Flooring or parquet: Which type of flooring to choose for your home?

Choosing the right flooring is not just an important decision when renovating your home, it is much more than that, since it gives personality and character to the house and defines its aesthetics. For that reason, when it comes time to think about what type of flooring to put in, it is very common for doubts to arise when weighing the options of wood flooring or for people to confuse the terms. So, if you are at the crossroads of deciding between laminate or parquet, it is vital to know the key differences in materials, installation and maintenance.

So that you can make the best decision according to your preferences, we explain everything you need to know, considering factors such as budget, durability and humidity conditions.

Flooring and parquet: What makes each floor unique?

Although at first glance they may seem similar, the main distinction between laminate and parquet lies in their internal composition.

Natural parquet: The character of wood

Parquet is the floor par excellence if you are looking for maximum warmth and elegance. It is manufactured exclusively with natural wood, either solid or in multilayer format. In multilayer parquet floors, the top layer, known as the noble layer, must have a minimum thickness of at least 2.5 mm, which is usually made of woods such as oak or beech and is varnished to protect it.

Parquet offers a noble and timeless aesthetic, where each piece is unique. In addition to its charm and visual warmth, it is an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator.

Floating floorboards: Versatility and resistance

The term "floating floor" refers primarily to the installation system, as the floor is not nailed or glued down, but "floats" on an insulating layer. However, it is popularly used to describe various types of flooring using this method:

  • Laminate flooring: This is the most common. It is composed of layers of wood-derived materials (such as HDF or MDF) and covered with a print that imitates wood, stone or other finishes, protected by a resistant layer.
  • Vinyl flooring: Manufactured with synthetic materials (PVC) that stand out for being very resistant to water and wear.
  • Natural wood flooring (floating multilayer): Similar to parquet, as it has a top layer of hardwood, but is installed floating.

The great advantage of decking is its great variety of designs and its resistance to stains and scratches.

Installation, durability and cost: The great debate

When comparing laminate or parquet, the biggest differences are in the installation process and the life span of the materials.

Installation and maintenance

If you are looking for speed and less work, floating floorboards are the clear winner.

  • Floating floor: Its installation is simpler, faster and cheaper. The planks are clicked onto a foam sheet or insulating layer, allowing it to be laid on top of the existing floor. As for maintenance, laminate flooring is easily cleaned with warm water and mild detergents, and is very resistant to daily use.
  • Parquet: The installation of parquet is more complex, requires specialized professionals and usually involves gluing or nailing the pieces, which is more laborious and costly. Parquet requires more specific maintenance, as it is sensitive to humidity and needs periodic sanding and varnishing (approximately every 10-12 years).

Durability and restoration

This is where parquet proves its long-term investment.

Natural parquet can last for decades, often 30 or 40 years, as the ability to sand and varnish it repeatedly allows you to repair it and restore its original beauty, and even increases the value of your property.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, cannot be sanded. If a piece becomes damaged or worn, it must be replaced. Although laminate flooring is impact-resistant, its service life is generally shorter, ranging from 10 to 20 years.

How much can each option cost?

The economic factor is decisive. Generally, parquet is significantly more expensive than laminate flooring, both in terms of material and installation.

What to choose: floating floor or parquet?

The final choice between laminate or parquet should be based on your priorities.

  • Choose parquet if your priority is the authenticity of natural wood, superior insulation and maximum durability, and if you can assume a higher initial cost and a more specific maintenance. It is ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where you are looking to increase the aesthetic value of the property.
  • Choose laminate flooring if you are looking for a more economical solution that is quick to install, easy to maintain and scratch resistant. If you have pets, children or are looking for a floor for wet areas such as kitchens or bathrooms, vinyl flooring is the most recommended for its high water resistance.

In short, both are excellent floors that add warmth, but the balance will tip toward engineered wood if you prioritize budget and simplicity, or parquet if you value long-term restoration and the unique feel of real wood.

So, if on the horizon you see an integral reform in your home and you want to have for it with a study of reforms that not only design the project and execute it in a timely manner, but know how to advise you on such doubts, choose Studio by Clikalia. Just ask for a free quote and we will send you in a few days a reform project tailored to your needs.