Types of Parquet Flooring: Quality, Durability, Care & Cost Differences (2026)
How to choose
Decide by traffic level (home/commercial), moisture exposure (baths/kitchens vs. dry rooms), underfloor heating, scratch/UV resistance, look/feel, and budget. Below we compare the main categories, with % deltas vs. laminate (0%).
1) Solid wood (hardwood)
- Quality & lifespan: premium; can be re-sanded many times (3–6+ cycles).
- Resistance: strong wear; sensitive to moisture and climate swings.
- UFH compatibility: limited; requires careful spec (thickness/moisture).
- Materials cost: ~+120–220% vs. laminate.
- Labor cost: ~+40–90% (adhesive + site sanding/finishing).
- Pros: authentic character, long service life, premium value.
- Cons: movement with humidity, slower install, water sensitivity.
- Care: dry cleaning + lightly damp mops; periodic re-oil/refinish; felt pads.
2) Engineered wood (multi-layer/ply-back)
- Build: real-wood wear layer over cross-laminated core.
- Quality & lifespan: high; typically 1–3 re-sands (depends on wear layer).
- Resistance: more dimensionally stable than solid.
- UFH compatibility: very good with correct spec.
- Materials cost: ~+60–150% vs. laminate.
- Labor cost: ~+20–50% (floating or glued).
- Pros: natural look, stability, finish options.
- Cons: pricier than laminate; refinish cycles limited by wear layer.
- Care: wood-specific cleaners; match care to lacquer/oil finish.
3) Laminate (HDF core + melamine decor)
- Quality & lifespan: wide range; AC4–AC6 ratings; cannot be re-sanded.
- Resistance: strong scratch resistance; weak to standing water (water-resistant SKUs cope better short-term).
- UFH compatibility: good with suitable density/underlay.
- Materials cost: baseline 0%.
- Labor cost: baseline 0% (fast click install).
- Pros: excellent price/performance, huge design choice, rapid install.
- Cons: no refinishing; prolonged moisture can swell edges.
- Care: easy—lightly damp mops; avoid wet washing.
4) SPC / LVT (rigid core vinyl / luxury vinyl)
- Quality & lifespan: very good in wet zones; highly stable.
- Resistance: excellent to water; good scratch resistance (depends on wear layer).
- UFH compatibility: very good (high thermal conductivity).
- Materials cost: ~+10–60% vs. laminate.
- Labor cost: ~+10–30% (substrate prep + click or glue-down).
- Pros: ideal for baths/kitchens/commercial; minimal maintenance.
- Cons: cooler underfoot vs. wood; needs smooth subfloor.
- Care: frequent mopping allowed; neutral cleaners.
5) Bamboo (strand-woven/engineered)
- Quality & lifespan: high; strand-woven types are very hard.
- Resistance: good wear; medium moisture sensitivity (finish-dependent).
- UFH compatibility: good with moisture control.
- Materials cost: ~+40–120% vs. laminate.
- Labor cost: ~+20–50%.
- Pros: eco appeal, hard and distinctive.
- Cons: variable quality across brands; some finishes UV-fade.
- Care: similar to engineered wood.
6) Cork (tiles/planks with finish)
- Quality & lifespan: good for residential; excellent acoustic and comfort.
- Resistance: elastic, reduces noise; can mark under heavy point loads.
- UFH compatibility: good; watch prolonged moisture.
- Materials cost: ~+20–80% vs. laminate.
- Labor cost: ~+10–30%.
- Pros: thermal/acoustic comfort, sustainable.
- Cons: UV sensitivity (fading), point marks; needs protective glides.
- Care: simple; some systems can be re-coated.
7) Patterns & formats (herringbone/chevron, XL planks)
- Applies to: solid, engineered, laminate, SPC/LVT.
- Cost impact: materials ~0–20% higher (cuts/waste); labor ~+20–60% (layout/precision).
- Pros: premium look, dynamic spaces.
- Cons: slower install; experienced crew required.
- Care: same as base product.
Room-by-room picks
Living rooms & bedrooms (home traffic)
- Budget & speed: Laminate AC4–AC5.
- Premium natural: Engineered wood (UFH-friendly).
- Acoustic comfort: Cork or engineered with acoustic underlay.
Kitchens & hallways (traffic + splash risk)
- Water resilience: SPC/LVT.
- Natural look + protection: Engineered wood with robust finish and mats at wet spots.
Bathrooms & very wet areas
- First choice: SPC/LVT (glue-down or click on smooth substrate).
- Avoid: Solid wood; laminate only if explicitly qualified by the maker and with strict detailing.
Light commercial
- Low maintenance & durability: SPC/LVT to commercial spec, or Laminate AC5–AC6.
Installation: floating vs. glued
- Floating (click): fastest install, lower labor; slightly more footfall noise (use acoustic underlay).
- Glued: solid feel, better heat transfer (great with UFH), more stable under heavy use; higher labor cost.
Care & warranties
- Protection: felt pads, entrance mats, remove grit quickly.
- Cleaning: gentle products; avoid excess water on laminate/wood.
- Refinishing: Solid and many engineered floors can be re-sanded; laminate/SPC/LVT cannot.
- Sun/UV: blinds/rugs help; some finishes reduce color shift.
Quick selector (by priority)
- Best against water: SPC/LVT.
- Most authentic/noble: Solid wood; excellent compromise: Engineered wood.
- Best price/time ratio: Laminate.
- Acoustic/thermal comfort: Cork.
- Showpiece pattern: Herringbone/Chevron (higher labor %).
FAQs (short)
1) What works best with underfloor heating?
Engineered wood (stable), SPC/LVT (conductive), or qualified laminate with proper density and underlay; follow manufacturer specs for adhesives/underlays.
2) Wood in a bathroom—yes or no?
Generally no. If you insist, only engineered wood with suitable finish and strict protection. Practically, SPC/LVT is the safe bet.
3) How long does good laminate last?
Depends on wear class and care; performance stays strong if protected from moisture and abrasive grit.
4) Is herringbone worth it?
Yes for premium aesthetics; plan for higher labor % and longer install time.
