Parquet is one of the most appreciated solutions for domestic and commercial flooring, thanks to its combination of aesthetics, durability, and comfort. This type of flooring is loved for its ability to bring warmth to spaces, as well as for its versatility in terms of wood species, finishes, and installation types.

However, choosing the ideal parquet requires an in-depth understanding of the various options available; in this guide, we will explore the main types of parquet, wood species, and specific characteristics that can make a difference in your choice.

This way, you can be well-prepared when purchasing the parquet that best suits your needs.

Parquet Wood Species: From Oak to Exotic Varieties

The first aspect to consider when choosing parquet is the type of wood, or species, which will determine not only the aesthetic appearance but also the durability and maintenance.

Among the most popular species, we certainly find oak, especially that from Slavonia, which stands out for its hardness and versatility. It is one of the most used woods for parquet production due to its resistance and its ability to adapt to various styles, from the most classic to the more contemporary. Walnut, with its dark color and pronounced grain, also represents a refined and elegant choice that is popular in traditional collections.

In addition to the more common species, which also include elm and chestnut, species that offer warm tones and natural textures ideal for modern and cozy interiors, it is possible to opt for exotic woods that offer unique aesthetic and functional characteristics.

Among these, teak is known for its resistance to moisture and durability in challenging environments, while doussié and iroko are particularly appreciated for their robustness and remain among the preferred options for those seeking parquet with an exotic touch.

To explore in detail the characteristics of each species, you can visit our article The Most Common Parquet Wood Species: All the Characteristics.

Prefinished or Solid Parquet? Discover the Differences

After selecting the species, it is essential to decide whether to opt for prefinished or solid parquet. Solid parquet is made entirely of noble wood and is known for its ability to last for generations. Being thicker, it can be sanded multiple times over its useful life, making it a long-lasting choice. However, it requires more complex installation and maintenance.

Prefinished parquet, on the other hand, is composed of multiple layers, with a top layer of noble wood and supporting lower layers. This structure makes it less prone to warping due to humidity and temperature changes; moreover, prefinished parquet is already treated in the factory, reducing installation times and making it more practical for those seeking an immediate solution.

Secular Oak | Reclaimed Board

Appearance Classes: How Aesthetics Influence Choice

Another key factor in choosing parquet is the aesthetic appearance, which varies according to the appearance class of the wood. These classes indicate the visual quality of the parquet, determining the presence of knots, grain, color variations, and other natural characteristics of the wood.

Aesthetic classes do not affect the strength or durability of the parquet, but rather the overall visual effect you want to achieve in a space.

• Rustic classes are characterized by visible knots, color variations, and pronounced grain, ideal for those who want a floor with an authentic and natural look, capable of adding a touch of rusticity to the environment. This type of parquet is often chosen for country or industrial-style settings, where the natural imperfection of the wood becomes a design element.
• Selected classes, on the other hand, offer parquet with a more homogeneous and refined appearance, without apparent knots or with minimal imperfections. These floors, thanks to their uniformity, are perfect for elegant and formal environments, where a clean and orderly aesthetic is preferred. The wood grain, in this case, is more delicate and gives the parquet a sophisticated look.

Choosing the right appearance class depends on the type of atmosphere you want to create: if you prefer a more rustic and lived-in style, rustic classes can offer a more “natural” charm, whereas if you desire a floor that integrates with modern and minimalist decor, selected or more homogeneous classes are the ideal choice.

Contemporary Trends: The Charm of Light Gray Parquet

In addition to appearance classes, in recent years, the color of parquet has also become a significant choice. Light gray parquet, for example, has gained popularity due to its minimalist and modern style, thanks to its neutral tones that adapt well to bright and airy interiors, creating a sense of expanded space. However, like any design choice, it has its pros and cons.

While light gray parquet reflects natural light well and matches various decor styles, it requires more care in cleaning, as dust and stains are more visible compared to darker floors.

Board Sizes: From Strip to Wide Plank

The size of the parquet also significantly influences the overall aesthetics of a space. Strips, with their smaller dimensions, are perfect for smaller spaces, where they can create a dynamic visual effect. Conversely, slats and wide planks are ideal for large spaces, providing a sense of continuity and spaciousness.

The choice of size between strip, slat, plank, and maxi-plank depends not only on aesthetic preferences but also on the room’s dimensions and the type of atmosphere you wish to create.

Two or Three-Layer Parquet: Stability and Strength

In addition to size, the structure of the parquet is a crucial aspect to consider. Two-layer parquet consists of a top layer of noble wood and a supporting lower layer. This structure makes it ideal for installations with underfloor heating, thanks to its ability to efficiently conduct heat. Three-layer parquet, on the other hand, is more robust and offers greater stability, making it perfect for surfaces subject to expansion and movement.

To discover which type of layered parquet is best suited to your needs, visit our dedicated section on parquet layers.

Industrial Parquet, Traditional, and the Modernity of Pixel

Industrial parquet is ideal for those seeking durability and style in high-traffic environments, both commercial and residential. Among the options, we find prefinished parquet, practical and versatile, with boards already treated in the factory ready for quick installation. It is the perfect solution for those who desire speed without sacrificing elegance.

Traditional parquet, on the other hand, requires sanding and on-site treatments, offering more customization but with greater time and cost.

Finally, the Pixel collection represents an innovative fusion between prefinished and modern design, with chromatic surfaces reminiscent of digital pixels. Ideal for environments that want to combine an industrial aesthetic with the warmth of wood, Pixel adds sophistication and a metropolitan style. The choice, even in this case, will depend on specific needs and the desired style for each space.

Slavonian Oak and French Oak: Which to Choose?

Finally, we return to where we started. We have seen that oak is among the most used and appreciated species in wooden flooring, and here too, it is important to know the type of oak you are about to purchase.

Slavonian oak and French oak are two of the most used species for parquet production. Slavonian oak, for example, is perfect for its hardness and the regularity of its grain, making it ideal for durable and aesthetically impactful floors. On the other hand, French oak is distinguished by a softer texture and a slightly more delicate appearance, perfect for those who desire a sophisticated and refined floor.

Conclusion: Now You Have All the Tools to Choose the Right Parquet

Now that you have thoroughly explored all the variables related to choosing parquet, from the most common species like Slavonian oak to exotic options like teak, you have gained a clear understanding of the characteristics and differences between prefinished and solid parquet, between rustic or selected appearance classes, and innovative solutions like industrial Pixel parquet.

Whether you are looking for durability for high-traffic areas or elegance for more intimate and refined spaces, the wide range of materials, finishes, and formats allows you to find the perfect solution for your aesthetic and functional needs. Now you have all the information necessary to make an informed choice, capable of enhancing your spaces and ensuring a floor that combines beauty, practicality, and longevity.

With these foundations, you are ready to select the parquet that best suits your style and needs, confident that the final result will be not only aesthetically impeccable but also durable over time.

What are you waiting for? Check out our collections!