Which parquet should I choose?

Choosing a floor usually starts with a color, a photo or an interior we liked. That is entirely natural — the floor takes up a large part of the space and has a strong influence on the overall feel of the home.

Before the color, though, there are several more important decisions. Natural wood or SPC? Solid or engineered parquet? Is the flooring suitable for underfloor heating? How is it maintained, and can it be refreshed years later? How much will it cost?

The truth is that there is no single "best" option for every case. There is a floor that best suits the particular home, the way it is used, the expectations of the people who live in it, and the budget they have.

In short

If you want natural wood and have underfloor heating, in most cases the most suitable solution is engineered oak flooring.

If you are looking for a traditional wooden floor that can be refreshed many times over the years, take a look at solid oak flooring.

When budget, water resistance, easy maintenance and quick installation come first, the practical choice is SPC vinyl flooring.

If you want the floor to have more expressive geometry, you can choose herringbone or chevron — in both a solid and an engineered version.

For interiors where the floor should be a truly individual element, the answer is art parquet, made to a custom design.

And when the lowest possible initial price matters most, laminate remains an alternative on the market. Artistico does not offer laminate flooring, but we included it in the comparison because it is often among the first options people look at.

Material, construction and laying pattern — what is the difference?

These terms are often mixed up, but they actually describe different things.

The material shows what the floor is made of — natural wood, SPC vinyl or laminate.

The construction refers to the way natural parquet is built. It can be solid, made from one whole piece of wood, or engineered, where the natural wood layer sits on a stable core.

The laying pattern determines the look of the finished floor. It can be a long plank, classic herringbone, chevron or an artistic composition.

That is why herringbone and chevron are not separate types of material. They can be made as solid or engineered parquet, depending on the underfloor heating, the subfloor and the specifics of the project.

Natural parquet — a feel that is hard to recreate

Natural parquet is made from natural wood — most often oak, but also walnut, ash and other suitable species.

No two planks are exactly the same. The color nuances, the grain patterns and the natural features of the wood make the floor part of the character of the interior.

This is exactly one of the big differences compared with floors that have a printed decor. Their look can be very realistic, but the natural variety and the feel of real wood remain something different.

Natural parquet lets you choose:

• the species and the grade of the wood;
• the size of the planks;
• the color and the surface finish;
• the laying pattern and the installation method;
• matching skirting boards, stairs and other finishing elements.

Its big advantage is that it can be sanded and refinished. After years of use the surface can be freshened up, and the color and finish can be changed. That way the floor is once again in all its glory.

This does not mean that natural wood flooring is temperamental or impractical. It means that wood is a living material and the final result depends not only on the product, but also on a well-prepared subfloor, correct installation, the conditions in the room and proper maintenance.

Solid oak flooring — a traditional wooden floor with a long life

Solid oak flooring is made from a single whole piece of natural wood. The entire thickness of the plank is wood, with no supporting core of another material.

This construction leaves a greater reserve for future sanding. When the floor eventually needs refreshing, it can be reworked instead of being replaced entirely.

Solid oak flooring is worth considering if:

• you want a traditional, all-wood construction;
• it matters to you that the floor can be refinished many times over;
• you are working on a classic or restoration interior;
• the subfloor and the conditions allow a stable installation.

Because it is made from solid natural wood, this parquet reacts more noticeably to changes in temperature and humidity. That is why the quality of the material, how it has been dried, the preparation of the subfloor and professional installation are especially important.

At Artistico, solid oak flooring is produced from carefully selected timber at our own production facility in the village of Trud. That way we can control the size, the grade, the color, the finishing and every other detail of the individual order.

Engineered oak flooring — natural wood with a more stable construction

Engineered oak flooring also has a surface of natural wood. The difference is that the natural wood layer sits on a stable supporting core.

In Artistico's engineered oak flooring the top layer is hand-selected European oak, and the core is moisture-resistant birch plywood. The orientation of the individual layers limits the natural movement of the wood when temperature and humidity change.

This makes engineered oak flooring a preferred solution for:

• underfloor heating;
• wider and longer planks;
• modern homes and new construction;
• projects where stability is especially important;
• a desire for a natural wood floor that can be refinished.

In practice, the engineered construction often offers the best balance between a natural look, stability and compatibility with modern heating systems.

It is important not to confuse it with laminate. With engineered oak flooring you step on real wood. The surface can be sanded and refreshed, depending on the thickness of the top layer and the condition of the floor.

