Parquet in new constructions and more and more questions

and already wanted to switch to laminate

Although this is my first post and I don't want to rush in, I would advise you to abandon the idea of laminate. You are really well served with oak parquet, as oak has low shrinkage and swelling behavior. However, there are of course some things to consider before gluing, such as a heating protocol. Your screed installer will advise you here.
It is recommended—if you want to lay the parquet yourself—to inform yourself very thoroughly beforehand. I would also point out that neither the screed installer nor the parquet manufacturer may provide a warranty if the instructions are not followed meticulously.
And regarding concerns about children and pets, you can look at that calmly. Of course, the parquet, like any other covering, can be damaged, but these can be repaired much more easily than with other coverings.

Hello everyone,

thank you very much for the many responses, that reassures us and we will reflect on it once again. One consideration was also to have parquet downstairs and possibly laminate upstairs but also in oak plank look. The background, besides the budget, is the consideration that a floor in the children's room that can be wiped damp might be better? Especially when drawing with pens and such. What are your experiences here?

What we would also be interested in are the experiences regarding the installation direction as well as the discolorations/darkening caused by a lot of sunlight. Our living room faces the south/west side and there are three double terrace doors there, and we hope for lots of sun and light in the living area. Is it true that the spots where objects like flower pots, carpets, etc. stand for a longer time are paler than the spots that the sun "tans"?

Regarding the installation direction, I would intuitively follow the length of the L-room. The outer dimensions of the L are 10m x 8.25m and thus the planks would lie parallel to the wall with the terrace doors. The light would therefore fall on the joints of the long sides. What do you think about that?

Thanks and best regards
Sunny

We had cork in the children's rooms when they were little. Later, at 12, our daughter switched to carpet. She found that cozier. We had [HK] in the old house, there cork was almost ideal.
Today, with underfloor heating, carpet is in all the bedrooms. However, our kids are 17 and 20. Cork fades in the sun.
I can't say anything about parquet.
I haven't seen laminate fade yet.

For children's rooms, one could consider vinyl flooring as an alternative; it is very durable and easy to maintain.
Regarding discoloration/darkening:
Parquet is a natural product and will certainly darken over time. Areas exposed to sunlight naturally darken more quickly.

Direction of installation:
With parquet, you can design it however you want. The direction of light does not matter here. Depending on how it is laid (regular pattern, irregular pattern, single English pattern, etc.), it does have an influence on the room's effect. It also depends on whether the parquet has V-grooves all around or only on the long sides.

With laminate, it can look different. The quality is especially decisive here. High-quality laminate can actually be laid however you want. Cheap laminates, however, in my experience, do have a "wave effect" when laid perpendicular to the direction of the light.

1. Fading: Light parquet darkens (e.g. maple) and dark parquet becomes lighter (e.g. wenge) 2. Damp mopping: You can do this on any parquet and you should do it. 3. Colored pencils: Can be removed as on other floors, but you have to be more careful (cleaning gasoline is not good on oiled floors). Otherwise, buy water-soluble pencils for the children; we have not had any permanent color stains on the floors for almost eight years. 4. Installation direction: Normally parallel to the windows. For L-shaped rooms, try it out and install accordingly.

Starting from the initial post, it should be oak as I have now read and yes, it bleaches out. The mentioned maple, like ash, does not darken, they tend to yellow rather. One should not wipe damp, I assume you certainly mean more like slightly damp. I can only support the suggestion from to simply try it out.

Regards Sigi