Parquet Flooring Guide: Patterns, Benefits and Design Ideas 

At a glance: Parquet flooring is a style of laying wood in geometric patterns such as herringbone and chevron. It offers strong visual appeal and durability, but requires more precise installation than standard plank flooring. 

If you’ve been browsing flooring inspiration for your Solihull home, you’ve probably come across parquet and wondered how it differs from a standard wood floor. Parquet is not a type of wood; it describes the way wood blocks or strips are arranged in a geometric pattern. This means parquet can be made from solid or engineered wood, with oak, walnut and ash among the options available. The overall look can be traditional or contemporary, depending on the pattern, tone and block size you choose.

What Is Parquet Flooring? 

Parquet flooring describes wood flooring arranged in a geometric pattern, using blocks, strips or pre-assembled panels rather than long continuous planks running in one direction. That pattern is what defines it, not the wood itself. 

Parquet has a long history in interior design, with the style originating in 17th-century France, where geometric wood patterns were used in grand interiors. Today, the same patterns work in both traditional and contemporary homes, with lighter oak tones and wider blocks offering a more modern look. 

Parquet can be solid wood, milled entirely from single hardwood blocks, or engineered, with a hardwood wear layer bonded to a stable plywood or other stable core. Either construction can be laid in classic parquet patterns, so the decision between solid and engineered is separate from the decision about which pattern to choose. 

Popular Parquet Flooring Patterns 

Choosing a pattern is usually the first real decision, and each one creates a genuinely different feel in a room. 

• Herringbone. Rectangular blocks set at 90 degrees to create a zigzag effect. This is one of the most versatile parquet patterns, and it works particularly well in hallways and living rooms, where the diagonal lines add movement without overwhelming the space. 

• Chevron. Similar to herringbone, but the blocks are cut at an angle so the points align perfectly into continuous V-shaped lines. It reads as sharper and more contemporary, and suits open-plan kitchens and living spaces where you want a strong visual anchor. 

• Basketweave. Blocks alternate in horizontal and vertical groupings, creating a woven texture. It has more period character than herringbone or chevron, making it a natural fit for older properties and formal rooms like dining rooms or studies. 

• Versailles or panel parquet. Larger framed panels of interwoven strips, delivering real visual presence. This suits bigger rooms with higher ceilings where a bolder, more formal statement makes sense. 

• Brickwork or straight block. Offset rows for a calmer, more understated geometric look, ideal if you want the character of parquet without the higher visual intensity of herringbone or chevron. 

Key Benefits of Parquet Flooring 

Parquet’s biggest draw is its combination of durability, design flexibility and distinctive visual character. Key benefits include: 

• Distinctive appearance: Geometric patterns create more visual interest than standard plank flooring and can become a strong design feature in a room. 

• Durable: Properly installed and finished parquet can withstand normal household foot traffic and, with appropriate care, provide many years of use. 

• Long-lasting: Solid parquet can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, allowing a well-maintained floor to be refreshed rather than replaced. 

• Design flexibility: The same pattern can look very different depending on the wood species, tone, finish and block width, making parquet suitable for both period and contemporary interiors. 

• Works across different interiors: Traditional patterns can complement period properties, while wider blocks, lighter oak tones and contemporary finishes can work well in modern homes. 

• Potentially adds appeal to a property: Well-maintained parquet can be an attractive feature, particularly where it complements the character and style of the property. 

The pattern, block size, wood tone and finish can all affect how the finished floor looks, so consider the proportions and natural light of the room when choosing between options. 

Things to Consider Before Choosing Parquet 

Parquet can be an excellent long-term flooring choice, but it needs careful specification and installation. Before choosing it, consider the following: 

• Moisture: Like other timber flooring, parquet needs protection from excessive moisture. It isn’t suited to bathrooms, wet rooms or kitchens with poor ventilation. 

• Installation: Installation requires greater skill and usually takes longer than fitting standard planks, since each block needs precise alignment. 

• Cost: The additional labour involved in fitting parquet affects the overall cost. Intricate patterns such as chevron or Versailles typically cost more per square metre to fit than simpler herringbone or straight block layouts. 

• Indoor conditions: Solid parquet needs a stable indoor environment to perform well over the long term and is more sensitive to changes in humidity. 

• Engineered construction: Engineered parquet generally handles fluctuating conditions better than solid parquet, making it a practical option for many modern homes. 

Solid vs Engineered Parquet 

Solid parquet is made entirely from single-species hardwood blocks. It generally offers greater refinishing potential over its lifetime, but needs a stable indoor environment to avoid excessive movement. 

Engineered parquet bonds a genuine hardwood wear layer to a plywood or softwood core. Its layered construction provides greater dimensional stability, and it is often the more practical choice for underfloor heating, provided the specific product is approved for use with the system. For many modern Solihull homes, engineered parquet can be the more practical specification without sacrificing the pattern or genuine hardwood surface. 

Best Wood Types for Parquet Flooring 

• Oak is the most common choice for parquet, offering a strong balance of durability, versatility and a grain that takes a range of stains and finishes well. 

• Walnut brings a richer tone and more pronounced grain character, suited to lower-traffic, more formal rooms where visual richness is the priority. 

• Ash is lighter in tone and has a distinctive, open grain, making it a good choice if you want a brighter, more contemporary look. 

