I can still visualize my visit to my grandmother's place where I was completely captivated by the floor. It was not simply dull wood flooring made of side-by-side wood planks. It was something visually stunning. The small pieces of oak were laid out in the squares, zigzags, and patterns that gave the entire space a vibe of being alive. That was my first encounter with Parquet Flooring. In those days, people considered it a bit outdated, something that you might find in a stuffy library or a 1970s apartment. 

But hold on for a minute! In 2026, parquet has made a comeback, and it is bigger, bolder, and more fashionable than ever. If you are planning a renovation or just love good design, you probably have questions. What is parquet flooring exactly? Is it expensive? Can you install it yourself? 

In this blog, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about this timeless style. 

What Is Parquet Flooring?

Parquet isn't a wood species, for example, oak or walnut. Parquet basically means the way wood is laid. It is a decorative layout of small pieces of wood. The term originates from the French word "parqueterie," which goes back to the 1600s when the French kings and queens changed their marble floors for wood. Marble was cold and kept the moisture; wood was warm and it gave.

Types of Parquet Flooring

When you start shopping, you will realize not all parquets are created equal. Understanding the Types of parquet flooring is crucial for your budget and the longevity of your floor. The most traditional form is solid wood parquet flooring. This is made from solid pieces of timber, usually oak, walnut, or maple. It is incredibly durable and can be sanded down and refinished many times. However, solid wood hates moisture. If you live in a humid area or have a damp basement, solid wood might warp or buckle.

That is the place where engineered parquet flooring helps. This contemporary wonder has a top layer of genuine hardwood that is glued to several layers of plywood. From the outside, it is identical to solid wood, but the plywood core is what makes it stable. The product does not heat up or cool down as much when the weather changes. For a lot of people with houses in 2026, engineered parquet is the better decision.

There is also a newer contender: SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or vinyl parquet. These offer the look of wood but are 100% waterproof. If you are looking for high-quality modern flooring options, you might want to check out Kapsliving for some inspiration on durable materials.

Parquet Flooring today is made up of small blocks or strips of wood that are arranged in decorative geometric patterns. Sometimes you can find wood parquet tiles that are already assembled in squares, which are commonly referred to as 12x12 Parquet wood Flooring. With these tiles, the complex patterns can be installed much more quickly and easily than if one were to lay each small block manually. The end product is a floor that resembles a woven fabric for your feet.

Popular Parquet Floor Patterns

The pattern is where the magic happens. The most famous one right now is Herringbone. You have definitely seen it on Instagram or in fancy hotel lobbies. It looks like the skeleton of a fish, with rectangular blocks meeting at a broken zigzag. It is classic and makes small rooms look bigger.

Then you have the Chevron pattern. It is similar to Herringbone, but the ends of the wood are cut at an angle so they meet to form a perfect point, like an arrow. It is cleaner, sharper, and very modern. Another vintage favorite is the Basket Weave. This looks like strips of wood woven over and under each other. It was huge in the 1900s and is making a quiet comeback in historic home renovations.

Parquet Flooring Pros and Cons

Let's be real. No floor is perfect. We need to weigh the parquet flooring pros and cons before you pull out your credit card. On the plus side, the aesthetics are unmatched. Parquet Flooring adds instant character and luxury. It can actually increase your home's resale value because buyers see it as a premium feature. It is also unique; no two floors look exactly the same due to the wood grain directions.

So, what are the disadvantages of parquet flooring? Firstly, it can be visually overwhelming. For instance, if your room is small and already crowded with furniture, a complicated floor pattern may make the space look even more packed. Another issue that noise can be. If the wood parquet flooring is not provided with a proper underlayment, the walking can be very click-clack noisy, hence, noise can be a disturbing factor. Finally, sunlight is a frenemy. For example, if you have a rug in the middle of a sunny room, the parquet that is left will gradually be faded by the sun, thereby, a bright square will be left where the rug was.

