Parquet timber flooring is among the most distinctive types of wood flooring.
It’s the wonderful choice for entryways, dining rooms, living rooms and open spaces - psrticularly in upscale settings used for formal occasions. No other flooring combines the natural warmth and beauty of wood with artisanal craftsmanship.
Parquetry was first developed in France, and famously used in the grand palace of Versailles, possibly the most well known parquet timber floors in the world. Now you can have it in your own home too. Without the risk of sparking a revolution.
Styles of Parquetry Timber Flooring
Parquet timber floors are available in a variety of patterns. The most popular parquet timber flooring styles include:
Prefinished floorboards and blocks where the short ends are cut at an angle, which adds an intense and vibrant talking point to your space.
Perhaps the most popular style of parquetry, favoured by the Romans for the simple rectangular shaped block, and versatility of application
Also known as ‘French pattern’. A mix of various sized timber blocks laid in a classic geometric pattern. Now commonly supplied in pre-assembled square foot ‘tiles’, making installation much faster and less costly
The types of timber used in parquetry timber flooring
Oak is the most common wood species used. In fact, engineered oak is the most common timber flooring product available in all styles of parquetry in the Australian market. It’s a very stable product that deals with heat and moisture brilliantly. Which is particularly important for parquetry.
Walnut and other more exotic wood species are available, but you should be aware that the cost of flooring is significantly higher. However, if money is no object – there are some truly stunning effects that can be achieved. Talk to your Know-How timber flooring consultant to learn more.
Unfinished vs Pre-finished Parquetry Timber Flooring Products
The advantage of unfinished parquet timber flooring products is that you can select the exact colour, sealer and additional finishing treatments that like. You’ll have much more control over the finished result.
Prior to installation, we’ll happily stain and finish some individual boards for you to look at so you can see exactly what it’s going to look like when it is done.
On the other hand, the advantage of pre-finished parquetry timber flooring products is that your installation will be complete much faster. You won’t need to wait for a stain or sealer to dry. Furniture and rugs can be returned to the space immediately as well.
If there is a pre-finished product that suits your vision, it can be a cost-effective way to achieve that elegant Parquet floor look.
Installing Parquet Timber Floors
A hundred years ago, an installer tasked with a parquet timber floor would be required to cut each individual piece of wood to measure. Which is hugely time consuming and lead to a great deal of waste with offcuts and errors.
But today, parquetry is available in precut packs. Much more convenient. But it still takes a great deal of craftsmanship to make sure that the floor looks great going into corners and other features such as fireplaces.
It takes very careful planning to install a successful parquet timber floor. Everything needs to be carefully measured and plotted out. For more difficult rooms, we will create a technical diagram showing exactly how the laid boards will sit on the floor.
Caring for your parquet timber flooring
After your parquetry timber floor has been installed, your Know-How Flooring consultant will advise you on the particular needs your timber floor has. Generally speaking, parquet floors need no more maintenance than any other timber floor.
Parquetry timber floor refinishing
In five to ten years, you might look at your parquet timber floors and decide to have them refinished.
Refinishing parquet flooring is a little more challenging than refinishing a regular timber floor. This is because the direction of the timber grain isn’t consistent across the floor.
Make sure you give Know-How a call if you need to refinish parquet floors. We’ll talk you through the process and make sure that the end result is spectacular.
Your local timber flooring experts
At Know-How Timber flooring, we do much more than just provide wooden floors. We offer unbeatable customer service, unrivalled passion for sourcing the highest quality solid timbers, to create a seamlessly smooth finish on your floors. We have everything you need to make your floors look stunning.
Make an appointment to see our impressive timber flooring range today
Wherever you are in Sydney, our experts will bring your timber flooring project to life. We’d love to come and have an informal chat about your needs, whatever stage of planning you are at.