If you are looking to install wood flooring, it is important to first understand the different styles available. Here we explore three popular wood flooring options to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each before making a decision.
Parquet
What kind of style is it?
Parquet flooring is one of the most easily recognisable styles of flooring, known for its distinct geometric pattern. The flooring is formed of short wood blocks that are most commonly arranged in a herringbone or basket weave pattern.
Where does it originate from?
Parquet flooring is thought to have originated in 16th century France, with the word parquet deriving from the French word ‘parchet’, which translates to ‘a small enclosed space’. Large diagonal wooden squares referred to as ‘parquet de Versailles’ were introduced in 1684 to replace marble flooring, which required constant maintenance and washing that was rotting the joists below the floor.
Where is it most common?
Domestically, parquet flooring is most commonly used in hallways, living rooms and bedrooms, as it is noted for its warm feeling underfoot. Many schools are also known for having parquet flooring, installed during the Victorian era when wood flooring was based on patterns found in Medieval cathedrals and churches. However, there is one room in particular where it is extremely rare to find parquet flooring, and that is the bathroom. In general, hardwood flooring is well suited throughout a property but is better avoided in humid areas such as bathrooms.
The Pros and Cons of Parquet Flooring:
- You can create beautiful and intricate patterns with parquet flooring that are a timeless addition to any home.
- It is extremely durable and can handle high levels of footfall.
- If parquet flooring is being newly installed as opposed to restored, it can be expensive.
- Installation can go wrong very quickly if not carried out by a parquet floor specialist.
Engineered
What kind of style is it?
Engineered wood flooring is a great alternative to solid wood, as it combines three to four layers of wood that have been fixed together to create a thicker plank. It is finished with a solid wood top layer which can be sanded down and treated if damaged. This is a popular choice of flooring because, unlike some other wood flooring, it does not always need to be fixed down and can often slot together on top of underlay.
Where does it originate from?
Engineered wood flooring can be traced back to 1903, when an E. L. Roberts mail order catalogue offered a flooring option named wood carpeting. This flooring consisted of wooden strips that were glued to heavy canvas, then installed by tacking it down with brads. Once completed, the flooring would be sanded and finished.
Where is it most common?
This flooring type is most commonly used with underfloor heating, as it is made up of multiple layers, which means the planks will not expand and contract as much as solid wood flooring. Kitchens, conservatories and other rooms of the house with large amounts of glazing are also frequently fitted with engineered wood flooring.
The Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring:
- As a result of its construction, this type of wood flooring is much more stable and less likely to be affected by changes in temperature or humidity.
- It is more cost effective than some other wood flooring options.
- It can be sanded down to its original state if damaged.
- It is a more costly option than laminate flooring.
- The tongue and groove planks can be difficult to install properly if not carried out by a wood flooring specialist.
Solid Wood
What kind of style is it?
Solid wood flooring, as the name suggests, is made from a solid piece of hardwood that is cut from a tree trunk and made into a plank. Solid wood flooring can be made from a range of species such as oak, maple and cherry in varying plank sizes and finishes. There is also the option to install unfinished solid wood, which allows you to match a stain colour of your choice.
Where does it originate from?
Solid wood flooring dates back to the 1600s, when it started to be manufactured and used as flooring rather than only for structural purposes.
Where is it most common?
Solid wood flooring is great to use in high traffic areas of a property, as it can be sanded down and refinished multiple times. Hallways and living areas often use this type of flooring because it is extremely hard wearing. However, rooms in which temperature and humidity can fluctuate, such as bathrooms and rooms with excessive sunlight, are often better suited to a different type of wood flooring that is more adept at handling these conditions.
The Pros and Cons of Solid Wood Flooring:
- It has a very traditional texture and aesthetic that looks great in all spaces.
- It is an appealing feature if you are selling your home or looking to rent.
- Solid wood does not function well in humidity or extremely dry conditions.
- It can be difficult to install if not carried out by a solid wood flooring specialist.
- It can be a more expensive flooring choice.
If you are considering wood flooring and want straightforward advice on what may suit your property, get in touch with Majestic Wood Floors. We can talk through the options and help you decide what is likely to work best in practice.