In recent years, we’ve become more aware of the impact that we have on the planet. Nowadays, we’re not just making ethical choices; they must be sustainable too in order to create a change for the better. When it comes to flooring, wood is often thought of as ‘green’, and the trend for parquet, in particular, is definitely on the rise. If you’re looking for a truly eco-friendly option, however, you need the cleaning products to match – read on for more about parquet flooring and the best hard floor cleaner to use.
What is parquet flooring?
Parquet flooring dates back to the late 1600s in Versailles, France, where it was handmade by cutting pieces of wood into small, geometric shapes. It emerged as an alternative to marble, with Louis XIV preferring parquet himself to adorn the Palace of Versailles. Parquet flooring went on to become popular in the 80s but earned a bad rep due to the poor use of the material. Fast forward to now, however, and it’s an incredibly versatile option that will create a warm, elegant home.
Where can it be used?
Parquet flooring can be laid anywhere in the home as a stunning treatment for floors but make sure to take extra care for thinner spaces like hallways. Both sides of the room must be equal and balanced to ensure complete symmetry once the flooring is laid.
A guide to parquet wood floor patterns
Herringbone
Oak Herringbone flooring is the most common of all and makes a considerable impact when laid. This type of parquet flooring is also the most cost-effective of any, as there’s minimal wastage and cuts – not a bad start when it comes to a sustainable choice.
Chevron
The chevron design works well in tight spaces and can make a small room appear larger. Chevron parquet also provides a more contemporary feel, but it costs slightly more simply due to the wastage.
Inlaid parquet
Inlaid parquet consists of more complex patterns created with multiple shapes, similar to a basket weave. The sizes of the individual pieces are important as they can change the look of the floor, but once they’re down, they really look the part.
Panel design
Lastly, panel parquet is simply flooring that has more complex patterns inside a panel shaped section. It’s also possible to mix different panels and alternate between two different designs, but obviously, this would come at a price.
Is parquet flooring a sustainable choice?
Yes, wood is definitely a sustainable choice as long as it’s gathered from a well-managed forest. Trees can be renewed on a continual basis which makes them a viable choice but be aware there is still a great deal of illegal logging taking place which is extremely damaging to the environment. The easiest way to tell if your parquet is from a responsible source is to look for the FSC certification. This stands for the Forest Stewardship Council, a global organisation that works independently to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.
When you also consider other flooring alternatives like carpet or vinyl, both are synthetic and would need replacing a lot quicker than hardwood. When properly cared for with a neutral cleaner, parquet flooring will last a lifetime which is a no brainer when it comes to the planet.
Will a neutral cleaner make wood flooring more eco-friendly?
Once your flooring is down, there are things you can do to support a more sustainable home. Some cleaning products can be environmentally harsh, so be sure to read up and make a good decision on these. Products that are safe for the environment contain gentle ingredients like our neutral cleaner CLEANER PRO. The best hard floor cleaner, it’ll keep parquet looking its best without compromising on your green promise.
In fact, at FILA, we have signed the Amazon Climate Pledge and are actively committed to reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Our packaging is also eco-friendly, with products concentrated for high coverage, and many of our FILA lines are VOC-FREE.
The best neutral cleaner for parquet and other wood floors
Although you wouldn’t think wood would be a material within our scope, FILA’s CLEANER PRO is so mild it can even be used for parquet. It’s also a versatile product that can be used for LVT floors, as well as concrete, ceramic tiles, polished stone and agglomerates. The best cleaner for natural surfaces such as wood, CLEANER PRO delicately cleanses but does not attack. For ordinary maintenance, simply dilute 25 ml in 5 litres of water (1:200), plus there’s no need to rinse.
In short, CLEANER PRO is so mild it can be used for just about any surface and is even ideal for laminates. We’ve also made the product concentrated and compact so as not to waste space – you can easily get 40 washes out of just one bottle. Pair CLEANER PRO with BRIO for a sparkling home; BRIO is also great for wooden window frames and furniture. You also don’t need a lot either, so both will last a long time – what more could the modern sustainable home ask for?
Thank you for reading our post on parquet flooring; it’s certainly one trend able to create a truly beautiful home. If you need further help and advice on wood surfaces, please get in touch with our FILA team for further assistance.
