Wood. Craftsmanship. And honest answers.
Find clear and honest answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
On this page, you'll discover straightforward information about our wooden solutions – from parquet flooring to wall and façade cladding.
Our commitment to quality goes beyond the product itself: expert advice on maintenance, installation, and use is essential to ensure the longevity and beauty of every project.
About parquet
Parquet has long been valued for its timeless beauty and natural charm. Whether in a classic herringbone pattern or modern wide planks, it brings warmth, character, and quality to any interior. In this FAQ, we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Although it is often suggested otherwise, parquet and underfloor heating are perfectly compatible, although this is determined by the type of parquet. While we advise against combining underfloor heating with solid parquet, the layered structure of veneer and multi-layer parquet provides excellent thermal conductivity, making them ideally suited for underfloor heating and cooling.
Woodstoxx has all the necessary certificates confirming the thermal conductivity required for underfloor heating.
The classification of parquet flooring depends on the wood used and its composition. At Woodstoxx, we distinguish between three different types. Each has a unique look and its own strengths.
Multilayer parquet
The name speaks for itself: multi-layer parquet consists of several layers of wood. There are several options for parquet construction, where the main distinction lies in the baseboard used. Typically, a cross-glued plywood board is used, providing extra stability and excellent thermal conductivity.
Block board is also common as a base, glued crosswise to the top layer and underlying backing. This transverse bonding maximises wood stability.
Veneer parquet
Veneer parquet consists of an underlay, an intermediate layer of HDF and a thin top layer of wood veneer. Our Parky veneer parquet is finished with a top layer pressed onto a high-density board. The wood is made hardwearing and scratch-resistant with a strong and invisible 8-layer varnish. Veneer parquet is similar in structure to laminate flooring, but with a top layer of real wood. This gives you the look and feel of a real parquet floor at a competitive price.
Solid parquet
Solid parquet is the best-known type of parquet. The boards are 100% solid wood. That means that there is no combination of different types of wood to form a single board, rather the board is worked as a single piece to form parquet flooring. For a hardwearing and stylish solid wood floor, choose a hardwood. The biggest advantage of solid parquet is that you can sand and rework it repeatedly for a new and fresh look. However it is not the most budget-friendly option and technically less suitable for underfloor heating.
Solid parquet consists entirely of one type of wood and can be sanded repeatedly. Multilayer (or composite) parquet has a top layer of real wood on a stable underlay, which makes it less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Multilayer parquet also lends itself perfectly to underfloor heating and cooling. This is in contrast to solid parquet, which is not compatible with underfloor heating.
A parquet floor radiates a unique charm and authenticity. As with all materials, a wood floor needs to be maintained properly on a regular basis to maintain this appearance. Depending on how dirty the floor gets, vacuuming or damp cleaning should suffice.
However, more thorough maintenance should be carried out periodically, preferably using specialised maintenance products. These products penetrate into the pores of the wood, nourishing the parquet and restoring its natural shine. It is very important to know how your floor has been finished (oil, UV oil or varnish) so that you can be sure to use the right product. Depending on footfall and soiling of the floor, it can be enough to mop using a few caps of specialised and nourishing soaps.
Popular laying patterns include herringbone, Hungarian point and straight boards. The choice of pattern affects the look of the room and can make it appear visually larger or smaller.
The lifespan of your parquet floor depends to a large extent on the type of parquet you choose, how it is walked on and how it is maintained. If properly maintained, some parquets can last a lifetime.
Yes, but it is important to choose hardwood timber and a durable finish. Regular maintenance and immediate cleaning of accidents help keep the floor in good condition.
Although most people opt for traditional board flooring, herringbone parquet and Hungarian point are gaining in popularity. The pointed patterns exude class and give your interior that extra touch of originality.
A herringbone floor consists of rectangular boards of equal length, placed at right angles of 90 degrees. This creates the characteristic stepped pattern. The herringbone pattern gives your space a timeless and attractive look.
For Hungarian point, the boards are in the shape of a parallelogram. They are laid at an angle of between 45 and 60 degrees, creating a single straight line where two boards meet. Hungarian point gives your interior a sleek and symmetrical look.
