Discover the differences between solid parquet and finished parquet
The decision between solid and finished parquet depends on individual needs and preferences. Solid parquet made from real wood offers natural beauty and durability, while engineered parquet consists of multiple layers and is more cost-effective. The most important difference lies in the behavior in humidity and temperature. While solid wood floorboards can swell and shrink in width as the moisture content of the wood changes, finished parquet remains stable. However, a significant advantage of real wood floors over multi-layer floors is that they regulate the room climate and can absorb pollutants. Overall, investing in a long-lasting floor made of real wood is definitely worth it! Quality should always be considered when choosing the right wooden flooring to increase the value of the home and add warmth and character to the home.
Solid parquet is made of real wood
It is a traditional choice known for its longevity. The fact that solid wood floors can be sanded multiple times and often last a lifetime makes them an investment in your home.
In contrast, prefinished parquet consists of several layers of different materials such as plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard) that are glued together. Although it is a cost-effective alternative to solid wood, it does not have the same durability as real wood.
Another important difference concerns thermal conductivity, temperature and humidity
Solid wood floorboards have a better value than finished parquet. This means that they enable cheaper heating costs, especially in conjunction with underfloor heating. In addition, solid wood floorboards are completely neutral even when exposed to high temperatures such as underfloor heating or sunlight - for a lifetime. The situation is different with finished parquet: there is a risk of damage or even destruction due to high temperatures. Another difference lies in the behavior towards moisture. While solid wood floorboards can swell and shrink in width due to fluctuations in wood moisture, finished parquet remains stable.
It becomes clear that both solid and finished parquet have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right floor covering therefore depends on individual needs and preferences: If naturalness as grown in nature is important to you and you are prepared to deal with possible fluctuations due to moisture, a solid wood floorboard is the right choice, not least because of greater thermal stability and faster heat transfer. However, if dimensional stability during fluctuations in humidity and less resistance to temperature fluctuations are a priority for you, prefinished parquet may be the better option.
The biggest advantage of solid wood flooring is its ability to regulate the room climate
Due to their entire wood volume, they can “breathe” with the air in the room. This means that they release moisture when the air is too dry and absorb moisture when the humidity is too high. This property has a positive influence on the room climate: thanks to their regulating function, solid wood floorboards ensure that a pleasant atmosphere is created in the living space. Dry heating air is balanced out by the release process of moisture, creating a comfortable living experience.
Another advantage of solid wood floorboards is that they can absorb pollutants from the air - such as cigarette smoke or other unpleasant smells - in order to store them until the next time they are ventilated. In contrast, with finished parquet, only the thin top layers have a room climate-regulating effect. So when it comes to creating a harmonious climate in your rooms and keeping harmful substances away, solid parquet offers you clear advantages over finished parquet.
Another important difference between these two options is the price
While engineered parquet tends to be cheaper than the more expensive solid parquet, there are many different types of parquet on the market, with varying prices - so you should definitely find something that fits your budget. However, you should keep in mind that engineered parquet is not as durable as solid wood and may need to be replaced more quickly.
No matter what decision is made, quality should always be considered when choosing the right parquet. A quality wooden floor can increase the value of your home and add warmth and character to your home, whether you choose real wooden flooring or prefer a finished product!
Read more articles in our “FEEL the WOOD” blog and get inspired.
