Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring uses small blocks of wood to create intricate geometric patterns. Historically a sign of prestige, it remains one of the most desirable flooring options for its unique blend of artistic beauty and long-lasting durability.
Parquet flooring is defined by its artistic and repeated geometric shapes, offering a level of detail that standard planks cannot match. Modern parquet flooring is incredibly versatile, serving as the perfect flooring option for living rooms to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our engineered parquet flooring is designed to withstand moisture and temperature fluctuations. It is increasingly popular to install in kitchens to create a seamless flow in open-plan homes. To ensure a stable and long-lasting bond, we recommend using a professional-grade adhesive for parquet flooring during the installation process, which provides the flexibility needed for natural wood movement.
Choosing the right parquet flooring colours is essential for setting the tone of your interior. For a contemporary, Scandi-inspired look, light parquet flooring or grey parquet flooring from our Climate collection can make a space feel brighter and more expansive. Conversely, dark parquet flooring in rich oak or walnut tones offers a regal, traditional feel that mimics the look of antique parquet flooring.
Parquet suits many rooms throughout the home, such as hallways and living rooms; oak blocks laid in herringbone or chevron give a floor a quiet sense of occasion. Paler flooring tones help smaller or darker rooms feel lighter and more open. Deeper shades such as Eltham Walnut sit well against white walls in larger spaces, and Hampstead Oak offers a softer grey tone that works with both classic and contemporary interiors. Several of our parquet flooring designs, including Noma Smoked Oak, are also available in a matching plank format, so the two can be combined to define areas within open-plan spaces.
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Parquet Flooring FAQs
Can you mop parquet flooring?
Yes, but you should never use a soaking wet mop. Excess water can seep into the joints between the small parquet blocks, causing the wood to swell or warp. It is recommended with all wood floors to use a well-rung mop and never to leave spillages standing to protect the floor from damage.
Can you sand parquet flooring?
Both solid and engineered parquet can be sanded and refinished to restore their original beauty. This is what adds a lot of the value to real wood flooring and saves the hassle and disruption of installing a completely new floor further down the road.
How to clean parquet flooring?
Daily maintenance should involve sweeping or vacuuming with a soft-bristle attachment to remove grit that could scratch the surface. Avoid using generic household detergents, bleach, or wax-based polishes, as these can leave a dulling residue or damage the protective coating. Eco, pet, and family-friendly WOCA cleaning and maintenance kits are available and can be viewed on our accessories pages.
How to lay parquet flooring?
Parquet is almost always installed using the glue-down method, though click system flooring is available. The traditional method involves applying a specialist parquet adhesive directly to a level and flat subfloor and meticulously placing each block to maintain the pattern's symmetry. We highly recommend using a professional floor fitter for parquet installations. For a more detailed guide, visit our downloads page.
Is parquet flooring expensive?
How much parquet flooring costs can vary depending on various factors, as with all wood flooring - e.g. the type of wood, the thickness, the grade, the complexity of the pattern, and the quality of the material.
Generally, parquet flooring tends to be more expensive than traditional plank hardwood flooring due to the intricate designs and craftsmanship involved, but its distinctive patterns are well worth the investment!
Where to buy parquet flooring?
You can explore our extensive range of parquet designs online and order free samples to see the quality in your own home. When you are ready to purchase, use our Retailer Finder to locate your nearest Atkinson & Kirby approved partner. Our network of specialist retailers can provide expert advice on quantities, patterns, and professional installation.
What is parquet flooring made of?
Parquet flooring is typically made of various types of hardwood, including oak, walnut, maple, cherry, and mahogany. Atkinson & Kirby engineered parquet flooring is made with the highest quality, sustainable oak timber. These hardwoods are cut into small blocks or strips, which are then arranged in different patterns to create a distinctive parquet design.
Can parquet flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Yes. Engineered parquet is suitable for use with water-based underfloor heating. Its multi-layer construction makes it more stable than solid wood, so it is less affected by changes in temperature and moisture. Check the individual product details for compatibility.
What is the best finish for parquet flooring?
There are several options for how to finish parquet flooring; oil-based finishes or lacquer-based finishes are typically the most common choices, depending on preference and style.
In general, an oiled finish will give a more natural textured finish and penetrate deeper into the wood to offer more protection from within. A lacquered finish sits more on top of the surface, with the hard-wearing lacquer providing strong durability and a smoother feel.