A real wood floor adds character to your interior. Each board is unique, with its own markings, structure and finish. An oil or UV oil finish ensures that – with proper maintenance – your parquet will remain beautiful for a lifetime.
Parquet can also be combined perfectly with existing or new underfloor heating systems. A wooden floor provides better insulation than tiles and feels warmer underfoot. Our timber species certified for sustainable forest management are an environmentally responsible choice, guaranteeing a double lifetime of enjoyment from your parquet floor.
Lastly, you can choose your parquet floor as a perfect match for your personal taste. An original herringbone floor or would you rather have the traditional laying method? The possibilities are endless, from laying pattern to wood type, in a range of colours and finishing options. You can make the choice to suit your interior. Properly fitted parquet flooring also increases the value of your home.
Choosing parquet means
- An authentic floor
- Ease of maintenance
- An environmental choice
- A long-lasting floor
- A floor to match your taste
Many types of wood can be used perfectly well as parquet flooring. We most commonly fit oak flooring, from European oak. Woodstoxx also works with some forgotten and exotic woods such as afrormosia, Douglas fir, ash, mahogany, walnut, elm and poplar. Each wood has its own characteristic look and feel.
What determines the choice? The right type of wood depends on your style, how the room is used, your budget and the durability you are seeking. Oak is the safe all-rounder, while tropical species or walnut are chosen for their unique colour or luxurious look.
Each wood floor is custom-made, so they are fully customisable: from the type of wood, the width of the boards, the colour and finish of your parquet, and all kinds of other options.
Would you like traditional boards, a herringbone parquet or a surprising colour? Woodstoxx will advise you when you choose parquet flooring for your interior.
As well as the colour and texture, the laying pattern of your parquet floor largely determines the look and feel of your interior. A wood floor can be laid many ways. A classic board pattern or else a herringbone or Hungarian point? At Woodstoxx, it's all possible.
The name gives it away: this pattern was designed for the Palace of Versailles when it was built. Today this unusual design is increasingly finding its way into contemporary homes. The pattern consists of diagonal weaves with a square border. A characteristic of Versailles parquet is that the square blocks are often placed at a 45-degree angle in the room. Solid European oak is used for Versailles.
Board floor
Classic board flooring remains the most common choice. This floor does not need to be sawn in a pattern, reducing cutting losses and making the best use of the wood. The wooden boards are placed side by side, in a recurring or random pattern. The width, length, colour and finish of the boards can be fully customised by Woodstoxx. We usually go for an oak floor. Oak is very suitable for a range of treatments, resulting in a beautiful parquet.
Varying widths
Looking for a board floor with a playful twist? Then a pattern with varying widths might be what you want. The different board widths give the room a more natural look. The alternating-width pattern can be fully customised to your needs, giving you an elegant custom-made parquet.
Herringbone
A herringbone floor consists of rectangular boards of equal length, placed at right angles of 90 degrees. This creates the characteristic stepped pattern. The herringbone pattern gives your space a timeless and attractive look.
Hungarian point
At first glance, Hungarian point may look like a herringbone pattern floor, yet this parquet has a very different look. The straight joint of Hungarian point gives your floor a clean symmetrical look.
Versailles
The name gives it away: this pattern was designed for the Palace of Versailles when it was built. Today this unusual design is increasingly finding its way into contemporary homes. The pattern consists of diagonal weaves with a square border. A characteristic of Versailles parquet is that the square blocks are often placed at a 45-degree angle in the room. Solid European oak is used for Versailles.
You can have a parquet floor installed on any even surface. Old tiles are a great substrate for parquet, but an old wooden floor can also serve perfectly as a base. However, existing tiles or old parquet may still need to be treated to obtain a completely flat surface. A concrete screed is guaranteed to be flat and solid, making fitting parquet particularly easy.
People who choose parquet are choosing a warm and authentic wooden floor which is sustainable but also durable. A sustainable wood floor starts with the right wood. Woodstoxx works with certified wood from environmentally friendly forest management, preferably with FSC® or PEFC labels.
