
Summer houses are private retreats, chosen for relaxation, comfort, and enjoying the holiday spirit. To create a welcoming atmosphere, the right interior design materials are essential—and flooring is one of the most important elements. The right parquet choice in a summer home is not only about style but also durability against humidity, heat, and heavy seasonal use.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best parquet types for summer homes, trending colors, maintenance tips, and how Acarkon solutions help you design bright and long-lasting living spaces.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Parquet for Summer Homes
- Resistance to Humidity and Moisture: Coastal homes are often exposed to humidity, which may damage the parquet. Choose water-resistant flooring that won’t swell.
- Temperature Fluctuation Resistance: Hot summers can cause expansion and deformation. Engineered or vinyl parquet are excellent options.
- Sunlight Protection: UV-resistant coatings are important to avoid fading from direct sunlight.
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance: Scratch- and stain-resistant surfaces ensure longer life and effortless care.
Popular Parquet Colors for Summer Homes
Light Oak
Timeless and fresh. Matches perfectly with white and pastel furniture, enhancing the natural summer atmosphere.
White Pine
Ideal for minimalist and modern interiors. Makes rooms appear wider and brighter—perfect for smaller summer homes.
Light Grey Tones
A top trend in recent years, offering a sophisticated, modern look. Matches with metal details and reduces the visibility of dust and scratches.
Natural Wood Textures
Rustic and cozy. Works beautifully with rattan, bamboo, and linen furniture for a seaside or bohemian feel.
Best Parquet Types for Summer Homes
Laminate Parquet
Laminate parquet is one of the most affordable and versatile options on the market. It offers a wide variety of colors and designs, making it easy to match with different furniture styles. Its quick installation makes it ideal for seasonal homes where renovations need to be fast and practical.
- Advantages: Budget-friendly, easy to clean, scratch-resistant surface.
- Limitations: Sensitive to water and high humidity, which may cause swelling.
- Best Use in Summer Homes: Bedrooms and living rooms where humidity is low. Avoid using in kitchens, bathrooms, or coastal houses exposed to moisture.
Engineered Parquet
Engineered parquet combines the natural beauty of wood with improved structural stability. Thanks to its layered construction, it resists humidity and temperature fluctuations better than solid wood.
- Advantages: Stable, durable, and authentic wood look. Less prone to expansion and contraction compared to solid parquet.
- Limitations: Slightly more expensive than laminate and requires proper underlay for best results.
- Best Use in Summer Homes: Living rooms, dining areas, and seaside houses exposed to temperature swings. Ideal for homeowners who want real wood aesthetics with extra durability.
Vinyl Parquet (LVT)
Vinyl parquet, also known as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), is entirely water-resistant, making it the top choice for summer houses in coastal or humid regions. With advanced printing technology, vinyl can replicate natural wood or stone textures while being highly practical.
- Advantages: 100% water-resistant, extremely easy to maintain, durable against scratches and stains. Wide design options.
- Limitations: Less natural feel compared to real wood.
- Best Use in Summer Homes: Kitchens, hallways, balconies, or any space near the sea where high humidity is a problem.
Solid Wood Parquet
Solid wood parquet is made from natural timber, offering timeless elegance and a luxurious feel. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which extends its lifespan. However, it is more sensitive to environmental conditions.
- Advantages: Premium look, can be renewed through sanding, increases property value.
- Limitations: Expands and contracts with humidity; requires consistent care.
- Best Use in Summer Homes: Spacious living rooms and guest areas where aesthetics are prioritized, provided that regular maintenance is ensured.
Marquetry Parquet (Art Parquet)
Marquetry parquet is not just flooring but a piece of art, created by combining different wood types into geometric or artistic patterns. It adds a unique character and focal point to summer homes, especially in large interiors.
- Advantages: Customizable, artistic, and exclusive. Instantly elevates the design of any space.
- Limitations: Requires expert craftsmanship and higher maintenance. Not suitable for areas with high humidity without additional protective layers.
- Best Use in Summer Homes: Entrances, living rooms, or showpiece areas where design impact is essential.
Parquet + Interior Design Combinations
Minimalist Homes
Light-colored parquet such as white pine or light oak paired with white or pastel-toned furniture creates a bright, airy atmosphere. The clean lines and simplicity of minimalist decor are amplified by large glass windows and light curtains, making spaces feel open and relaxing. This combination is perfect for small summer houses where maximizing natural light is essential.
Rustic Homes
Rustic interiors shine when combined with natural wood parquet. Adding rattan, bamboo, or solid wood furniture enhances warmth and authenticity. Earth-toned textiles, wicker baskets, and stone wall details further complement the rustic charm. This style is ideal for summer homes that aim to recreate a countryside or cabin-like retreat by the sea.
Modern Homes
Grey or ash-toned parquets matched with metal accents and minimalist furniture bring a sophisticated, sleek look to summer houses. Adding glass coffee tables, black details, and LED lighting elevates the contemporary feel. This combination works best in seaside villas or apartments designed with a focus on elegance and modern living.
