Restoring Parquet and Herringbone Floors
From loose blocks to a flawless finish
A well-made parquet floor can outlive the house's kitchen, bathroom and windows several times over. 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.
An old finish that has turned yellow or is peeling.
Raised or dipped blocks that make the surface uneven.
Fixing the blocks first
Repairs always come before sanding. Loose blocks are taken up, cleaned of old bitumen and glued back down with a modern adhesive. Missing blocks are replaced with reclaimed blocks of matching species and dimensions. 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.
Why parquet sanding is different
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. We work diagonally across the pattern, then refine the surface with finer grits and a multi-disc sander for a flawless finish. Done properly, the pattern comes up crisp and even.
Old parquet often has decades of finish to remove, including wax, varnish and sometimes paint. It takes skill to remove these without wasting the timber that gives parquet its long life. Our parquet floor sanding is carried out with dust-free extraction, capturing around 99% of dust at source.
Finishing parquet
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.
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 is similar, but the ends of the blocks are angled so they meet in a neat V shape. 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.
Restore or replace?
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. 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.
The essentials at a glance
Every loose block is re-bonded and missing ones replaced with matching reclaimed blocks before sanding begins.
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.
Caring for restored parquet
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. Looked after properly, the floor will keep going for decades.
Wondering what your parquet could look like? Arrange a free survey and we will assess the blocks, explain the options and give you a fixed price.