Which option is preferable: laminate or parquet board?

Understanding the materials

What is the difference between laminate and parquet board, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each multilayer covering and which one to choose? To answer all these questions, you should first understand what parquet and laminate are.

What is parquet board?

Surely, having heard the phrase “parquet board”, you imagined a set of piece parquet – small boards laid in a herringbone pattern. However, the difference between these floor coverings is colossal:

• natural parquet flooring (parquet) is a solid-cut plank of valuable wood;
• parquet board is a layered cake, which includes not only high-quality wood species, but also fiberboard, as well as a varnish protective layer.

The difference from expensive parquet is also in the size: parquet board has a maximum length and width of 20 * 250 cm (instead of 9 * 50 cm). The thickness of the board is 14 mm (instead of 18-22). And the last difference is the locking connection. In fact, parquet board is more like a laminate – it is multi-layered, it is also easy to lay.

The appearance, service life and other characteristics of the board depend on the composition. In the classic version, it consists of three components: the bottom layer of coniferous wood ensures long service life, the middle layer is laid perpendicularly, serves as a connector (made of solid pine or birch), the upper protective layer is responsible for wear resistance (oak, teak, wenge, ash, beech).

To create a board with increased durability, the transverse planks are replaced with a more stable modern material – HDF. It contributes to noise insulation and better tolerates a humid environment, temperature changes.

The final factory coating gives an advantage over parquet planks: unlike its natural brother, the parquet board is covered with varnish, oil, impregnation or other protective compound at the factory. This stage ensures resistance to abrasion, mechanical impact, moisture, ease of use and cleaning.

What is laminate?

Laminated flooring is also multilayered, but it is based not on wood veneer, but on fiberboard/chipboard. Layers of a standard lamella:

1. Lower. The task is to protect against water, impart rigidity. The underlay is made of melamine.
2. Main. The task is to act as a connecting link. Made of fiberboard or chipboard.
3. Decorative. The task is to imitate wood, stone or any other texture, pattern, color. Consists of printed paper.
4. Top layer. The task is to protect against moisture, mechanical damage, fading. Achieved by acrylic or melamine resin.

The quality of each layer and its exact composition affect the class of the resulting laminated coating. After a series of tests for strength, sound insulation, water resistance and abrasion, the laminate is classified as household (starts with the number 2) or commercial (starts with the number 3). The second one is certainly of higher quality, but the price of such flooring is higher.

Pros and cons

We figured out what a parquet board or laminate flooring is, it’s time to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Let’s start with the parquet board:

• Readiness. We have already mentioned that the top layer is protective and you do not have to process the parquet planks.
• Ease of installation. Thanks to the locks, it is easy to lay. It is even suitable for underfloor heating.
• Reusability. If necessary, the floor can be dismantled and re-laid.
• Environmentally friendly. If the lamella is made only of natural wood.
• Stability. Temperature changes, humidity changes do not threaten changes in the floor.

• Relatively short service life. Up to 12-20 years, compared to 60-70 years of parquet.
• Reduced wear resistance. The top layer is responsible for it, and its thickness does not exceed 4 mm.
• Complexity of restoration. A sagging or damaged floor will withstand a maximum of 1-2 sandings, after which it will need to be replaced.
• Demanding. Despite protection with special impregnations, parquet boards are made of natural wood and have all its disadvantages, including swelling from water.

Let’s move on to laminated flooring:

• Wear resistance. Laminate has a hard top coating that does not sag under the weight of furniture and does not scratch when moving heavy objects.
• Easy to maintain. No sanding, just regular floor washing.
• Safe. Despite its unnaturalness, the composition of the laminate is absolutely harmless and is suitable even for use in children’s rooms.
• Easy to install. Laminate can be laid on any surface – from warm or wooden to MDF and concrete floors.
• Wide range. Among the models presented, you can easily find one that suits you in terms of characteristics, cost, and pattern.

• Surface requirements. Before laying, the floor will have to be carefully prepared; differences of more than 3 mm, small debris left behind, and other defects will shorten the service life of the laminate.
• Bulging. Laid boards may bubble due to high humidity, water ingress, poor installation.
• Squeakiness. The slightest errors during installation will quickly lead to the appearance of unpleasant sounds.
• Loudness. People’s footsteps, falling objects and other sounds will be louder than on any other floor.
• Quickly gets dirty. Many buyers complain that laminate seems to attract dust. This is especially noticeable on a dark floor. The probable cause is the wear of the protective layer.

