Parquet

German parquet flooring in herringbone, chevron and plank

Parquet flooring is real wood laid in a pattern, and German parquet is known for precise milling and stable multi-layer construction. We help you choose pattern, wood, grade and finish — and explain how it goes down over a Los Angeles slab.

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Illustrative interior

01What parquet is

Parquet flooring, pattern by pattern

Parquet flooring is wood cut into staves, blocks or panels and laid in a geometric pattern. The best-known patterns are herringbone, where rectangular blocks meet at right angles, and chevron, where angled ends meet in a continuous point. Ladder, basket weave and Versailles-style panels are more decorative variations.

Most parquet made in Germany today is multi-layer: a top layer of oak or another hardwood bonded to a cross-laminated core and a backing layer. The crossed layers resist the swelling and shrinking that solid wood blocks suffer, which matters with Los Angeles’ dry Santa Ana winds and air-conditioned summers.

Patterns and formats vary between collections, so ask us which are current. If you prefer long boards to patterns, see engineered hardwood, or return to our flooring store overview. Designing a kitchen at the same time? See the floor with your fronts in our kitchen configurator, then book a consultation.

02Patterns

Five parquet patterns and where they work

Herringbone
Broken zigzag of rectangular blocks; works in almost any room and any period of house.
Chevron
Angled ends meeting in a straight line; directional, ideal for hallways and long rooms.
Ladder
Staves set between straight rails; a quieter linear pattern for modern interiors.
Basket weave
Pairs of blocks alternating direction; textured and traditional.
Versailles-style panels
Square panels of interwoven strips; formal, suited to Spanish Colonial and period homes.
Border and frame
A perimeter band of straight staves that finishes a patterned floor at the walls.

03Installation

Laying parquet over a concrete slab

Moisture test: Test the slab (in-situ relative humidity or calcium chloride) against the product’s limits
Glue-down: Full-spread adhesive, often with a built-in moisture barrier — the usual method for patterns
Floating: Click-fit multi-layer parquet over a 6-mil poly vapor barrier and underlayment
Primer: Many parquet adhesives need a matching primer on the slab; use one adhesive maker’s full system
Acclimation: On site with HVAC running, at 35–55% indoor humidity, per the maker’s time
Pattern start: Patterns are set out from a snapped centerline, not from a wall, so both sides finish evenly

Natural oak herringbone parquet in a sunlit Los Angeles living room — Illustrative interior

04Finishes

Oiled or lacquered parquet

An oiled finish soaks into the wood and leaves a soft, natural surface. Small scratches blend in and can be spot-repaired, but it needs periodic maintenance oil, more often in high-traffic areas.

A matte lacquer forms a protective film. It resists spills and needs less routine care, but a deep scratch shows more and repair means re-coating a whole area. Families with dogs often prefer brushed oak in a matte lacquer.

05Wood & tone

Parquet tones to compare

Natural oak
Light oak
Smoked oak
Walnut
Herringbone oak

Natural oak: Honey-toned and versatile
Light oak: White-oiled or pale lacquer for bright rooms
Smoked oak: Fumed depth for formal rooms
Walnut: Darker, softer hardwood for low-traffic rooms
Herringbone oak: How the pattern reads in a room

In this section

German parquet

FAQ

Questions, answered

Still deciding? Call +1 (213) 776-0000 or send us your plan.

Ask a designer

Is parquet flooring real wood?

Yes. Parquet is real wood laid in a pattern. Multi-layer parquet has a real hardwood top layer over a cross-laminated wood core; solid parquet blocks are wood all the way through.

Can parquet go over radiant floor heating?

Multi-layer parquet is generally better suited to radiant heat than solid wood, but each product has its own limits for surface temperature. Check compatibility with the specific collection before you order.

Can parquet be refinished?

Yes, if the top layer is thick enough. A wear layer of about 3 mm or more can usually be sanded and refinished at least once; ask us for the top-layer thickness of the collection you choose.

Is parquet a good idea in a kitchen?

With a durable lacquer and sensible care — wipe spills, use mats at the sink — parquet works well in kitchens. Glue-down installation and a sealed perimeter help.