Choosing parquet is only half the decision. The other half, often underestimated, is how to install it. The installation pattern changes the perception of the space, guides the gaze, and elongates or pulls a room together. With the same wood species, finish, and format, the result can be completely different.
This is why we often say that with the same wood, you get a different room.
Before installation: the foundations of a good result
Every successful installation starts with a proper subfloor. The screed must be level, compact, and dry: residual moisture must be measured before starting, as it is the primary cause of defects over time. Furthermore, the parquet should be left to acclimatize in the destination rooms, so that the wood stabilizes to the temperature and humidity conditions in which it will live.
Finally, the choice of system: glued installation, which is more stable and quiet, or floating, which is faster and reversible. Both require leaving the necessary space along the perimeter for the natural movement of the wood, which is then hidden by the baseboard.
With these premises in place, we arrive at the most visible choice: the design.
1. Regular staggered
This is the most linear installation: parallel strips with staggered joints at a constant pace. Orderly and reassuring, it works in every context, from contemporary to classic. A tip: oriented in the direction of natural light, it visually lengthens the room and enhances the wood's grain.
2. Basket weave
Small squares made of strips, each rotated 90° from the previous one. This creates a geometric rhythm, almost textile-like, which feels right at home in period interiors. It is the ideal choice for those renovating a historic apartment who want to engage with its memory without imitating it.
3. French pattern
Mixed lengths and free joints, without a repetitive pattern. It is the most natural installation, reminiscent of antique floorboards and giving the floor a lived-in, authentic feel. Perfect with textured wood species and brushed or oiled finishes.
4. Herringbone
Strips with straight-cut ends, interlocked at 90°. The design creates movement and character, making the floor the center of attention. A classic that never goes out of style, capable of giving depth to both a contemporary living room and a formal entrance hall.
5. Chevron
Here, the ends of the strips are cut at an angle and form a continuous V, an arrow that crosses the space. It is the most spectacular of the five: it emphasizes the direction of a hallway, gives rhythm to a room, and brings an almost sartorial elegance. It requires precise craftsmanship, and the result shows it.
Same wood, another room
There is no single "right" installation, but rather an installation right for every project. The room's proportions, light, architectural style, and furnishings guide the choice just as much as personal taste.
Choose your installation and wood species with us
At the TaniniHome showroom in Florence, Via Maragliano 155, and online at taninihome.com, we will guide you in choosing the wood species, format, and installation pattern best suited to your space, from the sample to the finished project.
