Types of floors from a parquet board. Choosing a parquet board

The parquet board was invented in Sweden in the 40s of the last century by Gustav Cher. Currently, it is an excellent alternative to conventional parquet and is gaining more and more popularity among consumers. So, in Europe, it is the basis of more than half of the floors made of wood. This is due to the fact that such a coating has all the properties of parquet, but at the same time has a lower price. Next, we will analyze the properties and characteristics of parquet boards, compare parquet boards from different types of wood, and make an overview of popular manufacturers.

The structure of the parquet board

The considered floor covering consists of several, fastened together, layers of various types of wood. Usually these layers are made three. They are perpendicular. That is, the fibers of the tree of the upper layer run along the board, the middle layer - across, and the bottom - again along. The top layer can be from 0.6 to 6 millimeters, depending on the manufacturer, and this layer is made from valuable wood species with an attractive texture. For the middle and lower layers, less valuable species are usually used, for example, larch, pine. This structure provides greater durability and a lower price compared to piece parquet. The parquet board from above is treated with varnish or oil. The floor of this material practically does not distort its shape during temperature changes and exposure to high humidity.

Types of parquet board

Parquet boards may differ in the wood used in their creation, types of coating, dimensions, number of planks in the working layer (lamellae).

As the top layer, both traditional tree species and exotic ones are used. Traditional species include: oak, maple, beech, ash, cherry, birch, exotic - wenge, merbau, hoist, jatoba and others. The wood used in production affects the color, pattern, and hardness of the flooring.

The color of this floor covering can vary from almost white to black. Shades depend on the method of processing the material. Thus, the “antique” treatment artificially ages the wood and gives it a noble tone, bleaching gives a whitish tint, and steaming, on the contrary, a more saturated color, to create a ribbed effect on the surface, the combing method is used.

Both varnishes and oils with an admixture of wax and resins can be used as a coating for a parquet board. Acrylic varnishes are most often used, making the surface smooth, even and durable. When using oil, the surface becomes brighter and more saturated, but at the same time it has less wear resistance than when treated with varnish. There is a coating available from Tarkett that gives the surface the same look as when oil is applied, but provides the board with more wear resistance.

Another characteristic is the number of lamellas (slats) on the outer layer. There can be from 1 to 3. The fewer divisions, the more expensive the material will be, because a board with one strip looks like an array.

Size and price

As mentioned above, parquet boards differ in the thickness and strength of the outer layer, as well as in dimensions. The total thickness of the board is from eight to twenty-five millimeters, and the thickness of the topmost layer ranges from 0.6 to 6 millimeters.

Attention ! The greater the thickness of the outer layer, the easier it will be to restore the floor by sanding, which is very important to ensure its long service life.

The width and length of the boards are determined by the manufacturer. Usually they are in the following range: width - from 130 to 200 millimeters, length - from 1800 to 2500 millimeters.

The price of a board depends on the thickness and value used for the outer layer of wood, as well as the popularity of its manufacturer. Floor coverings, in the production process of which exotic tree species were used, always have an order of magnitude higher cost than those made from traditional species, and one-strip boards are one and a half to two times more expensive than three-strip ones, consisting of small planks. On average, the price can range from $20-60 to $95-110 per square meter.

Characteristics of the working layer wood

Consider the characteristics of the most common tree species used for the production of the top layer of parquet boards.

Oak. Of the traditional types of wood, this type is the best for creating a working layer. It has high strength and pleasant texture, is resistant to various external influences, almost does not expand and does not narrow. It has a wide choice of colors: from black (bog oak) to brown-green, light brown and even white. This is an elite material that has a fairly high cost.

Ash. The color scheme is represented by various shades of yellow. The main advantages are: ease of processing, elasticity, strength.

Beech. By its properties, beech is close to oak. It lends itself perfectly to grinding, processing, has high strength, is not subject to cracks. It has a smooth, calm texture, most often a pale pink hue. But the color can vary from light yellow to deep red. Suitable for those who prefer a solid color floor, with little to no texture, with a warm undertone. The disadvantages include incompatibility with the "warm floor" system.

Maple. In terms of its characteristics, it loses to previous materials. Sensitive to temperature changes and high humidity. During operation, it changes its light color to dark honey.

Pine. A very popular material for parquet. It has high thermal conductivity and airtightness. This is an inexpensive option that allows you to create a cozy atmosphere in the room. It has a warm red-yellow tint that changes to red under the influence of sunlight. The structure of this material is quite homogeneous. It lends itself remarkably to finishing due to its softness, and its high resin content makes this material durable.

Nut. It has a clear deep texture. It is characterized by resistance to high loads, deformation and cracks. Perfectly amenable to processing and grinding.

Bamboo. This material is the most environmentally friendly. It has a high wear resistance, which exceeds even the wear resistance of oak. It perfectly tolerates high humidity and temperature changes, is not subject to cracks and deformation.

Popular manufacturers

Let's analyze the most popular manufacturers on the domestic market.

The leaders in the production of laminate and parquet boards in Europe are the Scandinavians, for example, Tarkett Parkett. It has been in existence for two centuries. Tarkett Parkett is currently the official flooring supplier of the Swedish King's Court. This manufacturer gives a 30-year warranty on its products! Among other things, this company owns the invention of several types of varnishes, primers, locks for fixing floor coverings.

BARLINEK is one of the five largest flooring manufacturers in the world. Its range includes: wooden stairs, laminate, parquet boards, parquet. The basis for the parquet boards from BARLINEK are coniferous trees, arranged in two layers, so that the direction of the fibers is at right angles to each other. These layers are lined with precious wood and treated with several layers of primer and varnish. UV rays are used to dry the varnish and primer. BARLINEK offers the widest choice of patterns and colors of the working layer. Thanks to this, you can choose a shade that is perfect for your room and the furniture located in it.

The products of the Finnish company Upofloor, which has been on the construction market for more than a hundred years, are in high demand. During this time, Upofloor masters have thoroughly studied all the features of their craft and supply only the highest quality goods to the construction markets. In addition to high quality, Upofloor floors are also distinguished by amazing home warmth and are able to create coziness in absolutely any room.

Karelia stands out from domestic manufacturers. This manufacturer presents a wide range of parquet boards from the economy class to the premium class, which makes it possible to choose the material not only for every taste, but also for every budget.

Also very popular are those produced by the German-Russian company Alpenholz. German technology, combined with the skill of Russian cabinetmakers, allowed this firm to achieve great success. For the manufacture of its products, Alpenholz uses tree species that grow on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, as well as some exotic tree species. The parquet board from Alpenholz has a fairly low price, which ensures its high demand.

