How to choose and install parquet flooring correctly
Heated floors
Underfloor heating has become very popular in London in recent years, and it is often questioned whether it is possible to install parquet flooring on such a subfloor, and whether it will be efficient. We can confirm that most parquet flooring can certainly be used, especially if it is not very thick, up to 15 mm thick.
Varnished or oiled surface?
The answer to this question depends directly on the user’s expectations. A lacquered surface is less natural than an oiled surface, but it is slightly easier to maintain and does not require special care products. A natural oiled surface is much more comfortable to walk on or to touch, due to the texture and warmth of the wood. It requires only the use of appropriate special care products, and requires more frequent refinishing, which is simpler than for lacquered surfaces, as only the most worn part of the surface can be refinished, without the need to refinish the entire floor surface as with lacquered floors. Recently, a new generation of fully matt lacquers has been introduced on the market, which look very natural and are easy to maintain. For example, Boen Parquet’s Live Pure lacquer is completely visually opaque, the ultra-matt wooden surface looks as if it has been left uncoated, very natural, but the parquet is ready to use and can withstand all of life’s challenges.
Connection system
It is very important to choose a parquet board with an advanced click jointing system, especially if it is to be installed in a sliding manner. This will make the installation much easier, avoiding mistakes or poor installation, and with a better joint the floor will last and look better for much longer.
Construction
The main advantage of multi-layer parquet is its stability. In London, the most common parquet flooring is either double-layer or triple-layer. The essential function of the construction of the individual layers is to limit the deformation of the wood. This is more successful when the lower layers are glued together perpendicularly, so that each layer moves in a different direction, which means that the parquet is not prone to deformation, even when the weather conditions in the room change dramatically, especially with the change of season. Three-layer parquet is produced in this way, whereas two-layer parquet is usually produced using parallel glued layers of wood.
Design
The design of parquet flooring is probably the most debated. It is easy to get lost in the many colours and patterns of parquet flooring. Each of us is unique, but in our analysis of trends in flooring choices, we and our partners have noticed a few common styles that are the most common flooring choices. Choosing a style you like always makes it easier to find the right floor for you.
How do I lay parquet flooring?
Most modern parquet flooring comes with advanced joining systems, where the flooring can be installed without glue by simply joining the boards together. This is a very convenient and quick installation method. This is preceded by a special underlay under the floor, which may also have additional acoustic or thermal insulation properties. On top of this, interlocking parquet boards are installed, which are not fixed to the subfloor; the system floats/slides on the surface, and is therefore often referred to as floating or floating flooring. The use of parquet adhesives to bond parquet directly to the subfloor is becoming increasingly popular. This installation method is slightly more expensive, but has many advantages: better thermal transmittance (warms up faster when heated), much larger continuous areas of parquet can be laid, no need for expansion joints, better acoustic comfort etc.
How do I renew my parquet flooring?
Parquet is a natural wood product, which means that over time the surface wears and various damages occur. Depending on the strength of the parquet, various renewal products can be used, but it is best to use the same manufacturer as the parquet itself, as only by using related care products can the renewal be carried out to a high standard. If the damage is not very severe, a resurfacer containing particles of the same surface finish is usually sufficient. If the surface is severely damaged or badly worn, then a complete refinishing of the floor can be carried out by sanding the surface and applying a new protective layer (varnish, oil, etc.). Most parquet floors can be completely refinished 2-3 times.
Thank you, “ZexWoodFlooring,” for the tips and advice in preparing this article.
