How Parquet Floors Are Restored
Loose blocks, re-laying and the art of sanding patterns
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. Tired, loose or stained parquet can almost always be brought back, often for less than the cost of a new floor.
What goes wrong with parquet
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.
An old finish that has turned yellow or is peeling.
Raised or dipped blocks that make the surface uneven.
Repairs before sanding
Repairs always come before sanding. Loose blocks are taken up, cleaned of old bitumen and glued back down with a modern 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 handles everything from a single block to entire rooms.
Sanding a parquet floor
Parquet is more demanding to sand than floorboards because the grain runs in different directions. Sanding with the grain is impossible when the grain changes direction with every block. 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. Done properly, the pattern comes up crisp and even.
Old parquet often has decades of finish to remove, including wax, varnish and sometimes paint. Removing them carefully, without sanding away more timber than needed, takes experience. Our parquet floor sanding uses dust-free extraction throughout, so your home stays clean.
Finishing parquet
Hardwax oil is a beautiful match for oak parquet, adding depth and making maintenance simple. For high-traffic areas, a durable water-based lacquer is often the most practical choice. Darker timbers such as merbau, iroko or walnut often look best with a clear finish that lets their natural colour show.
Different patterns, different approaches
There are many parquet layouts, each with its own requirements. 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.
Repairs always follow the original layout, so new blocks fit perfectly into the pattern. Many parquet floors include a border, which needs careful sanding to keep its crisp edges.
Is it worth restoring?
Many people are surprised by how much can be saved. Traditional parquet blocks are usually solid hardwood with a generous thickness, which allows for repeated sanding. Large areas of loose blocks can often be re-laid, provided the subfloor beneath is in good condition. Restoration is often more cost-effective than a new floor, and it keeps the original character of the room.
Key points to remember
Every loose block is re-bonded and missing ones replaced with matching reclaimed blocks before sanding begins.
Parquet is sanded diagonally in both directions because the grain changes direction from block to block.
Final passes with a multi-disc sander remove any swirls and leave the pattern looking crisp.
Oil brings out the pattern beautifully, and lacquer gives extra resistance where traffic is heavy.
Looked after properly, restored parquet will continue to serve the home for generations.
Caring for restored parquet
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. A parquet floor that is cared for can last for another generation.
Have parquet that needs some love? Arrange a free survey for an honest assessment and a fixed written quote.