A wood floor is not only beautiful to look at, but also a smart and durable choice. Such a floor lasts for years, acquires character as time goes by and largely determines the atmosphere in your home. If you are considering a wood floor, it is good to know what to look for. Not only the type of wood is important, but also the construction, the laying pattern and the finish.
In this post, we explain step by step what you need to know about wood floors. We will cover the different materials, laying patterns, maintenance and costs.
Wood species
The choice of wood species determines both the appearance and properties of your floor. Each wood species has its own color, structure and hardness. Below we explain the most commonly used species.
Oak: Oak is by far the most popular wood species for parquet flooring. It is strong, durable and easy to work with. Thanks to the many finishing possibilities, such as smoking, brushing or oiling in various shades, oak fits into almost any interior. In addition, it is stable and resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Walnut: Walnut has a deep, warm color and a luxurious appearance. Its vibrant markings and variation in shades (from chocolate brown to almost black) make this type of wood popular in exclusive interiors. Walnut, although pricier than oak, is chosen for its character and class.
Maple: Maple is light in color and has a fine, calm grain. This type of wood looks good in modern, sleek interiors. The wood is quite hard, but may discolor over time due to sunlight.
Beech: Beech wood has a soft, warm appearance with a slight reddish glow. It is a more affordable alternative, but reacts more strongly to changes in humidity. This makes it less suitable for humid rooms or homes with unstable indoor climates.
Tropical hardwood: Wood species such as Merbau, Afzelia and Jatoba are extremely hard and hardwearing. They are ideally suited for heavily used areas such as stores or entryways. Tropical wood often has a rich color and distinctive grain structure. Preferably choose FSC-certified wood to avoid contributing to deforestation.
Parquet types
Not only the type of wood, but also the construction of the floor determines how it behaves. There are roughly three types of wood floors, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Solid parquet: With solid parquet, each plank consists entirely of a single piece of wood. This type of floor is extremely durable and can be sanded and re-finished several times. The disadvantage is that solid wood is more sensitive to shrinkage and expansion, especially with varying humidity. Therefore, it is less suitable for underfloor heating or humid areas. Installation requires craftsmanship, as the planks usually need to be nailed and glued.
Multi-plank (also called laminate parquet): This floor consists of a top layer of real wood glued to a carpet pad of plywood or HDF. This layered construction makes the floor more stable than solid parquet, which makes it suitable for larger areas and use with underfloor heating. Visually, a multi-plank floor looks like solid wood, but technically it is more resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture.
Tapis: A tapis floor consists of thin solid planks usually 6 to 10 millimeters thick that are glued and nailed to a subfloor. The floor is then sanded, grouted and finished on site. The result is a seamless, even floor with a luxurious appearance. Tapis is often used in monumental buildings and high-end interiors. This floor does require craftsmanship and careful installation.
Laying patterns
The pattern in which the floor is laid greatly affects the appearance of a room. It also partly determines the cost, as some patterns are more labor-intensive to lay. A well-chosen pattern enhances the style of the interior.
Straight plank (strip pattern): This is the most commonly chosen and most economical laying method. The planks are parallel to each other and provide a calm and timeless look. This pattern fits both modern and classic homes and often makes a room appear larger.
Herringbone pattern: In this pattern, short planks are laid at right angles to each other, at a 90-degree angle. The result is a dynamic and elegant effect reminiscent of historic properties and mansions. Herringbone floors require precision work and are therefore more expensive to lay than straight planks.
Hungarian point: This pattern is similar to herringbone, but the planks are placed at 45 or 60-degree angles against each other. This creates a clean, geometric line pattern. The Hungarian point is often chosen for modern, luxurious interiors.
Versailles pattern and mosaic floors: These are classic patterns with a rich history, often found in castles and monumental properties. They consist of complex motifs that are custom composed. Laying requires considerable skill and the cost is higher than other laying patterns. However, the result is unique and particularly stylish.
Cost: what do you pay for a wood floor?
The price of a wood floor depends on several factors: the type of wood, the construction of the floor, the laying pattern and how difficult it is to lay the floor. Below is a guideline of what you will spend on average per square meter, including installation:
- Slatted parquet with straight planks: €40 – €80
- Solid parquet with straight planks: €60 – €120
- Herringbone of slatted parquet: €70 – €140
- Tapis floor with herringbone pattern: €90 – €160
- Hungarian point: €75 – €150
Please note that these prices do not include additional work such as leveling the subfloor, installing baseboards or soundproofing. Finishing with lacquer, oil or hard wax may also incur additional costs.
Maintenance
A wood floor will remain beautiful only if you maintain it properly. Here are tips from experts to keep your floor in top condition for as long as possible.
- Daily maintenance. Sweep your floor regularly with a soft broom or use a special parquet vacuum cleaner. This will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating and causing scratches.
- Periodic maintenance. Mop the floor occasionally with a slightly damp cloth and a parquet cleaner suitable for your type of floor. Never use too much water, as it can damage the wood.
- Protection. Make sure there are felts under furniture so they don’t scratch it. Place doormats at entrances to keep dirt from outside. Also avoid heels and grit under shoes, as they can quickly damage the floor.
- Finish. Depending on the finish you choose, such as oil or lacquer, you will need to re-treat the floor every few years. Oil requires more frequent maintenance but makes it easier to touch up minor damage.
Parquet installers stress that solid floors, depending on their thickness, can be sanded several times. Thus, a floor that is decades old can look like new again.
Grand Renovation
A wood floor is more than just a beautiful finish to your home. It’s a material that adapts over time, allows for maintenance and doesn’t require you to immediately buy a new floor when damaged. By choosing the right type of wood and parquet construction, you avoid problems such as warping or wear and tear, and provide a floor that is practical as well as stylish. Properly laid and maintained, such a floor can easily last for decades. At Grand Renovation, our experienced professionals ensure that your floor fits your home and lifestyle exactly. We give you honest advice about the possibilities and ensure professional installation, with no surprises later.
Would you like to have a new wooden floor installed? Request a no-obligation quote today and find out what we can do for you!
