Today we continue with the flooring series. After we discussed laminate in the last blog entry, today we are dealing with parquet. What exactly is parquet? What material is it made of? What are the advantages and disadvantages of parquet? How is parquet properly cleaned and cared for? All of these questions are examined and answered in this blog post.
The History of Parquet
Since the Middle Ages, wooden floorboards, which were then still untreated , have been laid next to each other as flooring. After a while, the boards were planed and soft woods such as pine or spruce were used. Over time, flooring has been continually developed and has become what it is today. Different types of wood were used, and different colors and surfaces were developed . In the past, parquet was used primarily by the upper class and could be found in magnificent rooms and castles. This means that parquet is often associated with luxury and aesthetics. The development of parquet is not yet over, as new, innovative ideas are constantly being implemented to compensate for the weaknesses.
What exactly is parquet and what is it made of?
There are two different types of parquet. On the one hand there is solid parquet and on the other hand there is multi-layer parquet . Solid parquet is characterized by the fact that the continuous layer of wood is completely glued over the entire surface. The covering is very robust but also very sensitive to moisture . If moisture penetrates, the wood can warp and the material changes. Multi-layer parquet is therefore intended to provide a remedy. There are 2-layer and 3-layer variants . The top layer, i.e. the wear layer , is a covering layer that gives the floor its appearance. In the 2-layer variant, the second layer consists of small, opposing wooden sticks , which are often made of spruce. In the 3-layer variant, the third layer consists of a counter-layer that has the same direction as the top layer. The differently aligned layers give the floor dimensional stability so that it does not warp in changing weather conditions.
These rooms like parquet
The beautiful wooden floor can of course be laid in all rooms . Parquet is particularly suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms . Hard, durable wood should be used for the office. Parquet is not suitable for bathrooms and kitchens , as they generate a lot of moisture and large amounts of water could end up on the floor. If parquet is still desired in these rooms, perfect laying, fine joints and a water-repellent protective layer are essential.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Parquet
In addition to its beautiful appearance and versatility, the elegant floor has other advantages. It also regulates the room climate and is normally free of harmful substances . Furthermore, the wooden floor lasts practically a lifetime. Hard floors, such as oak floors, are particularly resilient . Chair legs or heels hardly leave any marks. Otherwise, it is possible to sand the floor down and re-oil or varnish it. Cleaning and maintenance are not particularly difficult. The floor is also suitable for allergy sufferers, as it does not contain any allergenic substances .
Alongside its advantages, parquet also has a few minor disadvantages. Firstly, it is significantly more expensive than other types of flooring. Laying it can also be difficult at times, particularly with certain patterns or uneven floors. For this reason, it is advisable to hire a professional. However, they will charge 20 to 30 euros per square meter. Secondly, parquet is not lightfast , which means that the wood reacts to UV rays. The parquet changes over the years and can change color . For example, a maple floor can become slightly darker over the years. As already mentioned, wooden floors also react to fluctuations in temperature and changes in humidity. In the winter months, the wood gives off moisture due to the heat, which reduces its volume and creates gaps.
How to properly care for and clean parquet
As with any floor, care and cleaning are essential for a long-lasting, beautiful appearance. Sealing is important when caring for the floor. This prevents moisture from penetrating the wood. Certain care oils or waxes protect the floor from scratches and other damage . They also give the floor a beautiful shine. Otherwise, when vacuuming, make sure that a gentle vacuum cleaner head is used. When wiping, make sure that the cloth is only slightly damp and that a special cleaner for parquet is used.
Mundizio therefore recommends: Clean and Clever Pro 9 parquet care
The Pro 9 parquet care cleaner from Clean and Clever is ideal. This allows you to clean, protect and care for the floor in one step . The cleaner can be used on all sealed wooden floors and even on treated cork floors. After use, you will have a slip-resistant and water-repellent floor. You can also polish the floor afterwards using a machine for a particularly beautiful shine.
All blog posts about the flooring series at a glance
- cork
- Carpet
- PVC
- Linoleum
- parquet
- laminate
- natural stone
- tiles
