board, allows for optimal compensation of height differences. Since the underlying wood board is usually of lower quality, this type of parquet is often cheaper than solid parquet.

Common wood types for the top layer include oak and walnut. If one’s DIY skills permit, full-surface gluing is recommended for two-layer parquet. Alternatively, a professional should be consulted.

Three-Layer Parquet

As the name suggests, three-layer parquet is similar to two-layer parquet, but it consists of an additional layer. Here, the top layer is made of solid wood, followed by the support layer and the stabilizing counter layer. Since the top layer is usually only a few millimeters thick, it cannot be sanded as often as solid parquet.

Three-layer parquet also allows for floating installation using a click system. This not only makes installation but also later removal much easier and does not necessarily require professional work.

Plank Flooring

Plank flooring is particularly impressive in terms of appearance. Its rustic look effortlessly creates a cozy atmosphere in the room. This type of parquet also fits well with modern interior design.

Thanks to its multi-layer construction, plank flooring is considered very easy to maintain, durable, and has a long lifespan. It also impresses with relatively easy installation, which can be done by oneself. Generally, the planks can be sanded multiple times.

Cork Prefinished Parquet

Cork is not actually wood but rather a material made from the bark of cork oaks. Accordingly, cork prefinished parquet does not resemble the common wood parquet types in appearance. Nevertheless, it brings a lot of coziness to a living space, not least because cork has positive properties like heat retention and sound insulation.

However, since it is a relatively soft material, it is advisable not to place heavy furniture on such flooring. In cork prefinished parquet, the cork is glued onto a fiberboard and installed on the floor using a click system.