Parquet Floor Fitting Guide

Parquet flooring is a timeless choice that adds both style and luxury to any interior space. Renowned for its intricate patterns and diverse fitting designs, parquet allows for creativity and customisation, enabling the incorporation of unique elements such as geometric figures, borders, and contrasting edges made from different types of wood. This versatility transforms any room into an elegant showcase of craftsmanship.

However, laying parquet flooring is more complex compared to installing other types of wood floors. This article aims to provide valuable tips and advice for those looking to install parquetry, but it’s essential to emphasize that this task is best left to seasoned professionals who can ensure a flawless finish.

Before embarking on the installation of wooden floors, ensure that all "wet" work is completed, and surfaces such as concrete, drywall, masonry, and painting are dry and fully finished. Addressing potential moisture issues beforehand is important - any leaks or plumbing concerns must be resolved before installation, as excess moisture can significantly compromise the integrity and longevity of parquet flooring. By taking these essential precautions, you can prepare your space for a successful parquet floor installation that enhances both its beauty and durability.

Parquet Acclimatisation

One very important factor that determines the suitability of a parquet floor for a specific room is the moisture level present at the installation site. Achieving the right humidity is essential - ideally, it should be maintained between 40-60% for at least two weeks leading up to the installation. Additionally, the temperature should be kept between 65-75°F. This environment helps the wood acclimatise, as wood is a hygroscopic material that reacts to changes in its surroundings—expanding in humid conditions and shrinking in drier environments.

Seasonal floor movement is a natural phenomenon that cannot be entirely prevented. The concept of “wood tolerance” refers to the variations in the size and thickness of wood that can result from these changes in temperature and humidity. Typically, the normal tolerance is a maximum of 3mm across a meter, which must be taken into account during installation.

To minimise the likelihood of movement and warping, proper acclimatisation of the parquet blocks is essential. This process should begin two weeks before installation when the parquet blocks are positioned in the same room where they are to be laid. It is advisable to stack them in small piles, allowing ample exposure to the air within the room. This method enables the wood to absorb or release moisture in line with the local environment, helping to ensure that the flooring will remain stable and aesthetically pleasing once installed. 

Subfloor Preparation

Proper subfloor preparation is paramount for a successful parquet flooring installation. A well-prepared subfloor ensures that the parquet will adhere properly and maintain its integrity over time. The ideal subfloor must meet several key criteria:

1. Dry: Maintaining optimal humidity levels is important - the subfloor should not exceed 12% moisture content. Excessive moisture can lead to warping, mould growth, and other issues that compromise the floor's durability.

2. Flat: The subfloor must be level to provide a stable foundation for the parquet. It should be within 3/16" variance over a 10-foot span and no more than 1/8" over 6 feet. Utilising a leveling compound can help achieve this flatness, ensuring an even surface for the parquet installation.

3. Structurally Sound: A stable and solid subfloor is essential. It should be free from any indications of water damage and must not have any areas that produce squeaks or creaks. Structural integrity is essential for preventing future issues and ensuring long-lasting performance.

4. Clean: The subfloor should be thoroughly cleaned before installation. This includes removing debris, dust, and any remnants of old adhesives. A clean surface allows for better adhesion and contributes to the overall performance of the flooring.

By ensuring that the subfloor meets these essential criteria, you lay the groundwork for a successful parquet flooring installation that enhances both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your space. Proper preparation not only improves the final result but also minimises the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Parquet Installation Process

Surface Options

Parquet flooring is highly versatile and can be installed over various surfaces, making it an excellent choice for different settings. This adaptability allows homeowners and contractors to utilise existing subfloors without the need for extensive preparation or removal. The primary surfaces suitable for parquet installation include:

• Concrete: Provides a sturdy and stable foundation for parquet floors, making it ideal for basements and ground-level applications.
• Self-leveling compounds: Ensures a perfectly flat surface, eliminating any irregularities that could affect the aesthetic and performance of the flooring.
• Dry screed: Offers a lightweight option that can adequately support parquet while allowing for moisture control.
• Plywood: Acts as an effective underlayment, providing additional cushioning and stability for parquet flooring.

Reclaimed Parquet Considerations

When working with reclaimed parquet, particular attention must be paid to the presence of bitumen, as it can significantly impact the installation process. Proper treatment of the reclaimed wood is essential to ensure a smooth and stable finish. Key considerations regarding bitumen removal include:

• Thorough Scraping: Before installation, it is important to ensure that all traces of bitumen are carefully scraped away from the parquet pieces. Failing to do so can lead to uneven surfaces and unsightly lumps underfoot.
• Impact on Stability: Bitumen does not provide any stability for the newly laid floor - instead, it can create instability, leading to potential long-term issues with the parquet.
• Adhesive Bonding: While some adhesives may bond with remaining bitumen, relying on this bond can compromise the integrity of the installation. Therefore, it is best to remove as much bitumen as possible to ensure a secure and lasting fit.

