A parquet floor is a floor finish made of wooden pieces — blocks, strips or boards — laid in a pattern and bonded or laid over a subfloor. Unlike laminate it is real timber, with a wear layer that can be sanded back and refinished several times.
Types of parquet
- Solid parquet — a single species throughout, typically 18 to 22 mm thick. It lasts a lifetime and can be sanded many times, but moves more with changes in indoor climate.
- Engineered (multi-layer) parquet — a hardwood wear layer over a stable substrate. Total thickness is usually 10 to 20 mm, with a wear layer of at least 2.5 mm and often 4 to 6 mm. More dimensionally stable than solid, and therefore the sensible choice over underfloor heating.
- Mosaic parquet — small lamellas usually 8 mm thick, supplied on mesh or paper as mats. Thin, inexpensive and quick to lay, but it can only be sanded once or twice.
| Solid parquet | Typically 18 to 22 mm thick; can be sanded many times; moves more with changes in indoor climate |
|---|---|
| Engineered (multi-layer) parquet | Usually 10 to 20 mm total, wear layer at least 2.5 mm (often 4 to 6 mm); more stable, the sensible choice over underfloor heating |
| Mosaic parquet | Usually 8 mm thick, on mesh or paper mats; inexpensive and quick to lay, but can only be sanded once or twice |
Laying patterns
- Herringbone — pieces set at right angles to each other in a zigzag; the classic pattern.
- Chevron — the ends are cut at an angle so a continuous V is formed.
- Plank (ship’s deck) — boards run lengthwise with staggered end joints.
- Basketweave and block patterns — squares made up of several lamellas side by side.
Applications and things to watch
- Subfloor — it must be flat, dry and sound. Measure the residual moisture of a cement screed before laying; fitting over a screed that is still wet is the single most common cause of later damage.
- Acclimatise — leave the packs in the room for several days, unopened, at the final temperature.
- Indoor climate — keep relative humidity between roughly 45 and 60 per cent year round. Dry winter air opens gaps; damp air causes cupping and lifting.
- Expansion gap — leave a movement gap along every wall; it disappears under the skirting.
- Underfloor heating — choose engineered parquet, bond it fully and keep the floor surface temperature below about 27 degrees Celsius. Solid oak over underfloor heating is a risky combination.
Related terms
- Screed
- Floating screed
- Underfloor heating
- Skirting board
- Moisture content
- Subfloor
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