When it comes to furnishing a new space or renovating an existing one, one of the big dilemmas is parquet or laminate flooring. Are these floorings suitable for underfloor heating? Both options have their pros and cons, and we’ll try to help you discover which is the better solution for your space.
The Parquet vs. Laminate Debate
The most common response you’ll receive when inquiring about these two flooring options is “parquet is better, but laminate is cheaper.” While this statement holds some truth, it’s not the ultimate truth as laminate can sometimes offer a better and more practical solution. One frequent question revolves around the suitability of parquet and laminate for underfloor heating.
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While ceramic tiles might be the optimal choice for underfloor heating, both parquet and laminate can be viable solutions. However, it’s essential to inquire with the retailer because not every laminate is suitable for underfloor heating. Due to the presence of various bonding agents and adhesives in the laminate structure, it’s crucial for laminate to be of high quality.
Additionally, its density should be higher to enhance heat conduction. Parquet for underfloor heating should be multi-layered, thinner for more efficient heating.
Understanding Parquet and Laminate
There are generally two types of parquet: solid wood, which is crafted from a single piece of wood, installed, sanded, and finally lacquered, and engineered wood, which comprises pre-finished and lacquered multi-layered wooden panels, simply laid on a prepared substrate.
On the other hand, laminate isn’t pure wood but rather a wood-based material. It’s created by compressing a mixture of wood and bonding agents under high pressure and temperature to form multi-layered panels. Each layer has its unique characteristics, with the top protective layer consisting of saturated melamine resin and cellulose.
The strength and resistance of melamine resin primarily determine the wear resistance classification of laminate. The second layer, the design layer, consists of cellulose paper printed with a decorative pattern protected by the top layer to prevent damage or fading. The third layer, the core of the laminate flooring, is made of some form of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), providing strength. The bottom layer, or the underside of the laminate panel, ensures stability.
Parquet vs. Laminate – Environmental Considerations
These differences between parquet and laminate are the main reason why parquet made of solid wood is considered a completely natural material, while laminate “contains who knows what.” However, the laminate production process has significantly advanced in recent years, both in terms of quality and environmental friendliness.
What’s crucial and often a significant deterrent for laminates is the use of toxic formaldehyde in the adhesives used during the high-pressure bonding process. However, the use of this substance is regulated by law, making it possible to protect oneself. Laminates are classified based on formaldehyde content into three classes – E1, E2, and E3. Among them, the E1 class is the best because it contains no formaldehyde at all.
This means that the theory that “parquet is healthier” isn’t entirely convincing, especially considering that adhesives are used for its installation, and its upper surface is coated with a layer of lacquer, raising questions about the actual benefits of “natural wood.”
Cost and Installation
The most apparent advantage of laminate is its lower cost, often a decisive factor. Additionally, installation is simpler and cheaper, feasible for DIY projects. Parquet, on the other hand, is initially more expensive, especially if opting for higher-quality products, and its installation is more demanding. Since it’s a high-quality foundation intended to last for decades, it’s best to entrust the task to an experienced professional, which comes at a cost.
Durability and Maintenance
When assessing durability and resilience, properly installed parquet emerges as a significantly higher-quality and more enduring surface. With a perfectly level substrate and high-quality adhesive, it’s not an exaggeration to say it can last a century. One generation can certainly enjoy worry-free flooring. When parquet wears out, it can be sanded and refinished, and various repairs are possible.
Conversely, laminate cannot be repaired if damaged. Its multi-layered structure means that sanding it would only cause damage. Fortunately, modern laminates are highly durable, making damages rare. Uneven substrates beneath laminate can cause problems over time, resulting in visible seams between the boards. While the surface of quality laminate is highly resistant to wear, scratches from sand underfoot are a common issue.
Conclusion
If you’re furnishing a space where you intend to stay for a long time, and budget isn’t a constraint, parquet is the superior choice. Conversely, laminate is a good solution for renovating spaces intended for renting out or for commercial premises. With laminate, you can refresh the space with minor investments in painting and flooring replacement after a decade.
Additionally, laminate may be a better option for installation over old and worn-out parquet that isn’t worth refurbishing. Laminate boards typically range from six to 12 millimeters in thickness, so they won’t take up much space. This is another way to quickly and effectively refresh a space to make it look brand new, with laminate offering a much wider selection of colors and patterns.
In conclusion, the decision between parquet and laminate depends on various factors, including budget, intended use, and long-term plans for the space. Both options offer their own set of advantages and considerations, making it essential to weigh them carefully before making a choice.
Foto: Freepik