Vinyl flooring or parquet: This is a question almost everyone faces when considering new flooring. What is truly the better choice, parquet or vinyl flooring? Both floorings have distinct strengths but differ significantly in terms of cost, maintenance, moisture resistance, and potential applications. In this guide, we will show you the most important differences so that you can make the right decision for your home.
Key takeaways at a glance
- Vinyl flooring is usually cheaper to purchase than real parquet, especially when compared to solid wood.
- Parquet can be sanded down and resealed multiple times, whereas vinyl flooring cannot.
- Vinyl flooring is significantly more resistant to moisture than most types of parquet.
- Vinyl flooring with a parquet look brings the wooden aesthetic into the room with less maintenance effort.
- For rental apartments, kitchens, and more humid rooms, vinyl flooring is often the more practical choice.
Table of contents
Vinyl flooring or parquet: The most important differences at a glance
The difference between vinyl flooring and parquet begins with the material itself. Parquet consists of real wood, either as solid parquet from a single piece of wood or as multi-layer parquet with a wear layer of real wood on a substrate material. It is a natural product that reacts slightly to the indoor climate and must be oiled or sealed regularly.
Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is a multi-layer synthetic floor based on PVC. It consists of a base layer, a decorative layer with the desired design, and a wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and wear. You can get it as click vinyl for floating installation or as glue-down vinyl, which is firmly bonded to the subfloor. Parquet often appears more elegant and can increase the value of a property, while vinyl flooring scores with its ease of maintenance and a lower price.
Cost comparison: What does vinyl flooring cost compared to parquet?
In terms of cost, vinyl flooring is generally the clear winner. Real wood parquet, especially solid parquet made of oak or walnut, is among the more expensive floor coverings. Multi-layer parquet is cheaper than solid parquet but usually still sits above the price of click or glue-down vinyl.
There are also differences in installation costs. Parquet is often installed, sanded, and sealed by a professional company, which incurs additional costs. Many vinyl floors with a click system, by contrast, can be easily installed yourself, saving time and money. If you are also considering laminate for your flooring, you can find a detailed comparison in our guide Vinyl flooring vs. laminate.
Care, cleaning, and durability in everyday life
Parquet requires more attention in everyday life. It should only be mopped with a damp cloth, cannot handle standing water, and must be regularly oiled or resealed depending on the surface finish. In return, it can be sanded down and refurbished in the event of heavy wear, meaning a good parquet floor lasts for a very long time.
Vinyl flooring is easier to care for by comparison. A damp mop with a mild cleaner is usually sufficient. How robust and durable your vinyl floor is in everyday life depends heavily on the wear layer and the usage class. You can read more about this in our article on usage class 33 for vinyl flooring. Unlike parquet, however, vinyl flooring cannot be sanded down when worn out.
Vinyl flooring or parquet: What fits in which room?
In the kitchen, vinyl flooring usually scores points because it is more resistant to splashes and grease stains. Parquet is possible in the kitchen, but requires particularly careful maintenance and protection from standing moisture directly at the sink or dishwasher.
In rental apartments, click vinyl is often the more practical solution because it can be installed without glue and removed without leaving residue when moving out. For a quieter living experience in multi-family homes, it is also worth taking a look at vinyl flooring with integrated impact sound insulation. Parquet, on the other hand, is usually the more lasting investment that is particularly well-suited for owned property and high-quality living spaces.
Look and design: Vinyl flooring in parquet optics as an alternative
Those who love the warm look of wood but want to avoid the sensitivity of real parquet will find a genuine alternative in modern vinyl flooring with parquet aesthetics. Brands like COREtec, Gerflor, Tarkett, Moduleo, and Liberty offer decors that deceptively recreate wood grain, herringbone patterns, and shades ranging from oak to walnut. You can find an overview of matching decors in our category Wood look vinyl flooring.
Vinyl flooring and parquet in direct comparison
| Criterion | Vinyl flooring | Parquet |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Multi-layer synthetic (PVC) | Real wood, solid or multi-layer |
| Moisture | Very resistant, many variants suitable for wet rooms | Sensitive to standing water |
| Maintenance effort | Low, can be mopped damp | Higher, regular oiling or sealing necessary |
| Refurbishment | Cannot be sanded | Can be sanded and resealed multiple times |
| Installation | Often possible as DIY (click or glue) | Professional installation usually recommended |
| Purchase costs | Usually cheaper per square meter | Usually higher, especially for solid wood |
Frequently asked questions about vinyl flooring or parquet
Is vinyl flooring cheaper than parquet?
Yes, in most cases, the purchase price of vinyl flooring is lower than that of real parquet, especially when compared to solid parquet. Installation costs for click vinyl are also often lower because you can easily install it yourself.
What lasts longer, parquet or vinyl flooring?
Parquet can last a very long time with proper care because it can be sanded and resealed multiple times. High-quality vinyl flooring with a robust wear layer is also durable but cannot be refreshed; it must be completely replaced in the event of heavy wear.
Can I lay vinyl flooring over parquet?
In principle, yes, provided the existing parquet floor is level, dry, and stable. Check beforehand whether the substrate is suitable for the chosen installation method and even out any major unevenness before laying click or glue-down vinyl.
Is vinyl flooring or parquet better suited for the kitchen?
In the kitchen, vinyl flooring is usually the more practical choice because it is more resistant to splashes and grease stains. You can also use parquet there, but you should take special care regarding moisture protection.
Is vinyl flooring or parquet better for a rental apartment?
For rental apartments, click vinyl is often more practical because it can be installed without glue and removed without residue upon moving out. Parquet is usually the more permanent investment and fits better with owned properties.
How do vinyl flooring and parquet differ in terms of maintenance?
You usually only clean vinyl flooring with a damp mop and a mild cleaner. Depending on the surface, parquet requires regular maintenance oils or sealants and should only be mopped with a slightly damp cloth, never soaking wet.
Conclusion
There is no general answer to the question of vinyl flooring versus parquet; it is about choosing the right option for your specific situation. Vinyl flooring impresses with lower costs, simple maintenance, and high moisture resistance, making it ideal for the kitchen, rental apartments, and daily life with family or pets. Parquet remains the natural, high-value option for anyone who wants to invest in a long-term solution featuring real wood and is not afraid of the maintenance involved. More information can also be found in the Wikipedia article on parquet.
Still undecided? Order samples and feel the difference right in your own home.