Is Parquet Still a Smart Choice for Flooring Today?
- Floor Deck
- May 23
- 8 min read
Parquet flooring once symbolised elegance in upscale homes and hotel lobbies. Today, many homeowners still consider it a timeless option. But is it a practical choice for modern living spaces? As styles shift and materials evolve, parquet continues to divide opinion. To answer this question clearly, it helps to weigh its value against durability, cost, and upkeep in current interiors.
Whether you’re browsing flooring ideas or speaking with parquet flooring contractors, this guide lays out the pros, cons, and key insights about parquet’s role in today’s homes.
What Is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet refers to flooring made by arranging wooden blocks in repeating geometric patterns. The most well-known designs include herringbone, chevron, and basket weave. While each piece is small, together they create a large visual impact.
These patterns originated in European castles and later moved into residential homes. Today, parquet is often seen as a symbol of sophistication. Its ability to reflect craftsmanship appeals to those who appreciate detail and tradition.
Types of Parquet Flooring
Before deciding, understand the two main types:
1. Solid Parquet
These tiles consist entirely of hardwood. They can be sanded and refinished several times. Solid parquet lasts decades but reacts more to changes in humidity and temperature.
2. Engineered Parquet
These are made from a hardwood top layer bonded to a plywood base. They’re more stable and handle moisture better. Most modern parquet flooring installation projects now favour engineered options.
Why Homeowners Still Choose Parquet?
Despite newer materials like vinyl or hybrid planks, parquet keeps a loyal following. Here’s why many still value it:
1. Unmatched Aesthetic
No other flooring replicates the elegance of wood in geometric patterns. Parquet suits both classic and modern spaces. It provides depth and texture where plain planks fall short.
2. Long-Term Value
Solid parquet, in particular, lasts for decades with care. When scratches appear, sanding reveals fresh wood. You can even change the stain colour years later.
3. Natural Material
Wood floors feel warmer underfoot than tile. They improve room acoustics and regulate indoor humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture.
Challenges of Parquet Flooring
Despite its appeal, parquet has drawbacks. Understanding them helps you make informed decisions.
1. Moisture Sensitivity
Parquet reacts to humidity. Poor sealing or water spills can cause warping. That’s why bathrooms and kitchens often avoid it.
2. Maintenance Needs
Wood requires more care than laminate or vinyl. Regular sweeping, polishing, and occasional refinishing are part of its upkeep.
3. Installation Complexity
Parquet tiles must align perfectly for patterns to work. This takes time and skill. Only experienced parquet flooring contractors should handle the job.
Where Parquet Works Best?
Some areas benefit more than others from parquet’s unique qualities. Use it where you want visual warmth and elegance without high moisture.
Room | Parquet Suitability | Comments |
Living Room | High | Adds character and warmth |
Bedrooms | High | Quiet and comfortable underfoot |
Dining Room | Moderate | Spills must be cleaned quickly |
Kitchen | Low | High moisture risk |
Bathroom | Poor | Not recommended due to humidity |
How It Compares to Other Flooring Types?
Homeowners often ask how parquet stacks up against modern options. Below is a comparison table to illustrate differences:
Feature | Parquet | Vinyl Planks | Ceramic Tiles |
Visual Appeal | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Lifespan | 20–50 years | 10–15 years | 20–30 years |
Refinishable | Yes (solid) | No | No |
Water Resistance | Low–Moderate | High | Very High |
Maintenance | Moderate | Low | Low |
Warmth Underfoot | High | Moderate | Low |
Skill to Install | High | Low | High |
This overview helps weigh beauty against practicality.
Parquet Flooring SG Trends in 2024
In Singapore, parquet remains popular for both resale flats and private homes. Designers often use it to bring warmth to minimalist interiors or to break the monotony of plain walls.
Here’s what’s trending now:
Herringbone layouts in Scandinavian themes
Matte finishes that hide scratches better than gloss
Lighter tones, including white oak or ash
Mixed-width tiles for a rustic effect
Border trims in larger rooms to frame the floor
These choices reflect how parquet flooring SG preferences evolve while keeping the core charm intact.
