Restoring Parquet and Herringbone Floors
What it takes to bring parquet back
Parquet floors, whether herringbone, chevron or basket weave, are built to last for generations. Even when a parquet floor looks tired, with loose blocks, dark patches and worn varnish, it can usually be restored rather than replaced.
What goes wrong with parquet
Blocks that move underfoot because the old adhesive has broken down.
Gaps where blocks have been lost or removed.
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
Repairs always come before sanding. 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. In more serious cases, whole sections can be lifted, cleaned and re-laid in the original pattern. Our parquet repair service covers anything from a few loose blocks to complete re-laying.
Why parquet sanding is different
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. The result is a flat, smooth surface that shows off the pattern.
Many parquet floors carry several layers of old finish. Removing them carefully, without sanding away more timber than needed, takes experience. Our parquet floor sanding is carried out with dust-free extraction, capturing around 99% of dust at source.
Choosing the right finish
Oak parquet looks wonderful with a natural hardwax oil, which highlights the pattern and is easy to maintain. 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.
Parquet patterns and their challenges
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 is similar, but the ends of the blocks are angled so they meet in a neat V shape. Basket weave, brick bond and block patterns are common in schools, halls and older 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.
Saving the original floor
It is often possible to save far more than people expect. Traditional parquet blocks are usually solid hardwood with a generous thickness, which allows for repeated sanding. Even floors with large areas of loose blocks can usually be restored, as long as the subfloor is sound and dry. Restoring an original floor is usually more affordable than replacing it, and it keeps a beautiful, long-lasting feature in your home.
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.
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.
With regular care and occasional maintenance, a restored parquet floor can last for many more decades.
Keeping it looking good
With felt pads, doormats and a regular sweep, restored parquet stays looking its best. Oiled floors benefit from an occasional maintenance coat, and lacquered floors from a re-coat when the sheen begins to dull. 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.