That aside, wood is in itself a renewable resource with a long lifespan. In addition, the CO2 absorbed by the tree remains trapped in the wood, making it a highly suitable choice as a sustainable building material. Hard woods – such as European oak – are the strongest, but softer woods are also particularly durable after the right treatment. With professional installation, a good finish and regular maintenance, your parquet floor will last a lifetime.
The grading of a parquet floor determines its appearance. Parquet boards can differ from each other in to the number of knots and their size, but small cracks and the flames of the wood also have a major impact. Woodstoxx collections include the following grades:
LONDON COLLECTION
Select/Bis: Healthy closed knots up to 20mm in diameter are allowed to a limited extent. You will find no cracks (except hairline cracks) or sapwood, and these boards have a soft flame pattern.
Elegance: Healthy and filled knots may be up to 30mm in diameter. Small end cracks and limited sapwood are permitted.
Classic: Healthy and filled knots up to 50mm are permitted. Wood cracks and limited amounts of sapwood provide a pleasantly rustic appearance.
PROVENCE COLLECTION ABCD
The ABCD grading provides a mix of even boards and boards with more knots and flames. This will give your floor an attractive varied look.
BELGIQA COLLECTIONS
Prime: A small number of knots with a maximum diameter of 10mm are allowed. No cracks will be present.
Natural A: Knots up to 20mm in diameter are allowed in limited numbers. This grade has no cracks.
Natural AB: Unlimited knots up to 30mm are permitted, but always filled to create an even surface. Again, no cracks will be present.
Natural B: In this grade there are no limits on cracks and knots up to 50mm, although they are always filled to create an even surface.
Art: No limits on cracks and open knots up to 50mm diameter.
Art+: No limits on cracks and open knots up to 50mm diameter. This grade has a wavy relief and more open cracks than the regular
Stormwood: The open knots and dry cracking of the Stormwood grade create a weathered appearance, which is finished with a bandsawn effect. This gives you a very warm parquet with a pleasant relief.
About wooden cladding
Wooden façade cladding combines function with aesthetics. It protects against the elements while giving buildings a natural, authentic appearance. In this FAQ, we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Yes, all types of wood age under the effects of UV rays and rain. This natural process creates a silver-grey patina. However, it is possible to preserve the original wood colour for as long as possible with treatment. By treating the cladding with vapour-open transparent stain with UV inhibitors, you protect the wood from ageing. For our Fassade collection, however, you can choose to finish your facade with stains for colour retention. This way, as long as it receives the necessary 5-yearly maintenance, your wooden façade will always look new.
Exposure to sunlight causes any hardwood and thermally modified wood to age and turn grey over time. This natural process does not compromise the technical or structural qualities of the wood. There is no wood species that does not age.
You can choose to let your cladding age naturally for an authentic look, or speed up the process a little for even greying. When some areas of cladding are more shaded than others, such as an area under the eaves or under a canopy, uneven greying occurs. To compensate for that difference, you can choose pre-greyed wood or have the wooden cladding treated with a special stain. Woodstoxx tackles this issue with its Fassade collection which guarantees more even ageing.
Tropical hardwood includes natural wood species with a durability class I or II. The high durability class guarantees high dimensional stability, low expansion, and is suitable for more extreme conditions, such as outdoor use.
Hardwood can be installed untreated, unlike softer and less durable woods.
Thermally modified wood or thermowood is created by applying heat after a preservation treatment. It is not a specific type of wood. Thermal treatment is applied to various softwood species to give them a higher durability class, similar to hardwood.
When fire regulations are met, timber cladding is at least as fire-safe as any other cladding. Certain types of wood do not need fire-retardant treatment, making them perfectly suitable – provided they are constructed correctly – for buildings up to 10 metres tall.
Other timbers can be used for buildings up to 25 metres in height, thanks to the patented Duriflame treatment.
An annual check-up and regular maintenance will keep your cladding in good condition. Wooden cladding itself is relatively maintenance-free. Depending on the environment, green deposits may occur, which can be easily removed with water and a soft brush.
Finishes with good colour retention can be chosen from the Fassade collection. Depending on the orientation of the facade, retouching may be required after 4 to 6 years
For outdoor use, tropical hardwoods such as afrormosia, padauk or afzelia were most commonly chosen. For environmental and quality reasons, at Woodstoxx we mainly work with our own Fassade collection: three fast-growing softwoods, which are heat-treated and finished with Duricoat, giving the wood the same durability ratings as hardwood, but even more impact- and scratch-resistant, more adaptable to your needs, and longer lasting.
