Choice of parquet or another type of flooring

Good evening everyone,

I am currently facing the decision of which flooring is better. From the developer's side, the planned option is [Landhausdielenparkett]. According to the specifications: oak, lacquered, wear layer 4mm. Alternatively, the same quality but beech (with an additional payment).

Requirements: small children, underfloor heating.

Does beech behave similarly to oak or does beech have significantly more leeway regarding climate changes (humidity)?

If small children accidentally wet the floor, how quickly must one act to avoid damage?

1. Beech is significantly softer than oak and therefore more sensitive (even though there is of course additional protection through the coating). 2. With properly glued parquet, the choice of wood actually doesn't matter. Here, taste and possibly the hardness of the wood are decisive. 3. From my own parquet experience, I can tell you that you have enough time to fix the mishap. Half an hour is quite relaxed; depending on the quality of the joints between the boards / parquet, it can also be wet for several hours before the moisture penetrates.

We were advised by several parties (floor installers, carpenters, construction contractors and co) against beech because it tends to shrink excessively on underfloor heating. Convinced of this, we visited a well-known person who laid beech as 3-strip (glued) flooring and where cracks or gaps between the individual strips were clearly visible (after only 2 years). Dirt collects in these, and it really doesn’t look very appealing.

Beech is significantly softer than oak and therefore more sensitive

No, beech is just as hard as oak.

Does beech behave similarly to oak or does beech have significantly more leeway regarding climate changes

Beech reacts much more sensitively to humidity than oak due to its shrinkage behavior and is therefore rather "unsuitable" for underfloor heating.

For the wear layer, I would rather go higher. The advantage is that the floor is more durable and can be sanded more often. Regarding the surface treatment (oiled or sealed), I would also consider what you prefer. In my opinion, you have to experience and feel it. Oiled surfaces feel warmer. Furthermore, an oiled floor has the advantage that it is much easier to renovate than a sealed floor; scratches and dents are easier to remove.

As far as maintenance is concerned, I consider an oiled floor not much more demanding than a sealed floor if you follow the manufacturers' instructions.

Especially with small children, an oiled floor forgives more than a lacquered floor.

My choice would therefore be multi-layer oak parquet, 5-6mm wear layer, glued and oiled.

we have bamboo... rock solid

Thank you very much for the numerous tips and experiences. Difficult choice, but one will have to bite the bullet...