PARQUET FLOORING: THE BASICS

Design scope

Parquet flooring offers huge scope for creativity. Although it is most commonly made using rectangular blocks, it can also be made using chevrons, squares, and other shapes. Subtle parquet designs play on the way that the elements laid in different directions show off the timber and catch the light. More complex designs use borders, tramlines and a mixture of colours to create eye catching features.

Parquet PATTERNS

The most common design for parquet flooring is Herringbone, where rectangular blocks are laid at 45 degrees to one another. Timelessly classic, herringbone parquet floors are very versatile and fit well into many styles of interior.

Parquet flooring can also be used to create quite striking designs. Other classic patterns include Basketweave which creates a more retro style parquet floor and Brickwork which creates a simpler, more contemporary feel.

Parquet borders

All parquet flooring can be fitted with our without a border. Borders are created either with planks or with parquet blocks themselves and can be as subtle or eye catching as you want. Borders create an attractive design feature but they will make installation more complex and more expensive. It is worth considering whether the border will be visible before you commit. Will you be able to see them once the furniture is back in the room? Will you cover them with rugs?

parquet flooring finishes

Traditional parquet flooring is sanded and sealed after fitting. This creates the ‘icerink’ smooth look that is the hallmark of their formal style. Although this is can be disruptive there is no other way to create this undeniably elegant finish. In rooms such as hallways and receptions without furniture around the edges, tramlines and borders are a great way to create sophisticated design details.

More modern parquet flooring such as our Nuances Collection uses pre-finished parquet blocks in a choice of colours and textures that are easier and cheaper to fit. These typically have a small micro bevel to accommodate imperfections in the subfloor in the absence of sanding. This means the individual blocks are more clearly defined, but the result is still sleek and relatively formal. Mixing more than one colour is a great way to design with this style of parquet floor, especially in commercial spaces. Choosing a block with a textured surface will create a more relaxed feel.

authentic reclaimed-style

If you love the idea of parquet flooring but are worried about it being too formal, our Vintage Parquet flooring is the solution you’re looking for. With gently worn edges and a soft surface patina these beautiful parquet floors strike the right balance between informality and elegance. They are perfect for country style interiors, less formal period interiors or as a subtle architectural detail in modern spaces. They are wonderfully versatile and utterly timeless, and between our Original Vintage Parquet flooring, our Pullman Vintage Parquet flooring and our Painted & Distressed Vintage Parquet flooring, there are over 20 fabulous shades to choose from and something to suit most interior styles.

For more advice on how you can design with parquet flooring, please contact any of our showrooms. Our team will be happy to provide expert guidance or for individual projects.