Let's talk about parquet flooring

[soundsystem]

Lovely but SO expensive. Is it worth it? Is it a complete faff (finding the right stuff, getting it installed)?

We've just moved to a 1920s mid-terrace and are thinking this might be the way to go for the downstairs (living room/hall). There's currently laminate down and not sure what's underneath yet (need to get the boxes out of the way first before we can have a look!)

If the floorboards are in decent condition then it seems like just sanding/varnishing those would be cheaper and maybe a better option. But then we're planning to stay here for - hopefully - 25/30+ years, so maybe could justify the cost...

Would love to hear anyone's experience who has done it...

My parents have just revived their original parquet flooring in their 1960's property.

It looks beautiful, a truly gorgeous colour but that's the only positive (in my mind) about it.

My Dad has gone all precious about no footwear AT ALL on it, he practically lives with a towel hanging from him ready to catch any spills. despite not giving a shit about the rest of the house including the brown bathroom suite

To me it is extremely cold underfoot to the point that I actually shiver. The other downside is seeing my toddler slip, slide and fall over onto the rock solid, very cold, hard surface more than she ever did when their carpet was there. Theirs is incredibly slippery.

The room looks dark now as well because of the colour, emphasising how un-homely those rooms really are.

Sorry. Hoping my experience is a one-off for you.

We’re in a 20’s house and went with a wooden floor and tiles. Parquet flooring is crazy expensive and a lot of it would get covered with rugs and furniture anyway.

Parquet flooring is stunning and a real feature, but it is crazy expensive and it’s thr fitting that costs. However it shouldn’t be slippy or cold, but like any hard flooring will be colder than carpet.

We have original Edwardian parquet in our living room. It was hidden under a horrible carpet. We had it restored, stained and lacquered. It looks beautiful - we do have a large rug. Easy to look after - vac or brush and mop with wood cleaner occasionally. Just make sure all your furniture has felt pads on the feet.