How to choose your parquet? The complete guide to making the right choice
Choosing your parquet may seem simple... until you discover that there is solid, engineered, laminate parquet, different finishes, several usage classes, and various thicknesses.
So how can you be sure to make the right choice?
In this complete guide, we explain which type of parquet to choose according to your room, your budget, and your use, with practical advice to avoid mistakes.
1. The different types of parquet
Before choosing, you need to understand the differences between the main categories.
🔹 Solid parquet
Solid parquet is made 100% from a single wood species (oak, beech, bamboo, etc.).
Advantages:
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Very durable (can last several decades)
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Can be sanded several times
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Authentic and high-end appearance
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Excellent longevity
Disadvantages:
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More expensive
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Sensitive to humidity
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Sometimes more technical installation
👉 Ideal for: living rooms, bedrooms, high-traffic areas.
🔹 Engineered parquet
It is made up of 3 layers:
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A top layer of noble wood
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A core layer
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A stabilizing layer
Advantages:
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More stable than solid wood
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Compatible with underfloor heating (depending on model)
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Less expensive
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Simpler installation
Disadvantages:
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Less durable than solid wood (depending on the thickness of the top layer)
👉 Excellent compromise between price and quality.
🔹 Laminate parquet (wood imitation)
It is not real wood. It is a decorative covering imitating parquet.
Advantages:
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Very economical
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Scratch resistant
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Easy to install
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Wide choice of styles
Disadvantages:
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Cannot be sanded
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Less warm than real wood
👉 Perfect for a small budget or rental housing.
2. Which parquet to choose according to the room?
The choice strongly depends on the room where it will be installed.
🛋️ Parquet for the living room
The living room is a high-traffic room.
👉 Recommendation:
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Solid or engineered parquet
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High usage class (AC4 minimum for laminate)
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Resistant species (oak for example)
🛏️ Parquet for the bedroom
Less traffic, more comfort.
👉 Recommendation:
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Quality engineered or laminate
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Light wood to visually enlarge the space
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Matte finish for a natural look
🍽️ Parquet for the kitchen
Risk area (water, impacts, grease).
👉 Recommendation:
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Well-protected engineered parquet
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Varnished finish
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Good resistance to humidity
Avoid solid wood if the room is very humid.
🚿 Can you put parquet in the bathroom?
Yes, but with precautions.
👉 Choose:
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Exotic wood naturally resistant to water
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Perfectly watertight installation
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Good ventilation
Otherwise, opt for a laminate specially designed for humid rooms.
3. Which wood species to choose?
The type of wood influences the aesthetics and resistance.
🌳 Oak (the most popular)
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Very resistant
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Versatile
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Timeless
🌲 Beech
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Light and modern
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Less resistant to moisture
🌿 Bamboo
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Eco-friendly
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Resistant
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Contemporary style
4. Finish: oiled, varnished, or waxed?
The finish completely changes the look and maintenance.
✔️ Varnished parquet
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Very resistant
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Easy maintenance
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Ideal for high-traffic rooms
✔️ Oiled parquet
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Natural look
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More regular maintenance
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Locally repairable
✔️ Waxed parquet
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Traditional aesthetic
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Demanding maintenance
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Less used today
5. Which parquet color to choose?
The color influences the room's atmosphere.
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Light wood → enlarges the space, Scandinavian vibe
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Dark wood → elegant, warm
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Gray or whitewashed → modern and bright
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Natural shades → timeless
Tip: the smaller the room, the more advisable it is to choose a light shade.
6. Floating, glued, or nailed installation?
🔹 Floating installation
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Swift
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Ideal for laminate and engineered wood
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Most common solution
🔹 Glued installation
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Better stability
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Recommended with underfloor heating
🔹 Nailed installation
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Traditional
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Mainly for solid wood parquet
7. Technical criteria to verify
Before buying your parquet, check:
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✔️ Total thickness
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✔️ Thickness of the wear layer
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✔️ Usage class (resistance)
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✔️ Compatibility with underfloor heating
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✔️ Manufacturer's warranty
8. Mistakes to avoid
❌ Choosing based on price alone
❌ Ignoring the room's humidity level
❌ Neglecting floor preparation
❌ Forgetting the underlay
Poorly installed or unsuitable parquet can quickly get damaged.
9. FAQ – Frequently asked questions about parquet
What is the most resistant parquet?
Solid oak parquet remains the most durable.
Which parquet to choose for a small budget?
Laminate offers excellent value for money.
Solid wood or engineered parquet?
Solid wood is more durable, engineered wood is more stable and economical.
Can parquet be installed over tiles?
Yes, with an appropriate underlay and a floating installation.
Conclusion: how to choose your parquet floor well?
To make the right choice, ask yourself these 4 questions:
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Which room?
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What level of foot traffic?
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What budget?
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What style are you looking for?
A well-chosen parquet floor can completely transform a room and increase the value of your interior.
