Parquet is comfortable, warm and homely. With a new parquet floor you change any room. For example, your living room, bedroom or children's rooms. We have compiled the most popular types of parquet and woods, the advantages and disadvantages of parquet, the most important cost factors, as well as the material and labor costs. All costs in this article are only indicative for a rough estimate.
The most popular types of parquet
The right choice depends on the room and your personal taste. Not every parquet fits into every room. Let us show you the different types of parquet, preferably at home. These are the five most popular parquets and their main characteristics:
Ready-made parquet or multilayer parquet consists of several layers of wood. The top layer is made of high quality hardwood, the lower layers are made of cheaper wood or wood-based materials. Prefinished parquet is stable, durable and can be laid on various substrates. It is also less susceptible to moisture than solid parquet.
Wide planks are wide and long planks. They are usually made of solid wood and are available in different types of wood. Country house floorboards are well suited for rural, natural or rustic interior styles.
Massive parquet is made of real wood and is manufactured from a single piece of hardwood. It is particularly durable and can be sanded and resealed as needed. However, solid parquet is susceptible to moisture fluctuations and should therefore be installed in rooms with stable climatic conditions.
Parquet made of exotic wood such as mahogany, teak or cherry wood is known for its unique appearance and grain. These woods are often harder and more durable than domestic woods and offer high durability.
Shipboard parquet consists of short, wide planks laid in parallel. It is reminiscent of the floors of old ships and gives rooms a classic and timeless look. Shipboard parquet can be made of solid wood or finished parquet.
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The most popular woods
With the choice of wood, you can change the mood of rooms. The color spectrum ranges from light (maple) to dark (walnut). The choice of wood has the greatest impact on the cost. These are the five most popular woods for parquet in residential properties:
Maple is bright and has a smooth, uniform texture. It is hard, durable and resistant to wear. Maple parquet gives rooms a bright and modern look.
Beech is medium hard, sturdy and durable. It has a lively grain and is available in various shades from light yellow to reddish brown.
Oak is sturdy, hard-wearing and has a beautiful grain. Oak flooring is available in a variety of shades, from light to dark.
Cherry has a warm, reddish color and a natural beauty. It is medium hard and is well suited for living rooms. Cherry parquet gives rooms an elegant and classic atmosphere.
Walnut has a dark, often chocolate brown color and rich grain. It is hard and durable. Walnut parquet creates a luxurious and noble ambience.
The advantages of parquet
Parquet has many advantages. In residential properties, it is mainly laid in living rooms, that is, especially in the living room, bedroom and, if it is particularly resistant, in the children's room. These are the five main reasons that speak in favor of parquet flooring:
Durability: Parquet is durable and long-lasting. High-quality parquet can last for decades if it is well cared for. When needed, it can be sanded and resealed to restore its original beauty.
Natural beauty: The warm and inviting look of engineered wood flooring adds a pleasant atmosphere to any room. The natural grain and varying hues of the wood give the floor a unique aesthetic.
Easy to maintain: parquet floors are hygienic and easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming and mopping are usually enough to keep the floor clean. Regular surface treatment keeps the floor protected and easy to clean.
Versatility: hardwood flooring is available in many styles, patterns and woods. This allows you to match the floor to your style. Whether you prefer a classic, modern or rustic feel, there is a parquet floor to suit every interior style.
Value appreciation: The timeless beauty and durability of parquet make it a desirable option for potential buyers. An investment in high-quality parquet can pay off in the long run because it increases the value of the house.
Wood has a warm effect, which is why parquet floors are particularly suitable for living areas.
The disadvantages of parquet
Parquet has some disadvantages. Most of them you can avoid with the choice of the right parquet and wood, a little care and regular maintenance.
Humidity: Parquet is sensitive to humidity. Therefore, it should only be installed in rooms with a stable indoor climate and adequate humidity control.
Cost: Parquet flooring can cost more than other floor coverings such as laminate, carpet or vinyl. Special requests such as high-end engineered wood or special wood species cost extra.
Scratches: Sharp objects, heavy furniture and pointed heels can damage the wood. Protective measures such as felt glides or rugs under furniture reduce the risk.
Sunlight: UV rays can discolor wood over the years. Window coverings or curtains protect the parquet from excessive sunlight.
Maintenance: Parquet needs to be wiped and vacuumed regularly and occasionally refinished. With a little care, parquet will look like new even after decades.
Laying parquet: Cost factors
Some factors affect the cost of a new parquet floor. They affect either the cost of materials or labor.
Parquet: You have the choice between prefabricated parquet, planks, solid parquet, exotic wood parquet, ship bottom parquet or other types of parquet. The most favorable is prefabricated parquet or multilayer parquet.
Wood quality: you can choose from maple, beech, oak, cherry, walnut or other woods. Beech costs the least, cherry the most. High quality parquet costs more, but lasts longer.
Parquet installation: A floating installation usually costs less than a full-surface glue-down.
Room size: the area has a direct impact on the cost of the parquet material.
Preparation: If the floor needs to be prepared prior to parquet installation, additional costs will be incurred. For example, if old coverings need to be removed or the subfloor needs to be leveled.
Extras: Extra requests such as impact sound insulation or a special surface treatment cost extra.
Laying parquet: Material costs
Wood is a natural product, parquet is produced elaborately. That is why parquet flooring costs more than other floor coverings that look similar but do not exude the warmth or comfort of wood. Maple (60 to 180 Swiss francs per square meter), beech (60 to 150 Swiss francs per square meter) and oak (80 to 200 Swiss francs per square meter) are comparatively inexpensive, cherry (150 to 250 Swiss francs per square meter) and walnut (150 to 300 Swiss francs per square meter) cost more, but are particularly popular in the living room.
Laying parquet: Labor costs
A professional floorer or parquet layer charges 80 to 120 Swiss francs an hour in Switzerland, depending on the region, training and experience. In exchange, he will perform these tasks:
Prepare the subfloor: First, the old flooring is removed, then the floor is checked for unevenness that needs to be leveled or repaired. If necessary, a vapor or moisture barrier is installed to prevent moisture from entering, or impact sound insulation to reduce noise.
Install, cut and match parquet: There are different installation methods, such as floating installation or full-area gluing. The parquet is carefully fitted into the room and connected to the subfloor. For a perfect fit installation, the parquet must be cut and adjusted to the walls and other obstacles.
Surface treatment: after installation, a surface treatment may be required to protect the parquet and give it an aesthetic finish. For example, with varnish, oil or sealers that protect the parquet from wear, moisture and dirt.
Finishing work: After installation and surface treatment, some finishing works are still required. For example, install skirting boards, seal joints and clean the room.
Laying parquet: Cost examples
Materials costs
from
to
Maple parquet per m2
60 CHF
180 CHF
Beech parquet per m2
60 CHF
150 CHF
Oak parquet per m2
80 CHF
200 CHF
Cherry parquet per m2
150 CHF
250 CHF
Walnut parquet per m2
150 CHF
300 CHF
Skirting boards per linear meter
10 CHF
20 CHF
Labor costs
from
to
Hourly rate floorer
80 CHF
120 CHF
Preparing per m2
25 CHF
35 CHF
Laying per m2
25 CHF
35 CHF
* All prices are indicative only (as of 2023) so you can estimate the cost. If you want an exact offer, ask our certified floorers from your region.
Would you like to change your living room, your bedroom or a child's room with a new parquet floor? In our partner network you will find certified floorers or parquet layers from your region, whom we recommend to you with a clear conscience. They will advise you competently, show you parquet or wood samples and install your parquet professionally.