• To care for such a floor covering, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner, because the parquet board does not tolerate moisture, small debris and sand that can get into the cracks.
• Washing this floor should be done only with a slightly damp, well-wrung cloth.
• Also for washing, you can use special products that clean the surface and increase its service life.
• If liquid spills on the floor, it should be removed as soon as possible to prevent leakage into the cracks.
• If mechanical damage occurs, the floor must be restored by grinding, and then varnished. As a result of this procedure, your flooring will look like new!

You can also learn about the characteristics of the parquet board by watching the video:

Parquet board is one of the most popular floor coverings. The basis for this is the unique patterns of natural wood, the richest assortment and affordable cost in comparison with other types of floors.

Important parameters:

wood species

• Oak is considered the most durable material, the surface is not erased, the structure is stable. During operation, the board does not crumble, does not deform from temperature fluctuations. Attractive appearance with beautiful pattern texture.
• Beech is characterized by calm patterns, so the material is often used for children's rooms, but the composition does not withstand high humidity. More often products are made in yellow or red shades.
• Maple is a durable and stable material with delicate creamy shades. The color darkens over time. Do not use in places with high humidity and frequent temperature fluctuations.
• Cherry has a rich color range - from dark brown to light pink, allowing you to choose the right option for any room.

• Walnut ─ the structure is clearly expressed, easy maintenance and improved performance, but strength is lower than oak.
• Merbau ─ a variety growing in Indonesia, brown in color with golden lines. The material is characterized by moisture resistance, resistance to fungi, mold. The structure is solid.
• Wenge is a tree from Africa, moisture resistant, durable, resistant to mechanical stress, temperature extremes. The strength of the material is increased.

• Kempas is a tree from Africa, a dense structure of orange color with a golden tint. The material is durable, does not scratch, but is sensitive to temperature changes.
• Ash - elastic, durable, yellow hue.
• Pine is a popular tree, strong, breathable. The structure is homogeneous with a soft yellow or red color.
• Bamboo is wear-resistant, not afraid of moisture and mechanical damage.

• Wooden board. This option is the most expensive, but high quality. The basis of the parquet is natural wood, more often oak. It is used for all rooms, except for the bathroom.
• Block parquet. A common type, used in living rooms, bedrooms. Ash, bamboo, birch, oak are used for manufacturing. Products are durable, not afraid of mechanical stress, durable.

Along the edges are equipped with special grooves for laying. Can be used in rooms with high humidity.

• Ordinary parquet board. The structure is represented by two or three layers of wood. The lower one is made of low-grade rock, and the upper one is made of hard lacquered wood.

Sold with grooves for mounting, easy to fit. The surface is fragile, afraid of moisture.

• Shield parquet. The composition includes bases, rectangles or squares of fiberboard or boards pasted over with thin strips. Products are ready for use in bedrooms, living rooms. They don't emit squeaks.

• Pronto parquet. Modern luxury option. The structure consists of several layers that are hardened and pressed. The material is durable, hard, resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The only drawback is the high cost.
• Laminated parquet. Used for high traffic areas. The price is low, and the technical characteristics are not bad. Retains color, resistant to dust, dirt, but not suitable for rooms with high humidity.
• Art parquet. The structure is assembled from individual planks of solid wood of the same width. Therefore, it is easy to create a pattern on the floor. Mounted with a special paper layer.

• Lacquer with a glossy, semi-gloss or matte texture. A film is formed that repels dirt and moisture, prevents abrasion and wear.

The maximum number of varnish layers is 7. An additional advantage is easy maintenance, it is enough to wipe the surface with a polish.

• Oil refers to the modern type of coatings. It emphasizes the naturalness of the material, its shades, preserves the structure. The advantage of oil treatment is considered harmless and environmentally friendly.

The product impregnates the wood by 2 mm, so it does not interfere with air exchange. The coating requires regular processing.

• Selection. The technique of sawing boards affects the pattern, color, strength. Radial selection is carried out parallel to the trunk, which gives an even pattern, stability. Rustic sawing is carried out at any angle, so an unusual pattern is formed.
• Castle system. The type of parquet board equipment affects the speed of product assembly. So, modern 5G locks with plastic inserts guarantee quick installation.
• Underfloor heating compatible. You can not choose types of wood that absorb moisture well. These are maple, oak, jatoba.
• The number of lanes. The top layer contains a different number of dice (1, 2, 3 and multi-strip).

Single-strip models (Full Plank) represent a solid tree that forms a natural pattern. Some options are trimmed around the edges with a chamfer that imitates the seams between the floorboards.

Two-lane options are two strips of the same parameters. The structure of the fibers is quite interesting.

A 3-strip board includes 3 strips in the top veneer layer. These are popular traditional models with a herringbone pattern, wickerwork. Suitable for any space.

The multi-strip board is a modern development. The top layer is handmade from narrow strips, the edges are processed for a perfect connection with each other.

The appearance of multi-layer parquet reflects the richness of the wood palette. And when damage occurs, defects are not noticeable.

• Color. It is better to choose products during daylight hours in order to clearly see the shades.
• Heat treatment. Special technology for heating wood above 195 degrees. This makes the board stable and paint adheres better. Traces are less noticeable, the material is not subject to drying out, swelling, crumbling.
• Brushing. The process of artificial aging by removing the upper soft layers of wood. The texture takes on a relief, annual rings are visible. During operation, scratches, dents, cracks are less noticeable.

The best glossy parquet board

Kahrs Beech Opaque White Light represents the wooden floor made on innovative technologies. Solvents are not used in the production.

Characteristics:

• Supreme Shine Collection.
• Wood species beech.
• Glossy lacquer finish.
• Beveled equipment.
• City selection.
• White color.
• Number of lanes 1.
• The top layer is 3.6 cm thick.
• Dimensions 2420/187/15 mm.
• Castle connection.
• Pack of 8 boards.
• The weight of one package is 8 kg.
• Hardness 2.7-3.7.
• Country of origin Sweden.
• Service life 30 years.

Pros:

• Stylish design.
• High quality product.
• Used for underfloor heating.
• Modern 5GS locks guarantee the strength of the connection.
• Brightens up the room..
• Environmental Safety.
• The floor is simply assembled, disassembled, shifted.
• Adjusted lamella ratio.

• The slats of the top layer are glued, so there are no cracks, darkening.
• Doesn't creak.
• Thick layer of durable varnish.
• Pleasant to the touch.
• Simple care.

Minuses:

• Overpriced.

The best raw parquet board

Bolefloor Maple hardwood conveys the pattern of natural lines of living wood in the parquet.

Characteristics:

• Solid board type.
• Maple wood.
• The shade is white.
• Connection with tenon grooves.
• Installation is traditional.
• Made to order.