Where Does Parquet Flooring Work Best? 

Parquet flooring works best in dry, regularly used rooms such as living rooms, dining rooms and hallways, provided the subfloor is suitable and moisture is controlled. 

• Living rooms and dining rooms. Herringbone or chevron adds a strong design statement in rooms with relatively stable, moderate use, making the most of the pattern without excessive wear risk. 

• Hallways. Herringbone in particular suits high-traffic entry areas. The diagonal pattern draws the eye forward and works particularly well where you want the flooring to make a strong first impression. 

• Period homes in Knowle and older parts of Solihull. Basketweave or a traditional herringbone in richer oak tones complements original architectural details and sits comfortably alongside period features. 

• New builds and open-plan spaces across Solihull and the wider West Midlands. Wide-format chevron in pale oak suits contemporary proportions well, and paired with engineered construction, it’s a strong option over underfloor heating, provided the specific flooring is suitable for the system. 

Bathrooms, utility rooms and consistently damp environments should generally be avoided, since moisture is a genuine consideration with timber flooring regardless of construction type. 

Parquet Flooring Alternatives 

If parquet isn’t right for your room, consider an alternative based on the look, maintenance and performance you need. 

• Engineered wood flooring: A good choice if you want a genuine hardwood surface but prefer the simpler appearance of traditional planks rather than a geometric pattern. 

• Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT): Offers realistic wood-look finishes and can be a practical alternative where easier maintenance or greater moisture resistance is important. 

• Laminate flooring: Can provide a wood-look appearance at a different price point and may suit homeowners looking for a straightforward flooring option. 

The best option depends on the room, subfloor, heating system, expected traffic and the look you’re trying to achieve. 

Installing Parquet Flooring: What to Expect 

Parquet installation requires careful preparation and accurate setting out. The main stages typically include: 

• Prepare the subfloor: It needs to be flat, dry and clean, since small imperfections can show through a fitted parquet pattern more noticeably than with continuous planks. 

• Acclimatise the flooring: The wood needs time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before fitting begins. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the required acclimatisation period. 

• Set out the pattern: The layout needs to be planned and checked carefully before any bonding starts. Parquet requires much more precise alignment than straight plank flooring, so there is less room for installation errors. 

• Bond the blocks: Once the layout is confirmed, the blocks are bonded to the prepared subfloor and left to cure. 

• Finish the floor: Unfinished parquet can be sanded and sealed on site, while factory-finished ranges may only require final detailing after installation. 

Professional installation is particularly important with parquet because of the pattern precision and subfloor tolerance required to achieve a clean finish. 

If you’re comparing parquet options, look at the actual finish and construction rather than choosing a pattern from a photograph alone. The finished appearance can change significantly depending on the wood grade, tone, block size and finish. 

If you’d like to see how the different patterns and wood tones look in person, browse our Parquet Flooring collection to compare options for your space. 

How Do You Care for a Parquet Floor? 

Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush head helps prevent grit from wearing into the surface. Clean with a damp, never wet, cloth or mop and a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner. Felt pads under furniture legs can also help reduce scratching and surface damage. 

Oiled finishes benefit from periodic re-oiling to keep the surface protected, while lacquered finishes should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. The right cleaning products and routine will depend on the finish used on your particular floor, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidance. 

Solid parquet can be resanded and refreshed multiple times over its life, while how often engineered parquet can be resanded depends on the thickness of its wear layer. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is parquet flooring the same as herringbone flooring? 

Not quite. Herringbone is one specific pattern within the broader parquet category, which also includes chevron, basketweave and Versailles designs, among others. 

Is parquet flooring suitable for kitchens? 

It can work in a well-ventilated kitchen with limited moisture exposure, provided the flooring is suitable for the environment and installed correctly. It isn’t recommended for bathrooms, wet rooms or poorly ventilated kitchens where steam and spills are frequent. 

Can parquet flooring be refinished? 

Yes. Solid parquet can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Engineered parquet can also be refinished, though how many times depends on the thickness of its hardwood wear layer. 

Does parquet flooring work with underfloor heating? 

Engineered parquet is generally compatible with underfloor heating, thanks to its stable layered construction. Solid parquet carries a higher risk of movement and needs stricter environmental control. Always check the flooring manufacturer’s compatibility and installation requirements. 

How much does parquet flooring cost? 

Cost varies considerably depending on wood species, pattern complexity, construction type and installation requirements. Simpler patterns like straight block or basic herringbone typically cost less to fit than intricate layouts like chevron or Versailles. 

Is parquet flooring hard to maintain? 

Day-to-day care is straightforward: regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping. Oiled finishes need periodic re-oiling, and felt pads under furniture help prevent scratching, but neither requires specialist skills to manage. 

Does parquet flooring add value to a home? 

A well-maintained parquet floor can be an attractive feature, particularly in period properties where it complements the character of the home. However, the value it adds will depend on the property, quality of installation and overall condition of the floor. 

Speak to Studio Flooring 

Getting the pattern, wood species and construction right makes all the difference with parquet, and that’s much easier to work out with advice tailored to your specific room and subfloor. If you’re considering parquet flooring for your Solihull home, get in touch with Studio Flooring and we’ll help you choose the right pattern and finish and take care of the installation from start to finish.