When it comes to adding timeless elegance underfoot, then parquet flooring is the best choice because of their natural elegance and stylish look. Parquet floors consist of geometric patterns, rich textures, and warmth of hardwood. But for gaining a durable and stylish parquet flooring treatment, it is very essential to choose the right wood that can last for many years without compromising their styles.
Whether you are renovating your townhouse, penthouse, and modern villa, the right parquet floor can increase your space value or also make it more functional.
In this guide, we will explore the top wood species which you can use in parquet flooring. We also compare wood qualities, so that you can make the final decision confidently.
Let’s dive in,
Why Does Wood Species Matter In Parquet Flooring?
Before we get into the species of wood, let’s have a look at why luxury hardwood parquet flooring in Dubai is popular and why it’s so important to choose wood that is both durable and properly treated. After choosing the durable wood, you can increase the lifespan and functionality of parquet floors. The right wood parquet flooring has the ability to resist moisture, heat and harmful UV rays of the sun. That’s why Parquet floors is most popular choice of homeowners in villas, modern homes, and other high-traffic areas.
The wood species you choose affects:
- Hardness and scratch-resistance ability of parquet floors.
- The ability of parquet floors to bear moisture and temperature changes.
- Natural grain, color, and visual character of the parquet floor.
- Premium wood can increase the price of parquet flooring.
1. Oak – The Undisputed King Of Parquet Flooring
Why Oak tops the list
Oak parquet flooring is very trending in Dubai, because of their stylish look and affordability. Many options are available in oak like European oak, American white oak, and hard oak for parquet flooring. Because of their durability and style, they are considered as the king of parquet flooring.
According to our research, white oak has a strong hardness rating of 1,290 Ibf, this hardness makes them acceptable for households and other commercial spaces. Oak parquet flooring open grains structure hides stains or keeps your interior floor fresh and stylish.
Oak parquet flooring highlights:
- Janka hardness: approximately 1,290 Ibf ( for white oak )
- Color range: mostly oak parquet floors available in cream, warm, and light brown shades.
- Finish compatibility: oils, lacquers, and UV-resistant layer.
- Availability: they are affordable in price and available in a range of styles.
Herringbone oak flooring is especially designed for luxurious interiors to add warmth and texture on any floor. Oak parquet flooring also available in interlocking patterns that allow movement and ideal for gyms and high commercial areas.
If we compare oak with walnut parquet flooring, then oak is considered as the best because of their sustainability and easy to clean features.
2. Walnut – The Premium Choice For Dark, Luxurious Interiors
Rich color and stylish character
Walnut is a soft wood used for parquet flooring. The most widely used walnut wood is American Black Walnut. Walnut because of their softness adds a stylish look to your interior or also increases your property value. With grain skirting, walnut parquet floors can completely change the overall functional and look of your interior.
Walnut has a Janka hardness of around 1,010 Ibf ( softer than oak parquet floors ). Walnut parquet flooring is not ideal for high foot traffic areas because of their softness. They are mostly used in bedrooms and low-to-medium traffic areas.
Walnut parquet flooring highlights:
- Janka hardness: approximately 1,010 Ibf.
- Color Range: walnut parquet floors mostly used in pale grey-brown, dark chocolate, and light tones.
- Best patterns: in walnut wood, the most trending patterns include chevron walnut parquet, herringbone, brick-bond walnut parquet.
- Style: add a luxury and dramatic style to any interior.
- Price range: walnut parquet floors are very expensive than oak and premium wood types.
Among all the patterns of walnut parquet floors, chevron pattern is mostly liked because of their durability and high-end functionality. Their rich texture does not need any other additional decoration.
When we are comparing walnut flooring with oak, then it seems that walnuts win because of their soft feel and durability underfoot.
3. Teak – The Water-Resistant Powerhouse
Durability meets natural beauty
Teak parquet flooring is considered as the legend in the world of flooring. Because of their durability, teak wood is also used for outdoor furniture and flooring in Dubai. Teak has the ability to naturally resist water and insects. Among all the types of teak wood, homeowners always use Southeast Asia Teak.
The Janka hardness of the teak parquet floor is about 1,155 Ibf. Research shows that teak has hardness in between oak and walnut. Teak wood is not used for their durability, people love it because teal has the ability to naturally resist water without any specific layering. You can also customize the teak parquet flooring color according to your existing interior furniture.
Teak parquet flooring highlights:
- Janka hardness: approximately 1,155 Ibf.
- Color range: teak is available in golden yellow, brown and pastel color.
- Sustainability: teak wood is made from sustainable sources, or you should always choose FSC-certified teak wood.
- Best used in: you can use teak parquet flooring in your high-humidity areas and tropical climates.
Teak is considered as the best waterproof wood for parquet flooring. They are available in a wide range of options. You can also use teak parquet floors in your kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Maple – The Hard-Wearing Choice For Active Spaces
Exceptional hardness for high-traffic areas
Maple parquet flooring is the most demanding in Dubai, maple has the ability to resist heat and moisture. Maple floors can last for more than 15 years without compromising their shine. Maple is a fine, unique and even wood type used for a luxurious flooring treatment. In modern interiors, you should use maple wood for parquet flooring.