Installation Methods

Selecting the right installation method for parquet flooring should be based on the specific type of parquet and the unique requirements of the space. Each installation technique offers different benefits and can influence the overall performance and durability of the flooring. The primary installation methods to consider include:

• Glue-down: This method involves applying a strong adhesive directly to the subfloor before placing the parquet pieces. It provides a solid bond and is particularly beneficial in areas with high foot traffic, as it minimises movement and noise between planks.

• Nail-down: This traditional installation technique involves securing the parquet pieces to the subfloor using nails or staples. This method works well with solid wood parquet and provides a durable fit. Nail-down installation is often preferred for areas where solid wood parquet is being used, as it allows the floor to naturally expand and contract with humidity changes.

By carefully considering the specific needs of your space and the type of parquet being used, you can select the most suitable installation method, resulting in a beautiful and durable flooring solution that enhances your interior.

How to Lay Parquet Flooring?

Laying parquet flooring can transform a space with its elegant and sophisticated appearance, and there are several popular patterns to choose from, such as brick bond, diagonal basket, and the iconic herringbone design. Although the specific pattern may influence the aesthetic appeal, the installation process remains largely consistent across different styles.

To begin, establish a central reference line in the middle of the room. This central line serves as the starting point for laying the parquet blocks, ensuring that the pattern expands evenly throughout the space. From this line, carefully arrange the parquet pieces, extending the pattern outward in each direction until you reach the edges of the area.

As you lay the parquet, leave a gap of approximately 12-15mm between the flooring and the walls. This allowance is essential for the wood to expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, preventing warping or buckling over time. Once the installation is complete, the gap will be discreetly covered by skirting boards, ensuring a polished look while providing the necessary space for natural movement.

Floor Sanding and Sealing

Sanding and sealing parquet flooring is an essential process that enhances its appearance and prolongs its lifespan. The primary rule during sanding is to always follow the grain of the wood. However, in cases where the parquet pattern features blocks with differing grain directions, such as in a herringbone layout, it is advisable to sand diagonally. This technique allows for uniform stripping of each block, ensuring an even surface and a consistent finish throughout the floor.

When it comes to staining, caution is necessary, particularly with parquet made from multiple wood species. Each type of wood reacts differently to stains due to its unique characteristics, making it challenging to achieve consistent colour across the entire surface. Therefore, floor staining is generally not recommended for floors composed of different wood types, as variations in shade can detract from the overall appearance.

For finishing, the most popular and durable choice for sealing parquet flooring is water-based lacquers. These finishes offer excellent protection against wear and tear while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood. Water-based lacquers are user-friendly and have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making them a healthier choice for indoor air quality. The only reason to opt for alternatives would be to achieve a specific aesthetic or look that water-based finishes may not provide. By carefully sanding and sealing your parquet floor, you can enhance its durability and visual appeal, ensuring it remains a stunning feature of your home for years to come.

Maintenance and Aftercare

Typically, most parquet floor installations come with a warranty of up to 2 years, providing peace of mind regarding durability and performance. However, certain areas may have moisture levels that are too high for wooden flooring installations. In such cases, if a client insists on proceeding with the installation despite the humidity concerns, we can accommodate their request but must clarify that a standard warranty cannot be applied. Before commencing installation, we always inform clients of the potential risks involved, emphasizing the importance of maintaining appropriate humidity levels.

If clients choose to ignore these warnings, it becomes challenging to prevent damage should the humidity rise above the acceptable range of 40-60%. While some flooring companies may offer dehumidifying services to mitigate moisture issues, we do not recommend such solutions as they often serve as temporary fixes rather than permanent resolutions. To minimise potential movement, gaps, and warping, maintaining a consistent temperature within the room is important.

For surface protection, lacquers provide superior durability, while oiled finishes require more careful maintenance. Over time, oiled floors can experience colour changes and develop a yellowish tint. To prolong the natural appearance of an oiled parquet, it’s advisable to limit exposure to direct sunlight. This can be achieved by strategically placing rugs and carpets in sunny areas.

Additionally, spills can pose a risk to oiled floors if not addressed promptly. It is vital to clean spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent staining. One significant advantage of using oils is the ability to re-oil the floor regularly, allowing minor damage to be covered. However, for more serious stains, a specialised spot remover may be necessary to restore the floor’s original beauty. By following these maintenance and aftercare practices, you can ensure your parquet flooring remains in excellent condition for years to come.