Parquet board

            Parquet board is the so-called substitute for natural hardwood flooring.  It is not to be confused with solid hardwood flooring.  The difference lies in the fact that solid hardwood flooring is composed of expensive wood species and from solid wood.  The variety of shades and textures allows it to rival inlaid parquet for beauty and grace.  A residence in which the floor is finished with massive parquet board looks expensive and elegant. In addition, it is a highly environmentally-friendly material.

            Parquet board is characterized by the same quality, but costs half as much, is easy to handle and package, and is thus more popular.  Many people consider that the invention of parquet board in Sweden in the 40’s of the Twentieth Century to be one of the most important milestones of the past century. So, what makes it so appealing?

            Parquet board is less expensive since it is not made out of whole pieces of solid wood, but from three different types of lumber, arranged in layers.  The bottom layer is fir plywood, next come perpendicularly arranged short sheets of coniferous species – this is how parquet board provides its strength and resistance to changes under the impact of heat and humidity.  And then finally the topmost facing layer, made of expensive species of hardwood or possibly pressed softwoods.  Its durability and strength determine the life of all parquet board installations.

            Parquet board is manufactured in four types, which are determined by the quantity of strips, from one to four.  The most popular is still the three-strip board, while the least popular is the four-strip.  In terms of price the single-strip dominates since skillful packaging and handling give the impression of massive parquet board.

            Finishing of the working layer of the parquet board is possible with varnish (traditional) or oil (a more modern, environmentally-friendly method).  To achieve variety of color in the facing layer, there are temperature and steam-based treatments available, and even old technologies are being used – the soft core is knocked out and the cavity left behind is filled with wax, after which the surface is finished.   Such a striking finish hides scratches and minor damage, and even gives an expensive and solid antique look.

            You have undoubtedly noticed that hardwood flooring pieces sometimes have marks from knots and branches.  If these marks are small and the same color as the piece, then you see before you a hardwood flooring piece in the natural style.  A pure and homogenous pattern of a piece cut longitudinally characterizes the expensive style “select”, or “elite”.  The rustic, or country, style even allows for the presence of cracks.  This is the best style for dachas, country houses, and interiors in the rural style.

            The laying of parquet board, just like hardwood flooring, requires preparatory work and screeding of the floor.   It comes completely prepared for installation – along the edges and end faces there are tongues and grooves, by which the individual boards are joined together.

            The care required for such a board is analogous to hardwood flooring.  Just choose that option which is right for you; maybe very complicated because of the many manufacturing firms, as well as the characteristics of parquet board.  The option you choose will serve you well for many long years, and bring joy to you every day.