What is a Parquet Floor Made Of? (5 Essential Materials Explained)

I have a bold statement for you: Parquet flooring is not just a style choice; it’s a statement about craftsmanship, durability,
and the timeless charm of wood. If you’ve ever walked into a room with parquet floors, you probably noticed the intricate
patterns that give the space a unique character. But what exactly is a parquet floor made of? Let me walk you through
the materials that come together to create this classic flooring option.

What is a Parquet Floor Made Of?

When we talk about parquet flooring, we’re referring to flooring made from small pieces of wood arranged in geometric patterns.
Unlike traditional hardwood planks laid side by side, parquet is more like a wooden mosaic. It’s that patterning that makes
parquet so special and visually appealing.

But beyond the look, the materials used in parquet floors determine everything from their durability to maintenance needs
and price. I’ve worked on many flooring projects, and understanding these materials is key to helping clients choose
the right floor for their space.

Let’s break down the five essential materials that make up parquet flooring:

1. Solid Hardwood

Most people immediately think of solid hardwood when it comes to parquet. Solid hardwood parquet is made from small blocks or strips
of solid wood, usually about ¾ inch thick. Common species include oak, maple, walnut, and cherry.

Why solid hardwood?
Solid wood offers natural durability and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. This is because it’s a single
piece of wood from top to bottom.

Here’s something I’ve observed:
Solid hardwood parquet floors tend to last decades if maintained properly. In one of my projects, a client had a 70-year-old solid oak parquet floor
that only needed light sanding and polishing to look as good as new.

Data point:
According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished 4 to 6 times on average, making them
a long-term investment for homeowners.

Types of Wood Species Used in Solid Hardwood Parquet

• Oak: The most popular choice due to its hardness (Janka rating around 1290) and attractive grain patterns. It wears well over time.
• Maple: Offers a lighter color and tighter grain for a more modern or minimalist look.
• Walnut: Darker, richer tones with an elegant appearance but slightly softer than oak.
• Cherry: Warm reddish tones that darken with age, adding character.

Each species affects the cost too — oak tends to be moderately priced, while walnut and cherry can push the price up substantially.

Installation Technique for Solid Hardwood Parquet

Installing solid hardwood parquet requires a flat, stable subfloor. The tiny blocks or strips are glued down with strong adhesives or nailed in some cases.
One tricky part is precision — even slight misalignment can ruin the pattern. I’ve spent hours aligning pieces perfectly during several installations, which
makes parquet installation more labor-intensive compared to regular plank flooring.

2. Engineered Wood

Engineered wood parquet consists of a thin veneer layer of real hardwood glued over several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).

Why choose engineered wood?
It’s more stable than solid hardwood in areas with fluctuating humidity or temperature changes, like basements or kitchens. The layered construction reduces expansion
and contraction issues common with solid wood.

For a client living near the coast, where humidity swings are drastic, I recommended engineered wood parquet. They appreciated how it maintained its look without warping over time.

Research shows:
Engineered wood flooring has been gaining popularity and now accounts for over 40% of new hardwood floor installations in North America, partly due to its stability
and eco-friendly use of wood layers.

How Engineered Wood Parquet is Made

• The top veneer: Usually 1/16” to 1/8” thick real hardwood.
• Core layers: Made from plywood or HDF laid crosswise for strength.
• Backing layer: A stabilizing layer added for balance.

The quality varies depending on veneer thickness and core material quality. Thicker veneers allow for more sanding and refinishing.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Parquet

• Greater dimensional stability
• Can be installed over radiant heating systems
• Often less expensive than solid hardwood
• Easier DIY installation options (click-lock systems)

Some Drawbacks

• Veneer thickness limits refinishing times (usually once or twice)
• Lower-end products may feel less solid underfoot
• Sensitive to water damage at edges if not sealed well

3. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) or Plywood Base

While the top veneer is often hardwood, many parquet floors use MDF or plywood as a core material beneath that veneer. This core provides stability while keeping costs down.

