Types of Parquet Flooring (with Pictures)

Although this intricate flooring has been around for hundreds of years, it’s only become a design staple in recent years. And even now, many homeowners have yet to learn the different types of parquet flooring available, its history, and how simple parquet installation is.

So, to help you out, we gathered a short guide packed with everything you need to know about the various types of parquet flooring.

What is Parquet

Parquet, otherwise known as parquetry, is a type of decorative flooring mosaic. It uses geometric patterns to create elaborate designs.

One of the most famous parquet floors ever installed can be seen in the Palace of Versailles. First installed in the 17th century, these floors inspired their own style of parquet flooring – Versailles Parquet (but we’ll get to that more in a bit).

What Types of Parquet Flooring Are Available?

While parquet flooring can be created as a custom, one-of-a-kind design, it can also follow several more traditional styles. These include:

Herringbone Parquet

Positioned in a zig-zag pattern, rectangular planks are used to craft one of the most popular types of parquet – Herringbone. Due to its repeating pattern, Herringbone Parquet is a classic, uniform floor that also exudes decadence and charm.

Chevron Parquet 

Similar to Herringbone, Chevron Parquet is laid in a pattern that meets in the middle to create a point atop each zig-zag. This style is loved by luxury enthusiasts and design professionals due to its refined, geometric appearance.

Double Herringbone Parquet

Double Herringbone Parquet is identical to Herringbone Parquet except for its use of two-rows planks, rather than one. This technique creates a more detailed floor that is visually bold and one-of-a-kind.

Versailles Parquet

Most famous for its use in the Palace of Versailles, Versailles Parquet is a large, patterned parquet that is best situated in rooms with a lot of space. Its intricate design is featured throughout palaces in Europe and is constructed following traditional French parquetry techniques.

Marie Antoinette Parquet

Similar to the Versailles Parquet, Marie Antoinette Parquet is known for its weaved-basket plank pattern that is then framed. Its classic, square design is rooted in historic charm and has been cherished for hundreds of years.

Is Parquet Flooring Hard to Install?

In the past, parquet flooring had to be meticulously designed and installed by hand in a process that could take months or even years to finish.

However, in recent years, parquet flooring has been produced on a larger scale with planks ready to simply be slipped into place by a licensed flooring professional. Yes, it’s become that easy.

This surge of wide-scale production also meant that a months-long process could be shortened into just weeks or even days. And due to these recent developments, the number of homeowners installing parquet flooring has significantly increased.

If you are interested in adding parquet flooring to your home, would like to request samples, or have any questions, click here to contact us.