The history of these beautiful and unique products has its origins back in time when earth floors were gradually replaced with wood. During the Renaissance, wood flooring was introduced as more than a simple utilitarian surface -- the floor's appearance became paramount. Parquet flooring made of inlays or veneers in small short planks were assembled in small squares (6 to 8 inches) to form a geometric design. Marquet flooring also was crafted the same way, although such floors are designed to create pictorial images.
All of this was the result of flooring craftsmen picking up on the techniques pioneered by French and Italian cabinet masters. Plank flooring (2 to 6 inches) also became popular in Europe and was used extensively.