Maple parquet highlights:
- Hardness: 1,450 Ibf.
- Color range: maple is available in off-white and reddish-brown color.
- You can use maple parquet flooring in high-traffic areas and playrooms.
- Maple is very smooth wood and has the ability to resist stains.
- Maple parquet floors are a very affordable wood species for parquet flooring.
5. Ash Wood – The Flexible And Elegant Alternative
High-quality & strong strength
Ask wood is considered as the most affordable and strong wood used for parquet floors. The straight grains of ash can give you a luxury parquet flooring treatment. Hardness is about 1,320 Ibf. Ash wood is harder than oak and maple or also supports a green environment. You can also color the ash wood according to your interior furniture and decor.
Ash parquet flooring highlights:
- Hardness: 1,320 Ibf.
- Design: grey-washed and smoked ash flooring is trending in Dubai.
- Wide-plank, herringbone, and chevron is the trendy style.
- Highly durable and can be used in commercial and residential interiors.
6. Mahogany – The Classic Exotic Wood For Parquet Floors
Timeless elegance and rich color
Mahogany parquet flooring is used in reddish-brown and deep colors. Mahogany can enhance the look of any interior or also enhance your property value. Exoctic Mahogany parquet wood floors are very expensive in price. If you want long-term investment, then a mahogany wood parquet floor is the best choice for your home, villa, office and apartment.
Mahogany parquet highlights:
- Hardness: 900-1,100 Ibf.
- Color ranges: Mahogany parquet floors are used in light salmon and deep reddish-brown color.
- Always choose FSC-certified Mahogany parquet floor.
- Mahogany wood flooring is high in price but can last for many decades.
Solid Wood vs Engineered Parquet: Which Is Right For Your Species?
Always consider the wood species for parquet flooring. Whether you are choosing solid wood and engineered wood, always make the decision according to your interior needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Solid wood parquet is made from a single wood species. Solid wood is not best for moisture areas because they may swallow over time and lose its functionality.
- Engineered wood parquet floors are mostly used in high-traffic areas. They reduce the underfloor heating system or increase thermal insulation.
For humid climates or underfloor heating, engineered wood parquet flooring is considered as the best choice because of their durability.
Sustainable Wood Species For Parquet Flooring: Making An Ethical Choice
For Dubai’s residential and commercial interiors, many wood sustainable options are also available for parquet floors. Here’s how you can make the right decision,
- Always choose FSC-certified parquet wood flooring. This guarantees that the wood is obtained from responsibly managed forests.
- Oak and ash are considered as the best wood option in Europe and North America. That’s why Dubai people are also using ash wood for sustainable parquet flooring solutions.
Choosing sustainable parquet wood species is not only good for the environment but also enhances the overall decor.
Quick Comparison: Top Wood Species For Parquet Flooring At A Glance
Here is a summary of top wood species used for parquet flooring in Dubai.
Oak
Oak wood has a hardness of 1,290 Ibf. Light medium color is mostly used for oak wood parquet flooring. Oak wood parquet floors can be used in every type of area.
Walnut
Hardness 1,010 Ibf. Walnut parquet wood flooring is mostly used in dark chocolate color. You can use walnut flooring in your luxury interiors.
Teak
Hardness 1,155 Ibf. Teak is used in high-moisture areas like bathrooms because they have the ability to naturally resist water.
Maple
Hardness 1,450 Ibf. Maple wood is used in pale cream color, best for high foot traffic areas like outdoors.
Ash
Hardness 1,320 Ibf. Ash wood is also very durable and can be used in luxury interiors.
Mahogany
Hardness 900-1,100 Ibf. mahogany is used in red-brown color. Mahogany wood is best for traditional interiors.
Cherry
Hardness 950 Ibf. Cherry wood flooring is used in pinkish-tan or red color. It is suitable for low-traffic areas.
Beech
Hardness 1,300 Ibf. Beech wood is available in pale cream-pink color. You can use beech wood parquet floors in your modern villas.
Light Vs Dark Wood Parquet Flooring: Which Should You Choose?
Parquet flooring is available in both light and dark colors. The final decision is always in accordance with your interior decor and furniture.
Choose Light Wood ( Oak, Maple, Ash, Beech ) If:
- You have a small space and want enough natural light.
- You prefer minimalist interior decor.
- You have young children, pets or want to hide dust easily.
- You prefer a timeless and natural elegance in multiple color palettes.
Choose Dark Wood ( Walnut, Mahogany, Cherry ) If:
- You have a large space and enough amount of light.
- You want to create a luxurious interior decor.
- You are designing a traditional interior.
- You want to create a focal point in your room.
Final Thoughts: Choosing The Best Wood Species For Your Parquet Floor
The selection of the top wood species for parquet flooring is essential for enjoying its functionality for a long time. The best option for parquet flooring is oak wood. Oak is highly durable, hard and easy to clean. You can use oak wood parquet flooring in your high foot traffic areas and even in luxurious interiors. To resist water, mostly teak wood flooring is used. Teak has a natural ability to resist water and remains shiny even after a long-term use. You can use teak wood parquet flooring in your bathrooms and kitchens.
