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On the one hand, wooden parquet, which offers a timeless elegance and a natural sense of warmth. On the other hand, porcelain stoneware: a mixture of clay, sand and minerals with benefits linked above all to its versatility and strength, as well as its ability to add an extra touch of refinement to any location.
In this article we’ll be exploring the characteristics of both these materials, the pros and cons of every option and the differences between them. Choosing the floor and wall coverings for our spaces, whether residential or commercial, is exciting but crucial, and before proceeding we should make sure we’re fully informed!
Parquet: characteristics and benefits
When we think of parquet we immediately envisage its seamless, joint-free appearance, which makes spaces appear larger than they really are.
With its natural, warm look, the wood used for parquet is mainly oak (of various kinds), maple and walnut. These types of timber are preferred due to their hardness and the beauty of their grain.
However, when it comes to parquet one fundamental characteristic must be remembered: although parquet floors can enjoy a very long lifetime, they need regular care to conserve their beauty and protect them from damage. The wood should be treated with protective oils and varnishes, and care must be taken to avoid scratches and dents.
In residential contexts, parquet’s characteristics are fine for lounges or bedrooms, but it’s not really suitable for damp locations like bathrooms and kitchens.
Wood-effect porcelain stoneware: characteristics and benefits
To overcome all parquet’s limitations but still enjoy the elegance and warmth which this material can bestow on interiors, we can turn to wood-effect porcelain stoneware.
Thanks the latest technologies, porcelain stoneware is manufactured using a process with low environmental impact. The result is a tough, versatile material that accurately reproduces the look of natural wood, with all its veining, knots and variations in color.
Its characteristics make it a truly excellent choice when it comes to combining the appearance of wood with more convenient care. In fact, porcelain stoneware is highly resistant to scratches, stains and damp: this makes it suitable both for bedrooms and adjoining areas and for damp, heavily used places, where its toughness is a major benefit in terms of durability over time.
Main differences between parquet and wood-effect porcelain stoneware
As we’ve seen, each of these two materials has its own benefits and drawbacks. The choice will depend mainly on the intended use and on architectural priorities.
The main difference between the two relates to the materials used: parquet consists of natural wood, while porcelain stoneware is a ceramic product. Given this fact, it is easy to understand that the distinction will have repercussions for a variety of aspects, such as ‘feel’, appearance and care requirements.
So one of the most important points to be considered is that of the final appearance. Thanks to today’s most innovative technologies, wood-effect porcelain stoneware can be produced with an extremely realistic look, combined with a vast range of finishes and colors. An example? Check out our Ossimori collection, a delightful evocation of the parquet of bygone times.
Wood-effect porcelain stoneware is also a more environment-friendly choice than parquet, because its requirements in terms of replacements and maintenance over time are lower.
When should you choose parquet or wood-effect stoneware?
Now we’ve examined the characteristics of parquet and wood-effect stoneware and the differences between them, choosing the most suitable material for covering the walls and floors of a kitchen seems less complicated. Give careful thought to your requirements, your lifestyle and the aesthetic mood you want to create.
Parquet is fine for places where comfort and elegance are the top priorities, but it requires more complex routine care and can easily be vulnerable to the risk of damage.
If your aim is to create an attractive, elegant interior but with greater convenience, wood-effect porcelain stoneware is the ideal choice in every case. It fits perfectly into both residential and commercial, indoor and outdoor locations and will be immune to damage in every situation.
Visit the Ragno website to explore the timeless beauty of our specific collections: Boheme, available in 4 color shade, Inedito, which captures the natural hues of oak wood, or Woodsense, for a more rustic look.
To consult the full offering and complete your design schemes with a unique floor covering or paving, be inspired on the Ragno website!