Important Considerations Before You Commit
Before signing off on parquet, take these factors into account:
1. Subfloor Readiness
Parquet needs a dry, level base. Builders must check for moisture or uneven surfaces. In HDB flats, levelling work may add time and cost.
2. Lifestyle Match
If you have pets, heavy furniture, or young children, parquet may wear quicker. Protective mats or felt pads help reduce damage.
3. Maintenance Routine
Be ready to sweep daily and use proper wood cleaners. High-traffic areas may need refinishing every 5–7 years.
How to Work With the Right Contractors?
Choosing skilled parquet flooring contractors ensures your investment pays off. Ask about:
Portfolio of completed projects
Whether they handle moisture testing
Warranty terms
Cleaning and care instructions
Type of sealant used (oil-based vs. water-based)
Visit a past installation if possible. Seeing how the wood ages tells more than photos ever could.
Can You Install Parquet Yourself?
DIY installation is possible—but not advisable. Aligning patterns takes accuracy. Mistakes become costly. Sanding and finishing also require professional tools and experience.
Even if you’re handy, consider hiring help for parquet flooring installation to avoid long-term issues like lifting or uneven surfaces.
Refinishing: Bringing Old Floors Back to Life
One reason parquet holds long-term value is its ability to refresh. After years of wear, sanding removes the top layer to reveal smooth, new wood. Homeowners have the option to modify the stain colour or finish type during this process.
Refinishing breathes new life into aged floors and delays the need for full replacement. It’s especially useful in older homes where parquet has been hidden under carpets or vinyl.
Conclusion
Parquet flooring offers both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, especially in living spaces that value texture, warmth, and elegance. While it demands more attention than other surfaces, the return comes in style and long-term adaptability.
When paired with experienced parquet flooring contractors, homeowners enjoy a floor that reflects personality and tradition.
Modern trends in parquet flooring SG still lean into heritage but welcome newer tones, finishes, and layouts. Parquet flooring continues to impress, whether in a flat, in Bukit Batok or a walk-up in Tiong Bahru.
If your home can support the upkeep and your style matches its classic appeal, parquet remains a smart, stylish, and sustainable choice for flooring today.
Parquet flooring once symbolised elegance in upscale homes and hotel lobbies. Today, many homeowners still consider it a timeless option. But is it a practical choice for modern living spaces? As styles shift and materials evolve, parquet continues to divide opinion. To answer this question clearly, it helps to weigh its value against durability, cost, and upkeep in current interiors.
Whether you’re browsing flooring ideas or speaking with parquet flooring contractors, this guide lays out the pros, cons, and key insights about parquet’s role in today’s homes.
What Is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet refers to flooring made by arranging wooden blocks in repeating geometric patterns. The most well-known designs include herringbone, chevron, and basket weave. While each piece is small, together they create a large visual impact.
These patterns originated in European castles and later moved into residential homes. Today, parquet is often seen as a symbol of sophistication. Its ability to reflect craftsmanship appeals to those who appreciate detail and tradition.
Types of Parquet Flooring
Before deciding, understand the two main types:
1. Solid Parquet
These tiles consist entirely of hardwood. They can be sanded and refinished several times. Solid parquet lasts decades but reacts more to changes in humidity and temperature.
2. Engineered Parquet
These are made from a hardwood top layer bonded to a plywood base. They’re more stable and handle moisture better. Most modern parquet flooring installation projects now favour engineered options.
Why Homeowners Still Choose Parquet?
Despite newer materials like vinyl or hybrid planks, parquet keeps a loyal following. Here’s why many still value it:
1. Unmatched Aesthetic
No other flooring replicates the elegance of wood in geometric patterns. Parquet suits both classic and modern spaces. It provides depth and texture where plain planks fall short.
2. Long-Term Value
Solid parquet, in particular, lasts for decades with care. When scratches appear, sanding reveals fresh wood. You can even change the stain colour years later.
3. Natural Material
Wood floors feel warmer underfoot than tile. They improve room acoustics and regulate indoor humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture.
Challenges of Parquet Flooring
Despite its appeal, parquet has drawbacks. Understanding them helps you make informed decisions.
1. Moisture Sensitivity
Parquet reacts to humidity. Poor sealing or water spills can cause warping. That’s why bathrooms and kitchens often avoid it.
