Parquet wood flooring is an elegant and timeless option for flooring design, known for its extraordinary shapes and patterns, and also for being very durable. Unlike the conventional wooden planks, parquet is made using smaller pieces of wood in a variety of arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and character to any space.
This blog post explains all about parquet flooring installation, providing a detailed plan, the necessary equipment, and some tips for regular care that will be necessary if you want to keep the parquet in good condition for many years. Both a layman interested in DIY and a professional building worker are expected to be thoroughly conversant with the correct way of flooring installation, as this factor affects the durability of the flooring. So keep reading!
Overview of Parquet Wood Flooring
Parquet wood flooring has a unique appearance, achieved through the utilisation of small wood blocks that are arranged in different geometric patterns. The name “parquet” originated from the French term parqueterie, meaning “little enclosure.” Normal hardwood flooring typically employ long planks, but parquet employs short wood pieces with a backing material behind them. Such pieces are arranged separately on the floor, but may typically be sliced to a tile shape for convenience in installation.
Parquet is highly desired for its visual appearance, sophisticated patterns, strength, and durability, which make it a popular choice. Provided that it is well maintained with resealing done every few years, it can last for centuries.
Parquet PVC Wood flooring is highly versatile in terms of installation. You can glue the tiles onto the floor or staple or nail them in place. The curving designs of parquet flooring give a unique and dramatic effect. Parquet floors differ from other hardwood floors due to the patterned approach used, and both are attractive, offering a unique feature to any room.
Equipment Required for Installing Parquet Flooring
You will need the right set of tools to make the installation of your parquet flooring easier and more accurate. This includes,
- Tape measure
- Spirit Level
- Pencil
- Chalk
- Spacers
- Workbench or Sawhorse
- Tapping Block
- Combination Square
- Pull Bar
- Underlay tape
- Handsaw, Electric Saw, and Chop Saw
- Drill
- Rubber Mallet
- Moisture meter
- Chisel
- Adhesive or Trowel
- Utility knife like a Stanley Knife (based on flooring type)
Safety Equipment,
- Knee pads
- Safety goggles
- Dust masks
- Ear defenders
Step-By-Step Guide For Installing Parquet Wood Flooring
Having planned and gathered all the needed equipment, the step-by-step installation process of parquet wooden floors is to be followed as detailed below,
- Prepare the Subfloor: Clean, dry, and level the subfloor. In the case of concrete, clean it by mopping and remove any dirt, grease, or broken tiles. Test the wetness level of the floor surface by using a plastic sheet test or a calcium chloride test. If any moisture is detected, it is advised to put a damp-proof membrane in place before installing the floor. As for wood subfloors, after removing any loose boards, clean them thoroughly.
- Acclimatize Your Parquet Flooring: The parquet tiles should first be left in the room for 48-72 hours. The temperature of the room should be kept between 60-75°F, with the humidity remaining at 35-55%. This acclimatization of the tiles to the room ensures that no warping or buckling occurs once they are installed in the room.
- Mark and Measure the Room: Measure the width of the wall with a tape measure and put a mark in the middle of the wall. Then use a chalk line to make a straight reference line across the room from one wall to the other. You can check the correctness of these by using the 3-4-5 rule (mark 3 feet and 4 feet along the side walls and then measure 5 feet along the diagonal wall). This ensures that the flooring will be laid at right angles.
- Apply Adhesive: To stick the indicated wood glue on the subfloor, use a notched trowel. Select the size of the notch as per the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve an equal spread.
- Lay the Tiles: Beginning with the first tile, position it at the crossing point of the lines so that it is well aligned. Without any interruption, mount the tiles by placing them close to each other, making sure that they are in line with the layout.
- Trim the Edges: Whenever you are at the corners, use a utility knife to perform the cutting of the tiles, leaving a 5mm gap for the flooring expansion/contraction underneath.
- Finishing Touches: Use a floor roller if necessary, extract spacers, and let the adhesive dry for a minimum of 24 hours, after which the furniture can be moved in. This step will make sure tiles connect well and set firmly.
Maintaining Parquet Wood Flooring
After having your parquet floors installed, it is very important to keep them in perfect condition so that they can stay beautiful for a very long time. Sufficient parquet care will improve its lifespan.
Cleaning and Routine Maintenance
Daily maintenance retains the appearance and the lifespan of your floor. Sweep or vacuum with a brush to get rid of dust and dirt. Do not use too much water, which will harm the wood. Make efforts to clean without causing harm to the floor. Protective pads at the bottom of furniture and the placement of doormats in doorways can prevent dirt accumulation and scratches.
Cleaning Spills Immediately
Moisture is the parquet floor’s largest issue. Although wood is water-resistant with coatings, it will warp or stain if there is too much water or repeated spills over a long period of time. Therefore, clean up spills promptly to keep your floor in its best condition. Lightly wipe the spill with a dry cloth. Also, have a consistent indoor humidity to avoid wood swelling and shrinkage in the long run.
Recommended Products for Regular Maintenance
There are products that will maintain your parquet floors in the best condition possible, including cleaners, protectors, and repair kits. With good products, your floors will be shiny and retain top quality for generations to come. Avoid using low-cost products that can influence the appearance of the floor.
Choosing credible maintenance products helps keep your parquet distinctive in your home.
Conclusion
Parquet flooring is a perfect union of functionality, workmanship, and aesthetics on one beautiful surface. If well put in place and appropriately handled, it can be the pride and joy of your house for many generations. The whole process, starting from choosing the patterns to the usage of the correct cleaning agent, guarantees that your floor will remain trendy and be useful too.
Apoorva H P Achar