• Length 500-3000 mm.
• Width 150-300 mm.
• Thickness 20 mm.
• Natural dark marks from knots are allowed.
• Connection four-sided chamfer.
• Working layer 6 mm.

Pros:

• Nice and unusual look.
• Environmentally friendly composition.
• No toxic materials are used in the production.
• The surface is embossed, smooth polished.
• Gives a warm atmosphere to the room.
• Noble, natural texture.
• Good soundproof qualities.
• The boards don't dry out.

• Simple care.
• Product exclusivity.
• Perfect lamella connection.
• Coating durability.
• Affordable cost.

Minuses:

• Additional coverage required.

The best flooring for the kitchen

Haro Whitewashed Newara Oak resistance to mechanical stress and moisture makes it unique, suitable for any room. The structure of the laminate consists of five layers: protective, decorative, bearing plate, moisture protection, stabilizing bottom substrate.

Characteristics:

• Plank dimensions 8/193/1282 mm.
• Light brown color.
• Wear resistance 32 class.
• Edge with 4 chamfers.
• Design type single strip.
• Connection with Top Connect locks.
• The package contains 8 strips.
• The area from one pack is 1.98 m2.
• Suitable for underfloor heating.
• Warranty period 20 years.
• Country of origin Germany.

Pros:

• Do not stick to pollution and dust.
• Long operating period.
• Environmentally friendly materials.
• Easy maintenance, repair work.
• Easy installation.
• No adhesive required.
• Suitable for high traffic areas.

• Noble, beautiful design.
• practical material.
• No foreign odors.
• soundproofing properties.
• Abrasion resistance.
• Resistant to UV rays.
• The surface holds heat, so walking on it is pleasant.

Minuses:

• The surface is scratched.
• After installation on an imperfectly flat floor, small gaps remain.

The best bamboo flooring

Wood Bee Bamboo characterized by a unique composition of bamboo, which gives the room an oriental style. The material is steamed, pressed using a special technology.

The shade of coffee is formed by carbonization (special heat treatment). Bamboo category A, B without defects.

Characteristics:

• Classic Collection.
• Thick outer layer 4 mm.
• The slats are made of identical structure.
• Parameters 1860/189/15 mm.
• Lacquered, semi-gloss.
• A chamfer from 4 parties castle.
• Load class 33.
• Moisture protected.
• Weight 8 kg.
• Hardness 4.7 kg.
• Selection of Natures.
• Pack number 8.
• Suitable for underfloor heating.
• Country of origin Netherlands.
• 15 year manufacturer's warranty.

Pros:

• Reliable connection by click system.
• Manufacturing quality is controlled at all stages of production.
• Product safety.
• The product reflects the natural nature.
• In the manufacture of varnishes, paints of natural origin are used.
• Durable surface.
• Suitable for children's rooms.

• Simple, reliable installation.
• Withstands repeated disassembly and reassembly.
• Wood can be sanded.
• Comfort and cosiness in the room.
• Upper texture is breathable.
• Affordable cost.

Minuses:

• Marky, requires frequent cleaning.

The best parquet board for walls

Upofloor Walnut select the wall is effectively filled with decoration, creating a bright accent in the room.

Vertical placement will make the ceilings visually higher, horizontal position will balance the proportions, diagonal covering will change the contours. RealLOCK locks are a special design (the connection tightly unites, closes the elements).

Characteristics:

• Tree nut.
• Selection Select.
• Lacquer coating UpoTop.
• Dimensions: length 2266, width 188 mm.
• Pack of 8 panels.
• Coated with six ultra-thin layers of varnish.
• Working layer 3.5 mm.
• Wood hardness 3.2.
• 3 stripe design.
• Thickness 14 mm.
• Warranty time is 15 years.
• Country of origin Finland.

Pros:

• Moisture, light resistance of the material.
• UV rays strengthen the surface.
• Stylish exterior design.
• The surface is protected from dirt, stains.
• Scratches are easily rubbed with oil.
• Does not lose its appearance.
• Easy installation.
• Strong locks.
• Durable coating.
• The product allows 5 grinding cycles.
• Locks withstand 5 assemblies and disassemblies.

Minuses:

• Does not tolerate high temperatures, begins to crack.
• Overpriced.

The best uncoated parquet board

Stenwood Oak has a regular, clear shape with a smooth surface without gaps and cracks. The lack of coating emphasizes the natural pattern of the wood. If desired, the parquet is covered with tinting or oil.

Characteristics:

• Solid board type.
• Material - oak of the Caucasian region.
• Prime sorting.
• WEINIG GROUP technology.
• The length of the product is 40-200 cm, width 18 cm, thickness 2 cm.
• Equipped with a groove / tongue, four-sided chamfer 1.5 × 45 mm.
• Pack of 6 boards.
• Oak wood.
• The structure of the composite boards.
• Light knots are allowed (<8 мм), темные (<5 мм).
• Eyes are allowed.
• Country of origin Germany.

Pros:

• The warm tone of the product is suitable for any interior.
• Increased hardness and density.
• Keeps warm.
• Guarantees soundproofing.
• Abrasion resistance.
• naturalness and safety.
• Long service life.
• Reliable packaging with shrink film.
• Unique lock design.
• Quick, easy installation.
• Unchanging appearance for a long time.
• Breathable material.

Minuses:

• Contact with water is not allowed.
• High price.

The best parquet board for underfloor heating

Baltic Wood Ash Choc & Choc stands out with a structure emphasized by brushing. A 30-year guarantee confirms the outstanding quality of the floors. The connection is carried out according to the BALTIC LOC 2G glueless scheme.

Characteristics:

• Ash tree species.
• Brown color.
• Thickness 13.3 mm.
• The size of 1 board is 2190/182 mm.
• Three-way design.
• Lock connection.
• Packing 3.6 m 2 .
• Surface coating lacquer.
• Brushing processing.
• Lacquer matte.
• Collection Style Line.
• The knots are present.
• Available in four formats.
• The warranty covers 30 years.
• Country of origin Poland.

Pros:

• Strict quality control is carried out.
• Raw materials are carefully selected.
• Noble appearance.
• Precise installation system without glue and additional devices.
• Homogeneous coating without traces of bonding.
• The parquet complies with the chemical emission standard.
• Acceptable cost.
• Heat treatment of wood.
• Scratches and sanding do not change the stable structure of the board.

Minuses:

• On the coating there are traces of impacts of heavy objects.

The best castle parquet board

Tarkett ROBINSON Merbau exotic motifs are considered the main feature. The upper part is massive, which makes the connection reliable, eliminates the risk of divergence and gaps.

The surface is covered with moisture resistant mastic. The lower part has become more concave, the joint area has increased.