Burnt wood is also possible: using original Japanese burning techniques, the surface of the wood is burnt, creating a unique maintenance-free charcoal layer. A top product for a unique look.
For those looking to breathe new life into wooden products, the Old Wood collection is the answer. This reclaimed wood comes from old railway wagons and barns, and is given a new use as cladding.
Tropical hardwood was the standard for cladding for many years, thanks to its natural durability and weather resistance. Today, however, there is some opposition to that: many of these woods have become scarce and therefore a less responsible option.
For that reason Woodstoxx is offering a more sustainable alternative: thermally modified softwood. A special heat treatment process gives this fast-growing wood similar properties to tropical hardwood, such as high dimensional stability and weather resistance. For our Fassade collection, we work with selected fast-growing timbers, enhanced by the innovative Duricoat process. This treatment makes the wood extra-resistant to scratches and damage, and also ensures that it greys more evenly or retains its colour.
Yes, both are possible, with an impact on the look of the building. Vertical placement often looks sleeker and more modern, horizontal gives a more traditional appearance.
Like all types of cladding, wooden facades also need to be adequately ventilated to avoid mould growth and wood rot. That’s why at Woodstoxx we always work with a double slatted backing, always allowing free passage for fresh air.
Thermowood is een algemene term voor thermisch gemodificeerd hout, en staat los van de gebruikte houtsoort.Het biedt een goedkoper en ecologische alternatief voor het courante tropisch hardhout, en heeft een gelijkwaardige duurzaamheidsklasse.
Thermowood is thermally modified wood. It offers a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to the common tropical hardwoods, and has an equivalent durability class.
There are several techniques currently used for treating exterior wood with fire retardant. The best-known and most popular method is impregnation with a saline solution. After impregnation, the exterior wood is coated to preserve the fire-retardant properties inside the wood.
There is also polymer-based fire protection, which cannot be dissolved by water or degraded by UV light. The polymers bind irreversibly into the wood, making a coating finish unnecessary. This finishing technique is particularly durable and maintenance-free. For both the coating combined with saline and the polymer finish, you choose a specific colouring, which lets you get a fireproof wooden façade, completely in your style.
Window profiles and cladding are finished in wood as required so that they blend nicely with the wooden cladding. Alternatively, we will have the windows finished in full-core (Trespa) or aluminium.
About wooden decks
Een houten terras vormt een natuurlijke overgang tussen woning en tuin en zorgt voor een warme, uitnodigende buitenruimte. Met de juiste houtsoort en plaatsing biedt het comfort, duurzaamheid en een tijdloze uitstraling. In deze FAQ beantwoorden we de meest gestelde vragen.
Various tropical hardwoods such as afrormosia, cumaru, ipe, padauk, jatoba and jutai are ideally suited for your outdoor decking as they are naturally highly durable and resistant to rot, insects and weathering. Untreated tropical hardwoods require little maintenance so you can enjoy them for a lifetime. Ask about our FSC® or PEFC certified range, which varies according to availability and proves that your decking boards come from sustainable forest management.
A wooden deck is best maintained with specialised cleaning products – both in spring and summer.
Out Protector based on natural soaps offers a preventive treatment for your deck that will extend its life and slow down the appearance of green deposits.
Stubborn dirt is best removed with Deep Cleaner, which penetrates deep into the wood and pushes all dirt to the surface. Rinsing with clean water is very important, as the dirt will otherwise creep back into the wood.
All products are available in our Care Shop!
The lifespan of a wooden deck strongly depends on two things: firstly the type of wood, and secondly the quality of maintenance. But with proper care and quality cleaning products, a wooden deck can last for many years.
The right cleaning products can be found on our Care Shop!
This depends on your own preferences. Would you rather avoid greying? Then treat your decking annually with a UV-protective oil – this will protect the colour, but only to a limited extent. Unlike wooden facades, standing water often remains in specific areas after rain, causing some parts to suffer worse than others. As a result, letting decking turn grey always offers the most uniform solution.