Why use MDF or plywood?
These engineered cores provide a flat surface for the veneer and reduce the amount of expensive hardwood needed. They also improve dimensional stability by minimizing natural wood movement.

Here’s what I learned:
When installation costs are tight, or when the floor needs to be installed over radiant heating systems, parquet with an MDF or plywood base can be a smart choice.

However, MDF cores shouldn’t get wet — water damage can cause swelling and deterioration quickly. So if you’re thinking about parquet in a bathroom or laundry area, this is something to keep in mind.

Technical Details

• MDF: Made from wood fibers glued under heat and pressure. Very smooth surface but sensitive to moisture.
• Plywood: Thin layers of wood veneers glued with grains at right angles for strength and moisture resistance.

Plywood cores tend to be more durable than MDF but cost slightly more.

4. Adhesives and Finishes

Parquet flooring isn’t just about wood; the adhesives and finishes play a huge role in longevity and appearance.

Adhesives

Traditional parquet installation uses strong glue to secure the small wood pieces to the subfloor or underlayment. Modern adhesives are designed for flexibility and resistance to moisture.

Types of adhesives:

• Urethane-based adhesives: Durable and moisture resistant but take longer to cure.
• Water-based adhesives: Eco-friendly and fast drying but less moisture tolerant.
• Epoxy adhesives: Used for commercial installations requiring extreme durability.

I always recommend adhesives approved by flooring manufacturers to avoid warranty issues.

Finishes

Most parquet floors are finished with polyurethane or oil-based coatings, which protect against scratches and spills. Some clients prefer natural oils for a matte look, but these require more upkeep.

Finish types:

• Polyurethane (oil-based): Durable with amber tones that deepen wood color.
• Polyurethane (water-based): Clear finish that won’t yellow over time; dries quickly.
• Penetrating oils/waxes: Natural look but less resistant to wear; requires regular maintenance.
• UV-cured finishes: Applied at factory for engineered parquet; very durable.

I remember finishing a parquet floor with a water-based polyurethane that was low odor and quick drying — perfect for homeowners who wanted their space back quickly without harsh chemicals lingering.

5. Decorative Inlays and Exotic Woods

Sometimes, parquet floors include decorative inlays or incorporate exotic woods like teak or mahogany for color contrast. These materials add flair but also increase cost.

Exotic Wood Species

• Teak: Known for its rich golden brown color and natural oils that resist moisture.
• Mahogany: Deep reddish-brown with fine grain; prized for luxury floors.
• Zebrawood: Bold striped pattern that creates striking visual interest.
• Purpleheart: Unique purple hue adding dramatic flair.

Using these woods usually means sourcing from sustainable suppliers due to environmental concerns.

Decorative Inlays

Inlays can include contrasting woods or even metal strips embedded within the parquet pattern. This requires skillful craftsmanship but turns your floor into a true work of art.

Example from my experience:
I installed a custom parquet floor where the client wanted a mix of walnut and zebrawood strips creating a bold pattern. It was expensive but transformed their dining room into an art piece. This shows how material choices impact not only function but also aesthetic impact.

How These Materials Affect Your Flooring Experience

Understanding these components can help you ask the right questions when shopping for parquet floors:

• Do you want a floor that can be refinished multiple times? Then solid hardwood might be your best bet.
• Need something more resistant to moisture swings? Engineered wood could be better.
• Is budget tight? A veneer over MDF or plywood reduces cost but requires careful moisture management.
• How do you want your floor to feel underfoot? Thick solid wood feels more substantial than thin veneers.
• Are you looking for unique designs? Exotic woods and inlays add character but at premium prices.

Common Patterns and How Material Choice Influences Them

Parquet isn’t just about the materials—it’s also about how those materials are arranged:

Popular Parquet Patterns

• Herringbone: V-shaped pattern resembling fish bones.
• Chevron: Similar to herringbone but blocks cut at an angle for perfect points.
• Basketweave: Rectangular blocks arranged like woven fabric.
• Versailles: Complex pattern often seen in historic French estates.
• Brick: Simple staggered rectangular blocks like brick walls.

