5 Reasons to Consider Parquet Flooring

Walnut Flooring

For those of you who are not familiar with parquet flooring, this is the name given to a type of flooring made from small blocks or strips of wood which are laid in a regular and geometric pattern. Dating back to the mid 17th century, parquet flooring is enjoying a resurgence of late due to its ease of installation and the fact that it’s such a cost effective flooring choice.  

Various species of wood can be used to make parquet flooring, such as oak, walnut, pine, cherry and maple, giving homeowners plenty of choice as to the look they want to achieve.  It can also be made from both solid and engineered wood. But is parquet flooring be the perfect choice for your home? Let’s have a look at a few of the key benefits of this versatile flooring type.  

1. It’s unique 

No two parquet flooring installations have to look the same, with each floor having its own wood types, colour and grains. That can be extremely appealing for homeowners who want to create a unique and appealing floor. While squares, triangles and lozenge shapes feature strongly in parquet flooring designs, stars, suns and chevron patterns are also possible. The herringbone design is also an extremely popular choice.  

2. It’s budget-friendly 

Whatever your budget, there is sure to be a parquet flooring for you. That’s because the wide range of wood types and choice of solid wood or engineered flooring allows you to choose a solution that meets your requirements. That includes the type of finish you want, the pattern and the cost.  

3. It’s durable 

Parquet floors are durable and can easily handle the demands of everyday use, even in busy areas. Take care of it properly and the strength of parquet flooring means it could last for up to 50 years in a single space. This does rely on it being properly sealed in the first instance and cleaned and cared for properly. It’s also important to avoid excessive moisture or humidity.  

4. It’s easy to maintain 

One of the biggest benefits of parquet flooring for busy homeowners is the fact that it’s so easy to clean and maintain. A simple routine of sweeping and mopping will do the job. Any spillages can be easily wiped up and it does not hold stains easily or absorb odours. One thing to remember is that rough materials and abrasive cleaners are not to be used on parquet surfaces, but all that does is simplify the maintenance regime.   

5. It’s allergen-free 

Parquet flooring doesn’t trap dust, dirt and allergens the way other flooring types can. This makes it an excellent choice for those with allergies or families with young children who could develop allergies. It’s also an excellent option for those with pets as it’s so easy to keep clean.  

Could parquet flooring be the perfect floor solution for your home? Take a look at our range of parquet floors and or get in touch to discuss your requirements with our team.  

Case Study: Industrial Parquet flooring at the Hoxton Hotel

Industrial Parquet flooring at the Hoxton Hotel

At UK Wood Floors we have over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and installing high-quality floors for a variety of industries, including the hotel and leisure sector. One example is London’s Hoxton Hotel, situated in the heart of Shoreditch, one of the trendiest places in the country. Combining innovative, forward-thinking designs throughout their 210 rooms, the hotel is perfect for guests of all ages and interests, particularly those who want to stay in and around the Shoreditch metropolis.

As well as the eclectic rooms, guests are greeted by the beautiful reception area when they walk through the doors of the hotel. For those who fancy a bite to eat or a nightcap after a long day, the bar and restaurant area is an ideal place to relax and unwind in impeccable surroundings. Part of those surroundings is the delightful Industrial Parquet flooring, created and installed by UK Wood Floors.

Industrial Parquet flooring is a style which is unique to our company, and it was its elegance that convinced architects Bell Slater to incorporate it into the interior of their latest development. Constructed from upright, rowed mosaic parquet pieces, the floor is laid quickly thanks to a synthetic resin glue, poured directly onto the sub-floor. The flooring is available in various species of wood, including oak, walnut, hard maple, beech, birch and black cherry, meaning it can be used in harmony with a range of interior designs.

Industrial Parquet Flooring Hoxton Hotel

The floor itself is very hard-wearing, which makes it perfect to withstand the heavy footfall that the Hoxton Hotel experiences on a daily (and nightly) basis. The resilience of the wood means that even under constant footfall, it will be several years until it will need to be significantly refurbished – team this with the relatively low price, and it’s easy to see why Bell Slater opted for Industrial Parquet flooring.

The process of laying the floor takes the following shape:

Step 1: The sub-floor is prepared. Doing this correctly is essential if the floor is to be laid perfectly, and as such the sub-floor must be dry, clean and unbroken.

Step 2: The crown line is set, and the resin glue is applied to the sub-floor. The parquet flooring is then laid directly onto the adhesive, working outwards to the skirting. It is ensured that the pieces interlock correctly, using one additional finger of parquet flooring every one metre to ensure full compaction.

Step 3: The floor is sanded using 40 grit abrasive, then re-sanded in stages using 60, 80 and 100 grit abrasive respectively. 80-100 grain wood standing dust is then mixed with a jointing compound to be used as a paste, applied by spatula. This paste covers the entire area, filling all joints, and the process is then repeated after 45 minutes. After an hour, the floor is then re-sanded to remove the jointing compound.

Industrial Parquet floor

Step 4: Using 150 grit sandpaper, the surface is sanded and then checks are made to ensure it is clean and dry, and all filler has been removed. A coat of primer is then applied, using a brush or a roller.

Step 5: The floor is then lacquered or varnished, but only after the primer is completely dry. After the finish has dried, it is then sanded with 150 grit paper, and then resealed with a further two coats of lacquer or varnish.

The finished product is flooring that perfectly compliments the design of the property, offering a beautiful surface that is able to endure and withstand busy environments for years on end.