Characteristics:

• ROBINSON Collection.
• Length 1292 mm.
• Width 194 mm.
• Thickness 8 mm.
• Color red-brown.
• Relief embossing processing.
• The gloss is glossy.
• Number of slats per pack 8.
• Weight 1 m 2 6.8 kg.
• The maximum temperature is 27 degrees.
• TC`Lock system of locks.
• Merbau wood.
• Stability class 33.
• Service time 25 years.

Pros:

• Moisture protection Tech3S technology.
• Improved TC-Lock design.
• Installation is simple and reliable.
• Quality locks.
• Interesting design.
• The lock connection has passed the break test.
• The new system is durable, convenient and reliable.
• Democratic price.
• The floors are not scratched, there are no traces of furniture.

Minuses:

• Remaining streaks after washing.
• Not suitable for underfloor heating.
• Slippery surface.

The universal Kahrs Beech Opaque model is suitable for home use, offices, public spaces. Products differ in stable technical characteristics.

• The structure is represented by a single strip made from a single piece of wood. This emphasizes the naturalness of the wooden floor.
• The surface is varnished, which gives a glossy sheen. Wood acquires an aesthetic appearance, resistance to moisture and is easier to maintain.
• Board thickness 15 mm ─ the best option for residential premises. The outer layer of 3.5 mm will withstand 2-3 grindings.

• Planks are fastened together with Woodloc 5S fasteners without gaps. Floors become resistant to deformations, loads, maintainability increases.
• The parquet board is suitable for the system.
• The Brinell hardness of 3.6 is the average among woods and the best for beech.
• Another proof of quality is the 30-year manufacturer's warranty.

The only drawback of the Kahrs Beech Opaque model is the unsuitability for use in rooms with high humidity.

When choosing a floor covering, it is necessary to compare the advantages and disadvantages of several materials. Parquet board, it has pros and cons, like other types of coatings, is one of the materials in demand today.

These are multi-layer lamellas equipped with a lock joint, similar to laminate, where the bottom layer is made of plywood, the middle layer is made of slats, and the top layer performs a decorative function. The final protective layer is an impregnation with protective compounds that emphasize the natural pattern of wood. The similar structure of a parquet board provides its rigidity and reliability of a covering.

The popularity of the parquet board, which at one time replaced the piece parquet, is due to its decorative properties, environmental friendliness and durability.

Pros and cons of the material

Of the positive qualities of the material, the following are noted:

1. The natural material of manufacture is softwood for the inner layers and valuable species for the outer layer.
2. Lower cost compared to piece parquet.
3. Simple and quick installation of the coating, due to the presence of a tongue-and-groove end locking system, which ensures high-quality connection and tight fit of the lamellas.
4. A wide range of external execution of the front layer allows you to choose products for any interior.
5. Additional processing with colored, black or white compositions allows you to reveal and emphasize the structure of wood.
6. There are several ways to lay a parquet board (along and across the room, diagonally and in a herringbone pattern). The original and fashionable trend of recent times is the parquet board on the wall and ceiling.
7. The parquet board is suitable for laying in the system under certain conditions - the presence of a waterproofing layer between the water coolant and the board is mandatory, and it is also important not to overheat the board - its temperature should not exceed 27 degrees.
8. The multilayer structure provides high material strength and resistance to bending loads.
9. It is easy to look after a board, if necessary separate lamellas are subject to replacement. When laying a board without an adhesive layer, such a floor can be disassembled and reassembled several times. Also, some varieties are subject to cycle up to several times.

Of the minuses of the material note the following:

1. Like all natural wood materials, parquet boards are afraid of moisture. It will not lose its performance characteristics when the humidity in the room changes, like parquet, but in direct contact with water for a certain time it can deteriorate.
2. Since the material is not solid, it is afraid of exposure to chemicals and overheating.
3. If a small fragment is damaged, it will need to be completely replaced.

How to choose a parquet board for an apartment? In order to make a conscious decision, you should briefly familiarize yourself with the criteria for evaluating parquet boards, production technology and the influence of these factors on characteristics.

Barlinek parquet board prices

Barlinek parquet board

Varieties of parquet boards

The decorative top layer differs in the number of planks laid in a row. The lamella can look like a solid board or like several smaller dice stacked side by side. In this regard, there is a classification of parquet boards into the following varieties:

The concept of "slat selection"

Such selection is used to achieve the homogeneity of wood products. To do this, they resort to sorting products, taking into account the method of sawing, the location of the fibers, color, absence or presence, as well as the size of knots and other defects.

The cutting method is:

1. radial, in which the plane of the product is located along the radius. With this cut, the annual rings look like straight lines that are evenly spaced along the plank. This veneer has a uniform composition and shade, excellent performance properties.
2. Rustic. In this case, an arbitrary cutting direction is selected. The design of the product in this case is absolutely unpredictable.
3. tangential, in which a clear pattern of annual rings is formed on the surface of the product.

Table 1. Varieties of veneer depending on the method of cutting

Choosing the type of wood

If we compare the material with a laminate, where the decorative layer performs an exclusively aesthetic function, then the top layer of the parquet board affects the performance of the coating, depending on the type of wood that is used.

Table 2. Popular types of wood that are used for the manufacture of parquet boards

Compare with laminate

At first glance, the floor covering is made of laminate and parquet boards, it is hardly possible to tell where what material was used - they are so similar in appearance. But, nevertheless, both of these materials have significant differences. Comparing a parquet board with a laminate, you can more clearly emphasize its pluses and note the minuses.

Material composition

The structure of the parquet board was described above. From the description it follows that this is a completely natural material, except for the presence of an adhesive composition for fixing individual layers between each other.

Laminate is also a multilayer material, but it is less natural. There is wood in its composition, but in a recycled form. The product is produced by pressing, and the decorative layer is created by depicting the texture of a certain wood, fixed with an acrylic resistant coating, which ensures the wear resistance of the lamellas.

The only advantage of laminate when using a wood texture pattern applied to thick paper is that the laminate can imitate absolutely any type of wood, even very rare, while maintaining an affordable cost. And also it can imitate absolutely any surface - stone, tile, etc.

The practicality of the material

Compared to parquet boards, laminate is more resistant to various kinds of loads and mechanical stress. Some of its varieties, depending on the class, can be used in rooms with a high level of traffic. At the same time, the laminate is not so whimsical in care and some of its varieties are more resistant to moisture. Waterproof laminate can be used in rooms with high humidity and the likelihood of direct contact with water. Laminate is not afraid of temperature changes and protects its parameters.

In favor of the parquet board, we can say that it is more pleasant and warm to the touch, and is also able to absorb noise from falling objects and walking in shoes, while the laminate is a rather “vociferous” material.

