Parquet Floors - You'll Love Them!
If you’re thinking of installing parquet floors in your house, keep reading and we’ll help you decide.
Parquet floors go well with all styles of decor and if you take care of them they last many years. In fact, they’re becoming more popular all the time. So, you’ll want to take this into account.
The current trend for a more natural environment in the home encourages this type of wooden floor. Therefore, to enjoy all of its benefits you should choose an installation system that better adapts to your needs.
Parquet floors and options
Glued in place and durable
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This parquet is made of solid slabs that are glued directly to the floor. In some restorations, the floors are of solid oak wood, which can last up to 60 years.
Being made of loose pieces, it offers many decorative options because you can mix the boards together to form different designs, including squares, herringbone designs, etc. Besides being glued down, it won’t creak when you walk on it.
Take note that polishing and varnishing should take place after the installation. Because of this, you can apply the finish that you like. This option is more economical.
At the same time, this parquet type has its issues since it’s formed of wooden pieces. This means that there can be small movements throughout the year according to temperature changes.
Take into account that it’s vital to install this floor in a house that’s clean, dry, and level.
Lastly, its installation is labor-intensive and can take three weeks. In addition, before installation, you should empty the room and take out all of the furniture.
Solid board floor
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This is the most resistant and durable system as well as the most expensive. It’s formed by tongue-and-groove boards that are nailed over tracks. A totally flat floor isn’t necessary for this kind of floor.
Until recently, the only option was wide and long boards. However, today there are wide boards used in a floating system. So consider this idea!
There’s only one drawback – the floor will be elevated almost 2 inches. And that’s why contractors recommend this floor for new constructions since doors for the house would have to be cut shorter.
The degree of thickness of the wood is very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity which can warp and crack it. Specialists don’t recommend installing it over floors with underfloor heating.
The polishing and varnishing for the board system are done in situ. This allows for differences in varnishes or waxes. If this seems good for you, take into account that you’ll need three weeks for the installation.
Floating parquet floors – the fast option
Due to the fact that installation is very fast, this is used the most because the pieces leave the factory already polished and varnished. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an option that’s ready in a short time.
This floating system is composed of a base that can be pine and is cut transversely across the grain of the wood. Or it may be made of new generation conglomerates which are much more resistant.
Over that base is a veneer of oak wood, up to 3 mm. or about a 10th of an inch. This veneer gets special treatment in the factory and is a varnish that has good resistance to bumps and scratches.
In addition, this can last for 35 to 40 years since each restoration removes less than a 20th of an inch of wood, depending on the condition of the parquet.
On the other hand, it’s the only floor that can be located over the top of any other floor, even if it’s not level. At the same time, it’s the most resistant to heating systems.
It can be a little annoying since it makes a noise when stepped on.
Remember – parquet floors are a good option to decorate your house. Now, you only need to choose which floor is right for you and get to work.