Some patterns require longer strips (like herringbone), meaning longer wood pieces with fewer seams, which usually means solid hardwood or thick veneer engineered wood works best.

More intricate patterns with small pieces can be done with thinner veneers on plywood cores because dimensional stability is easier to maintain with smaller pieces.

My Experience With Parquet Floors: A Case Study

One memorable project was renovating an old Parisian apartment where the original parquet floors were damaged but salvageable. The floors were solid oak blocks arranged in a herringbone pattern.

We carefully removed damaged sections and replaced them with matching oak blocks sourced from reclaimed wood suppliers—ensuring sustainability without compromising style.

After sanding and applying three coats of oil-based finish, the floors looked stunning. The client was thrilled because the floor retained its historic authenticity while gaining modern durability.

This project taught me how important matching wood species and finishes are when repairing or extending existing parquet floors.

Maintenance Tips Based on Material

Depending on what your parquet floor is made of, maintenance varies:

Solid Hardwood Parquet

• Sweep regularly to avoid grit scratching the surface.
• Clean with slightly damp mop; avoid excessive water.
• Refinish every 7–10 years depending on wear.
• Use furniture pads to prevent dents.

Engineered Wood Parquet

• Similar care to solid wood but less frequent refinishing (once or twice max).
• Avoid standing water; clean spills immediately.
• Use manufacturer-approved cleaning products since finishes vary.

Veneer Over MDF/Plywood

• Extra cautious with moisture since edges can swell.
• Avoid steam mops entirely.
• Regular dusting and dry cleaning preferred.

Cost Considerations: Breaking Down What You’re Paying For

Parquet flooring cost depends heavily on material quality:

Installation labor cost can be higher than regular plank flooring because of the precision required in laying patterns correctly.

Environmental Impact of Parquet Materials

Sustainability has become an important factor when choosing flooring:

• Solid hardwood involves harvesting large amounts of slow-growing trees.
• Engineered wood uses less hardwood per square foot by layering.
• Using reclaimed wood for parquet reduces waste and environmental impact.
• Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) when buying new hardwoods.
• Some exotic woods may come from endangered species — always check sourcing credentials.

FAQs About Parquet Floor Materials

Q: Can I install parquet flooring myself?
A: It depends on your skill level. Engineered click-lock parquet can be DIY-friendly. Solid hardwood parquet usually requires professional installation due to complexity.

Q: How long does a parquet floor last?
A: Solid hardwood parquet can last 50+ years with proper care. Engineered wood lasts 20–30 years depending on veneer thickness.

Q: Is parquet flooring good for radiant heat?
A: Engineered wood parquet works best over radiant heating systems due to better dimensional stability.

Q: What finish is best for high traffic areas?
A: Polyurethane finishes (oil or water-based) provide excellent protection against wear and scratches.

Wrapping Up My Thoughts on Parquet Materials

Knowing what goes into your parquet floor helps you pick wisely based on your lifestyle, budget, and design goals. From solid hardwood’s lasting beauty to engineered wood’s practical benefits, each material has its place.

If you want something classic with longevity, solid hardwood is tough to beat—but it comes at a premium price and needs stable environments. Engineered wood offers flexibility for different spaces and climates while still giving real wood appearance. Veneer over MDF or plywood lets you enjoy parquet style on budget but needs careful handling around moisture.

Finally, don’t forget finishes and adhesives—they’re invisible heroes keeping your floor beautiful through years of footsteps.

So tell me—do you lean toward classic solid oak blocks or maybe an engineered exotic wood mix? Whatever your choice, knowing these details makes your flooring journey smoother and more satisfying!

If you want me to help calculate costs based on your space or suggest finishes based on your lifestyle preferences, just ask! Flooring is one of those investments that truly changes how your home feels—and getting it right starts with knowing what your floor is made of.

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