Is Parquet Flooring Right for You?
Most people know a little something about parquet flooring. Parquet flooring, which has been around for centuries, is made using layers of wood that are put together in a geometric pattern. In earlier times, numerous parquet flooring types were used. Also, different types of wood was used in constructing parquet flooring.
The most commonly used woods in parquet flooring are oak, lime, pine, walnut, maple, and cherry. In some cases, the more exotic woods, such as those that originate from Caribbean countries, are used. Most parquet flooring use the basic shapes of squares, lozenges and triangles to make the patterns. Some parquet flooring is put into circular or angular shapes as well.
Parquet flooring comes in three main varieties so you have to choose the one that is best for your needs. You can choose from solid parquet flooring, laminate parquet flooring, and veneer parquet flooring. Sold parquet flooring uses only authentic wood in its construction and is generally a little under 2 centimeters thick. This type of flooring can be sanded and refinished repeatedly.
Laminate parquet flooring is another good option for many people. Laminate parquet flooring is made out of fake wood, which is set on top of plywood and is then glued onto it. Then, a sealant is applied on top of the fake wood to seal and protect the flooring. Laminate parquet flooring is the least expensive choice among the various types of parquet flooring if you are looking into having this flooring type. Thus, it is a good choice if you are on a budget.
However, the problem with laminate parquet flooring is that it can chip and damage easily because the materials used in constructing the flooring are not of the best quality. That can be upsetting for homeowners, so be aware of this particular flaw of laminate parquet flooring when you are finalizing your decision.
Veneer parquet flooring is the last kind of parquet flooring you may want to consider. With veneer parquet flooring, a good quality authentic wood is applied over a lower quality wood base like plywood. The authentic wood used in veneer parquet flooring is generally 5 millimeters thick so you can sand and polish it. However, you can't use a strong sander; otherwise you will destroy the wood and ruin your floors.
Parquet flooring is a type of flooring with a long history and comes in a variety of types and styles. You often see parquet flooring in historical homes. Now that you know more about it you will be able to better appreciate it and you may even want to consider using it in your own home.
