Floor Panels or Parquet? A Practical Comparison Guide

What and How to Recommend?

Choosing between laminate flooring and hardwood parquet isn’t just a matter of aesthetics – it’s a decision that affects the durability of the finish, everyday comfort, and the overall cost of the project. Clients often ask, “Which is better – parquet or laminate?” As a professional, your role is not only to install the floor precisely, but also to guide the customer toward the best choice – one that suits the household’s needs and the character of the interior.

Aesthetics – natural wood or modern imitation?

When it comes to aesthetics, parquet and floor panels represent two different worlds – each with its own unique advantages.

Solid wood parquet is synonymous with prestige and natural beauty. The one-of-a-kind grain patterns, colour variations even within the same batch of wood, and the warm character of the material make the floor an integral design element, not just a background. Wood “lives” – it ages gracefully, changes tone slightly, and gains a noble patina. This is especially valued in traditional, Scandinavian, and eco-inspired interiors.

Floor panels – especially modern vinyl or high-grade laminate versions – offer an enormous selection of designs and colours. They allow for perfect alignment with contemporary trends – oak imitations, raw concrete, herringbone or stone effects are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. What’s more, they’re available with bevelled edges, 3D textures, and matte or semi-matte finishes – making it easy to match the ideal look to a given interior. This is a great option for investors seeking stylish results without the cost of natural materials.

Budget and installation – what’s the real cost?

Floor panels are the more budget-friendly option, especially in projects where quick return on investment is key – such as rental flats, commercial spaces or developer units. The material itself is cheaper, and thanks to the click-lock installation system, there’s no need for adhesives – which eliminates drying time and lowers labour costs. A panel floor can usually be used immediately after installation – a major plus when timeframes are tight.

Parquet, although more expensive to buy and install, offers something that’s hard to quantify – prestige and long-term durability. It requires professional substrate preparation, gluing, sanding, and then finishing with lacquer or oil. These steps generate costs and require drying breaks, but the final effect is a floor “for decades” – often lasting 20, 30 or even 50 years. In case of damage, the surface can be restored without full replacement.

It’s also important to explain to the client that the final cost will depend on:

• abrasion class and thickness of the panels,

• selected finish for the parquet (natural oil, UV lacquer, stain),

• type of underlay (e.g. for underfloor heating),

• substrate quality and levelling – which affects prep time and cost.
  

Durability and maintenance – what stands the test of time?

Solid wood parquet is top-tier when it comes to durability. A properly installed and sealed wooden floor can last 20, 30 or even 50 years – and still look great. Its key advantage is that it can be sanded multiple times – removing surface wear and applying a fresh protective finish. This allows not only for visual renewal but also stylistic updates – e.g. switching from gloss to matte. It makes parquet not only long-lasting but also flexible in terms of aesthetics.

Also worth noting – natural wood ages with dignity. It gradually changes tone, darkens, and develops a characteristic patina. For many people, that’s a feature – not a flaw – bringing authenticity and elegance to the space.

Floor panels, while modern and often highly durable (especially vinyl types in wear classes 33 or 42), follow a different life cycle. If damaged (e.g. deep scratches, chips, or water spills), local repair is usually not an option – the entire plank often needs replacing, and sometimes neighbouring ones too. A further issue is design availability – if several years have passed, the series may no longer be on the market.

That said, new-generation LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) panels are becoming increasingly robust: resistant to moisture, deformation, and UV light, with some models even featuring self-healing coatings for micro-scratches. This makes them an excellent choice for kitchens, hallways and other “high-traffic” areas.

Acoustics and user comfort

Parquet and floor panels also differ significantly here – not only in terms of sound, but also in how they feel underfoot.

Parquet, being a natural, dense, and elastic material, does an excellent job of absorbing footstep sounds and minimising echo. Walking on it feels quiet, “soft”, and pleasant – especially compared to harder laminates. Wood also insulates thermally, offering a warm sensation even when barefoot. In single-family homes or on upper floors, this is a huge advantage – it reduces sound transmission between rooms and storeys.

Panels, especially cheaper ones or those installed without acoustic underlay, can produce a hollow, echo-like sound – particularly with quick steps or in rooms without carpets. In modern interiors, acoustic underlays (such as XPS, cork, or foam) are often used to improve sound insulation and walking comfort. Still, it’s worth making clear to the client that even the best underlay won’t fully replace the natural acoustic qualities of wood – though it can significantly improve day-to-day performance.

When it comes to underfloor heating, vinyl panels may have the edge, as they offer better thermal conductivity than solid wood. Natural parquet can reduce heating efficiency and requires precise temperature control to avoid cracking.

What should you recommend to clients?

There’s no single correct answer. Every client, every space, and every budget tells a different story. A professional’s role isn’t to push one solution, but to match the material to the situation – technically, aesthetically, and practically. This is where true expertise begins: in honest, informed guidance based on experience.

Parquet is the choice for long-term-minded clients who value lasting quality. Recommend it to clients who:

• plan to stay in their home or flat for many years,

• seek noble, natural materials and are ready to invest more in quality,

• want a high-end, prestigious finish – for example, in living rooms, bedrooms or luxury apartments,

• understand that parquet is not just flooring, but a design element.
  

Panels are a great solution for clients who:

• are working on investment properties, where cost and turnaround time matter – like rentals, flips, offices, or hotel rooms,

• want a quick-to-install and easy-to-replace floor with no need for sanding or specialist finishing,

• are aiming for a specific visual style, such as trendy herringbone, concrete effect, or rustic planks,

• simply want a good-looking, durable and affordable floor – without the need for refinishing or long-term upkeep.
  

Conclusion – an informed choice is a good choice

Choosing between panels and parquet is more than a matter of looks. It’s a decision about lifestyle, durability, budget, and daily expectations. The installer’s job isn’t just to lay the floor – it’s to help the client make the right choice, clearly and without pressure.

By explaining the differences and outlining the pros and cons of each option, professionals build trust and authority. Instead of just selling “square metres,” they show they understand the client’s real needs – and that trust leads to referrals and repeat business.

After all, the best floor isn’t the one that looks great in photos – it’s the one that works day after day in real life: no creaking, no breakdowns after a year, no constant fixes. The best floor fits the space, the user, and the real conditions of use.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is parquet really more durable than panels?
Yes – solid wood parquet can last for decades, and if worn, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Damaged panels usually need to be replaced entirely.

Can vinyl panels be used in bathrooms or kitchens?
Yes, many modern vinyl panels are fully waterproof. They are suitable for wet areas, provided they’re installed correctly with the proper underlay.

What type of subfloor is needed for parquet and panels?
Parquet requires a flat, stable, and dry subfloor – usually a screed with adhesive bonding. Panels can be installed over an underlay, even on existing flooring, as long as the surface is level.

Are panels noisier than parquet?
Yes – especially cheaper click-in models can produce a “clacking” sound when walked on. A quality acoustic underlay helps, but can’t fully match the natural sound absorption of wood.

Does parquet scratch easily?
Like any natural material, parquet can scratch – especially in high-traffic areas. Its advantage is that it can be restored, which is not possible with most panels.

Which option is easier to keep clean?
Panels – especially vinyl – are more resistant to dirt and moisture, making daily maintenance easier. Parquet requires more care, particularly during cleaning and when choosing suitable products.

Which works better with underfloor heating?
Vinyl panels are ideal for underfloor heating – they conduct heat well and don’t warp. Parquet can also be used, but must be properly selected (e.g. thin glued-down planks with low thermal resistance).