Parquet floors are a specific type of wood flooring. This type of flooring is unique because of its geometric patterns composed of small pieces of wood.
Traditionally, parquet flooring would be installed piece by piece. Modern parquet comes in tiles, where the wood pieces are bonded together onto backing before purchase. Whether you purchase tiles or opt for standard installation, the process is much like regular hardwood flooring, meaning it can be nailed, stapled, or glued to the subfloor.
If you are planning on using parquet tiles, the few standard sizes are:
Usually, the tiles are around 1/3 inch thick. Oak is commonly used for parquet tiles, but you might also find tiles in maple, walnut, or other popular woods.
Like any other hardwood floor, it is crucial to ensure it is properly stained and sealed. Some types of parquet flooring come prefinished; this factory-finished wood is much more durable than flooring that is sealed on site. If the tiles you purchase are not finished, be prepared to have them properly sealed upon installation. Despite being less durable, you will have more finish options, and you can customize your floor to your liking.
Similar to regular hardwood flooring, parquet flooring can be refinished a limited number of times. It can be more challenging to refinish because the small planks of wood can be facing in different directions, making it easy to scratch the floors. This means that the flooring might need to be sanded by hand in some places, ensuring a smooth finish.
