Parquet Flooring.
Basics of Parquetry
Range of Flooring Available
Installation Considerations
To Avoid
Longevity
Basics of Parquetry
Woods chosen for parquet floors are likely to be oak, walnut or cherry, or a combination of these. Richly colored tropical woods are often used in the most expensive parquet flooring. The different shadings add to the appeal of the geometric formations. In contrast to the linear shape of traditional plank flooring, parquet wood pieces may form rhombuses, triangles, diamonds or herringbone patterns. Curved lines and even pictures can be created but, because of the skill required in fitting segments together, should be left to an artist in wood.
Range of Flooring Available
Laminates and veneers attached to a base are the most affordable route to a parquet floor. These panels, already formed into geometric patterns, offer easy glue-down installation. Nothing matches the beauty of solid wood parquet, 7/16-inch thick, that can be sanded repeatedly throughout its lifetime, however. Whatever your choice, finishing and staining the floor can give a pattern a three-dimensional effect.
Installation Considerations
Before installing a parquet floor, analyze the climatic conditions of the home. Fluctuations in heat and, especially, humidity, can lead to noticeable swelling or shrinkage of the flooring. Temperatures between 65 degrees F and 72 degrees F with relative air humidity ranging from 45 percent to 60 percent are ideal.
Parquet panels should sit in the packaging two to three days before installation to acclimate them to the temperature in the room. When laying the floor, it is important to leave a gap of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch all around the perimeter to allow for expansion. The gap can be covered by baseboards.
To Avoid
Flooring merchant FastFloors offers the following advice on its website. Do not use parquet panels with perforated paper backing, as some of the wood will not contact the glue. Avoid 5/16-inch tongue-and-groove parquet, because when the original finish wears out, it will only accommodate one or two sanding cycles. Finally, do not buy the 6-inch square panels, since they do not contact the subfloor as well as the 4-inch squares.
Longevity
A good adhesive is necessary for a long-lasting parquet floor. Rubber-based mastics are recommended because they can stretch along with any movement of the wood and remain tacky for the life of the floor. Another key to longevity is using wood thick enough to withstand numerous sandings over the years. In addition, maintaining the correct atmospheric climate will preserve the attractiveness of this unique style of flooring.
Range of Flooring Available
Installation Considerations
To Avoid
Longevity
Basics of Parquetry
Woods chosen for parquet floors are likely to be oak, walnut or cherry, or a combination of these. Richly colored tropical woods are often used in the most expensive parquet flooring. The different shadings add to the appeal of the geometric formations. In contrast to the linear shape of traditional plank flooring, parquet wood pieces may form rhombuses, triangles, diamonds or herringbone patterns. Curved lines and even pictures can be created but, because of the skill required in fitting segments together, should be left to an artist in wood.
Range of Flooring Available
Laminates and veneers attached to a base are the most affordable route to a parquet floor. These panels, already formed into geometric patterns, offer easy glue-down installation. Nothing matches the beauty of solid wood parquet, 7/16-inch thick, that can be sanded repeatedly throughout its lifetime, however. Whatever your choice, finishing and staining the floor can give a pattern a three-dimensional effect.
Installation Considerations
Before installing a parquet floor, analyze the climatic conditions of the home. Fluctuations in heat and, especially, humidity, can lead to noticeable swelling or shrinkage of the flooring. Temperatures between 65 degrees F and 72 degrees F with relative air humidity ranging from 45 percent to 60 percent are ideal.
Parquet panels should sit in the packaging two to three days before installation to acclimate them to the temperature in the room. When laying the floor, it is important to leave a gap of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch all around the perimeter to allow for expansion. The gap can be covered by baseboards.
To Avoid
Flooring merchant FastFloors offers the following advice on its website. Do not use parquet panels with perforated paper backing, as some of the wood will not contact the glue. Avoid 5/16-inch tongue-and-groove parquet, because when the original finish wears out, it will only accommodate one or two sanding cycles. Finally, do not buy the 6-inch square panels, since they do not contact the subfloor as well as the 4-inch squares.
Longevity
A good adhesive is necessary for a long-lasting parquet floor. Rubber-based mastics are recommended because they can stretch along with any movement of the wood and remain tacky for the life of the floor. Another key to longevity is using wood thick enough to withstand numerous sandings over the years. In addition, maintaining the correct atmospheric climate will preserve the attractiveness of this unique style of flooring.
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