A Guide to Parquet Floor Restoration
From loose blocks to a flawless finish
Parquet is one of the most attractive and durable types of wooden floor, and many have been in place for 50 or even 100 years. Even when a parquet floor looks tired, with loose blocks, dark patches and worn varnish, it can usually be restored rather than replaced.
Common parquet problems
Loose or rocking blocks, often where the original bitumen adhesive has failed.
Missing blocks around doorways, radiators and old fireplaces.
Water and pet stains that have soaked into the timber.
Worn, yellowed or flaking varnish.
Uneven blocks that have lifted or sunk over time.
Fixing the blocks first
The first step is to make every block secure. Loose blocks are lifted, the old adhesive cleaned off and the blocks re-bonded with a modern flooring adhesive. Where blocks are missing or too damaged to save, we source reclaimed blocks in the same timber and size, so the repair is hard to spot once finished. Badly affected areas may need lifting and re-laying block by block. Our parquet repair service covers anything from a few loose blocks to complete re-laying.
Sanding a parquet floor
Because each block's grain runs a different way, parquet needs a different approach to plain boards. Sanding in only one direction would leave scratches across half the blocks. Instead, the floor is sanded diagonally in both directions first, then finished with finer abrasives and a multi-disc machine to remove any swirl marks. The result is a flat, smooth surface that shows off the pattern.
Many parquet floors carry several layers of old finish. It takes skill to remove these without wasting the timber that gives parquet its long life. Our parquet floor sanding uses dust-free extraction throughout, so your home stays clean.
Choosing the right finish
Oak parquet looks wonderful with a natural hardwax oil, which highlights the pattern and is easy to maintain. In hallways and busy family homes, a water-based lacquer gives extra resistance to spills and wear. Darker timbers such as merbau, iroko or walnut often look best with a clear finish that lets their natural colour show.
Herringbone, chevron and more
Parquet comes in many patterns, and each has its own character and challenges. Herringbone, with blocks set at right angles in a zigzag, is the classic choice in many homes. Chevron looks similar but uses blocks cut at an angle so they meet in a clean point. Basket weave, brick bond and block layouts are often found in schools and public buildings.
Whatever the pattern, repairs must follow it exactly, so that replacement blocks sit seamlessly within the design. Borders around the edge of the room are also common, and these often need extra attention during sanding and finishing.
Saving the original floor
It is often possible to save far more than people expect. Most parquet is made from solid blocks of hardwood, often 15 mm thick or more, so there is plenty of timber to sand. Even floors with large areas of loose blocks can usually be restored, as long as the subfloor is sound and dry. Restoration is often more cost-effective than a new floor, and it keeps the original character of the room.
The essentials at a glance
Loose and missing blocks are repaired before sanding, using modern adhesive and matching reclaimed blocks.
Because the grain runs in different directions, parquet is sanded diagonally before the finer finishing passes.
A multi-disc machine is used at the end to remove swirl marks and leave a smooth, even surface.
Hardwax oil highlights the pattern, while water-based lacquer adds extra protection in busy areas.
With regular care and occasional maintenance, a restored parquet floor can last for many more decades.
After the restoration
Felt pads under furniture, good doormats and regular sweeping will keep a restored parquet floor looking sharp. Plan for an occasional maintenance oil or re-coat, depending on the finish. Looked after properly, the floor will keep going for decades.
Have parquet that needs some love? Arrange a free survey for an honest assessment and a fixed written quote.