Parquet flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices for homeowners, thanks to its timeless elegance and unique geometric patterns. Whether you’re going for a traditional herringbone design or a modern chevron look, parquet flooring can dramatically transform any room. Fitting parquet flooring, however, requires careful planning and precision to ensure a smooth finish. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to fit parquet flooring, from preparation to the finishing touches.
Why Choose Parquet Flooring?
Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand why parquet flooring is worth considering. Parquet flooring is not just visually striking; it also has several practical advantages:
- Durability: Made from hardwood, parquet flooring is built to last and withstand high-traffic areas.
- Versatility: With various designs and colors available, parquet flooring can complement almost any décor.
- Ease of Maintenance: Parquet floors are relatively easy to clean and maintain compared to other types of flooring.
Now, let’s get into the specifics of how to fit parquet flooring in your home.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here’s a list to help you prepare:
- Parquet flooring tiles
- Adhesive for hardwood flooring
- Trowel for spreading adhesive
- Underlay (optional, but recommended for concrete subfloors)
- Flooring spacers
- Rubber mallet
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
- Flooring roller
- Saw (preferably a jigsaw for cuts around corners)
- Sandpaper (if you’re fitting unfinished parquet)
- Finish or sealant (if applicable)
Having all the tools ready will make the installation process smoother and more efficient.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Proper preparation is crucial when fitting parquet flooring. Parquet needs a stable, clean, and dry surface to adhere to. Follow these steps to prepare your subfloor:
- Clean the Surface: Remove all dust, debris, and any old adhesive from previous flooring.
- Check for Moisture: Use a moisture meter to ensure that your subfloor is dry. If your subfloor is concrete, consider applying a moisture barrier to prevent future issues.
- Level the Subfloor: If your floor isn’t level, apply a leveling compound and let it cure fully. Parquet requires a flat surface for proper installation.
- Apply Underlay (if needed): While not mandatory, an underlay can provide extra cushioning and insulation, especially on concrete subfloors.
Step 3: Plan the Layout and Pattern
Parquet flooring is known for its geometric designs, so planning your layout is essential for achieving a polished look. Decide on the pattern you want to use—popular options include herringbone, chevron, and basketweave.
- Measure the Room: Use a measuring tape to find the center of the room. Mark it with a chalk line to use as a guide for your parquet placement.
- Dry Lay the Parquet: Before gluing, lay a few rows of parquet tiles without adhesive to ensure your design is aligned. This will help you visualize the final look and make adjustments as needed.
Tip: Parquet patterns often look best when centered in the room, so start from the middle and work your way outward.
Step 4: Apply Adhesive and Start Laying the Parquet
Once your layout is ready, it’s time to start fitting your parquet flooring. Follow these steps carefully:
- Spread the Adhesive: Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive evenly over a small section of the subfloor. Only work on a small area at a time to prevent the adhesive from drying out.
- Place the First Row: Start with your first row of parquet tiles in the center of the room, aligning them along your chalk line. Press each tile firmly into the adhesive.
- Use Flooring Spacers: Parquet tiles need slight gaps around the perimeter to allow for natural expansion. Place spacers along the edges to maintain this gap.
- Continue the Pattern: Continue placing tiles, following your chosen pattern. Use a rubber mallet to tap each tile gently into place, ensuring a tight fit without damaging the wood.
Tip: Make sure to periodically check that the tiles remain aligned with your chalk line and that there’s no adhesive seeping through the seams.
Step 5: Cutting Tiles Around the Edges
As you reach the edges of the room, you’ll likely need to cut tiles to fit the remaining space. Here’s how:
- Measure Carefully: Use a measuring tape to determine the exact size needed for each tile.
- Cut with a Saw: A jigsaw is ideal for cutting parquet tiles to size, especially for tricky corners. Always cut slowly and carefully to prevent chipping.
- Fit the Edge Tiles: Place the cut tiles in the remaining spaces, ensuring they fit snugly. Maintain your spacer gaps along the walls.
Step 6: Press and Set the Flooring
After all the parquet tiles are in place, you need to ensure they’re fully adhered to the subfloor. Use a flooring roller to press down on the entire surface. This will remove any air bubbles and guarantee a firm bond between the tiles and the adhesive.
Allow the adhesive to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions—this usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Avoid walking on the floor during this time.
Step 7: Sand and Finish (if Necessary)
If you’ve installed unfinished parquet tiles, you’ll need to sand and seal them for a smooth, durable surface.
- Sand the Surface: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the floor. Make sure to sand gently to avoid damaging the wood.
- Apply a Finish or Sealant: Choose a finish that suits your style, such as a clear lacquer for a natural look or a wood stain to add color. Apply the finish evenly across the floor, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sealing the floor not only enhances its appearance but also protects it from wear and tear.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once your parquet flooring is fitted, it’s time for the finishing touches:
- Remove the Spacers: Take out all the spacers along the walls.
