Are you considering between parquet and vinyl floorings and having a hard time choosing? Parquet and vinyl may look and feel alike, but each has different features. Both parquet and vinyl floorings have a glossy finish that gives a classy sheen. Although vinyl is slightly colder than parquet, both materials have good thermal insulation. Consequently, the insulation is conducive to our foot soles against changing climates. A closer study reveals each strength comes with a flaw and vice versa. We put together this short guide to understand parquet and vinyl characteristics and make informed comparisons.

Parquet

Parquet dates back to the 16th century in France and derived from the French term “parquetry,” which means “small compartment.”[1] Parquet flooring comprises softwoods made from coniferous trees such as pines and spruces and hardwood from deciduous trees such as maple and oak. Traditional craftsmen made these woods into lumbers and formed varied geometric shapes to lay parquet flooring. In modern days, engineered wood evolves in commercial and residential settings. Engineered wood involves installing different softwood and hardwood materials, with a hardwood material forming the top layer. Wood materials provide the cosy allure of nature at home and geometrical patterns facilitate a sense of symmetry and balance. Unlike vinyl, it is possible to sand down parquet flooring to the desired state during new installation or renovation. With proper caring, parquet flooring should last for decades[2]. However, its original sheen fades away over time. Engineered wood has natural cosiness and long service life. On the other hand, the environment affects wood materials, and thus they are relatively porous. Wood is vulnerable to water, humidity and wood-decaying pests, and thus it is expensive to install and maintain. For durable and stylish derivatives to outdoor wood decking, you may learn about Timber Composite Decking by NBL Express.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is newer and made its first appearance to the general public in the 1930s in the United States.[3] Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic thermoplastic or plastic polymer, is the main component. PVC has high malleability in moulding into diverse shapes and shades and thus is versatile in replicating softwood and hardwood materials. Due to its cost efficiency and wear-and-tear and flame resistance, vinyl became common in commercial and industrial settings in the 1950s. With its success on commercial and industrial fronts, residential premises gradually introduced vinyl flooring in the 1960s.[3] With its reinforced coatings, vinyl is typically less susceptible to scratches or dents as compared to parquet. Because it is generally less porous than parquet, vinyl is easier to clean stains or fix minor damages. Vinyl is ideal for floorage with low foot traffic and minimum furniture moving, and thus highly suitable for bedrooms. The major downside is its shorter service life. With careful cleaning and caring, vinyl can last 10 to 20 years.[4] Moderate damages require plank replacements, and significant cracks may need entire floor replacement. For resilient and sustainable solutions to replace or install new floorings, you can consider NBL’s Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) 5mm and Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) 7.5mm