Is parquet flooring in kitchens a good option?
Is parquet flooring in kitchens a good option?
Due to the skill and time required to install it, parquet flooring used to be the property of wealthy families and public buildings. Some of the earliest examples, such as the Galerie d’Hercule at the Hôtel Lambert in Paris, still survive and are considered works of art in their own right.
Parquet flooring in the kitchen, made from small blocks of wood set in a pattern, is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to its artistic beauty and natural warmth — but is it a good choice? We’ll look at whether parquet floors are appropriate for kitchens and which types to choose.
5 Things to Think About When Choosing Parquet Flooring for Kitchens
#1. Looks and Style
Wooden parquet flooring has a warmth and majesty that you simply can’t achieve with other materials. Parquet is a fashionable mix of old and new, with a variety of tones, materials, and patterns to pick from. From the subtle ‘herringbone’ with light-reflective properties to the beautiful, mosaic-like ‘Versailles’ flooring, the options are unlimited.
However, while parquet flooring may offer a lot of appeal to small kitchens, it may be better suited to a spacious room. It’s meant to be seen, not hidden behind utilities and work surfaces.
#2. Large Appliances
Because your kitchen is likely to house numerous pieces of large equipment, such as your washing machine and dishwasher, your floor may be vulnerable to water damage. While this is unusual unless an appliance is improperly fitted, it is prudent to be aware of the possibility – water is the ‘Achilles heel’ of parquet flooring. Because of the inevitable water damage, you definitely wouldn’t choose a hardwood floor in the bathroom, so ask yourself if your kitchen is any different.
It is certainly possible to keep a well-kept parquet floor, but spills must be mopped up immediately to minimise warping and other long-term damage. You should also be cautious of other appliances, like your oven, as the beautiful wooden tiles may shrink and buckle if exposed to heat and humidity for an extended period. If water damage is a worry, there are other options for achieving the look and feel of parquet flooring, such as this striking Shaker Kitchen, which employs porcelain wood impression tiles.
#3. Lifestyle
The kitchen often comes alive with a warm buzz of activity, and parquet flooring is not meant to withstand consistent wear and tear. Consider your lifestyle and what might happen if you routinely host there. A swarm of killer heels may easily be, well, fatal to your lovely flooring.
Consider your pets as well. If they have regular access to the kitchen, could they mistake it for a scratching post? Speaking of access, muddy paws or dripping wet trainers will shorten the life of the floor, especially if your kitchen is near the garden door.
#4. Repairs and Maintenance
A hardwood floor is a luxury investment that should be handled with care. It will need to be cleaned regularly with an appropriate wooden floor cleaner – never bleach. Harsh cleaners, as well as prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, can remove the pigment from the floor. You can hoover parquet flooring, but a soft brush attachment is recommended to avoid unintentional scratches. Even better, leave all shoes outside the door.
However, don’t be alarmed if you notice some minor wear and tear over time — solid parquet is supposed to be sanded down and re-varnished every few years.
#5. Costly Investment
Wooden flooring may be a wonderful but costly investment – as you might expect, quality parquet is not always affordable, and finishing services can add to the expense. For example, the aged or ‘distressed’ finish is popular, but it might be more expensive due to the finishing procedure.
A hardwood parquet floor, on the other hand, will last for many generations if properly cared for, making it a valuable long-term investment despite the high upfront cost.
What Kind of Parquet Flooring Is Best for the Kitchen Floor?
Solid Hardwood Floor
The original and possibly best kind of parquet flooring provides numerous significant benefits, the most important of which is its natural beauty. A beautiful hardwood floor may transform an ordinary kitchen into a gorgeous centrepiece of the home. When you choose solid wood, you can choose from a variety of grains, hues, and finishes to match your style. Consider oak, cherry, or maple species over softer cedar or redwood for a long-lasting kitchen floor.
Engineered Parquet
Engineered parquet is a less expensive alternative to real wood, usually consisting of many layers of plywood with a solid hardwood layer on top. Because it has the same ambience and recognisable natural look as a classic parquet, this type of flooring might be an excellent substitute. Significantly, its layers are more stable and resistant to warping and shrinkage than solid wood. This is an excellent option if you want to install underfloor heating or are concerned about heat from kitchen equipment.
But it can be broken, and it will wear out faster than solid hardwood, which can last for decades.
Reclaimed Wood
Some people like the look of recycled wood flooring because it gives their kitchen a rustic or cottage feel. This kind of flooring is better for the earth because it doesn’t require cutting down more trees to get the wood. Even if you choose engineered wooden beams, it can be on the more expensive side because of the processes needed to distress and finish them. It’s not a new idea, but reclaimed wood has recently become very popular because more people want eco-friendly ways to update their homes.
So, is parquet flooring a good choice for kitchens? You are the only one who can make the final choice, but we hope that this guide has given you all the information you need. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to get professional advice from our team of kitchen planners, or check our showrooms in Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh and AYR.