ART NOUVEAU PERIOD FIREPLACE
Au Réveil Du Temps — Saint-Nabord
8 900,00 €
Antique Parquet Flooring
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Antique parquet flooring ranks among the most sought-after elements in prestige renovation. Whether it is the iconic Versailles parquet with its framed square panels, the tight chevrons of a classic herringbone pattern, or the broad solid-oak boards of an 18th-century country house, each type embodies a craft tradition that modern production simply cannot replicate. Reclaimed solid oak floorboards carry a depth of patina and timber density that only centuries of use can produce.
Every lot listed here is selected by dealers specialising in architectural antiques, ensuring documented provenance and genuine period character.
Period parquet boards and panels offered by specialist antique dealers
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How to choose and authenticate quality antique parquet flooring
When buying antique parquet flooring, start by identifying the laying pattern. Herringbone (planks set at 45° in alternating directions) was ubiquitous from the 17th century onward in aristocratic and bourgeois interiors alike. The Versailles pattern — square panels of short bâtons rompus framed by a border — was popularised under Louis XIV and Louis XV and remains the benchmark of French palatial style. Straight-laid wide boards tend to pre-date the 19th century, while smaller engineered-style panels became common later.
Authenticity is written into the timber itself: genuine antique herringbone parquet in oak shows a warm golden patina on the face, natural wear at traffic zones, and hand-tool marks — adze strokes, hand-plane ridges — on the reverse that no machine-made board replicates. Be cautious of lots that look suspiciously uniform or freshly cleaned; legitimate reclaimed flooring always carries minor irregularities that confirm its age. Check thickness too: period boards frequently exceed 20 mm, leaving ample material for future sanding.
Budget expectations vary with pattern, species and available quantity. Standard reclaimed oak boards typically range from £70 to £180 per m², while complete Versailles parquet panels or lots with documented château provenance can reach £300–£500 per m² or more. A verifiable provenance — original photographs, a sale record from a historic property — adds both monetary value and peace of mind.
On Antiquités en France, every lot of period parquet flooring is offered by a verified professional dealer who can supply exact dimensions, timber species, condition notes and shipping or collection arrangements. Contact the seller directly for detailed photographs of the board reverses before committing — and explore our broader range of antique architectural elements to complete your restoration project.
Frequently asked questions about Antique Parquet Flooring
How can I tell genuine antique parquet from a modern reproduction?
Period boards show a natural surface patina, hand-tool marks on the reverse (adze and hand-plane traces) and thickness often above 20 mm. Modern reproductions have machine-smooth backs, perfectly uniform dimensions and an artificially aged surface that lacks the depth of genuine wear.
What is the difference between Versailles parquet and herringbone parquet?
Versailles parquet consists of square panels of short diagonal bâtons rompus framed by a border, popularised under Louis XIV. Herringbone is formed by planks laid at 45° in alternating directions, widely used from the 17th to the 19th century in both grand and bourgeois interiors across Europe.
What should I expect to pay for antique parquet flooring?
Standard reclaimed oak boards typically cost £70–£180 per m². Complete Versailles panels or lots from documented historic properties can exceed £300–£500 per m², depending on rarity, pattern complexity and provenance. Prices in euros are broadly comparable for continental buyers.
Can antique reclaimed parquet be sanded and refinished?
Yes, provided the boards are thick enough — ideally 18 mm or more. Solid period oak generally tolerates several sandings over its lifetime. Always engage a flooring specialist experienced with antique timber to preserve the patina and avoid removing too much material in a single pass.
How is antique parquet flooring typically shipped?
Boards are usually palletised, strapped and wrapped in bubble film with edge protectors. Always confirm the total weight and volume with the dealer before arranging transport. For large quantities, collection in person or a specialist art-and-antiques haulier is often the safest and most cost-effective option.