Price

Parquet board is cheaper than piece parquet, but more expensive than laminate. The current prices for the material will speak for themselves.

Table 3. Prices for materials

Lifetime

The service life of a laminate is less than that of a parquet board and depends on many nuances. The duration of the floor covering is affected by:

1. Material quality.
2. The quality of the preparation of the base - how even it is.
3. Compliance with the technology of installation of flooring.
4. floor usage intensity.
5. Laminate wear resistance class.

In this regard, manufacturers claim a material service life of 5 to 10 years, but these figures can be either higher or lower.

As for the parquet board, the manufacturers declare more serious terms - from 10 to 35 years, subject to the operating conditions. One of the advantages of this material is that some of its varieties can be cycled up to five times, updating the coating. However, to carry out quality work, you must have certain skills and special tools, or hire a master.

Important! In favor of both materials, it can also be said that individual damaged slats can always be replaced with new ones when laying a floating floor. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase material with some margin.

Prices for parquet board "Tarkett"

parquet board tarkett

Video - What is better laminate or parquet board

At first glance, it may seem that choosing a parquet board is a simple task. You just need to decide on the material, pattern - and the issue is resolved. But, as practice shows, you will need basic knowledge about the properties of wood flooring. How to choose a parquet board correctly, which manufacturer to give preference to, what subtleties you should pay attention to - we will consider all these issues in this article.

Which is better to choose: laminate or parquet board

When you decide to make a major renovation, the question of flooring inevitably arises. What to choose - parquet board or laminate?

Laminate

This material is a multi-layer coating consisting of paper, cardboard, fibreboard, etc., the top layer is a special synthetic film. Usually this coating looks like ceramic tile, stone or wood pattern. A layer of melamine resin is applied over the film, which performs a protective function. Externally, the laminate is subject to constant changes in accordance with new trends. Today, matter that imitates an array of boards, processed by various methods, from artificial aging to brushing, etc., is in great demand.

As the middle, carrier layer of the laminate, compacted fiberboard (fibreboard) or chipboard (chipboard) is used. This provides the material with rigidity, moisture resistance and strength.

The bottom layer of the laminate also performs the function of protection (from the penetration of moisture deep into the plate) and, in some cases, sound insulation. It is usually made of thin plastic or paper impregnated with resins. Often, a special moisture-repellent composition made on the basis of wax is used to process the edges of the laminate.

There is an opinion that laminate is a cheap replacement for parquet, which leaves dents and scratches easily. This is not true. Such material is durable and unpretentious in maintenance, unlike parquet, which has to be sanded, scraped and varnished. A high-quality laminate does not fade under the influence of sunlight, it does not shed, it does not sag. You will not spoil it even with a smoldering cigarette. And dirty stains are easily removed with acetone, paint thinner, as well as ordinary detergents.

Laminate has the following positive properties:

• resistance to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical stress, fire and moisture;
• a wide range of decor options;
• ease of installation due to "locking fasteners";
• long service life and low maintenance.

The disadvantages of laminate are:

• artificial base material;
• the need to use a soundproof substrate;
• electrostatic;
• low thermal conductivity.

Also, the laminate is distinguished by affordable prices, unlike parquet. The first option will cost you at least twice as much.

parquet board

Now consider a short list of the advantages and disadvantages of this material.

The advantages include:

• a successful combination of this material with any kind of interior;
• quick and easy laying of parquet boards due to the "lock" system;
• the material can be used during construction and repair;
• one-time varnishing;
• long service life (up to 25 years) with proper care.

The disadvantages of parquet are:

• intolerance to chemical and mechanical effects, changes in temperature and humidity;
• special care conditions: the parquet board should be wiped only with special detergents;
• long cycle procedure (about 3 weeks).

Based on the foregoing, it can be argued that the laminate is a more profitable option due to the inexpensive cost, a large collection of colors, ease of installation and high strength.

Nevertheless, all the advantages may fade against the background of the disadvantage that the laminate is an artificial material. Natural wood, on the contrary, retains its appearance over time, even despite the formation of scratches and dents. In addition, the parquet board perfectly retains heat, unlike the laminate. Careful attitude and timely cleaning will help you keep your wooden floor for many years.

Parquet or engineering board - what to choose

The engineering board is a two- or three-layer structure, the basis of which is moisture-resistant plywood. Due to the fact that its layers are glued, the wood fibers are in a mutually perpendicular direction, providing high geometric stability and durability of the floor covering.

The two-layer engineering board consists of:

• the top layer - lamellas made of wood with a thickness of about 4-5 mm. This difference from a parquet board ensures that more sanding is performed, while the performance of the floor is not lost. When considering surface treatment and protection, there is no perceptible difference between the two types of material. Oil impregnation, wear-resistant varnish and brushing are also used;
• moisture-resistant birch plywood, which is the base of a two-layer board and allows you to lay the floor in wet rooms.

A three-layer engineered board does not have a slatted layer. The composition of the product includes solid wood materials made from hardwood. The top layer of such a floor is, as a rule, a lamella. The second is perpendicular to the first.

To figure out which of the two coatings suits you best, check out the main differences between these products:

• due to the moisture-resistant plywood base, engineering boards do not lend themselves to deformation, which occurs due to changes in temperature and humidity. Stable floorboards can be laid under any conditions, taking into account the fact that their top layer is made of oak or other moisture-resistant species;
• unlike parquet, an engineered board can be used as flooring on a floor equipped with a built-in heating system;
• due to the increased thickness of the outer layer of the engineering coating, you can perform more grinding, thereby extending the life of the floor by several years;
• engineered boards can be used much longer than parquet flooring;
• the outer layer of precious wood of an engineered board can only be single-strip, that is, made of a solid lamella. And parquet flooring, in turn, can be found with two- and three-strip lamellas, which are glued together from parts of wood;
• the parquet board is recommended to be laid exclusively by the floating method. Otherwise, you run the risk of delamination of the product due to the high internal stress of the material. In turn, in order to lay engineering boards, you can use absolutely any method that will be determined only by the type of connecting lock;
• when you lay parquet flooring, it is necessary to observe the technological gap between it and the wall, as well as when you join it with other types of flooring. And you can lay engineering boards without the use of thresholds and other subtleties;
• parquet flooring can only be laid using the deck method. In turn, engineering boards can be laid using various methods - from squares, herringbones to a mixed method;
• parquet floor elements cannot be wide. The reason is that the material can be severely deformed under the influence of humidity and temperature changes. Fragments of engineering coating can be of any format (up to 45 centimeters);
• parquet board protects against noise much worse, unlike other types of coating.

Which parquet board is better to choose

This flooring is multi-layered. The outer level is made of very spectacular precious wood. It is only a plate of veneer. To protect a beautiful tree from damage, it is varnished or a special parquet oil is used.

