If you have ever found yourself asking, “what is parquet flooring?”, you are not alone. Browse any high-end interior design magazine or scroll through the top architectural feeds for 2026, and you are bound to see this trend dominating the floor space. Beautifully intricate and visually striking, these geometric wood patterns make a sweeping statement in any residential or commercial space.
But despite its popularity, there is often confusion about the terminology. Is it a material, a pattern, or a method of installation?
To help you decide if this timeless style is right for your next renovation project, we have compiled everything you need to know about modern parquet.
Jump To Section
- Defining the Look: What is Parquet Flooring?
- The Evolution: What is Parquet Flooring in the Modern Age?
- Key Differences: Herringbone vs. Chevron
- Why Choose Vinyl When Asking What is Parquet Flooring?
- Installation and Maintenance
- Elevate Your Home with Geometric Design
Defining the Look: What is Parquet Flooring?
To understand the trend, we have to look back at its roots. When asking “what is parquet flooring?” in a historical context, we are referring to a specific type of wood flooring laid in complex geometric patterns.
The term ‘parquet’ is derived from the French word for ‘a small compartment’. This style rose to fame in 16th-century France, where skilled craftsmen would painstakingly cut and lay small wooden panels to create abstract, interlocking designs. It was developed as a luxurious alternative to the cold, cumbersome stone and marble floors of the time.
The style became so beloved by the aristocracy that King Louis XIV famously replaced the marble floors in the Palace of Versailles with intricate wood designs. Since then, the answer to “what is parquet flooring” has been synonymous with wealth, luxury, and prestige. While it has ancient roots—some geometric brick patterns date back to the Roman Empire—the wood parquet we know today is a distinctly French innovation.
The Evolution: What is Parquet Flooring in the Modern Age?
Traditionally, if you asked “what is parquet flooring made of?”, the answer would be solid timber. While beautiful, traditional solid wood parquet had significant drawbacks: it was incredibly expensive, required skilled artisans to install, and needed constant sanding, polishing, and maintenance.
Fast forward to 2026, and the definition has evolved. Modern manufacturing has democratised this look. Today, high-quality luxury vinyl (LVT) and stone plastic composite (SPC) flooring allow homeowners to achieve that same aristocratic aesthetic without the “royal” price tag or maintenance headaches.
Pro-Tek™ has reimagined this classic style, offering the visual warmth and intricate grain of real timber combined with 21st-century durability. This means the question is no longer just “what is parquet flooring”, but rather, how can it be engineered to fit modern life?
Key Differences: Herringbone vs. Chevron
When discussing geometric floors, two distinct styles dominate the conversation. While there are historical patterns like Basket Weave and Brick, the modern market is driven by Herringbone and Chevron.
Herringbone
This is the most popular and timeless answer to “what is parquet flooring design.” Herringbone consists of rectangular planks of equal length. They are laid at a 90-degree angle to one another to create a broken zig-zag pattern. The ends of the planks are cut straight. This structure is incredibly stable and visually dynamic, offering a classic look that fits both period properties and contemporary new builds.
Chevron
Chevron is often confused with Herringbone, but the difference lies in the cut. In Chevron flooring, the ends of the planks are cut at a 45-degree angle. When placed together, they form a continuous “V” shape, creating a sharp, arrow-like point. It offers a slightly more uniform and linear look compared to the woven effect of Herringbone.
Why Choose Vinyl When Asking What is Parquet Flooring?
If you are researching “what is parquet flooring” for your own home, you might be weighing up the differences between traditional hardwood and modern vinyl. Here is why modern SPC and vinyl options are becoming the superior choice:
- Waterproof Durability: Traditional wood warps with moisture. Pro-Tek™ Herringbone planks are 100% waterproof, meaning you can finally install parquet in bathrooms and kitchens—areas where wood was previously forbidden.
- Cost-Effective Luxury: Real timber parquet remains an expensive option reserved for the elite few. Modern vinyl offers the same ultra-realistic grain and texture at a fraction of the cost.
- Pre-Finished Perfection: Traditional floors often required on-site sanding and oiling. Modern vinyl comes pre-finished from the factory. Pro-Tek™ offers a choice of 12 modern tones and classic oak hues, ready to walk on the moment they are laid.
- Built to Last: With robust construction layers, modern vinyl resists the scratches and dents that plague soft real wood. Pro-Tek™ even offers a lifetime residential warranty, ensuring your floor serves you for decades.
Installation and Maintenance
A major part of understanding “what is parquet flooring” involves knowing how to live with it.
Installation: In the past, installation was a labour-intensive affair requiring specialist glue and professional craftsmen. Modern click-vinyl systems have revolutionised this. The planks simply click into place, often with built-in underlay, making installation quick, clean, and accessible for competent DIYers.
Maintenance: The “high maintenance” reputation of parquet is a thing of the past. Modern vinyl requires only basic sweeping and mopping. There is no need for waxing, sanding, or varnishing. It is the perfect answer for busy households with pets and children who want the look of luxury without the chore list.
Elevate Your Home with Geometric Design
So, what is parquet flooring? It is a design choice that bridges the gap between historic grandeur and modern practicality. Whether you choose a classic oak Herringbone to warm up a living room or a cool grey geometric pattern for a bathroom, parquet flooring transforms a floor from a basic surface into a sweeping design statement.
If you are ready to bring this timeless trend into your home, browse our collection of durable, waterproof parquet flooring today.