All About Solid Parquet Flooring

Solid parquet flooring is the noble flooring par excellence, ensuring unsurpassed quality and elegance. It exudes authenticity and boasts a sophisticated charm that is simply impossible to resist. Solid parquet has been praised by interior designers and is presently generating a lot of buzz. The large variety of options allows everyone to choose the perfect wood covering to match their current furniture and décor. Classic, modern, vintage, Nordic, and so on – you have a wide range of varieties and finishes to choose from to fit your style, pattern, installation, and quality requirements.

Solid parquet – what is it made of?

Solid parquet flooring is made of one type of wood. The elements are assembled through their tongues and grooves. Some floors are fastened or glued down, while others are floating. Solid parquet isn't just for living rooms and corridors, depending on the variety and the features it provides.

What advantages does solid wood flooring offer?

Nothing beats a solid parquet floor for optimal insulation and incomparable solidity. The hardwood finish is extremely wear-resistant and has a long service life. As a bonus, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. The solid wood flooring adapts to the specificities of each room. The strips of parquet are excellent for both an industrial-style workplace and an "urban-style" teenager's bedroom since they are timeless and resolutely interesting.

Insulation performance

Solid parquet flooring is a very remarkable material that marries true elegance with exceptional practicality. Nothing compares to being able to afford high-quality sound and thermal insulation for your house! And, because each type of wood provides very different sound insulation, this is not a matter to be taken lightly. Obviously, the slat thickness has a significant impact on the sound insulation of the covering. It's important to understand that the thinner the parquet, the higher the insulation performance. The hardness of wood species is included in a categorisation system that is based on their punching resistance.

The hardness of wood species

The hardness of wood species is included in a categorization system that is based on their punching resistance. This has an impact on the wear of the surface. As a result, the tougher the wood, the less it will deteriorate. In the UK, oak is used to make solid parquet in 90% of cases. Other species in great demand include pine, teak, wenge, chestnut, ash, and others. 

What finishes are available

Today, thanks to technology, there are no limits for flooring manufacturers. In addition to offering solid parquet floors already finished, the experienced designers do not stop there, their objective being to create true works of art in solid wood. The good news is that you can have practically any hue you choose. If you can't locate the parquet floor of your dreams in a shop, you may always hire a parquet floor expert to suit your requirements.

Installation overview

When it comes to installing a solid parquet floor, the technique and the aesthetics go hand in hand. You can play on originality by opting for a particular installation technique. This will give your space some personality. The most frequently used parquet laying pattern is the so-called "English-style" laying. The blades, which are all the same width and different lengths, are the technique's most fascinating feature. Simultaneously assembled next to each other, they give the solid parquet an elegant and original look.

The other very common laying pattern is called "à la française". Here, unlike the "English" installation, the technique used focuses on boards whose lengths and widths are different. To bring more originality to the space, it is the “ladder” stance that you should favour. The specificity of this type of parquet flooring laying consists in the assembly of the strips – wide but short interspersed by others, this time thinner and laid perpendicularly.

The disadvantages of solid parquet

Solid wood, regarded as the best form of parquet, offers a wide range of benefits. However, one should be informed of the downsides of solid parquet flooring before making a decision.

The cost of a sturdy parquet floor is high!

The protective coating will require a significant expense. However, resistant and noble, solid parquet flooring will have a very long lifespan, which is worth the price, depending on the variety.

Instalment is not an easy job!

The separate parts of a solid parquet floor can be nailed or glued together, as previously described. It's also acceptable to glue it down. It's the most effective technique to reduce squeaks and benefit from more stable ground. This is not the case with the nailed stance. Long and complex, it requires the expertise of a professional. Badly nailed, the solid parquet floor risks creaking, or even deforming.

Low resistance to temperature changes and humidity

Although it is a solid parquet, wood is a living material. Obviously, temperature fluctuation can change its appearance. The wood also has a low resistance to humidity, but certain exotic species are perfectly suited to damp rooms.

Options and trends

As its name suggests, solid parquet flooring is made exclusively of solid wood. When talking about such a natural coating, you should know that the wood is evenly dried to be able to offer excellent stability for an extra-long period. Today, solid parquet is available in a wide range of colours and finishes (raw, varnished, brushed, stained, oiled, aged) to adapt as best as possible to the style of the interior and to personal desires. The totally natural coating is therefore just as suitable in a contemporary as in a classic universe.

Do you dream of furnishing your home with solid parquet? With a promise of unparalleled elegance and warmth, this type of solid flooring continues to grow in popularity amongst buyers. Its authentic charm exudes nature and its special character makes the heart beat faster. Today, solid parquet flooring is sold raw, simply sanded or finished. It should be remembered that it is the chosen finish that will determine the frequency of maintenance required to keep the appearance of the purchased parquet.

Solid dark wood parquet

After the craze for natural and bleached parquet flooring, solid dark wood parquet is making a big comeback. Particularly prized for its undeniable refined style. There is nothing like dark wood flooring to enhance the decoration of the interior. The dark solid parquet brings a real cachet to the room where it is laid. Obviously, this type will have a certain visual impact on the volume of the room. Contrary to popular opinion, it won't reduce the bulk, provided you pair dark wood with white or very light wall paint.

Scandinavian style

A trend that will never go out of fashion, the Scandinavian style is full of charm! A superb combination of sleek furniture, textiles in neutral colours, light or white wood elements, pastel accents, etc. – the Nordic atmosphere really makes us feel cosy in style. There's nothing like whitewashed solid parquet flooring to complete the feeling of well-being and showcase all the arsenal of furniture and textiles that smell of Scandinavian refinement!

Choosing the perfect vibe

Indeed, it is not easy to choose the vibe of a solid parquet floor. And thinking becomes twice as complicated when it comes to an exotic vibe. The range of wood is very wide. The main ones have about ten varieties and each one has its specificity. There are many criteria to take into account. But one thing is certain – choosing solid parquet is not a decision to be made easily.