Parquet and laminate: what is the difference?

Parquet and laminate can both provide an attractive, comfortable and durable floor. Although they may look similar, their construction and performance differ. Here are the main points to consider when choosing between them.

Materials

Parquet has a real wood surface. Laminate is a layered product, usually with a wood-fibre core, a decorative image and a protective wear layer. Engineered parquet and solid wood also have different constructions.

Durability

Natural wood can dent under heavy or concentrated loads. Laminate's protective surface can offer good resistance to everyday abrasion and scratches, depending on the product. Use classes indicate different intended levels of traffic. Both wood and wood-based products need appropriate moisture care: wipe up spills promptly and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Appearance

Real wood has natural variation that makes each parquet board individual. Modern laminate closely reproduces wood grain and texture, sometimes making the two difficult to distinguish at first glance.

Price

Parquet often costs more than laminate because of its real wood construction. Consider your budget alongside the material, appearance, performance and maintenance requirements of each product.