rustic laminate flooring

 

Why Laminated Parquet is the Smart Choice for Your Flooring Needs

Parquet is a timeless floor covering with multiple advantages that bring character and charm to all interiors. The durability of parquet floors is no longer in doubt. Admire the floors of castles and old residences: oak parquet floors are often several hundred years old.  However, there are many types of parquet floors with very significant price differences. Let’s explore them below!

The Differences in Parquet Flooring Options

Engineered, solid, and laminate parquet are the three main categories of parquet currently sold on the market. But how can we explain such price differences? As its name suggests, a solid parquet is a parquet floor made of 100% wood. It remains the benchmark in the field. It is the most durable and, unsurprisingly, the most expensive. Laminate parquet is the least expensive floor covering. It does not contain wood and should not be called this. Indeed, the flooring must have a minimum wear layer of 2.5 mm in wood to be able to claim the name of the parquet. Rather than “laminate parquet,” it would therefore be more accurate to speak of “laminate flooring.” For those looking for a sleek look, Matt Finish Laminate Flooring offers a contemporary aesthetic that fits well with modern interiors.

Engineered parquet fully deserves its name. Indeed, it is composed of three thicknesses, the first of which is solid noble wood (oak, teak, etc.) of at least 2.5 mm and which can go up to 6 mm. The backing and the core ensure the stability of the parquet. These other two layers are made of lower-quality wood. Its composition earns it the name “semi-solid.” One of the main advantages of an engineered parquet is its price: between 2 and 3 times less expensive than a solid parquet. However, is it advantageous to opt for an engineered parquet as a floor covering? Many people appreciate the aesthetics of Gloss Effect Laminate Flooring, which can add a bright finish to any space.

Definition of laminated parquet

Engineered, solid, or laminated parquet… what’s the difference? In other words, what is engineered parquet?

In reality, laminated parquet and solid parquet are the only two products that deserve the name parquet because they both have a layer of wood equal to or greater than 2.5 mm (Standard NF EN 13756).

Laminated parquet slats are made up of 3 layers:

• Wear a layer or facing- Made of fine wood of different thicknesses, this is the visible part of the blade.
• Intermediate layer (or core)- Generally, it is made of particle board, plywood, or high-density fiberboard (HDF).
• Lower layer or backing- This is the part in contact with the ground.

The advantages of laminated parquet flooring in terms of its installation

This is undoubtedly one of the advantages of laminated parquet. Provided that the joists are sufficiently close together and that the slats are at least 20 mm thick, laminated parquet can be nailed down. In addition, parquet slats, whether made of oak or another type of wood, can also be glued down. This is a definite advantage since it is the only installation method considered by the DTU to be compatible with underfloor heating. Finally, another advantage of laminated parquet is that it is possible to consider floating installation. The slats are assembled using tabs that fit into a groove or by clipping. Thus, laminated parquet has many advantages in terms of installation technique. Lighter than solid parquet, laminated parquet is therefore quicker and easier to install. For a rustic charm, consider Rustic Laminate Flooring, which brings warmth to any room.

Is maintenance an advantage for laminate flooring?

It all depends on the finish of your laminate flooring. With a varnished finish, a simple mop is enough to clean your floor. If you have opted for an oiled laminate flooring, it is necessary to re-oil it approximately every six months. But one of the most significant advantages of laminate flooring is that it can be sold varnished before installation. However, varnished laminate flooring does not require any special maintenance. If you're interested in a more natural look, Stone Effect Laminate Flooring provides a stylish alternative that mimics the appearance of stone.

A quality-price ratio that works to the advantage of laminated wood parquet

With a facing layer that can reach 6 mm, it is difficult or even impossible to tell the difference between a solid parquet and a laminated parquet once laid on the floor. With a price of 2 to 3 times lower than solid parquets, the quality-price ratio is undoubtedly in favor of laminated parquets.

Can you renovate laminate flooring?

To use the term engineered parquet, the solid wood facing must be at least 2.5 mm. Its renovation is therefore perfectly possible. If your engineered parquet is simply dull, stained, or damaged, it is rather easy to renovate it with the right products. For instance, you might consider using a Matt Finish Laminate Flooring product for a refreshed look that maintains elegance while being practical.

But when we talk about renovation, we think more about the possibility of sanding it. The question is legitimate because when we sand a laminated parquet, we remove a certain thickness of its facing layer. However, this layer has a certain thickness, unlike solid parquet. This is particularly important when considering options like Gloss Effect Laminate Flooring, which can enhance the shine of your floors after renovation.

Engineered hardwood flooring offers a wide variety of styles.

By opting for laminated parquet, you will have the advantage of benefiting from a wide variety of colors and wood species. Additionally, manufacturers offer wider but also longer blades than for solid wood parquet, which is an additional advantage to be put to the credit of laminated parquet. If you're looking for something unique, Stone Effect Laminate Flooring is an excellent option that mimics natural stone without the high cost.

In terms of style, an engineered parquet has nothing to envy a solid parquet. Indeed, the advantage of an engineered parquet is that it comes in herringbone, Hungarian point, English style, etc. For those who prefer a rustic aesthetic, Rustic Laminate Flooring can bring warmth and character to your home, making it a popular choice among homeowners.

The advantage of the versatility of laminate flooring

One of the strengths of an engineered parquet is its versatility, making it suitable for installation in any room of the house. Engineered parquet can be made “floating” like laminate flooring, and can be laid on tiles or PVC flooring. A significant advantage of an engineered parquet over a solid wood parquet: it is perfectly suited to damp rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen, for example. It is strongly advised not to install solid wood parquet in rooms with humidity unless you use an exotic wood which will considerably increase your bill. With engineered parquet, all you need to do is use a water-repellent support.

In Conclusion

A laminated parquet flooring provides an appealing combination of style, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent choice for any flooring application. It is suitable for both modern and traditional settings, thanks to its numerous possibilities and simple installation procedures. Consider exploring Floor Land's range of high-quality laminated parquets to find the ideal fit for your room.