Parquet flooring is one of the most distinctive and elegant flooring choices available today. Recognised for its geometric patterns and timeless appearance, parquet has been used in grand homes and luxury interiors for centuries – and it is now more accessible than ever.
But what exactly is parquet flooring?
What’s the difference between chevron and herringbone?
Is solid wood better than engineered, laminate or LVT?
And does parquet flooring add value to your home?
This complete guide explains everything you need to know before choosing parquet flooring.
The History of Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring first appeared in the 17th century France. Wealthy homeowners grew tired of traditional marble floors and began looking for something more decorative and distinctive.
Skilled craftsmen cut hardwood into small geometric pieces and arranged them into intricate patterns. Each floor was carefully assembled, sanded and polished by hand. Because of the time and craftsmanship involved, parquet flooring was extremely expensive and reserved for aristocratic homes and palaces.
Parquet remained popular until the 1930s when carpet became fashionable. In the 1980s and 1990s, wood flooring regained popularity, and parquet once again became a premium design feature in homes.
Today, advances in manufacturing have made parquet far more affordable while maintaining its classic aesthetic.
What Is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet flooring is a type of wood flooring made from smaller pieces of wood arranged into geometric patterns rather than laid in straight planks.
Common parquet patterns include:
Herringbone
Chevron
Basketweave
Versailles panels
Brick bond
Ladder pattern
The most popular modern choice is herringbone parquet flooring.
Parquet can be made from solid wood, engineered wood, laminate or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), giving homeowners options for every budget and room type.
Chevron vs Herringbone: What’s the Difference?
Chevron and herringbone are often confused, but they are structurally different.
Herringbone uses rectangular planks laid at 90-degree angles to create a broken zig-zag pattern. The ends meet at right angles. This style feels classic and works well in both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Chevron uses planks cut at an angle, usually 45 or 60 degrees. The ends meet to form a continuous V shape. This creates a sharper, cleaner, more modern look.
In short:
Herringbone = staggered zig-zag
Chevron = continuous V shape
If you want timeless character, choose herringbone. If you prefer sleek and contemporary, chevron may be the better option.
Types of Parquet Flooring Materials
Modern parquet flooring is available in four main material types. The right option depends on your budget, room conditions and long-term plans.
Solid Wood Parquet
Solid wood parquet is made entirely from hardwood such as oak, walnut or maple.
Benefits include a fully natural appearance, the ability to sand and refinish multiple times, and a lifespan that can exceed 50 years. Solid wood is considered the most premium option.
However, it is more expensive, can expand and contract with humidity, and is not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
Best for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms in stable environments.
Engineered Wood Parquet
Engineered parquet consists of a real hardwood top layer bonded to a multi-layer plywood core.
It offers improved stability compared to solid wood and is suitable for underfloor heating. It is also generally more affordable than solid wood.
While it can be sanded, this can only be done a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the top layer.
Engineered parquet is currently the most popular option in UK homes because it balances durability, appearance and cost.
Best for most areas of the home, including kitchens with moderate moisture exposure.
Laminate Parquet
Laminate parquet replicates wood patterns using a photographic layer beneath a protective surface.
It is affordable, scratch-resistant and easy to install, making it suitable for DIY projects. However, it is not real wood and cannot be refinished.
Best for rental properties, bedrooms and budget renovations.
Parquet LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
LVT parquet is a waterproof synthetic flooring designed to mimic real wood patterns.
It is highly durable, comfortable underfoot and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas. However, it is not natural wood and cannot be refinished.
Best for moisture-prone rooms and busy households.
Solid vs Engineered vs Laminate vs LVT: Key Differences
Solid wood is fully natural, long-lasting and refinishable but more expensive and sensitive to moisture.
Engineered wood contains a real wood surface with added stability, works well with underfloor heating and offers good long-term value.
Laminate is budget-friendly and scratch resistant but cannot be refinished and does not add the same property value.
LVT is waterproof and durable but synthetic in composition.
Your choice depends on whether you prioritise authenticity, durability, cost or water resistance.
How Much Does Parquet Flooring Cost?
Parquet flooring costs vary depending on the material and installation.
Laminate parquet typically costs between £15 and £35 per square metre.
LVT parquet ranges from £25 to £50 per square metre.
Engineered wood parquet usually costs between £35 and £80 per square metre.
Solid wood parquet can range from £60 to £120 or more per square metre.
Installation costs can range from £25 to £80 per square metre depending on the material and complexity of the pattern. Chevron and intricate block designs may cost more to install.
While solid wood has a higher upfront cost, it can last decades and potentially increase property value.
Does Parquet Flooring Add Value to a Home?
Yes, real wood parquet flooring can increase a home’s perceived value.
Estate agents often market parquet flooring as a premium feature. It enhances the visual appeal of a property and can make interiors feel more luxurious and well-designed.
Engineered and solid wood parquet are especially desirable to buyers. Laminate and LVT offer practicality but do not typically carry the same resale prestige.
If long-term property value is a priority, real wood parquet is usually the strongest investment.
How to Choose the Right Parquet Block Size
Parquet blocks come in different widths and lengths, and size significantly affects the final appearance.
Smaller blocks create a more traditional, intricate look and work well in smaller rooms.
Larger blocks feel more contemporary and can make large open-plan spaces appear cleaner and more expansive.
In smaller rooms, laying herringbone diagonally can create the illusion of more space.
In larger spaces, wider blocks produce a modern, streamlined finish.
Is Parquet Flooring Easy to Install?
Solid wood parquet blocks require precise installation to maintain pattern alignment. Professional fitting is highly recommended.
Engineered parquet is easier to install, especially with click systems.
Laminate and LVT parquet are the most DIY-friendly options.
Proper subfloor preparation is essential regardless of the material chosen.
Is Parquet a Good Choice for a Living Room?
Parquet flooring is an excellent choice for living rooms. It adds visual interest, warmth and character while being easier to clean than carpet.
However, in high-traffic areas you may wish to use rugs to protect the surface. Solid wood can scratch from pets or heavy furniture, while engineered wood or LVT may offer better scratch resistance.
With proper care, parquet flooring can remain attractive for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring is wood flooring made from small pieces arranged in geometric patterns such as herringbone or chevron rather than straight planks.
Costs vary by material, with laminate being the most affordable and solid wood the most expensive. Installation also affects total cost.
Herringbone offers a classic staggered look, while chevron creates a sharper, continuous V shape. The best choice depends on your interior style.
Engineered wood and LVT parquet are generally suitable for underfloor heating. Solid wood is usually not recommended.
Engineered wood and LVT parquet are suitable for kitchens. Solid wood may be vulnerable to moisture damage.
Solid wood parquet can last over 50 years with proper care. Engineered wood typically lasts 20 to 40 years, depending on thickness and maintenance.
Parquet flooring combines heritage, design flexibility and long-term appeal. Whether you choose solid wood for authenticity, engineered wood for stability, laminate for affordability or LVT for practicality, parquet remains one of the most striking and valuable flooring options available today.