Invest in oak parquet flooring and give your home the Wow! factor

Is there any more iconic style of flooring than oak parquet flooring? In my experience this beautiful geometric joinery usually elicits “oohs” and “aahs” of admiration. Parquetry isn’t exactly a form of joinery though; it is more like a mosaic, where the wood sections are slotted together in a pattern. Oak parquet flooring has French origins, with oak being used for its naturally contrasting colour and grain which lends itself to creating patterns. Where ever you plan to install this style it is sure to have impact.

Much of the new parquetry on offer is in fact reclaimed parquet flooring. New floors can be produced from reclaimed wood. The age of wood produces a pleasing worn look. The tradition of oak parquet flooring began in France in the 17th century. They were created in response to the problems which marble tiles, which were common at the time, were posing. Marble required regular cleaning, which in itself made it somewhat inconvenient but was made even more so by the fact that this washing process caused the wooden joists beneath to rot. Oak parquet flooring was developed as an alternative.

Various styles have grown up over the years such as French Parquet de Versailles pattern which form large diagonal squares and English lattice styles that use more right angles. Oak parquet flooring tends to be very dark due to the type of wood, though the shades do vary. It usually continues to darken over time as the floor is worn by activity on the surface. The advantage of wooden floors, especially oak parquet flooring, is that its hardwearing, easy to clean (as previously alluded to) and feels warmer under foot than tiles but without having to fit carpets, which are not a long lasting form of floor covering.

If you’re thinking of employing parquetry for the floors in your home you’ll be investing in flooring that will stand the test of time. For examples of beautiful parquet why not travel to its birthplace and visit the first of its kind at the Palace of Versailles where the original wood from 1684 is still in place.

Oak parquet flooring by drummondsflooring.co.uk. Visit their website today if you’re looking for reclaimed parquet flooring.