Coastal Homes
Light oak parquet combined with linen curtains and blue-toned accessories reflects the natural spirit of the sea. This style embraces a calm, breezy vibe, blending white furniture, seashell decorations, and natural fabrics like cotton and rattan. It’s the perfect combination for beach houses aiming to capture the essence of a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
Subfloor Materials for Summer Homes
Acoustic Felt
Acoustic felt is one of the most effective materials for reducing impact noise between floors. It improves sound insulation, making summer homes quieter and more comfortable—especially in apartments or houses with multiple levels. By minimizing the sound of footsteps and furniture movement, it enhances overall living comfort.
Foam Underlay
Foam underlay provides both thermal insulation and walking comfort. It creates a softer feeling underfoot, ideal for summer homes where people often walk barefoot. In addition, it helps retain warmth during cool summer nights while keeping interiors cozy and energy efficient.
Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
Polystyrene sheets are widely used to level uneven floors. They create a smooth, stable surface that extends parquet life and prevents gaps or squeaks. This is particularly useful in older summer houses where ground surfaces may not be perfectly flat.
Moisture Barrier
Moisture barriers (also called vapor barriers) protect parquet from rising humidity and dampness coming from the ground. In coastal homes or houses near the sea, where humidity levels are high, a moisture barrier is essential to prevent parquet swelling, warping, or mold formation.
Durability and Maintenance of Summer Home Parquet
Humidity Control
Humidity is one of the main challenges in summer homes, especially those located by the sea. Regular ventilation prevents parquet from swelling, warping, or developing mold. Using a moisture barrier underlay during installation adds extra protection against rising dampness from the ground.
UV Protection
Direct sunlight can cause parquet to fade or lose its natural shine over time. To avoid this, use UV-protected windows, curtains, or blinds in areas exposed to constant sunlight. This is particularly important for living rooms with large windows or terraces.
Cleaning Habits
Parquet should never be cleaned with excessive water, as moisture penetrates joints and causes damage. Instead, use a slightly damp mop with neutral pH cleaning products. For extra care, apply felt pads under heavy furniture to avoid scratches and dents—common in summer homes with frequent guest traffic.
Professional Maintenance
Even with proper daily care, parquet benefits from annual professional maintenance. Services such as polishing, surface sealing, or sanding restore its appearance and protect it from long-term wear. This is especially crucial for solid wood parquet, which can be refinished multiple times to extend its life.
Acarkon Solutions for Summer Homes
Acarkon offers specialized parquet and panel solutions tailored for summer homes:
- Water-resistant collections
- Bright and modern designs
- Acoustic parquet options
- Easy-to-install systems
- Long-lasting, aesthetic flooring
With Acarkon’s wide product range, you can find the most suitable parquet options and transform your summer home into a stylish, durable living space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best parquet for summer homes?
Engineered and vinyl parquet are the most suitable due to durability against heat and humidity.
Are light-colored parquets better for summer houses?
Yes, they make spaces appear larger and create a cooler atmosphere.
Which is better: parquet or ceramic?
Parquet offers comfort in living and bedrooms, while ceramic is ideal for kitchens and balconies.
Do parquets fade in the sun?
Direct UV exposure can cause fading. UV-protected parquets reduce this risk.
How should parquet be maintained in summer homes?
Control humidity, clean regularly, and schedule professional care once a year.
Is laminate parquet suitable for summer houses?
It’s affordable but less water-resistant. Better for dry rooms than humid coastal areas.
Which parquet lasts the longest?
Vinyl parquet is the most durable for coastal houses. Engineered parquet is also highly resistant with proper care.
Which rooms are best for parquet in summer homes?
Living rooms and bedrooms. Kitchens and balconies need water-resistant solutions like vinyl.
What parquet colors should I choose?
Light shades for brightness, grey for a modern look, and natural wood for a rustic vibe.
What parquet is best for coastal homes?
Vinyl or engineered parquet due to humidity resistance. Solid wood requires frequent care.
Do parquets get damaged in winter?
If the house remains closed for months, humidity and temperature changes can cause damage. Ventilation is essential.
Is subfloor material necessary for summer home parquet?
Yes. Acoustic felt, foam, or a moisture barrier improves insulation and extends durability.
Choosing the right parquet for summer homes is more than just a design decision—it directly impacts durability, comfort, and the overall living experience. By focusing on water resistance, heat tolerance, and easy maintenance, you can ensure that your summer home remains both stylish and functional for years.
Engineered and vinyl parquet stand out as the most practical solutions, while light tones and natural textures enhance the airy atmosphere of coastal living. With proper care and the right subfloor materials, parquets can withstand the challenges of humidity and sunlight, making them a long-term investment in comfort and aesthetics.
Acarkon’s wide range of parquet collections—designed for modern, rustic, and coastal styles—offers homeowners reliable options that combine elegance, durability, and easy installation. With Acarkon solutions, your summer home can become a bright, fresh, and long-lasting retreat where every step feels like a holiday.