In order for the coating not to deform under the influence of moisture and temperature changes, its inner layer is made of HDF boards (not the most common option) or boards (lamellas), which are made from inexpensive wood material. At the same time, this row, consisting of locks, is located perpendicular to the finishing veneer. And in order for the parquet flooring not to sag and acquire the necessary rigidity, a back layer is also added.

Before choosing a parquet board for an apartment, pay attention to the wood of the carrier layer. Conifers provide the necessary level of strength and stability. A certain part of the manufacturers produces parquet flooring with a carrier layer made of hevea, a southern woody material that is highly moisture resistant.

Today there is an opportunity to choose parquet boards made from a wide variety of wood materials. For example, you can give preference not to a European or American model, but to exotic options from Africa or Asia.

Nevertheless, it must be taken into account that each material is characterized by its own set of performance qualities, therefore, it differs not only in appearance, but also in its service life.

The most popular European wood - from beech and oak to maple, walnut and cherry. Slightly less known are such rare breeds as kempas, wenge and merbau. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand the properties of these materials.

• Oak.

The hardness of this material surpasses any other rock. This property plays a key role in product life. Oak parquet flooring is practically indestructible, it is distinguished by a special stability of the material structure, in other words, the linear dimensions do not change under the influence of negative external factors. Oak will not crumble, it will not dry out and warp if environmental conditions change.

• Beech.

Due to harmonious and neutral shades, such a parquet board is often used to decorate children's rooms, but this material is by no means stable. Despite the popularity of the "smoky" decor - a special method of heat treatment of the product, which can significantly increase its strength, the recommended humidity level in a room with parquet flooring made of beech is up to 60%.

• Maple.

This material is characterized by strength and stability, as well as delicate cream shades.

• Cherry.

This parquet flooring features a rich color palette, including a variety of beautiful shades, from dark coffee to light pink. This flooring looks very beautiful, and the harmonious woody pattern is suitable for any room.

• Nut.

This tree species is no less valuable. Walnut coating is unpretentious in care, has a pronounced structure and a set of impeccable performance properties. The only point is that this material is not as durable as oak.

• Merbau.

Such an exotic breed has recently been in great demand. Merbau, originally from Indonesia, has a pleasant brown hue with golden streaks. Saturation with oils provides high moisture resistance and stability, immunity to the effects of such negative factors as mold, fungus and rot. The wood is very hard and difficult to work with.

• Wenge.

This parquet board is a dark, almost black wood from Africa. Differs in moisture resistance, durability, resistance to mechanical damages. This material is not afraid of temperature changes, heavy furniture and sharp hairpins.

• Kempas.

It is also an African material. It is characterized by a dense structure, rich orange flowers with a golden sheen and resistance to mechanical damage. The above advantages of the material contribute to an increase in demand. Kempas is almost impossible to scratch. The disadvantage of the material is the sensitivity to thermal changes.

Thus, we see that it is possible to find any floor covering, depending on taste preferences, the design of the room and material possibilities. Nevertheless, when buying a parquet board, special attention should be paid to the performance properties of a particular wood material.

What are the criteria for choosing a parquet board

Hardness is the main characteristic of wood. This property provides high wear resistance of the parquet board. An example of this property is oak. This material has the best wear resistance, so that the service life of the product can be very long.

Also, an equally important characteristic is stability, which allows the wood not to deform under the influence of temperature changes and moisture.

Due to this property, the board will not dry out and will not deteriorate under the influence of external factors. Otherwise, you will have to carefully care for the parquet and avoid temperature fluctuations in the room.

In order to determine which parquet board to choose for an apartment, check out the hardness and stability indicators of various wood species shown in the table:

When choosing a parquet board, check number of rows.

Products are one-, two-, three-layer and multilayer. In this case, you can focus on your own taste preferences, as well as the design features of the room.

If the outer layer consists of one strip, the plank is a single row (not divided into segments). Such material reflects the extraordinary beauty of the wood pattern, rich in color palette and structure. This product is ideal for deck laying.

1-strip board is able to visually expand the space, which is very beneficial for rooms that have a small area.

2-strip board consists of two lamellas fitted under each other. They are solid or consist of several segments. The structure of such a parquet board looks much more original than a single-strip plank.

3-strip board consists of three rows of lamellas, which, as a rule, are offset in length. This classic material has several options, such as braided, herringbone or deck pattern. Three-strip parquet is perfect for any room, regardless of its size.

Recently, multi-strip parquet board has been very popular. Its front layer is assembled from lamellas of small width, thanks to special processing, a rather original decorative surface is obtained, where traces of joints between the boards are not visible. The slats are selected taking into account the richness of color, so the beauty and wide range of shades of wood are best demonstrated.

It should also be noted that a multi-strip board is an interesting solution that allows you to transform the interior and make a bright accent. It is also important that dents that sooner or later occur during operation will not be noticeable. Due to the heterogeneity of the coating, scratches and other defects will be hidden.

Board selection is also a significant factor. Not every consumer knows that lamellas made from the same tree species, but using different types of selection, will not be similar to each other. When choosing a parquet board, attention is paid to such indicators as the pattern and color of the material, defects, and the method of sawing the trunk.

• Tangential sawing directed towards the annual rings, thereby forming a pattern on the surface of the board.
• Radial cut carried out parallel to the length of the tree trunk, so the fibers of the material are along the surface. With this method, a uniform shade and pattern is obtained, as well as the highest level of stability.
• Rustic saw cut perform at any angle, thus, a heterogeneous color and an original pattern are obtained.

There are three types of selection:

• Select is the highest quality type when the planks are made using a radial cut. So they achieve a clear, even and uniform pattern over the entire surface. Any defects are not allowed.
• Natur- a selection that combines radial and tangential cut strips. The covering from such parquet board differs in harmonious color transition and various pattern. Small knots are allowed.
• rustic- this type of selection does not take into account the sawing method, color and quality are important here. Such a parquet flooring is the brightest and “live”. Thanks to the knots and sapwood, the pattern acquires an original and unique character.

Natural parquet board is characterized by the highest level of moisture resistance and long service life, and rustic, in turn, is perfect for country-style design.

The advantage of a parquet board is also that the lamellas are already treated in advance with a special oil or varnish. What is better to use for this purpose?

varnish is a very common coating for wooden lamellas. It performs a protective function, preventing the penetration of moisture, pollution, and also increases the service life of the product. The material can be covered with 6-9 layers of varnish, depending on the properties of a certain brand of parquet. If you plan to use heavy furniture, then more coats should be applied to the finish.

The varnish is applied using the hot pressing method. Adhesion to the surface is enhanced by drying in air chambers, exposure to high temperatures and ultraviolet radiation, which hardens the parquet flooring and prevents spreading. Therefore, pay attention to the fact that the product has been subjected to such processing.