Undecided between solid and engineered parquet?

Send us a plan or a photo, the approximate area and details about the underfloor heating. We will assess which construction is better suited to the particular project.

SPC vinyl flooring — when practicality comes first

SPC vinyl flooring is a different type of product. It has a rigid stone-polymer core and a decorative surface that can recreate the color and texture of natural wood very realistically — but not the feel of it.

SPC cannot be sanded and does not offer the same feel as real wood. Its strengths lie elsewhere, namely:

• high water resistance;
• easy day-to-day cleaning;
• good durability under heavy use;
• can be installed over underfloor heating;
• quick click installation without adhesive;
• the floor can be used immediately after installation.

Velvet Stone is Artistico's own SPC vinyl brand, created out of our years of experience and designed to meet the needs of our customers. The collection includes straight planks and herringbone, as well as the option of SPC stairs in the same decor.

SPC is a logical choice when you want a beautiful, practical floor, but water resistance and easy maintenance matter more than the option to refinish it in the future.

That does not make it better or worse than natural wood flooring. It simply solves a different kind of problem, meets different requirements and suits different rooms.

Where does laminate flooring fit in?

Laminate is a synthetic multi-layer floor covering. It usually has a load-bearing board, a decorative print and a protective surface layer.

The reasons it is so widespread are clear — a relatively affordable price, a wide choice of colors and quick floating installation.

Laminate, however, has no natural wood surface and cannot be sanded. Its resistance to moisture, load and scratching depends on the quality and specifications of the particular product.

Artistico does not offer laminate flooring. We include it here to make the comparison fairer and more useful.

If a low initial price is what matters most, a good-quality laminate can be a compromise. When you are looking for real wood, an individual finish, the option to refinish it or higher water resistance, engineered oak flooring and SPC offer different alternatives.

Solid, engineered, SPC or laminate flooring — a comparison

The table gives general guidance, but it cannot replace our specialists' assessment of the specific project. The thickness of the flooring, the subfloor, the installation method and the technical characteristics of the chosen product also play a key role.

Which parquet is suitable for underfloor heating?

This is one of the questions we get most often. The short answer is: if you want a natural wood floor, engineered oak flooring is usually the safest starting point.

For the details — which construction, what thickness, how it is installed and which mistakes prove costly — see the article Parquet over underfloor heating.

The reason lies in the construction. Natural wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. The cross-bonded layers of engineered oak flooring limit this movement and provide better stability.

The choice of flooring alone, however, is not enough. For a good result, the following also matter:

• the right thickness of the parquet;
• a dry and level subfloor;
• the properly chosen adhesive;
• professional installation;
• gradually turning on the heating;
• staying within the permitted surface temperature;
• maintaining normal humidity in the room.

SPC vinyl is among the most suitable solutions for underfloor heating. Thanks to its stone-polymer core, it has low thermal resistance and lets heat pass efficiently into the room. The rigid core provides good stability under temperature changes. For the system to work properly, however, the technical requirements for maximum temperature must be observed and a suitable underlay must be used.

Solid oak flooring is not automatically ruled out, but it calls for a much more careful assessment. The wood species, the size of the planks, the moisture in the subfloor, the heating system and the installation method all matter.

That is why, with underfloor heating, the right construction has to be settled first, and only then the color, size and grade.

Long plank, herringbone, chevron or art parquet?

Once the material and the construction are clear, the more enjoyable part begins — how the finished floor should look.

Long plank

Long parallel planks create a calm, natural feel. They let the grain of the wood lead, and they can look equally good in a clean, modern interior and in a more classic setting.

The direction of laying also matters. It can visually lengthen the space or emphasize the light and the main architectural line.

Classic herringbone

In classic herringbone the rectangular lamellas meet at 90 degrees. The result is a distinctive pattern with more movement and rhythm.

It is a classic layout, but with the right color and size it can also look entirely contemporary.

Chevron, or Hungarian herringbone

In chevron the ends of the lamellas are cut at an angle and meet in a V-shaped line. The pattern is more symmetrical and architecturally pronounced.

Herringbone and chevron parquet can be produced in a solid or an engineered construction. The choice depends on the subfloor, the underfloor heating and the specifics of the project.

Art parquet

With art parquet, the floor is no longer simply a background. It can become a central element of the interior.

Rosettes, figural panels, friezes and various geometric compositions are designed for the specific space. The sizes, colors and wood species are matched to the architecture and the proportions of the room.

