Parquet floors look difficult to install, but with the right preparation it is possible for almost anyone to lay their own parquet flooring. Unlike plank-style wood floors, which use individual pieces of hardwood that are glued together, parquet is an arrangement of interlocking blocks of wood that form a geometric pattern. The blocks are usually arranged in rows, with each row of blocks being perpendicular to the row next to it. This creates a simple but attractive pattern that can give a room character and make it feel larger or smaller.
The first thing that you will need to do before installing a parquet flooring is to prepare the subfloor. This will involve making sure that it is flat and clean, free of dust, paint, glue residues, nails, or any other debris that could scratch or damage your new parquet floor. If you are laying the floor over concrete or another hard surface, you will need to provide a moisture barrier. If you are laying it over an existing wooden floor, you will need to level the surface with a self-leveling compound or hire a professional to do it for you.
Once the subfloor is prepared, it is time to start laying the actual floor. It is important to work in small sections so that the adhesive doesn’t dry before you can set tiles in place. Start by snapping a chalk line from one wall to the other, then use a carpenter’s square to check that the lines are perpendicular.
After squaring the room, apply urethane adhesive to the subfloor using a notched trowel with a 1/4-inch notch. Spread the adhesive in a thin coat to the size of one tile, working carefully not to leave any excess on the edges of the room.
Carefully place your first tile, ensuring that it is aligned with the two chalk lines. If it isn’t, you will need to scrape up the old adhesive and reapply a thin coat to get it straight. Be careful not to walk on the floor while it is wet, as this can cause the tiles to shift and distort the pattern.
Once your first tile is in place, it is time to continue laying the rest of the floor. Work carefully, as it can be easy to get hung up on the pattern or misplace a piece of wood. It is a good idea to use wide pieces of tape on the back of the floor to prevent accidental sticking.
Once the floor is laid, it is important to maintain expansion space around the perimeter of the room and around all fixed objects. Also, allow 24 hours for the floor to dry before moving your furniture. If you are looking to add some unique features to your home, parquet flooring is a great option. It is not only easy to install, but it will look beautiful for years to come! Contact us today to discover our range of stunning parquet flooring options.
