We will dedicate this article entirely to parquet, for which it is essential to start by clarifying what parquet is, the types of existing parquet and the differences with apparently similar floors.
Before starting, and in order not to create false expectations for DIY enthusiasts, my advice is that the installation of parquet and flooring should always be carried out by qualified professionals. An important investment, such as this one, and for many many years if it is well carried out, requires it. At least, that’s the way I see it.
Later I will give you some reasons to think so.
Different types of wooden floors
Below we will see the main types of wooden flooring, both natural wood floors and those made with wood derivatives.
Natural wood platform.
Pallet
On many occasions, the term “laminated flooring” is often used erroneously to refer to laminate flooring.
The platform is a flooring made exclusively with solid natural wood, without any other component.
Its installation is always fixed to the substrate, therefore, it cannot be floating. Said fixation can be done chemically, with special adhesives, or mechanically, anchored to wooden battens by means of nails or screws.
Parquet
The parquet has a large component of solid natural wood, since it is made up of an upper wear layer of natural wood 2.5 mm thick, in accordance with the European standard UNE-EN 13756. An intermediate layer that can be made with high-density fiberboard (HDF), or with medium-density fiberboard (MDF). And a third layer of support.
The durability of parquet is much higher than that of laminate flooring, since if it is well cared for, it can last about 50 years. It is also more ecological than laminate. Also its price is higher.
Parquet.
Depending on its way of installation, the parquet can be:
Parquet (dry)
The installation of the parquet is the same as in the case of flooring, that is, glued or nailed.
This reason makes its installation by professionals essential, since it is necessary to have the appropriate tools and, above all, knowledge and experience.
floating parquet
The difference with the previous one lies only in its installation method. Thanks to constant technological innovation, a floating installation system for parquet, called click mounting, has been developed.
This type of installation is within the possibilities of DIY enthusiasts, but only for the most advanced.
The key points for a correct installation are few and clear:
- Previous installation of a “blanket” of polyethylene foam, to absorb noise and small irregularities in the substrate.
- Minimum gaps capable of absorbing the expansions and movements of the parquet.
- Maximum continuous surfaces and expansion joints.
On this basis, in most of the information that can be found on the internet, they assume that the installation is super easy, since it is a click assembly. However, they do not say, at least I have not seen it so far, about the “problem” when reaching the first gate. It is not easy to pass the parquet plank under part of the two sides of the door frame.
For this reason, if you are not an experienced DIYer, my advice is that the installation of the floating parquet is carried out by a professional or specialized company.
Floating laminate flooring.
laminate flooring
Laminate floors are pavements composed of derivatives of wood and sheets, joined together by high-consistency resins. The soul of the pavement is made of HDF board, also called High Density, or MDF or Medium Density, depending on the quality of the floor. This body has a melamine sheet that imitates the texture and pattern of natural wood. It also incorporates a film called overlay that covers the visible part of the pavement, protecting it from wear. And, finally, on the back side it has the stabilizing layer.
If you want to know more about this type of flooring, you can see this other article in which we talked about laminate flooring, 5 tips.
Repairs and maintenance of parquet and flooring
If the installation is not easy, repairing parquet Madrid is a task that can only be carried out by specialized professionals.
Damaged parquet.
Some of the repairs and maintenance that will be carried out throughout the useful life of the parquet can be cited:
- The slashing, sanding and polishing.
- Varnishing, polishing, cleaning and waxing.
- Restoration of old and deteriorated parquets.
- Replacement of loose or damaged parts.
- Swollen parquet.
- Scratches.
And long etcetera.
conclusion
If you are looking for a floor that gives warmth and elegance to your home, and that lasts like new “for life”, I would opt for the parquet.
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