Parquet Flooring

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!

Parquet flooring is a type of hardwood flooring made up of small wooden blocks or strips arranged in geometric patterns, usually at a 90-degree angle to create a V-shape. 

Parquet, sometimes also known as herringbone flooring, creates a distinctive, elegant look and is often used to enhance the aesthetics of a space. It can be made from a variety of wood species and finished to suit different styles and preferences.

To clean parquet flooring, follow these simple steps:

• Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Dampen a mop or cloth with a mild hardwood floor cleaner or a mixture of warm water and vinegar
• Wring out the mop or cloth thoroughly to avoid using excess moisture on the floor
• Gently mop the parquet flooring, working in the direction of the wood grain
• Make sure to avoid using excess water or harsh cleaners that can damage the wood
• Dry the floor with a clean, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture

It’s generally advised to hire a professional to lay parquet flooring to ensure a smooth and level finish and to ensure the distinctive pattern is laid correctly.  For detailed instructions please refer to our Flooring Installation Guide.

Parquet flooring can be restored or repaired to bring back its original beauty. We would advise hiring a flooring specialist or professional to maintain the flooring and make sure to restore its original finish. 

To repair parquet floors, any damaged pieces will need to be replaced with matching replacements. The floor then needs to be sanded and refinished (e.g. with oil or polyurethane coating) to protect the wood.

High-quality hardwood flooring like our engineered parquet range can add value to a home or property due to the aesthetic appeal and the feel of luxury and quality it creates - wood flooring is considered a premium flooring product. 

Of course, the overall value added by parquet flooring depends on various factors, including the quality of installation, the condition of the flooring, and the preferences of potential buyers or renters in a particular market.

There are several popular patterns used in parquet flooring, including:

• Herringbone: A pattern consisting of rectangular blocks arranged diagonally in a 90° angle zigzag pattern
• Chevron: Similar to herringbone but with a more pronounced V-shaped pattern can be available in 45° angle known as Hungarian point, or 60° angle chevron  
• Basketweave: A pattern that resembles a woven basket, created by interlocking rectangular blocks
• Versailles: A highly intricate pattern with squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes forming a large, ornate design
• Brickwork: Rectangular blocks laid in a staggered, brick-like pattern

Request an Atkinson & Kirby brochure for design inspiration and examples of the various parquet flooring patterns.

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.

The best adhesive for parquet flooring depends on the type of subfloor beneath it and the specific parquet product being installed. It is recommended to use a high-quality flooring adhesive as recommended by the flooring manufacturer. 

Get in touch with your flooring installer or the team at Atkinson & Kirby for our recommendations. It is also possible to use a floating installation for parquet floors, see our click fold down range of parquet products for quick and easy installation. 

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. 

While parquet flooring can add elegance to a kitchen, you need to consider potential exposure to moisture and spills which can affect the floor’s condition. However, with proper sealing and maintenance, engineered parquet flooring with a level of water resistance, like Atkinson & Kirby’s engineered range, can be suitable for kitchens. 

We recommend consulting with flooring professionals to determine the best flooring option for your specific kitchen requirements.

Atkinson & Kirby flooring samples can be ordered through our trusted retailers located throughout the UK. Find your local retailer with our retailer locator here

For trade customers, you can order flooring samples directly here on our website, simply sign up for a trade account and once approved you will be able to order. Sign up for a trade account here.