If environmental friendliness material is important to you, it is recommended to purchase a parquet board treated with a water-soluble acrylic based varnish. The main advantage of such a product is unpretentiousness in care. In order to preserve the appearance of the material, it is enough to polish it in a timely manner.

Butter is a relatively new type of parquet board processing, which has a number of advantages. And, first of all, it is a beautiful appearance of the material. The oil penetrates deep into the structure of the wood, highlighting its relief, thereby emphasizing the luxurious color palette of the breed, its special depth and clarity of the pattern. The parquet board acquires a soft appearance and shine.

The composition of the special oil for parquet treatment combines wax and resins. Thanks to this, a film is not formed and the wood species can “breathe” freely. Due to this type of processing, the material is not deformed under the influence of moisture. Moreover, the oil clogs the pores of the wood, so the dirt does not penetrate into the structure of the material. However, parquet treated in this way needs careful maintenance. At least three times a year, it should be wiped with a special compound. Parquet oil that has been treated with ultraviolet rays can be renewed less frequently.

It should be remembered that if you spoil the varnish in any way, you will have to completely change the parquet board. But if the product is covered with oil, you can restore a specific area of ​​the floor.

As a rule, consumers do not attach particular importance to the snap-in method, although it is this characteristic that is responsible for the quality level of lamella fastening. The most popular in this case is Tarkett, which has developed a reliable mechanism for T-lock locks. Also, an excellent solution to this issue is offered by Uniclic, which is used by many well-known manufacturers of parquet flooring.

How to choose a parquet board by color

You can never predict in advance what shade your chosen parquet board will have, since it is photographed using various cameras, as well as under certain lighting conditions. In addition, the monitor of the electronic device also distorts the hues. And only a visit to the store will allow you to choose the desired color of the material.

Also, in order to choose the right parquet board in the store, it is recommended to first lay it out on the floor to check how it will look when the light from the windows falls on it.

A flooring made from the same type of wood species will have a natural texture, since it is not matched to the cut. Thus, one should not search for a beautiful parquet pattern by looking at products from various manufacturers.

But companies may differ in the grade of material. Usually they prefer the type of natures, characterized by some defects. This wood with large knots is used for dark-colored parquet boards, which will later be tinted. Higher quality raw materials are used for light coatings so that defects are not too obvious.

It is important to understand that the shades of wood from the same batch may vary slightly. Since even parquet boards made from the same trunk can still have a slightly different color scheme.

In particular, this difference is noticeable on a board made of mahogany. Toning can smooth out this defect. However, even after this procedure, the colors may differ slightly.

As a rule, separate strips are presented on the showcase or a composition is assembled from them. The first option makes it possible to comprehensively consider the material, evaluating the technical properties. The shield will allow you to determine the joint and how the colors of the separate dies will be combined. Just keep in mind that the showcase does not contain low-quality material and boards with visible defects.

Therefore, in order to decide on the manufacturer of parquet boards, you should look at several different samples. Only in this way you can truly objectively evaluate the quality characteristics of the goods of a particular company. All samples are characterized by the same technological line, therefore, the shortcomings will manifest themselves one way or another.

Proper drying of wood is essential. This process takes a lot of time. Cheap parquet material is often not completely dry, because manufacturers do not follow all the recommendations and are often in a hurry.

A professional by the characteristic sound is able to determine whether the parquet board is dry enough. But an ordinary person does not have such skills. Then how can you determine that the parquet board is made of raw material? Let's take a look at some tips to help you figure it out:

1. The three-strip board has a flat and smooth surface where the lamellas do not protrude. The only exception is wood, which is characterized by good absorbency. These options include jatoba, birch, cherry, maple and beech. For all manufacturers, lamella height differences are acceptable. While for oak and other stable wood material this is already a marriage.
2. The three-strip parquet board is characterized by inconspicuous and beautiful joints between the lamellas. The absence of a chamfer in a one-strip parquet flooring indicates the high quality of the brand.
3. Please note: in order for the lacquer to be intact, there should be no chips between the lamellas. Otherwise, this indicates the dampness of the material. This defect is especially manifested on a parquet board of a dark shade.
4. If the dark parquet has light stains, this indicates that the surface was not primed and the varnish was applied immediately. Such a coating will certainly crack over time as the wood contracts and expands.
5. To choose the right parquet board for an apartment, pay attention to its inner layer. Best of all, when it is made of identical bars, which were sawn using a radial method. There must be a certain space between the dies to prevent the expansion of the wood material during the hot period. A small number of knots is allowed, since this does not affect the quality of the parquet.
6. Make sure that the gap between the bars on the inner layer and the joint between the upper lamellas do not match. As a rule, it is this defect that is found on the parquet of cheap brands. For products of medium and high class, this is unacceptable.
7. The veneer layer on the inside of the parquet board must be intact and made of birch or pine. It's okay if you find the remains of small knots. The wrong side of Chinese products is made of hevea, which is not typical for European products. Such veneer is distinguished by the absence of knots, and its outer side is slightly fleecy.
8. In the cheapest type of parquet board, the inner side is assembled from separate parts. As a rule, plywood waste is used for this purpose. This, in turn, negatively affects stability. But this option is no worse than other budget products. A decrease in value always entails the appearance of certain defects.
9. The width of the finishing layer plays an important role. It is better to measure it yourself (the norm is 4 mm). Often, instead, the thickness of the product can be both 3 and 2.5 mm. This does not directly affect stability, however, this is a fraud on the part of manufacturers.
10. Before buying, smell the parquet flooring. You should not feel any foreign odors, only wood. If you feel some kind of "synthetics", you should be wary, because the chemistry present in the composition can be harmful to health. But a slight smell of burnt wood in dark parquet is quite normal, after a while it will evaporate.
11. If you find that the material is slightly bent, be aware that this is not a defect. The slats, when they are taken out of the packaging, can absorb moisture from the air. Even an expensive parquet board can bend slightly. Although properly drying wood should not be warped.

Which substrate to choose under the parquet board

The most popular among floor coverings is parquet board. It lends itself to fast and high-quality installation, and also allows you to get a reliable, durable and amazing floor. The most important thing is to correctly choose the parquet board and the substrate. You will also need to follow the rules of laying.

The underlay for parquet flooring is designed to perform the following functions:

• unhindered movement of the parquet board on the base. This, in turn, ensures an even distribution of the load exerted on the material;
• providing the required level of sound insulation. It extinguishes noise vibrations (various shocks, vibration of household appliances, etc.).

The backing also helps smooth out flaws in the base. In the process of laying parquet boards on concrete, the materials usually release water vapor, which has a negative effect on the condition of the wood species.

