Parquet Flooring FAQ's
What Is Oak Parquet Flooring?
Oak parquet flooring refers to a type of flooring made from oak wood that is specifically designed and arranged in a parquet pattern. Parquet is a flooring style characterized by the use of small wooden blocks or tiles arranged in geometric patterns, such as herringbone, chevron, basketweave, or other intricate designs. The individual oak blocks are carefully cut and shaped to specific dimensions and then arranged in a pattern, often glued down to the subfloor. This meticulous arrangement of oak blocks creates a visually stunning and elegant flooring surface that adds a touch of sophistication and charm to any space.
Oak, a hardwood known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns, is a popular choice for parquet flooring due to its natural beauty and ability to withstand heavy use. The oak blocks used in parquet flooring are typically made from solid oak or engineered oak, depending on the desired characteristics and installation requirements. Solid wood flooring consists of solid pieces of timber whereas engineered has layers of plywood topped with a hardwood veneer. We also have parquet options available as laminate flooring or LVT. Both provide cost-effective alternatives, offering low-maintenance and even waterproof properties in some cases. However, our LVT and laminate parquet flooring options do not actually include any real oak.
Why Should I Choose Oak Parquet Flooring?
If you are considering replacing your current floor with something more eye-catching and intriguing, then oak parquet flooring is the perfect choice. Oak parquet flooring showcases the natural beauty and unique grain patterns of oak wood, creating a stunning visual appeal that can elevate any space. The individual oak blocks are skillfully arranged to form intricate designs, such as herringbone or chevron, adding a touch of luxury to your home.
One of the standout features of oak parquet flooring is its exceptional durability. Oak wood is renowned for its hardness and resistance to wear, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. With proper care and maintenance, oak parquet floors can withstand the test of time, retaining their beauty and elegance for generations to come.
Available in a wide range of different colours, sizes, and patterns, our oak parquet floors are extremely versatile and work in a wide range of different interior designs. Whether you seek a classic, traditional look or a more contemporary feel, oak parquet can adapt effortlessly to any ambiance. With a wide range of stains and finishes available, you can customize the flooring to match your desired aesthetic, from a light, natural look to a darker, more rustic appearance. Or for a fully customizable design, you can choose one of our unfinished oak parquet floors and varnish it yourself.
With its stunning visual appeal, remarkable longevity, and easy maintenance, oak parquet flooring offers an exceptional investment in both style and functionality. It’s even suitable for water-based underfloor heating.
How Much Does Oak Parquet Flooring Cost?
Due to the nature of oak parquet flooring, and all its different patterns and styles, it’s almost impossible to give an accurate cost, even on average. Depending on which style you choose, you could be paying anywhere between £40-£90 per m² before installation. At Flooring365, our oak parquet flooring starts as low as £28 but can go as high as £80-£90 for some of our more premium options. To get the best deals, you should visit our parquet flooring clearance.
How To Clean Oak Parquet Floors?
For our solid parquet and engineered parquet floors, we advise a regular sweep or vacuum followed by a weekly mop. This will be enough to keep your floors looking their best. Remember, wood flooring is not waterproof so you must drain the mop regularly and use a mild detergent for this.
Can You Steam Clean Oak Parquet Flooring?
Since our oak parquet flooring is made of wood and therefore not waterproof, we would never advise using a steam cleaner. That’s not to say it will definitely damage your floor as we have had customers use these on their floors before. However, it could be causing unforeseen damage to the floorboards due to the liquid and humidity levels, so it’s best to avoid steam cleaning if you want to get the most from your flooring.
How To Sand Oak Parquet Flooring?
If you wish to sand your oak parquet flooring, you can do so using a random orbital sander. If it’s an engineered wood floor, remember to check the wear layer before doing so.
What Finish To Use For Oak Parquet Flooring?
If you have chosen an unfinished oak parquet floor, you will need to add your own finish. Which finish you choose, is entirely up to you. Lacquer is often the most popular choice, but waxes and oils will work just as well. Just remember to check the compatibility of your finish and flooring before applying. If you are not sure, you can check this by adding a small amount to an inconspicuous area first.
For more information regarding each finish, check out our guides below:
Engineered Wood Flooring Finishes
Solid Wood Flooring Finishes
How To Lay Oak Parquet Herringbone Floor?
Parquet flooring is one of the hardest floors to lay so unless you have previous experience, it’s probably better off left up to the experts. However, if you’re a DIY enthusiast and you’re up for the challenge, then who are we to stop you? Check out our herringbone parquet installation guide for more information. Alternatively, you can find a flooring installer to do the work for you here.
Does Oak Parquet Flooring Scratch Easily?
Any wood floor can be susceptible to scratches but will withstand daily use, even in busy households. However, engineered wood flooring is more durable than solid wood so may want to be considered in high-traffic areas.
Is Oak Parquet Flooring Waterproof?
No, our oak parquet flooring is not waterproof and any spillages should be cleaned within 2-3 hours. If you are looking for parquet flooring that is waterproof and suitable to be placed in bathrooms, please browse through our LVT range. We have plenty of LVT parquet floors that can mimic the real deal and last you for many years to come.
How Long Does Oak Parquet Flooring Need To Acclimatise?
Oak Parquet flooring is available as a solid floor or as an engineered wood floor. The type of parquet that you choose will determine how long the floor needs to acclimatise. Acclimatisation is vital when dealing with wood flooring as it helps the wood to adjust to the new temperature and humidity conditions. Skipping this important step could lead to your flooring warping, expanding, or retracting after installation which can be a difficult and costly process to undo.
Engineered wood floors need to acclimate for a minimum of 48-72 hours.
Solid wood floors need to acclimate for a minimum of 5-7 days.
For more information on how to acclimatise your flooring, visit our blog.
What Is Five Finger Oak Parquet Flooring?
Five finger oak parquet flooring is one of the many intricate patterns that parquet flooring can produce. Once complete, it creates a mosaic of tiles that each include 5 strips of wood flooring. These square blocks are all laid in alternating directions to create a visually striking appearance.