Fishbone, Chevron, and everything In between: What you need to know before choosing parquet

In the world of interior design and construction, parquet has become a favored choice for homeowners, interior designers, and architects alike. It adds warmth and aesthetic appeal, coming in various designs, materials, and styles.

In this article, we’ll explore popular types of parquet, their advantages, and how they contribute to home and commercial space design.

Why Invest in Wood Parquet?

Wood parquet is a natural material that always looks better than synthetic alternatives. It’s a long-term investment because it can be refurbished at any time, allowing it to last for decades. Additionally, wood parquet exudes warmth and significantly enhances the look of any space.

Available Sizes of Wood Parquet

Wood parquet comes in four main forms: planks, fishbone, chevron, and tiles. Most products come in widths of about 9–24 cm and lengths ranging from 1.90 to 2.40 meters as standard. It’s important to note that custom sizes, patterns, and colors are available upon request.

What Makes Wood Parquet High-Quality?

Several factors contribute to the quality of wood parquet, with the most important being the thickness of the top wear layer, or "lamella" in technical terms. The thicker the lamella, the higher the quality of the parquet. A thicker lamella allows for more sanding, helping maintain the appearance of the parquet over the long term.

Common Types of Parquet and Their Differences

There are several types of parquet, with the most common being: natural wood parquet, laminate parquet, and polymeric parquet.

Wood Parquet: Available in two main formats: three-layer or multi-layer, it consists of a base layer, topped with a wear layer ("lamella") that is usually made of European oak.Laminate Parquet: Made of compressed wood chips (HDF), with a printed surface and a protective layer.Polymeric Parquet: A combination of plastic, stone chips, and polymer adhesives.

Now the Big Question: Fishbone or Chevron?

According to Amit Hollander, owner of Central Parquet, the main difference between these two parquet styles lies in the cutting technique. Chevron features a 45-degree cut, while fishbone uses a 90-degree cut. This affects the visual appearance of the parquet and the overall design style that is achieved. The design also depends on the specific parquet choice, such as its texture, wood tone, and grading (with or without eyes).

The parquet should serve as a base upon which furniture and cabinetry are added, creating a complementary design background. It expresses a design statement of quality, style, and aesthetics, adding depth, uniqueness, and beauty to any space.

Both fishbone and chevron parquet options exude luxury and high-quality materials, making them popular choices in various spaces, including private homes, apartments, hotels, shops, and offices.

The decision between fishbone and chevron comes down to personal style and the atmosphere you want to create in your home or business. Interior designer Tal Wolanski offers examples of stunning projects where she incorporated fishbone parquet.

In some of the images in this article, you can see an exceptional project by Rust Architects, which used light-colored fishbone parquet in an open space with minimalist design. The raw materials—metal, exposed concrete walls, wood, and meticulous woodworking—are beautifully complemented by the fishbone floor, enhancing the entire project and aligning with the design language. Together, these elements create a home with a unique and inspiring statement.

It’s important to note that installing parquet requires great skill, starting from preparing the surface to gluing and laying the planks so that they fit seamlessly and naturally. Professional installation with experience and knowledge in the field is essential for achieving the desired results.

Central Parquet has been specializing in parquet and glasswork for over 20 years. In their showroom in Petah Tikva, you can find a wide range of parquet types, including wood, laminate, and polymeric options from top-quality international brands, as well as glasswork, railings, mirrors, custom rooms (aquariums), shower enclosures, and bathrooms. All products are tailored to the client’s, designer’s, or architect’s specifications. “The idea is to develop the product according to the client’s design and functional requirements, ensuring the design leaves a lasting impression and becomes a significant element in the space.”