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The warmth and atmosphere emanating from wood are, without a doubt, feelings that immediately give a sense of home. This is why people who want to create a cosy ambience choose parquet throughout their home or in a room. Parquet has unique characteristics, but it is also very delicate and, above all, requires a higher budget than tiles. For those who do not want to renounce the warm and cosy atmosphere of wood, there are now cheaper materials available with equally good aesthetics. Wood-effect porcelain stoneware flooring is the ideal alternative to parquet, especially in damp rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. Let's find out what the differences are between wood-effect porcelain stoneware and parquet.
Wood-effect porcelain stoneware flooring is a compound of clays, sands and feldspars whose main characteristic is that it faithfully reproduces the appearance of wood. The visual impact is absolutely the same as that of a parquet floor, although the sensation is distinctly different to the touch. One of the main characteristics of wood-effect stoneware is its impact resistance and durability, making it very suitable for outdoor use. It is also resistant to temperature changes, scratches, abrasions, stains, weathering and chemicals.
Also not to be overlooked is the great level of technological innovation achieved by the ceramic industry in this sector. Continuous research has made it possible to create tiles that faithfully reproduce any type of wood and also to create colours that do not exist in nature.
In addition, wood-effect porcelain stoneware offers a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. And it can be laid in different ways, with joints ranging from a minimum of 1 mm to 4 mm, depending on the final effect desired.
After having listed the main characteristics of wood-effect flooring, let's see what the differences and advantages of stoneware and parquet are.
The first advantage of a porcelain stoneware floor compared to parquet is resistance. While parquet deteriorates easily under certain conditions (intense foot traffic, humidity, etc.), wood-effect porcelain stoneware remains unaltered over time. As noted above, the durability of porcelain stoneware makes it possible to use it as an outdoor flooring, which is more difficult for parquet unless particular types of wood are chosen.
It is also worth noting the difference in maintenance of a porcelain stoneware floor compared to parquet. While parquet requires oils and waxes and periodic sanding, stoneware floors can be easily washed with normal detergents without losing their initial shine and gloss. Moreover, it does not need any further maintenance.
A substantial difference between wood-effect porcelain stoneware flooring and parquet is the price. In addition to the higher cost of the raw material, parquet also requires higher costs for installation and, subsequently, for periodic maintenance. Stoneware flooring, on the other hand, in addition to having lower costs, has a variety of proposals that make it possible to recreate the effect of fine woods such as wenge or iroko, without this choice affecting the price. This is a major advantage, especially if you consider the laying times, which are much faster than with parquet.
In conclusion, the differences between wood-effect porcelain stoneware and parquet flooring can be summed up in a few concepts.
Stoneware flooring:
Parquet:
Choosing a wood-effect porcelain stoneware floor over classic parquet therefore depends on a number of aspects, including your budget, taste and personal needs. Changing the floor of a room or an entire flat is not an easy task, as the work must last over time, sometimes for decades. By turning to professionals in the sector, you can decide which solution is best suited to your needs and you will not risk making the wrong choices.
All prices displayed in EUR
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Crossed-out prices indicate the Manufacturer's suggested retail price.
