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What are the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood parquet flooring, and how to clean it?

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Are you looking to add timeless appeal to your home, warmth, and a sense of refinement? 

It is a practical variant of natural hardwood, the main difference being that it is not completely solid. While this may sound negative, each board has a real wood top layer. In this way, you can enjoy the look and feel of natural hardwood with greater structural integrity and at a lower price. Also, its installation and maintenance are comparatively easier than natural wood flooring.

If you’re unsure if engineered wood flooring is right for your home, comparing its pros and cons can help you decide.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Engineered Hardwood Floors

Advantages

1. It is resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

This means you can install it in high-humidity areas regularly exposed to heat and steam (such as kitchens and bathrooms), as it will not shrink or expand.

2. It can be renewed several times.

Since the top layer of engineered wood is real hardwood, it can be sanded and refinished many times, greatly extending its lifespan. In addition, scratches and dents are not as visible as in other materials, so it is not necessary to change the floor often.

3. There are many installation options.

Engineered wood flooring is easier to install than laminate, carpet, or vinyl. It can be attached effortlessly by glueing, stapling, floating, or blocking, depending on the type you buy.

Of course, it’s best to install your flooring by an expert to ensure the job is done correctly. They will take accurate measurements and consider space limitations before installing the planks.

4. There are many styles to choose from

The wide range of options available regarding hardwood flooring means homeowners can find something suitable for any interior style, from traditional to modern. For example, you can buy 2 or 3 planks with a parquet look to create a truly rustic atmosphere. The planks are also priced differently to ensure there is something for every budget.

5. It is easy to maintain

A damp mop is enough to clean engineered wood floors. Alternatively, you can also use a vacuum cleaner.

Since engineered hardwoods do not have to be stained like traditional hardwoods, this reduces the need for chemical cleaners.

Disadvantages

1. May fade if exposed to direct sunlight.

Like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood flooring is susceptible to discolouration with daily exposure to direct sunlight. This cannot be easily fixed, especially if the exposure is long.

You can minimize the damage by installing proper curtains and closing them during the day. Alternatively, you can use area rugs to protect areas with more sunlight than others.

2. There are only basic wood grain and stain options.

Staining is not necessary as the planks come with a pre-existing wear layer. Therefore, the grain is noticeable but not as noticeable as in natural wood boards. But again, the differences aren’t that obvious unless you compare them side by side.

3. Some types are stronger than others

Although numerous varieties of engineered wood flooring exist, some manufacturers use inferior products to make their boards. They may look good, but they will be structurally weaker and more unstable, meaning you may need to replace your flooring sooner than if you had purchased a higher-quality alternative.

4. Walking on it can produce a hollow sound

Certain types of engineered wood flooring, which produce a hollow sound when walked on, require professional installation for a perfect fit.

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons regarding engineered wood flooring, making it a worthwhile investment. However, the choice of this material for your home will depend on your location, purpose, and budget. Consider these factors along with the pros and cons to ensure you make a smart purchase.

How to clean the parquet daily?

Parquet is still one of the most used floors, but in a way, it is also one of the most delicate. Much more resistant than solid or natural wood parquets, laminated flooring does not require such intensive care and cleaning. A eurosanex wood cleaner works very well for me. I think it’s called wood netting, and I highly recommend it. Remove the remains of dirt and dry the floor with another soft, clean and dry cloth so as not to leave any trace of moisture.

Once you have chosen the most suitable product to scrub your parquet, dissolve a small amount in a mop bucket with clean water. The result could be described as very good, and it indeed leaves a very pleasant little aroma, much better than normal floor cleaners. It is the most laborious part of the parquet scrubbing process since you will have to scrub the entire surface until it is shiny. First of all, you should know that if you intend to use a special cleaner for wooden floors, it is essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do a test in an inconspicuous area.

Parquet floors are great allies of decoration due to their elegance, design and warmth, but, at the same time, they require special care and treatment to maintain their initial appearance and shine. Therefore, to help you take care of wooden floors, today we will tell you how to clean the parquet with vinegar and some other tricks. If you are one of those who prefer not to use aggressive chemical products to scrub the parquet, try making your cleaner at home. Having a parquet at home ensures that the floor always looks much more careful and above all, we can walk barefoot without feeling too cold. Still, like any other floor, the parquet also stains daily, so we will explain below how to clean the parquet with a series of very simple steps.

The best way to disinfect and shine a natural wood floor is to wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and vinegar. Parquet floors, like laminate floors, help to create a very warm atmosphere in a house, but there is no doubt that their maintenance also requires more effort and care than any other type of floor. The first thing you need to know to properly care for your parquet floor is what type of parquet it is. Next, remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner and clean the parquet with vinegar or a special product to remove stains.

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