A plank floor and a parquet floor both require maintenance, but the approach differs significantly. Planks are thicker, more robust, and can withstand more treatments over time. Parquet is finer in structure, more sensitive to environmental influences, and requires a more consistent maintenance routine. Which floor suits a project depends on the application, the desired character, and the willingness to maintain it. This article answers the most common questions about caring for both floor types.
What distinguishes the daily care of the two floor types?
The daily care of a plank floor and a parquet floor differs primarily in terms of sensitivity. A plank floor, especially one made from antique or solid wood, does not respond well to a wet mop, but is otherwise relatively undemanding. Parquet, with its narrower and thinner elements, reacts more quickly to moisture, dirt in the joints, and abrasive wear.
For both floor types, regular vacuuming or dry mopping is the foundation. When mopping, always use a well-wrung cloth — never standing water. A plank floor made from old planks has a coarser wood structure, meaning dirt penetrates the pores less quickly. Parquet has finer joints and a smoother surface, which makes cleaning easier but also leaves less room for error.
Daily care at a glance:
- Remove sand and coarse dirt as quickly as possible, as it acts like sandpaper
- Never use aggressive cleaning products or soap-based products on an oiled floor
- Dry mopping is preferable to damp mopping
- Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches
- Ventilate the room adequately to limit moisture build-up
How often does a plank floor need to be oiled or lacquered?
An oiled plank floor generally requires a maintenance treatment once a year, during which a thin layer of maintenance oil is applied. With intensive use — such as in a kitchen-living area or a heavily trafficked hallway — this may be necessary twice a year. A lacquered plank floor requires less frequent maintenance, but once the lacquer wears down, complete sanding and a new treatment become necessary.
Antique oak planks, such as the air-dried examples from our stock, have often already been exposed to varying conditions for decades. This makes them stable, but it also means that the treatment must be well matched to the wood structure. Oil penetrates deeper into an open grain and creates a lively surface that is easier to repair locally. Lacquer forms a closed layer that offers protection but also leaves less room for repairs.
A practical guide for an oiled plank floor:
- Clean the floor thoroughly before the maintenance treatment
- Apply a thin layer of maintenance oil with a cloth or mop
- Allow the oil to absorb and remove any excess
- Give the floor at least 24 hours of drying time before use
How often does a parquet floor need to be oiled or lacquered?
An oiled parquet floor requires maintenance an average of twice a year, depending on the level of use. Due to the smaller elements and finer grain, oil is absorbed more quickly, especially during dry periods. A lacquered parquet floor requires less day-to-day maintenance, but after several years of intensive use it will need professional refinishing.
Parquet is more responsive to room conditions than planks. In a heated living room with low humidity, the surface can dry out and become dull more quickly. Regularly applying a layer of maintenance oil keeps the floor supple and prevents small cracks from forming in the surface. With lacquered parquet, the signal is clearer: once the lacquer begins to wear or scratches become visible, intervention is required.
Which floor is more sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations?
Parquet is more sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations than a solid plank floor. The narrower elements and the way parquet is constructed make it more susceptible to shrinkage and expansion. A solid plank floor made from old wood has developed greater dimensional stability through years of drying.
Antique wood has an advantage that new wood does not: it has already withstood decades or even centuries of changing conditions. Oak that has been naturally dried for more than five years moves considerably less than freshly sawn wood. This makes it an obvious choice for projects where full climate control cannot be guaranteed — such as in listed buildings or country houses.
For both floor types: keep the indoor humidity between 45 and 65 percent. Avoid direct heat sources such as underfloor heating without a buffer layer, and always allow a new floor to acclimatize before installation.
What does professional maintenance cost depending on the floor type?
The cost of professional maintenance depends heavily on the surface area, the condition of the floor, and the treatment chosen. A professional maintenance treatment for an oiled plank floor is generally less expensive than a full renovation of a lacquered parquet floor, which involves sanding, leveling, and re-lacquering.
A rough guide for 2026:
- Professional oiling of a plank floor: approx. €8 to €15 per m²
- Sanding and re-lacquering a parquet floor: approx. €20 to €40 per m²
- Local damage repair: depends on the extent and wood species
- Full renovation of an antique wood floor: custom work, always based on an inspection
Antique wood floors sometimes require a specialized approach, particularly with rare wood species or floors of historical significance. This can increase costs, but it also prevents irreparable damage caused by incorrect treatment. For inspiration on applications and materials, visit our inspiration page.
Which floor requires less maintenance in the long run?
In the long run, a solid plank floor made from antique wood requires less intensive maintenance than parquet in most cases. The greater thickness allows for multiple renovations without the floor losing its structural integrity. Parquet has a lower material thickness and therefore offers less scope for repeated sanding and retreatment.
The best choice depends on several factors: the application, the use of the space, the desired aesthetic result, and the budget for long-term maintenance. A plank floor made from old oak is a natural choice for many projects where low maintenance requirements over time carry significant weight. Parquet is a frequently chosen option for spaces where a finer appearance is desired and use is less intensive.
An antique wood floor — whether planks or parquet — always has one advantage over new wood: the material has already proven what it can withstand. Browse our range of old wood floors to get an idea of what is available.
How Frank Pouwer helps you choose and maintain your wood floor
Frank Pouwer works with architects, contractors, and project developers who know what they are looking for and have no time for unclear stock or inconsistent quality. We advise on the choice between plank flooring and parquet, recommend suitable treatment and maintenance methods, and supply material that is appropriate for the project at hand.
- Stock of approximately 20,000 m² of antique wood, including solid oak plank floors
- Wood with a natural drying time of more than five years for maximum stability
- Custom work: sawing, brushing, sandblasting, or graying on request
- Advice on the right treatment depending on wood species and application
- Delivery throughout Europe, including for large-scale projects
Working on a project where the choice of flooring is still undecided? Request a quote and we will look together at what the material and the situation require.
