Parquet flooring has a way of stopping people in their tracks. The patterns. The texture. The old-world charm paired with modern design. But when homeowners start researching it seriously, one question always comes up:
Is parquet flooring hardwood — or is it something else entirely?
The answer isn’t complicated, but it does come with some important distinctions that can affect durability, cost, installation, and long-term value. So let’s clear up the confusion once and for all with a clean, side-by-side comparison you can actually use.
First Things First: What Exactly Is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet flooring is defined less by what it’s made of and more by how it’s designed.
Parquet refers to wood flooring arranged in geometric patterns, such as:
Herringbone
Chevron
Basketweave
Versailles panels
Instead of long planks running wall to wall, parquet is made from small wood pieces assembled into repeating designs.
So the key takeaway is this:
Parquet describes the pattern — not the material.
That’s where the confusion usually starts.
So… Is Parquet Flooring Hardwood?
Short answer: Yes — parquet flooring can be hardwood.
But it’s not always solid hardwood.
There are two main types of parquet flooring, and this is where homeowners need to pay attention.
Parquet Flooring vs Solid Hardwood Flooring
Let’s compare them directly.
Solid Hardwood Parquet
This is traditional parquet flooring.
What it is:
Made from 100% solid hardwood
Each piece is real wood, typically oak, maple, walnut, or cherry
Installed in intricate patterns
Pros:
Authentic hardwood material
Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
Rich, natural look
Long lifespan
Cons:
More sensitive to moisture and temperature changes
Higher installation cost
More complex installation
Not ideal for basements or humid areas
Bottom line:
Yes — solid parquet flooring is hardwood, just arranged differently than plank floors. This type of craftsmanship is often highlighted in premium flooring remodel projects.
Engineered Wood Parquet
This is the more modern and common option today.
What it is:
A real hardwood veneer on top
Plywood or composite core underneath
Designed for better stability
Pros:
Still real wood on the surface
More resistant to expansion and contraction
Works better in varying climates
Often more affordable
Can be installed over concrete
Cons:
Limited refinishing (depends on veneer thickness)
Shorter lifespan than solid hardwood
Bottom line:
Engineered parquet is real wood flooring, but not solid hardwood all the way through — making it a practical choice for many modern flooring remodel applications.
Check Our Recent Projects
Parquet Flooring vs Traditional Hardwood Planks
Now let’s compare parquet to the hardwood flooring most homeowners are familiar with.
Design & Appearance
Parquet flooring:
Highly decorative
Pattern-driven
Makes a bold design statement
Adds architectural interest
Hardwood planks:
Clean, linear look
Timeless and versatile
Works in nearly any style home
👉 If you want your floor to be a focal point, parquet wins.
👉 If you want a neutral foundation, planks are easier — especially when paired with classic options like hardwood flooring.
Installation Complexity
Parquet:
Labor-intensive
Requires precision and experience
Patterns must align perfectly
Higher labor costs
Hardwood planks:
Faster installation
More forgiving
Easier repairs and replacements
👉 Parquet demands craftsmanship — this is not a beginner install. Many homeowners choose professional installation through experienced flooring installers or hardwood specialists.
Durability & Longevity
Solid hardwood parquet:
Extremely durable
Refinishable multiple times
Can last 50–100 years
Engineered parquet:
Very durable with proper care
Limited refinishing
Lifespan depends on veneer thickness
Hardwood planks:
Similar durability depending on solid vs engineered
👉 Material matters more than pattern when it comes to longevity — a key factor in long-term flooring remodel decisions.
Moisture Resistance
This is a big one.
Parquet (solid hardwood):
More sensitive to moisture
Can warp if exposed to humidity
Not ideal for basements or bathrooms
Engineered parquet:
Much more stable
Better choice for slab foundations
Handles humidity better
👉 Engineered parquet is often the safer option in modern homes, similar to alternatives like vinyl plank flooring in moisture-prone areas.
So Why Do People Question Whether Parquet Is Hardwood?
Because today’s parquet flooring comes in multiple constructions — not all of them solid hardwood.
Some homeowners encounter:
Engineered parquet
Laminate parquet-look flooring
Luxury vinyl tile designed to look like parquet
Those last two are not hardwood at all — just visual imitations, often compared to tile flooring or synthetic options.
That’s why it’s critical to check:
Core material
Wear layer thickness
Manufacturer specifications
Never assume parquet automatically means solid wood.
When Parquet Flooring Makes the Most Sense
Parquet is an excellent choice if:
You want a statement floor
Your home has traditional or European-inspired architecture
You value craftsmanship and detail
You’re working with a skilled installer
You want something more distinctive than plank flooring
It may not be ideal if:
You want the lowest-cost option
You’re installing in a high-moisture area
You prefer a minimalist look
You plan a quick DIY install
Final Verdict: Is Parquet Flooring Hardwood?
Here’s the clean answer homeowners need:
✔ Parquet flooring can be hardwood
✔ Solid parquet is 100% hardwood
✔ Engineered parquet uses real wood with added stability
✘ Not all parquet-look floors are hardwood
Parquet isn’t a different category of flooring — it’s a different expression of wood flooring. When chosen correctly and installed properly, it offers beauty, durability, and timeless appeal that few other floors can match.
At America’s Dream HomeWorks, we help homeowners evaluate parquet options honestly — solid vs engineered, pattern selection, installation requirements, and long-term performance — so there are no surprises after the floor goes in. Explore more real-world examples in our Inspiration Projects or speak with our flooring remodel team for expert guidance.
Because the best design choices aren’t just beautiful — they’re informed.