2. Maintenance Needs
Wood requires more care than laminate or vinyl. Regular sweeping, polishing, and occasional refinishing are part of its upkeep.
3. Installation Complexity
Parquet tiles must align perfectly for patterns to work. This takes time and skill. Only experienced parquet flooring contractors should handle the job.
Where Parquet Works Best?
Some areas benefit more than others from parquet’s unique qualities. Use it where you want visual warmth and elegance without high moisture.
Room | Parquet Suitability | Comments |
Living Room | High | Adds character and warmth |
Bedrooms | High | Quiet and comfortable underfoot |
Dining Room | Moderate | Spills must be cleaned quickly |
Kitchen | Low | High moisture risk |
Bathroom | Poor | Not recommended due to humidity |
How It Compares to Other Flooring Types?
Homeowners often ask how parquet stacks up against modern options. Below is a comparison table to illustrate differences:
Feature | Parquet | Vinyl Planks | Ceramic Tiles |
Visual Appeal | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Lifespan | 20–50 years | 10–15 years | 20–30 years |
Refinishable | Yes (solid) | No | No |
Water Resistance | Low–Moderate | High | Very High |
Maintenance | Moderate | Low | Low |
Warmth Underfoot | High | Moderate | Low |
Skill to Install | High | Low | High |
This overview helps weigh beauty against practicality.
Parquet Flooring SG Trends in 2024
In Singapore, parquet remains popular for both resale flats and private homes. Designers often use it to bring warmth to minimalist interiors or to break the monotony of plain walls.
Here’s what’s trending now:
Herringbone layouts in Scandinavian themes
Matte finishes that hide scratches better than gloss
Lighter tones, including white oak or ash
Mixed-width tiles for a rustic effect
Border trims in larger rooms to frame the floor
These choices reflect how parquet flooring SG preferences evolve while keeping the core charm intact.
Important Considerations Before You Commit
Before signing off on parquet, take these factors into account:
1. Subfloor Readiness
Parquet needs a dry, level base. Builders must check for moisture or uneven surfaces. In HDB flats, levelling work may add time and cost.
2. Lifestyle Match
If you have pets, heavy furniture, or young children, parquet may wear quicker. Protective mats or felt pads help reduce damage.
3. Maintenance Routine
Be ready to sweep daily and use proper wood cleaners. High-traffic areas may need refinishing every 5–7 years.
How to Work With the Right Contractors?
Choosing skilled parquet flooring contractors ensures your investment pays off. Ask about:
Portfolio of completed projects
Whether they handle moisture testing
Warranty terms
Cleaning and care instructions
Type of sealant used (oil-based vs. water-based)
Visit a past installation if possible. Seeing how the wood ages tells more than photos ever could.
Can You Install Parquet Yourself?
DIY installation is possible—but not advisable. Aligning patterns takes accuracy. Mistakes become costly. Sanding and finishing also require professional tools and experience.
Even if you’re handy, consider hiring help for parquet flooring installation toavoid long-term issues like lifting or uneven surfaces.
Refinishing: Bringing Old Floors Back to Life
One reason parquet holds long-term value is its ability to refresh. After years of wear, sanding removes the top layer to reveal smooth, new wood. Homeowners have the option to modify the stain colour or finish type during this process.
Refinishing breathes new life into aged floors and delays the need for full replacement. It’s especially useful in older homes where parquet has been hidden under carpets or vinyl.
Conclusion
Parquet flooring offers both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, especially in living spaces that value texture, warmth, and elegance. While it demands more attention than other surfaces, the return comes in style and long-term adaptability. When paired with experienced parquet flooring contractors, homeowners enjoy a floor that reflects personality and tradition.
Modern trends in parquet flooring SG still lean into heritage but welcome newer tones, finishes, and layouts. Parquet flooring continues to impress, whether in a flat, in Bukit Batok or a walk-up in Tiong Bahru.
If your home can support the upkeep and your style matches its classic appeal, parquet remains a smart, stylish, and sustainable choice for flooring today.
Also Check: Top 5 Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LqSuudEJKrkjtrAPA
Name: Floor Deck PTE Ltd
Address: 50 Tagore Lane, #02–10K, Singapore 787494
Contact: +65 9621 6997
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