Parquet Flooring Explained: Features, Benefits & Expert Guidance

In short: parquet flooring is real timber cut into small blocks and laid in a repeating geometric pattern — herringbone, chevron, basketweave or Versailles panels. It comes in solid and engineered versions, can be sanded back and refinished like any hardwood, and costs roughly $130–$210 per m² supplied and installed in Melbourne depending on type and finish. Its weak point is standing water, which rules it out for bathrooms.

On this page

• What exactly is parquet flooring
• What materials make it up
• Advantages and drawbacks
• What it costs in Melbourne
• Pattern types
• Engineered vs solid
• FAQs

Parquet flooring often raises questions the moment people see it. Some admire its detail and character, while others wonder if it’s practical, durable, or worth keeping at all.

This guide explains what parquet flooring really is, how it’s constructed, and why it continues to be used in both classic and modern spaces. By understanding its features and performance, you can make informed decisions about installation, restoration, or replacement.

What Exactly Is Parquet Flooring?

Parquet flooring, also called ‘parquetry flooring’, is a type of wood floor. Craftsmen join small pieces of wood into designs like herringbone or chevron. In the past, workers installed parquet one piece at a time, which required a lot of skill and time.

Nowadays, parquet wood flooring is typically available as tiles, with the individual pieces pre-attached to a backing material. This makes it easier and more uniform to lay parquet flooring, but it still has that beautiful, high-end look.

What Materials Make Up Parquet Flooring?

You can use many kinds of lumber to make parquet floors. 

1. Many people choose oak parquet because it offers versatility and simplicity.
2. Modern houses should have maple parquet with lighter tones.
3. Cherry wood parquet has a strong, high-end look.

You can find solid parquet made of solid hardwood and engineered parquet made of layers for support. Both are strong, but engineered choices are usually cheaper and easier to put in place.

A Brief History of Parquet Flooring

France in the 1600s was the first place where parquet floors became popular. Many people viewed it as a more luxurious choice than marble floors.

The word “parquet” comes from the French word “parqueterie”, which means “small space”. For hundreds of years, parquet was a sign of wealth and class. Now, it’s becoming popular again in both historic renovations and modern home decor.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Parquet Flooring

Benefits of Parquet Flooring

1. Elegant wood flooring makes rooms look better right away.
2. Durable parquet flooring can last a long time if properly maintained.
3. Adding parquet flooring to your home will make it more desirable, which will raise its value.
4. Easy-to-clean parquet: use a dry mop every day and a damp mop every week.
5. Affordable flooring engineered options strike a good mix between style and price.

Drawbacks of Parquet Flooring

1. Parquet is a premium floor. Solid parquet runs about $99–$110 per m² supply-only, or $160–$210 per m² supplied and installed, depending on whether it is finished in the factory or on site.
2. Parquet doesn’t do well in wet places like bathrooms because it’s sensitive to water.
3. Having a professional do the installation is best. It needs careful planning, which makes it hard to do alone.

How Much Does Parquet Flooring Cost in Melbourne?

Solid parquet costs roughly $99–$110 per m² supply-only and $160–$180 per m² supplied and installed with a factory-applied finish, rising to $195–$210 per m² if the floor is sanded and coated on site. Engineered parquet is more economical at $65–$85 per m² supply-only and $130–$150 per m² installed.

Pattern complexity, timber species, board thickness and subfloor preparation all move the final figure. For the full breakdown by parquet type and finish, see our parquet flooring cost guide for Melbourne.

Types of Parquet Flooring Patterns

People love the way parquet looks, and there are many kinds to choose from:

1. Herringbone parquet is a timeless zig-zag layout.
2. Chevron parquet – A V-shaped, angled finish.
3. Basket weave – intricate, decorative hardwood flooring.
4. Geometric parquet patterns – custom layouts for statement spaces.

Engineered vs. Solid Parquet Flooring

1. Engineered parquet has more than one layer, and the top layer is made of hardwood. More stable, cheaper, and simpler to set up.
2. Craftsmen create solid parquet from pieces of solid wood. It provides premium quality, boasts durability, and can be polished multiple times. 

Your decision will depend on your budget, preferred installation method, and your long-term objectives. Water Concerns: Protecting Parquet Floors

Water Concerns: Protecting Parquet Floors

1. Always wipe up spills right away to keep things from twisting or swelling.
2. Avoid soaking the floor when cleaning.
3. Keep the humidity inside fixed (40–60%).

Can you refinish parquet floors?

Parquet flooring is very durable. Like hardwood, it can be sanded and polished to restore its shine. Solid parquet can be refinished many times, while engineered parquet can only be refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of its top layer.

Expert Maintenance Tips for Parquet Flooring

1. Dry mop wood floors every day to get rid of dirt and dust.
2. Use a wet mop and a wood-safe cleaner like Bona Australia or Enzyme Wizard once a week.
3. Place area rugs and chair pads to prevent scratches.
4. To keep wooden floors shiny, polish them every six to twelve months.

FAQs About Parquet Flooring

1. What is parquet wood flooring?

A decorative hardwood flooring style made from small wood slats arranged in unique patterns like herringbone or chevron.

2. Can you mop parquet flooring?

Yes, but only with a damp mop and a timber-safe cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor.

3. Can you steam clean parquet floors?

No. Steam can cause warping and damage to parquet wood flooring.

4. How expensive is parquet flooring?

Solid parquet costs about $99–$110 per m² supply-only and $160–$210 per m² supplied and installed, depending on whether it is factory-finished or finished on site. Engineered parquet is cheaper at $65–$85 supply-only and $130–$150 installed. See the full parquet flooring cost breakdown.

5. How is parquet flooring installed?

People usually install parquet tiles or slats to the subfloor by glueing, nailing, or stapling them.

Conclusion: Why Choose Parquet Flooring?

This type of flooring is cheap, looks excellent, and lasts a long time. It makes floors look like works of art with its many styles, such as the classic herringbone pattern and the bold geometric prints.

Parquet is a wonderful choice for floors that look good and last a long time.

Many excellent parquet floors to choose from exist at Door & Floor, and they can help you pick the one that’s best for your home.

Thinking About a Parquet Floor?

We make our own parquet and lay it with our own installers, so there is no reseller margin and the pattern can be set out to suit your room rather than a standard pack size.

See our parquet flooring range and prices · Browse completed parquet projects · Compare with solid timber flooring · Request a free measure and quote