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Making the right choice for your floor covering: tiles or parquet?
When it comes to choosing the ideal flooring for a home, this decision can be just as crucial as choosing the house itself.
There is no doubt that the floor is the basis of the interior space and its quality, its "eco-friendliness", as well as its visual and tactile characteristics play an important role in creating the microclimate and atmosphere of the room.
Given the impressive offer of flooring on the building materials market, it is easy to get lost. What to choose: laminate, linoleum, tiles or parquet?
Don't panic! To help you find your way and make the right decision, we have prepared a special report on the two most popular options: tiles and parquet.
Key questions to ask
Here are some things to consider if you want to select a flooring that is practical and truly suits your needs and lifestyle:
What is the function of the room?
Each room in the house has its own specific flooring needs. For example, wet rooms like the kitchen and bathroom require a water-resistant material - tiles, while bedrooms and living rooms can benefit from the warm and comfortable look of parquet, which will add a touch of softness and conviviality to these spaces.
What is your budget?
It is no secret that budget is often a key factor in our decisions. Remember to think not only about the cost of materials, but also the cost of installation and long-term maintenance.
How often do you get foot traffic?
For high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entrances, opt for durable and hard-wearing materials. Less used spaces can afford more delicate options.
What is the desired aesthetic?
The appearance of the floor directly influences the overall aesthetic of our home. Think in advance about the style you want to create in your home: modern, traditional, rustic, etc.
The choice will be made naturally. It is obvious that parquet, the essential of classic design, will ensure a warm and natural atmosphere, while tiles will bring a touch of modernity to your home.
What are your needs in terms of comfort and maintenance?
For some, the essential criteria are daily comfort and ease of maintenance. Parquet is good for its warmth underfoot, but it needs regular maintenance. Tiles, on the other hand, are easy to clean and very durable, although they are colder to the touch.
Let's now analyze the advantages of each of the floor coverings in question.
The advantages of parquet
Natural wood flooring has always been highly appreciated. Wooden parquet, made of “living” material, gives a home an atmosphere of warmth and comfort and has many advantages:
• Environmental friendliness and positive effect on the microclimate:
Wood is a natural material that contributes to a healthy indoor environment.
• Aesthetics and tactile:
Wood not only decorates the interior, it also provides a pleasant feeling underfoot.
• Sound and thermal insulation:
Parquet is an excellent insulator, providing warmth and noise reduction.
• Variety:
The richness of colors and finishes of parquet offers great possibilities for customizing the interior.
• Durability:
A quality parquet can last more than 50 years and can be restored if necessary.
• Varied price range:
Accessible to different budgets, from cheap parquet to luxury parquet.
The advantages of tiling
Tiles, known for their great durability, have been used since ancient times and remain particularly popular today. Here are its main advantages:
• Environmentally friendly:
Made of sand and different clays, tiles are natural and healthy for indoor use.
• High resistance to wear and durability:
Withstands mechanical loads, climatic variations and intensive traffic well.
• Resistance to humidity and fire:
Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and other damp rooms.
• Easy to clean and low maintenance:
A mop is enough to restore its shine.
• Aesthetic variety:
A wide choice of colours, patterns and styles, including very realistic wood imitations that combine the beauty of wood with the practical side of tiles.
• Cost:
Tilling is often less expensive than parquet, both to purchase and to install.
Tilling also offers great versatility in terms of patterns and textures. Whether you are looking for a minimalist and contemporary look, a rustic style or even an imitation of natural wood, there are tiles for all tastes. For example, porcelain stoneware tiles guarantee resistance and long-lasting durability, while porcelain floor tiles, in addition to the same advantages, are particularly popular for their lightness and artistic qualities.
Raw Material and Installation Costs
In general, parquet, especially solid wood, is more expensive than tiles. If you choose to install tiles, it can save you a lot of money compared to installing parquet.
Trends
Current trends are moving towards durable and aesthetic materials, with a strong demand for designs that imitate natural wood, such as ceramic tiles and engineered parquet. Porcelain floor tiles are very popular due to their durability and ease of maintenance. On the other hand, “classic” parquet remains a truly timeless choice.
So, what flooring should you choose for your kitchen, master bedroom or other rooms in your home?
If you choose parquet, consider regular maintenance to preserve its shine and durability. If you choose tiles, you will benefit from an easy-to-maintain and wear-resistant solution, while adding a modern and elegant touch to your space. Or try combining the two depending on the rooms of the house to maximize the benefits of each.
And whatever your choice, make sure to select quality materials for a sustainable investment. By opting for environmentally friendly materials and taking into account current trends, you can create an interior that is both aesthetic and functional.