For a wooden deck around a swimming pool, we use quarter-sawn timber. This is more stable and resistant to warping. The tree is cut into small pieces with the growth rings parallel. We also use stainless steel screws, which are more resistant to chlorine and salt (for coastal use).
Green deposits often occur in places which remain damp over a long period. This affects not just wood, but also concrete or tiles. Lichens and green deposits are easily removed with the Deep Cleaner.
All our products are available through the Care Shop!
A deck with wooden boards is always mounted on an underlying beam structure. For best results, lay the boards crosswise on the beams. The decking boards are then fixed to the substructure. The beams are mounted on PVC feet, so no timber ever remains in standing water for long periods of time.
For those who like a pared-down, clean look, Woodstoxx also offers sprung and tapped decks. In this process, the screw hole is filled with small wooden plugs, completely covering the screw. The result is an elegant, even look.
A wooden deck should stand on a solid, stable surface with good drainage. The decking boards are fixed to a wooden beam structure mounted on PVC supports. The feet can be adjusted so that the deck lies perfectly flat.
Ideally the substrate is stabilised, concrete, tiled floor or in the case of roof terraces, roofing
Widths of 145 or 190 mm are provided as standard. Other formats are always available to order.
In Flanders, building a wooden terrace usually requires an environmental permit, as it is considered a form of paving. However, there are exemptions from this requirement, provided certain conditions are met.
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Your wooden deck can be built permit-free if it meets the following criteria:
• Maximum area: The total area of all non-covered structures (such as terraces, garden paths, driveways, etc.) in the side and rear gardens together does not exceed 80 m²
• Distance to plot boundary: The terrace is at least 1 metre from the property boundary or adjacent to an existing dividing wall.
• Distance to property: The terrace is less than 30 metres from the house.
• Height: The terrace is no higher than 1.5 metres above ground level.
• Rainwater drainage: Rainwater falling on the terrace is not drained into the sewer system or public roads, but infiltrates on the private plot.
• Spatial planning: The project does not conflict with applicable spatial plans or regulations (such as a special construction plan or municipal spatial implementation plan).
• Municipal rules: The municipality has not imposed more stringent rules requiring a permit. If all these conditions are met, a permit is not required.
However, if the project does not meet these criteria, you must apply for an environmental permit.
Since local authorities may have additional rules, we recommend contacting your municipality for specific information about your situation.
(Source: Vlaanderen.be)
About wooden walls
Wooden walls are a popular choice for both interior and exterior applications, thanks to their natural look, warm feel, and versatility. In this FAQ, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about installation, maintenance, durability, insulation, and more.
Wood is naturally warm and can also take a room to the next level from an aesthetic point of view. It also provides good acoustics.
A wooden interior wall can be dusted easily. In the event of stains, a slightly damp cloth or a special cleaner for wood can help.
For the appropriate cleaning products, visit our webshop.
Yes, often a wood finish is mounted on battens with insulation (such as glass wool or wood fibre boards) behind it.
Yes, especially when exposed to a lot of sunlight, wood can discolour or develop a patina. UV resistant finishes help counteract this.
This depends on the colour you choose. Dark woods can make a room more intimate. Lighter varieties naturally keep a room fresher and more spacious.
About wooden ceilings
Wooden ceilings are gaining popularity in Flemish interiors – and for good reason. They add a warm, natural touch to any space and suit both modern and rustic styles. Whether you opt for solid wood, wooden panels, or veneer, a wooden ceiling adds character, softens sound, and creates a unique atmosphere.
A wooden ceiling has some undeniable advantages:
- It gives a natural and warm look to your interior
- It ensures an ideal indoor climate by providing good conductivity, allowing the room to heat up and cool down less quickly
- A wooden ceiling has a positive impact on room acoustics
Yes, that's perfectly fine. As with parquet in the bathroom, it remains important to aim for good relative humidity. So be sure to provide adequate ventilation, and preferably choose a more moisture-resistant type of wood.
A wooden ceiling can be painted if the wood is untreated or has been lightly sanded. This allows you to paint your ceiling completely to your own taste.
Almost all types of wood are perfectly suitable to clad a ceiling.