There is no ready-made, universal solution here. It is precisely the individual design that turns a floor into art parquet.

What determines the final price?

When you compare quotes, the price per square meter of material is only the beginning. It does not always show what your fully finished floor will cost.

The final cost is affected by:

• the material and the construction;
• the wood species and its grade;
• the thickness, width and length of the planks;
• the color and the surface finish;
• the laying pattern;
• the amount of waste allowance;
• the condition of the subfloor;
• the adhesives and other installation materials;
• the skirting boards, transitions and stairs;
• the complexity of the installation itself.

With long planks, the cutting is usually easier. Herringbone, chevron and art parquet compositions call for more precision, more time and a larger technical allowance.

So the more accurate question is not just "How much does a square meter cost?" but "How much will the finished floor cost, with the necessary preparation, materials and installation?"

Five questions before the final decision

Before you choose the flooring, try to answer the following questions:

If the decision depends on the specific rooms — kitchen, bedroom, entrance hall, children's room — start with a wooden floor to suit the room and the interior.

1. Is there, or will there be, underfloor heating?
2. Is there a risk of frequent moisture or water spills?
3. Do you want to be able to sand and refinish the floor years from now?
4. Which matters more to you — the natural material and an individual finish, or easy maintenance?
5. Are you looking for a ready-made decor, or do you want the color, size and layout designed for a specific project?

These answers will narrow the choice considerably. After that, the condition of the subfloor, the floor levels, the transitions and the other technical considerations have to be taken into account.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose solid or engineered parquet?

Solid oak flooring is suitable if you want a traditional construction made from one solid piece of wood and you value the maximum scope for future refinishing.

Engineered oak flooring is the more stable solution with underfloor heating, wider planks and modern buildings. Both options have a surface of natural wood and can be made in different colors and finishes.

Is engineered oak flooring real parquet?

Yes. The top layer is natural wood, and the supporting core adds extra stability.

Unlike laminate, engineered oak flooring can be sanded and refinished. How many times this can be done depends on the thickness of the natural top layer and the condition of the floor.

Which parquet is suitable for underfloor heating?

Engineered oak flooring is usually the preferred wood solution. The specific product has to be matched to the heating system, the thickness of the flooring, the subfloor, the adhesive and the operating instructions.

SPC flooring or natural parquet?

Choose natural parquet if the authentic feel of wood, an individual color and the option to refinish the floor matter most to you.

SPC is the better fit if water resistance, easy cleaning and quick installation are your priorities.

Parquet or laminate?

Natural parquet has a real wood surface and can be refinished. Laminate has a printed decorative layer and is more affordable, but it cannot be sanded.

Artistico does not offer laminate flooring, but it belongs in the comparison so that you can make an informed choice.

Can the parquet color be matched to a sample?

With natural parquet there are far more options for choosing and developing a color. Depending on the project, we can work from a sample, an interior visualization, a piece of furniture or another color reference.

Keep in mind that wood is a natural material. Its grain and shades vary, and the finished floor will not look like a completely uniform, single-color industrial surface.

What do I need to send in order to get a recommendation and a quote?

At the start, all we need is the approximate area, a list of the rooms, your city and whether there is underfloor heating.

A photo, an architectural plan or an interior visualization will help us give a more accurate initial recommendation. If you already have a preferred color or a specific reference, send that as well.

So which parquet should you choose in the end?

The right decision does not come from looking for one universally "best" flooring. It comes from a clear idea of what you expect from your floor and the criteria it has to meet.

Solid oak flooring offers traditional construction and plenty of room for future refinishing.

Engineered oak flooring combines natural wood, higher stability and good compatibility with underfloor heating.

SPC vinyl is a practical choice when water resistance and easy maintenance come first.

Laminate remains a more affordable alternative, but it has no real wood surface and cannot be sanded.

Herringbone, chevron and art parquet do not necessarily change the material — they give a different character to the construction you have already chosen.

Get a recommendation for your project

You do not have to make the final decision from a photo, a sample or a technical description alone.

Send us the approximate area, a list of the rooms, your city and a photo or a plan. We will discuss the right material, construction, size and finish with you, and prepare an indicative quote for the flooring and the installation.

No obligation. We will get back to you within one working day.

Related articles

• Engineered or three-layer parquet — what is the difference
• Why Artistico produces engineered rather than three-layer parquet