In this case, lay an auxiliary layer of polyethylene film under the substrate. So you can neutralize this effect. In addition, the substrate itself has vapor barrier properties. Additionally, you can glue the seams with construction tape.

Today on the market there are substrates made of:

• traffic jams;
• polyethylene foam;
• polypropylene foam.

There are also options for Tuplex and Parkolag substrates.

Each of the above options has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Consider the features of all types of substrates:

Cork backing

It is the only environmentally friendly product. Cork is a traditional material for the manufacture of a substrate for a parquet board. She is the best option out of all.

Its advantages include:

• noise, heat and sound insulation qualities;
• environmental friendliness of the product.

Disadvantages:

• moisture absorption, which contributes to the swelling of the material.

When choosing a cork backing, pay special attention to its thickness, which should be 2mm. If it is a little thinner, the material will crumble, which will negatively affect the interlocking of the parquet flooring.

The cork underlay must not be laid directly on the fresh screed. First you need to lay a vapor barrier. There is a substrate with already glued polyethylene or rubber. Such material is much more expensive.

PE foam backing

Such material is the most accessible and inexpensive.

The advantages of a polyethylene foam substrate include:

• closed porous structure of the material, due to which it does not absorb and does not pass moisture;
• excellent heat, sound and noise insulation properties;
• resistance of the material to decay and exposure to various solvents.

The disadvantages of this material are

• synthetic origin;
• lack of resistance to fire;
• loss of operational properties and shrinkage over time.

Polyethylene foam substrate is made in different thicknesses. For a parquet board, this value should be 2 mm.

Polypropylene foam backing

This material is toxic and flammable. It is not recommended for use in living rooms. The polypropylene foam backing is similar to polyethylene. But the differences are that polypropylene is a flammable and toxic material.

It is also short-lived, its service life reaches only 10 years. After that, the substrate resembles dust. This material has the lowest price, however, this is far from the most suitable option for a residential apartment.

park camp

This substrate has excellent performance, yet it releases toxins when heated. For the manufacture of this material, bituminous mastic is used.

Parking benefits include:

• Disadvantages: excellent noise, heat and moisture insulation;
• affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

• high toxicity of bitumen, formaldehyde is released at elevated temperatures. That is why this material is banned in many countries.

duplex

It is a universal multilayer substrate with optimal properties. This option can be called ideal.

Tuplex is an artificial material consisting of 3 layers, each of which performs its role:

• the bottom layer is a porous film. It fastens the middle row and lets moisture in;
• the second layer is represented by small balls, the gaps between which provide ventilation. It protects the material from deformation;
• the third layer is an ordinary polyethylene film, which performs the function of a vapor barrier.

This underlay is a great solution for any foundation. It is laid directly on concrete. Don't worry about high humidity levels. Thanks to the air gap in the middle of the substrate, moisture is freely removed and evaporates through the expansion gaps between the parquet board and the wall. Tuplex costs about the same as cork.

Of all the above materials, Tuplex and cork are the most optimal. The first option can be used for any basis. Cork, in turn, is environmentally friendly. Most experts believe that Tuplex is the safest and most durable material. However, each customer chooses the substrate based on their own preferences.

The pros and cons of which you should consider before purchasing, is a floor covering 2 m long. At the same time, the thickness and width may vary depending on the company and brand. In the middle of the last century, the parquet board successfully replaced the piece parquet.

Initially, this finish consisted of two layers and had design flaws. This was the reason for further improvement. today it has three layers at once, each located perpendicular to the previous one. This provides rigidity. The top layer is made from the middle layer - it is from softwood. The inner layer is made of spruce plywood.

Main advantages

Parquet board, the pros and cons of which will be discussed in the article, is used today as a floor covering quite often. This is due to the naturalness of the material, which has all the advantages of wood.

The coating is quite easy to install thanks to the locking connection, in addition, it has a high sound absorption coefficient. After laying, you can not be afraid of the risk of deformation, this is due to design features. The surface is quite pleasant to the touch, and an additional advantage is the lack of ability to accumulate static electricity.

Main cons

The parquet board, the pros and cons of which must be taken into account before purchasing, is quite popular today. However, it requires careful treatment, the material must be protected from chemical and thermal effects, as well as moisture. The coating does not cope well with mechanical loads. This is due to the fact that the veneer used in the production is quite thin, so scratches and dents remain on it.

A parquet board, the pros and cons of which is useful to read before purchasing a product, is rather difficult to restore. The surface can look monotonous, with the help of planks it is rather difficult to create an original ornament. As for diagonal styling, it requires time and effort.

Pros and cons of parquet board and laminate

If we compare these materials in terms of their ability to withstand shock loads, then laminate comes out on top. However, in this case we are talking about a material of a higher class. It is difficult to scratch it with a chair leg or damage it with a heel. Laminate is able to endure more impressive weight than parquet.

As for the ability to withstand humidity and temperature fluctuations, the parquet does not like dry air, it shrinks from this, and swells from humidity. Laminate coating perfectly tolerates both. Therefore, in winter, when the rooms are very dry, gaps appear between adjacent parquet boards. The laminate will not react in this way. This is his advantage.

Looking through the pros and cons of laminate and parquet boards, you should also pay attention to the appearance. According to this parameter, parquet wins. When a room is decorated in a classic style, then a parquet board is asked for in an interior of this type. If the apartment has a modern style, then it requires a laminate. It has a variety of colors, patterns, patterns and textures that can be selected for a specific design.

Parquet board dimensions

Quite rarely fit in the kitchen. The pros and cons of this material answer the question of why this happens. This is due to the fact that parquet does not cope well with moisture, and in the kitchen it is often necessary to carry out wet cleaning, in addition, it sometimes happens that drinks are spilled on the floor. However, this feature is not the only thing you need to know about the parquet board.

Often consumers are also interested in size. As for the length, it is usually 2 m. While the thickness of the parquet reaches 6 mm. The minimum setting is 0.5 mm. The most common option is the 4mm board. With these parameters, the panel can be subjected to:

• brushing;
• bleaching;
• planing;
• heat treatment.

Width is also important, it can reach 20 cm.

Varieties of parquet board

The parquet board for the floor, the pros and cons of which were discussed above, is classified into several varieties. This takes into account the texture, color, the presence of knots, sapwood, etc. In this regard, the following collections can be distinguished:

• select;
• natures;
• rustic.

The first variety involves planks that are the same in structure and color. There are no defects and knots in them, and the pattern is almost monophonic. The second variety may have color combinations. Such a board usually has knots. Very catchy are products that belong to the rustic collection. Here you can see not only cracks, but also knots. Country style is ideal for this variety.