Differences between laminate and parquet board

To make the right choice, it is not enough to consider the coatings separately from each other. They need to be compared on each point.

Comparison of sound insulation

Natural wood is a sound-absorbing material, so when choosing a parquet board, you will not have to additionally lay sound insulation in the room. Laminate, on the contrary, increases the volume of sounds produced and requires a special foam or cork backing.

Important! When choosing based on sound absorption properties, give preference to parquet boards.

We evaluate impact resistance

Soft wood, even covered with a protective varnish, does not withstand the fall of heavy objects. It is also easily pressed under heels and furniture legs. The top of the laminate is hardened resin, due to which this material is more durable. It does not press under loads and is practically not afraid of falls and impacts.

Important! In comparison of durability, laminate wins – its surface is harder.

Which coating is better for temperature changes?

Laminate and parquet floors differ in manufacturing technology and materials, so they tolerate temperature changes differently. Laminated lamellas can delaminate, swell, crack due to sudden changes or severe frosts. Parquet planks are more stable – thanks to the technology of transverse laying of layers, they practically do not change when moving from a cold state to a warm one and vice versa.

Important! In an unheated room, it is better to lay parquet boards.

Comparison of moisture resistance

Laminate and parquet boards should not be laid in excessively damp rooms (bathrooms, saunas), they tolerate water equally poorly. As for moisture, there is no big difference: high-quality coatings cope with it equally well.

Important! When choosing parquet and laminate flooring based on this characteristic, pay attention to the quality of the boards.

What is more harmful, laminate or parquet board?

Parquet lamellas are certainly more environmentally friendly, especially if we are talking about prefabricated planks made of pure wood, without the use of HDF. Laminate flooring contains controversial substances such as melamine. However, studies have proven that it is harmless to humans, so its use in apartments or public places is absolutely safe.

Important! The most harmless option is a parquet board made of wood.

Appearance

In this matter, everyone decides for themselves: a floor made of noble wood looks more expensive, but laminated flooring has a larger choice of colors.

Important! Decide what is more important: high cost or a wide range of prints.

Which has a longer service life?

The maximum lifespan of parquet flooring is 12-20 years, laminated flooring with proper care – 10 years.

Important! Parquet boards will last 1.5-2 times longer.

Difference in installation

There are practically no special differences in installation – the planks are attached to each other using locking joints. To prevent the floor from starting to play, it is better to lay both types of flooring on a substrate.

Important! The main difference is not in the type of flooring, but in the quality of the locks.

Is there a difference in the care and repair of the flooring?

Frequent wet cleaning, the use of abrasive and aggressive agents are contraindicated for parquet floors. After long-term use, sanding may be required. Laminate can be wiped with a damp cloth at least every day, but also without abrasives and chemicals – they corrode the protective film.

Repairing a damaged part in any case is almost impossible (grinding can rarely help parquet) – only replacing the board.

Important! Laminate is less demanding in maintenance.

What is more expensive?

Of course, natural wood of valuable species costs more. At the same time, the most expensive is a single-strip board made of solid wood. The price of laminate varies depending on the class, you can find an option for every taste and budget.

Important! The most inexpensive option is household laminate.

Comparative table of characteristics

Let’s summarize:

1. Absorbs noise
2. Minimal impact resistance, can be pressed under furniture
3. Stable at temperature changes, low temperatures
4. Moisture resistance depends on the top layer
5. Natural eco-friendly material
6. The surface made of valuable wood looks advantageous
7. Maximum service life ~12-20 years
8. Requires special care, does not like wet cleaning
9. Cost depends on composition, expensive coating

1. Increases sound volume
2. High impact resistance
3. Can swell with changes in heating
4. Virtually not afraid of moisture
5. Unnatural, but safe
6. Large selection of textures and colors
7. Maximum service life of ~10 years
8. Easily tolerates frequent cleaning
9. Large range of prices, depends on the class

What to choose in the end?

We told you everything about laminate and parquet board, what is the difference between these coatings. It remains to decide on the choice.

• Both options are suitable for the bedroom and children’s room.
• Parquet board will look more advantageous in the living room – it will emphasize the high cost of repairs.
• For the kitchen, a better choice would be high-quality commercial laminate – it is more resistant to abrasion, and is not afraid of wet cleaning.
• In the bathroom, it is better to refuse both options in favor of something more moisture-resistant.
• At the dacha, especially an unheated one, parquet is also better – it is superior in stability to changes in humidity and temperature.

Parquet and laminate have a lot in common, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Approach the choice consciously and your floor will serve you for a long time!