24 Jun What is Parquet Flooring?

Anyone considering new flooring for their home or business are likely to hear the term parquet flooring. It’s a type of patterned wood flooring that’s trending again after experiencing a long absence from the realm of the flooring industry.

Parquet flooring originated in France during the 17^th century when flooring became an art form of its own. The word parquet means small compartments in French and artisans began crafting flooring that utilized small pieces of wood that fit together to create elaborate and complex geometric designs and patterns.

It was first used at Versailles to replace the existing marble flooring. The new style required less maintenance, was less expensive, and the popular technique spread throughout Europe. Parquet flooring became the symbol of elegance and sophistication, with the herringbone pattern being the most popular overall.

The flooring began to fall out of favor beginning in the 1930s as low-cost options such as carpeting, luxury vinyl and laminates became assessable to almost everyone. However, it experienced its heyday in the 1960s in the U.S. when parquet tiles replaced the use of individual wooden slats to create patterns.

Once made exclusively of solid wood, modern manufacturing methods mean the flooring can be made from solid or engineered wood. Parquet is available in a myriad of patterns, including the herringbone and traditional basket weave. Colors aren’t limited, either. Individuals can obtain flooring in traditional wood grains, reds and blues, whitewashes, and even black which is extremely popular with both home and business owners.

When the flooring made its leap to the New World, it was widely used in the homes of wealthy colonists and plantation owners, along with whaling and shipping magnates. Highly decorative, parquet is being resurrected from history and is again enjoying a resurgence of popularity. Parquet flooring has continued its usage in homes of the wealthy over time, but modern manufacturing methods has made the unique flooring more affordable to others.