Strip, Plank, or Parquet: Which is the Right Option?

 

Hardwood floors come in a great number of different categories: prefinished, unfinished, engineered, solid, long length, various width, etc. 

There are three main styles of hardwood flooring boards: strip, plank, and parquet. While all three types have their benefits, there are some subtle differences that you should consider if you’re unsure exactly what kind of flooring you want underfoot.

Strip Hardwood

Strip flooring is the most common type of hardwood floor. It is usually a little over 2 inches wide. It creates a very even, linear look, and it’s known for making small rooms appear larger. Strip hardwood is a classic hardwood style, and it's usually a fairly inexpensive one as well!

Wide Plank Hardwood

Plank hardwood flooring requires a little more space. Planks range from 3 to 7 inches wide, which gives this specific hardwood flooring style a more casual appearance. Plank flooring is great for more rustic or old-fashioned home design schemes, or for anyone looking for a laid-back atmosphere.

Parquet Hardwood

Design-wise, parquet is in a category far apart from strip and plank. A parquet hardwood floor usually consists of geometric patterns linked together, but creative designers have found ways to use parquet in much more exotic and eye-catching ways. A parquet hardwood floor is a great way to give a room a one-of-a-kind style, Be warned, however: parquet hardwood floors can be expensive and difficult to install and you also have to do the slip floor testing. Make sure the flooring professional you hire has plenty of experience with parquet before you start the installation process.

All three of these styles are available in a wide variety of hardwood species, so there’s no shortage of options for color, hardness, or width. Which style is best for you? It all depends on your personal preference and the room in which the flooring will be installed.