What is actually three-layer parquet?

The parquet flooring is one of the oldest and most beautiful types of flooring. While oak parquet is the classic choice, it's no longer the only option for installing a parquet floor today.

In online and offline shops, you can find parquet flooring made from numerous types of wood and with a wide range of designs. Plank-style parquet and herringbone parquet are just a few examples. Plus, there's the well-known durability and longevity of parquet floors. With the right care, not only can oak plank parquet last a lifetime.

Parquet comes in two varieties: solid wood parquet and engineered parquet. The term engineered parquet encompasses two-layer parquet and three-layer parquet. Engineered parquet is often referred to as pre-finished parquet. Unlike solid wood parquet, it usually doesn't require oiling or waxing after installation – it's already "finished" for use.

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The 2-Layer Parquet

The two-layer parquet consists of a support layer and a wear layer. The wear layer is the uppermost visible layer after installation. It typically consists of a 4mm to 6mm thick solid wood of a premium wood species that gives the parquet its name, such as oak for plank-style oak parquet. The underlying support layer is made of birch plywood or softwood. The thicker the wear layer, the more times the parquet floor can be sanded down when it shows signs of wear after years of use. The total thickness of this parquet is between 10mm and 12mm. The total thickness refers to the combined thickness of the wear and support layers. The 2-layer parquet is fully glued down.

How 3-Layer Parquet is Constructed

3-layer parquet also has a wear layer and a support layer, which is referred to as the middle layer here. In addition, it has a third layer, the counterbalance. The wear layer is at least 3.5mm thick. The middle layer, which is 2mm to 4mm thick, consists of pine or birch wood sticks or an HDF board (HDF = high-density fiberboard). These are glued at a 90° angle to the wear layer. Below is the counterbalance, which is usually made of spruce veneer. The multi-layer structure leads to greater dimensional stability and reduces gapping between individual elements of the parquet floor. 3-layer parquet is also offered as pre-finished parquet, which means it doesn't usually require oiling or waxing after installation. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, it can be sanded two or three times and recoated with a new surface finish. To avoid the labor-intensive sanding process, you can renew the oil or lacquer, especially for oiled floors like oak parquet, every two to three years. This is especially recommended for oiled floors, as sanding can damage their wood pattern.

One advantage of 3-layer parquet compared to 2-layer parquet is that this pre-finished parquet can be both fully glued down and floated. In floating installation – for example, with oak parquet – the individual planks of the parquet are connected to each other. This is achieved through a click-lock system consisting of tongue and groove. This connecting system may have slight variations from one manufacturer to another and may be named differently, but the principle is the same. The planks are connected to each other but not to the subfloor. They simply "float" on top of it.

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3-Layer Parquet - the Appearance

The surface of the parquet (wear layer) can consist of various premium woods. There is no visual difference between multi-layer and solid wood parquet. However, the surface of 3-layer parquet is already oiled or lacquered. The parquet can be walked on immediately after installation. Hence the name pre-finished parquet.

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3-Layer Parquet - the Price

Since 3-layer parquet consists of only the wear layer made of premium wood, with the other two layers made of softwood, it is more affordable than solid wood parquet. However, it is still more expensive than laminate or engineered flooring.

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3-Layer Parquet – Advantages at a Glance

• This parquet can be walked on immediately after installation.
• It is more affordable than solid wood parquet.
• It is more environmentally friendly than solid wood parquet because it uses less of the slower-growing precious wood.
• 3-layer parquet can be both fully glued down and floated during installation.
• Floating installation is easier to do and can also be performed by DIY enthusiasts.
• The staggered multi-layer construction reduces the occurrence of gaps. These gaps can develop when wood expands and contracts due to changes in humidity. Wood can absorb moisture from the air when the relative humidity is high and release moisture when the relative humidity is low, causing it to expand (moisture absorption) or contract (moisture release). The staggered layers counteract these movements.
• It's a robust, durable, and easy-to-maintain flooring option.

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3-Layer Parquet – Installation

When installing 3-layer parquet, it's important to install a parquet impact sound insulation beforehand. If the parquet is to be installed over a water-carrying underfloor heating system, full-surface adhesion is recommended. This ensures that the parquet is uniformly connected to the subfloor, preventing the formation of air pockets. As a result, the heat from the underfloor heating system is distributed evenly and rises unobstructed through the parquet into the room. In this case, you don't need parquet impact sound insulation, but you do need a moisture barrier. In all other cases, you have the choice of fully gluing down or floating installation for 3-layer parquet. Floating installation is particularly advantageous for renters as the parquet can be removed without residue.

What Are Parquet Impact Sound Insulation and Moisture Barrier?

When walking on a solid floor like Eiche Landhausdiele Parquet, you create footstep noises, known as impact sound. The portion of this sound that is transmitted through the floor to other rooms is called impact sound. In the case of floating parquet installation, this impact sound is amplified by the interaction between the parquet, the subfloor, and the air in between. Impact sound insulation reduces this impact sound and also the footstep noise to a comfortable level for all residents. The moisture barrier is a thin PE film that is installed beneath the parquet and prevents moisture from entering from below. You need this moisture barrier, also known as a vapor barrier, whenever you are installing parquet over underfloor heating or on a mineral subfloor.

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The Different Types of Parquet Impact Sound Insulation

Parquet impact sound insulation comes in three fundamentally different versions:

• Pure impact sound insulation as roll material with low thermal resistance, suitable for use over underfloor heating.
• Combined impact sound and thermal insulation with high thermal resistance, available as roll material or panels.
• Impact sound insulation combined with a moisture barrier as roll material.

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What Is the Difference Between Parquet Landhausdiele and Schiffsboden Parquet?

In Parquet Landhausdiele, the surface consists of a single plank that matches the length and width of the board. Each board is made from a single piece of wood.

During installation, it creates a pattern similar to old wooden floors found in country houses, where planks (dielen) were cut from the trunk of trees and laid down.

In Schiffsboden Parquet, the surface of this multi-layered parquet consists of two or three strips (pieces) that are arranged in an offset pattern and glued onto the middle layer.

This creates an image of staggered wooden strips, reminiscent of the flooring found on ships.

 

Conclusion:

Three-layer parquet is versatile, durable, and robust. However, it is not suitable for installation in wet areas such as bathrooms or saunas. Like any wooden floor, this parquet is a 100% natural product. Its ability to absorb or release moisture contributes to a pleasant indoor climate. To enhance the parquet, you can add sound insulation and possibly a vapor barrier. It is more affordable than solid wood parquet and easier to install.