- Install Skirting Boards: Reattach or install new skirting boards to cover the expansion gap and give your flooring a neat finish.
- Clean the Floor: Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any dust or debris from the installation process.
Maintenance Tips for Your New Parquet Floor
Now that you know how to fit parquet flooring, maintaining it properly will help it last longer and stay beautiful. Here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your parquet floor regularly to remove dust and prevent scratches.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Parquet flooring can be sensitive to water, so clean up spills immediately.
- Protect from Furniture Scratches: Use furniture pads to prevent heavy furniture from scratching the floor.
FAQs: How to Fit Parquet Flooring
Q1: What tools do I need to fit parquet flooring?
To fit parquet flooring, you’ll need parquet tiles, adhesive, a notched trowel, spacers, a rubber mallet, measuring tape, a chalk line, a jigsaw (for cutting tiles around corners), a flooring roller, sandpaper (if the tiles are unfinished), and a finish or sealant if needed.
Q2: Can I install parquet flooring on any type of subfloor?
Yes, you can install parquet flooring on a variety of subfloors, such as concrete, plywood, or existing wooden floors. However, the subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. Concrete subfloors may need a moisture barrier, while uneven surfaces require leveling before installation.
Q3: How should I prepare the subfloor before installing parquet flooring?
Begin by cleaning the subfloor to remove dust, debris, or any old adhesive. Check for moisture, especially on concrete subfloors, and apply a moisture barrier if necessary. Ensure the floor is level, and if not, use a leveling compound. Adding an underlay can improve insulation and comfort, particularly on concrete.
Q4: Which parquet pattern is easiest to install?
Herringbone is a popular pattern for beginners as it provides a timeless look and is relatively straightforward to lay. However, the choice of pattern ultimately depends on your style preference and the look you want to achieve.
Q5: Do I need to leave an expansion gap when fitting parquet flooring?
Yes, it’s essential to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Wood naturally expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, and this gap prevents the parquet from buckling. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap, typically around 10-15 mm, which will be covered later by skirting boards.
Q6: Can I lay parquet flooring directly over tiles or old flooring?
Yes, but the existing floor must be stable, level, and clean. If the old flooring is uneven, you may need to apply a leveling compound. For better results, it’s often recommended to remove old flooring, especially if it’s in poor condition.
Q7: How long should I wait after installation before walking on the parquet floor?
Allow the adhesive to cure fully, which generally takes 24 to 48 hours. Avoid walking on the floor during this period to ensure a strong bond between the parquet tiles and the subfloor.
Q8: Do I need to sand and finish the parquet floor after installation?
If your parquet tiles come prefinished, sanding and finishing may not be necessary. However, for unfinished parquet tiles, sanding and applying a finish or sealant will protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
Q9: How can I cut parquet tiles for fitting around edges and corners?
Use a jigsaw to carefully cut tiles to fit around edges, corners, or any obstacles. Measure accurately before cutting to ensure a precise fit, and use spacers to maintain the expansion gap along the walls.
Q10: What maintenance does parquet flooring require?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps keep your parquet floor dust-free. Avoid excessive water when cleaning; instead, use a damp (not wet) mop or cloth. For extra protection, place furniture pads on heavy items to prevent scratches.
Q11: Is parquet flooring suitable for rooms with high humidity, like bathrooms?
Parquet flooring is sensitive to moisture, so it’s generally not recommended for bathrooms or other high-humidity areas. For these spaces, consider using engineered wood or waterproof flooring alternatives that offer a similar aesthetic.
Q12: Can I install parquet flooring myself, or should I hire a professional?
Fitting parquet flooring can be a DIY project if you’re comfortable with precise measurements, pattern alignment, and handling adhesive. However, if you’re unfamiliar with flooring installation or want a complex pattern, hiring a professional ensures a high-quality, long-lasting finish.
Q13: What type of adhesive is best for parquet flooring?
Use a high-quality adhesive specifically designed for hardwood or parquet flooring. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time, application thickness, and spreading techniques.
Q14: Can parquet flooring be installed over underfloor heating?
Yes, but you need to ensure that the type of parquet and adhesive are suitable for underfloor heating. Additionally, leave an expansion gap, and gradually increase the floor temperature after installation to avoid sudden expansion.
Q15: What are the benefits of choosing parquet flooring over traditional hardwood?
Parquet flooring offers unique, customizable patterns that bring character to any room, unlike traditional hardwood planks. Additionally, parquet is durable, easy to maintain, and has a timeless, elegant appeal, making it a versatile option for both modern and classic interiors.
Conclusion
Learning how to fit parquet flooring can be rewarding, especially when you see the finished product in your home. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a stunning, professional-looking floor that enhances the beauty of your space. By following these steps, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to lay parquet flooring and ensure it stays looking its best for years to come.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just love the look of parquet, this guide equips you with everything you need to transform your floors. Happy flooring!
