Have you heard of parquet and floating flooring but find it hard to tell them apart? Are you wondering which is the better option for your home based on installation, maintenance, or style? Understanding the difference between parquet and floating floors is essential when choosing wooden flooring that combines aesthetics with functionality.
At Yvyra, specialists in the manufacture and installation of wooden floors, we want to help you clearly understand these options—with real examples from our collections—so you can make an informed decision suited to your needs.
What Is a Floating Floor?
A floating floor is defined by its installation method, not the material itself. It refers to wooden flooring—usually engineered—that is not glued or nailed to the subfloor, but instead fitted together using click-lock systems. The top layer is real hardwood, and can be sanded and refinished if it’s 2.5 mm thick or more.
It’s more affordable, easy to install, and doesn’t require major construction. However, it may produce a hollow sound when walked on, and its durability depends on the quality of the top layer.
What Is Parquet?
The term parquet generally refers to natural wood flooring in plank or tile formats, installed either traditionally or as a floating system. There are two main types:
- Engineered parquet: Multiple layers of wood with a hardwood top layer—similar to engineered floating flooring.
- Solid wood parquet: Solid wood boards that are glued or nailed to the subfloor.
At Yvyra, floating parquet essentially refers to either solid or engineered wood flooring installed without adhesive—just like a floating floor.
Differences Between Parquet and Floating Floors
While both types may appear similar, there are key distinctions:
| Feature | Floating Floor | Parquet (Engineered or Solid) |
| Installation system | Floating, click-lock | Glued, nailed, or also floating |
| Material | Engineered (core + hardwood top layer) | Solid or engineered with thicker hardwood top |
| Top layer thickness | ≥ 2.5 mm (limited sanding) | ≥ 4 mm (can be sanded multiple times) |
| Finish & style | Wide variety, long formats | Classic designs like herringbone or wide planks |
| Sanding & refinishing | Limited (if top layer is thin) | Can be refinished multiple times |
| Cost & installation | Lower cost, quick installation | Higher investment, more involved work |
Yvyra Examples of Floating Floors and Parquet
Yvyra offers high-quality engineered floors that combine the best of parquet craftsmanship with the practicality of floating installation:
- 1OAK Unico Galerna (14/3 mm, brushed oak): Rustic design with invisible varnish, available for floating or glued installation
- 1OAK Unico Mistral (matte brushed varnish): Large format with a natural feel
- Auge: Engineered floating parquet in a classic herringbone pattern with invisible lacquer
- Margaux (Millésime): Engineered oak with inlays and oiled finish, suitable for floating installation
These collections show how Yvyra integrates premium, sustainable hardwood with easy-to-install flooring systems.
Advantages of Each Type of Flooring
Choosing the right option depends on how the space will be used and its specific characteristics:
- Floating floor: No major construction needed, wide variety of widths and lengths, cost-effective and ideal for quick renovations
- Engineered or solid parquet: Greater durability, can be sanded multiple times, more artisanal look (especially in unique formats), compatible with underfloor heating, and suited for long-term installations
The difference between parquet and floating flooring lies in the installation method, top-layer thickness, and refinishing potential. Floating flooring offers versatility and ease, while engineered or solid parquet provides greater durability, multiple sanding opportunities, and a premium style.
At Yvyra, we combine the best of both worlds with high-quality floating engineered wood floors like Galerna, Mistral, and Auge, available in exceptional formats and finishes. If you’d like more information or a quote for your project, visit Yvyra and discover how to achieve a floor that blends design, functionality, and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Parquet vs. Floating Floors
Can a floating floor be sanded?
Only if the top layer is ≥ 2.5 mm thick; typically, this limits you to one or two sanding sessions at most.
Where is engineered parquet best used?
It’s ideal for underfloor heating systems and high-traffic areas, offering stability and less expansion or contraction.
What maintenance does a floating floor require?
An acoustic underlay and expansion joints are recommended to prevent noise and allow for temperature-related movement.
Can engineered flooring mimic other wood types well?
Yes—with finishes like matte varnish or brushed textures, it achieves the warmth of natural hardwood even if it’s not solid wood.