Parquet vs Hardwood Flooring

Technically, parquets are wood flooring. The difference lies in the format. Standard hardwood flooring comes in long planks sometimes up to six feet long. Parquet comes in small blocks or tiles. Because of the many joints and cross-grain arrangement in parquet, it is actually more stable than long planks. Long planks can cup or twist, but the small blocks in parquet balance each other out. However, standard plank flooring is usually cheaper to buy and easier to install.

Are Parquet Floors Expensive?

This is the big question. Are parquet floors expensive? Generally, yes. They cost more than standard strip flooring. Why is parquet so expensive? It comes down to manufacturing and labor. Cutting thousands of small blocks requires more precision than cutting long boards. Installing them takes three times as long. In 2026, you can expect parquet floor cost to range from $15 to $30 per square foot for materials alone if you go for high-end wood. However, you can find affordable 12x12 Parquet wood Flooring tiles at big box stores for much less, sometimes around $5 to $8 per square foot.

Looking for premium flooring solutions that blend style and durability? Visit Kaps Living to explore their exclusive collections.

How to Install Wood Parquet Flooring

If you are handy, you might be wondering How to install wood parquet flooring yourself. DIY parquet floor installation is possible, especially with the 12x12 parquet flooring tiles. The process usually involves a glue-down method. First, your subfloor must be perfectly level. I mean perfectly. Because the tiles are small, they will show every bump in the concrete.

You spread adhesive on the floor with a trowel, wait for it to get tacky, and then press the tiles into place. The trickiest part is keeping the lines straight. You have to snap chalk lines across the center of the room and work your way out. If you start crooked, you will end up with a disaster by the time you reach the walls. For engineered parquet flooring, some brands now offer a click-lock system, which floats over the subfloor. This is much easier for beginners and does not require messy glue.

Maintenance and Repair

Once it is down, parquet flooring maintenance is your next job. It is pretty similar to regular wood. Sweep often to keep grit from scratching the finish. Never mop it with a soaking wet mop; water is the enemy. Use a damp cloth or a cleaner made specifically for wood.

Accidents happen, so you need to know How to repair parquet Wood flooring. If a single block gets damaged, you are in luck. Unlike long planks where you have to rip up half the floor, with parquet, you can often chisel out the one damaged block and glue in a new one. It requires a steady hand, but it is very doable. Parquet flooring repair is one of the hidden benefits of this style.

How long do parquet floors last? If it is solid wood parquet flooring, it can last 50 to 100 years. I have seen vintage parquet flooring in European apartments that is over a century old and still looks stunning. The parquet floor lifespan depends entirely on how well you treat it.

Removal

Maybe you bought a house with ugly 1970s parquet and you hate it. Is it hard to remove parquet flooring? I will not lie to you. It is a nightmare. Removing parquet flooring is one of the toughest demolition jobs. The glue they used decades ago is like cement. You usually need a mechanical scraper or a pry bar and a lot of sweat. Sometimes the wood splinters as you pull it up. If you are thinking about removing parquet flooring, consider hiring a pro or renting a power scraper. It will save your back.

Is Parquet Flooring a Good Idea in 2026?

So, Is parquet flooring a good idea? Absolutely. The trends for 2026 are all about warmth, texture, and natural materials. Modern parquet flooring fits perfectly into this. It adds a layer of sophistication that carpet or laminate just cannot match. Whether you choose a parquet wood tiles look or a custom herringbone layout, you are investing in art for your floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you refinish parquet floors?

Yes, but it is tricky. Because the grain runs in different directions, you cannot just sand straight across. You need to use an orbital sander or hire a professional who knows cost to refinish parquet floors and the right technique.

Where is the best place to buy parquet flooring?

You can find it at specialty flooring stores or home improvement centers. If you are asking Where to Buy wood parquet flooring, always ask for samples first to see them in your home's lighting.

Is parquet flooring waterproof?

Traditional wood parquet is not. However, new parquet wood tiles made from SPC or vinyl are 100% waterproof and great for bathrooms.

Does parquet flooring scratch easily?

Like any wood, parquet flooring durability depends on the finish. A high-quality polyurethane finish will protect it, but dog claws and high heels can still leave marks.