How to Install Parquet Flooring

Are you thinking of investing in parquet or herringbone flooring for your home? Before you do, it’s worth looking at how these floors are installed. This, amongst other things, will help you to choose the right type of flooring for your desired space.

The installation method for parquet flooring largely depends upon the type of floor you purchase. Parquet designs are available in LVT, SPC, laminate, engineered, and solid wood variations. Below, you’ll discover a brief installation guide for each type.

Before you Start

Whichever type of parquet flooring you are installing, there are a couple of essential steps you’ll need to take before you begin. These include:

Step 1: Acclimatise the floor

All flooring should be acclimatised for a set period before it is installed. This gives it time to settle and adjust to the change in temperature. How long the floor needs to acclimatise for will depend upon the type you are installing. Here’s a general acclimatisation guide for each flooring type:

• LVT flooring – 24 hours
• Laminate and SPC flooring – up to 48 hours
• Engineered wood flooring – 72 hours
• Solid wood flooring – 7 days

While you acclimatise them, the floors should be opened in the room you are installing them. This gives the planks room to breathe.

Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor

While the flooring is acclimatising, you will need to prepare the subfloor. No matter which type of flooring you have chosen, it will require some level of subfloor preparation.

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and even. If you are installing a floating floor, the evenness of the subfloor becomes less important. However, if you are installing a Glue-down or solid wood floor, preparing the subfloor will be a lot more effort.

With wooden and secured floors, the subfloor needs to be even to keep them stable. This means you might need to use a self-levelling compound. You should also pay attention to things like the moisture content in the subfloor. Wooden floors will easily become damaged if they are placed over a high moisture base. You can counteract these challenges with a moisture barrier underlay.

Look at the manufacturer guidelines for accurate subfloor preparation relating to the floor you purchased. Alternatively, you can contact our friendly flooring experts who will be happy to help.

How to Install LVT, SPC, and Laminate Parquet Flooring

LVT is available as click and glue-down installation methods. Most floors tend to offer click installation. However, there are some that require a Glue-down method.

Click Installation Parquet

If your LVT, SPC, or laminate floor comes with a click system, you can alternate the A and B boards in whatever pattern you like. The wood effect planks will simply click together for a fast and easy fit. You should start by installing a quality underlay for added stability, reduced noise, and increased comfort.

To install a classic pattern, simply start by taking three A-boards, and two of the B boards. Click one of the B boards into the joint at the head of one of the A-boards. This will create the classic V-shape associated with parquet flooring.

To the right of the V-shape you have just created, click another A board. Go back to the first B board you installed, then click a second B board alongside it, clicking it into the head of the second A-board. Get the third A board and click it into place alongside the second A-board. You should see the pattern taking shape now. Continue to fit the panels in accordance with the included instructions.

Glue-down Installation Parquet

If you are installing Glue-down LVT flooring, you might want to bring in professionals. It is possible to do it yourself, though it can be a messy and time-consuming task.

If you do opt to install the floor yourself, you are going to need a good quality adhesive, trowel, and a flooring roller. Make sure you use the brand of adhesive recommended by the flooring manufacturer. It is best to start applying the adhesive a little at a time starting from the corner of the room. You will also need to leave the adhesive to settle for a brief period of time to ensure the floor sticks correctly.

Follow the directions supplied with the floor for the correct installation process. You will need to glue the A and B boards down in a V-shape, or in accordance with your own unique design. One of the best things about parquet flooring is that you have full flexibility over how it is installed.

How to Install Engineered Parquet Planks

Engineered wood parquet flooring produces the same striking looks like solid wood parquet. However, it is more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture. This makes it easier to maintain and install.

You will find that most engineered wood parquet floors come with a tongue and groove system. Some of the newer floors may feature a click system, in which case you would follow similar instructions to installing laminate parquet flooring.

Tongue and groove systems create a floating floor installation, which means you will need to install an underlay for added stability. The installation process itself is straightforward, following practically the same method as you would if you were installing click parquet flooring. The only difference is that you need to ensure the groove side of the first A plank is placed against the wall (remembering to leave an expansion gap around the edge of the wall).

The tongue of the B plank will then slot into the first A plank, creating the familiar V-shaped pattern. To connect the planks, you will need to hold them together at an angle and push them down to secure them in place. One of the main advantages of engineered wood flooring is that it can be installed with underfloor heating.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to complete the installation.

How to Install Solid Wood Parquet Flooring

Solid wood parquet flooring can be a challenge to install. It needs to be secured down, typically with nails. This can be a complex job that is best left to professional flooring fitters. Once the planks have been nailed down, it is difficult to get them back up again. This means you have very little room for mistakes.

We always recommend solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring be installed by professionals. If you do want to try and do it yourself, always follow the manufacturer guidelines provided.

The above is a brief installation guide for installing parquet flooring. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly flooring experts today. They will be happy to advise you on the correct installation method for your new parquet flooring.

Shop Online

Browse our parquet style engineered flooring range here

Browse our parquet style solid wood flooring range here

Browse our parquet style LVT flooring range here

Browse our parquet style laminate flooring range here

Browse our parquet style SPC flooring range here