What's good about parquet boards. Parquet board: tips for choosing, pros and cons

Parquet board is a modern flooring material that perfectly combines all the advantages of natural wood with innovative production technologies. Big choice various kinds makes it difficult for inexperienced developers to choose a specific option. In order to make a conscious decision, you should briefly familiarize yourself with the criteria for evaluating parquet boards, production technology and the influence of these factors on characteristics.

Parquet board is a multi-layer flooring made of various types of wood, consisting of several layers.

Parquet boards are much larger than piece parquet, which allows manufacturers to emphasize the beauty and texture features. Due to the use of cheap types of wood for some layers, parquet boards are significantly cheaper than natural parquet. For the top layer, a thin veneer of valuable breeds is used, which reduces the cost of production in comparison with natural parquet.

What characteristics of a parquet board should be paid attention to when choosing

The coating is quite complex in structure, each layer affects the final properties of the flooring. But what should you pay attention to when choosing a particular type?

Thickness

It has a decisive influence on the strength and wear resistance of the floor covering, depending on the type it can vary widely.

1. From 7 mm to 9 mm. The thinnest and least durable coating, the thickness of lamellas made of valuable wood species is 0.5–2.5 mm. Such material cannot be sanded and scraped, in case of critical wear it cannot be restored, replacement of damaged areas or complete dismantling of the flooring is required.
2. From 10 mm to 12 mm. The board should be laid only on a flat base, does not withstand deflections and large mechanical loads. The thickness of the top lamella allows for single sanding or gentle scraping.
3. From 13 mm to 16 mm. It enjoys the greatest popularity among consumers, the thickness of the lamellas of the upper decorative layer is 3-4 mm, which makes it possible to perform repair work to restore the original appearance. Most often used in residential areas.
4. From 20 mm to 22 mm. Differs in the increased wear resistance, it is applied to rooms with big passability.

Some manufacturers produce parquet boards with a thickness of 35–40 mm. This material is characterized by maximum strength and durability, used in prestigious buildings, concert halls, office space, conference halls, hotels, gyms, schools, kindergartens, etc. At a cost, such a board is several times higher than all of the above.

Cutting method

Not only the pattern and characteristics of the parquet board structure, but also the strength of the top layer depend on the method of sawing wood. The more whole longitudinal fibers, the higher the fracture strength of lumber, the more annual rings, the higher the wear resistance.

What are the cutting methods?

Variety and type of top layer wood

The grade of the top layer is characterized by shade, pattern and the presence of natural defects. According to the existing classification according to this parameter, the parquet board is divided into several types.

1. Radial select. The highest grade of coating, there are no defects on the surface in the form of live and dead knots, sapwood, etc. The pattern and color are uniform along the entire length. The lumber parameters comply with the provisions of the current GOST 862.1-85 in category A. For parquet boards, such lumber is rarely used, the reason is the high cost.
2. Select (standard). According to the generally accepted classification, wood belongs to it. premium. The surface of the floorboard looks more natural, there are smooth changes in shades. Lumber cannot have knots and sapwood, cracks, traces of wood disease.
3. Natur. It is allowed to have a large number live knots with a diameter of 2-5 mm, there may be a slight sapwood. A cheaper layer, lumber is made by rustic sawing. The surface of the parquet board has a decor with various shades, the pattern is contrasting.
4. Rustic (country). The presence of dead knots, inclined fibers, heart-shaped rays is allowed.
5. Economy (robust). The cheapest coating, generally accepted parameters do not exist, each manufacturer develops its own specifications depending on the capabilities of the equipment and the availability of raw materials.

Top decorative veneer can be made from oak, cherry, beech, mahogany and other valuable species.

Used locking system

The strength of the locks affects the stability of the floor, this parameter should be given due attention. Most locks are made using Click (click), Barklik, Tarkett, Witex, Aberhof, Maglock, Reallock, Lock technology, but there are also more complex special ones. When laying the flooring, only two conditions should be observed: to connect individual lamellas until they click and not to violate the integrity of the elements.

Front surface treatment type

The outer surfaces of the parquet board are covered with a particularly durable varnish or oil. Depending on the type of coating, the number of layers of varnish can vary between 5–10, the more, the higher the wear resistance. The varnish does not require frequent maintenance, it is enough to sometimes polish the surface to remove shallow scratches. The disadvantage of such a coating is that critical damage is not repaired, the lamellas have to be changed.

The use of oil as a finishing coating allows, if necessary, to repair even large mechanical damage to the top layer. The oil penetrates deep into the pores of the lamellas, emphasizes their natural structure and reliably protects against moisture. The disadvantage is that the floor surface requires careful maintenance, every 3-4 months the parquet boards need to be re-impregnated.

Dimensions

Parquet boards are 2–2.5 m long, 15–20 cm wide, and up to 22 mm thick. We have given the standard sizes of parquet boards, but some manufacturers set their specifications and change the length and width. When choosing floor coverings according to linear parameters, one should take into account the dimensions of the room and select products in such a way as to reduce the amount of non-productive waste.

Number of lanes

The parquet board can have from one to four stripes. The single-strip has one row of planks at the top, called Full Plank. This feature allows you to emphasize the beauty of natural wood of a certain type. The presence of a special chamfer in the corners creates the effect of a natural deck board - the most expensive flooring. A single-strip board visually expands small rooms. Two or more strip parquet boards have several lamellas on the front surface laid in parallel rows. Due to the fact that the lamellae are narrow and short, manufacturers have the opportunity to use non-standard materials during production - the cost is reduced. The width of each segment of an individual row is much smaller than on single-strip boards. Multi-strip parquet boards look great in large rooms.

Ways of laying a parquet board

Parquet board is a versatile material that can be laid in several ways, depending on the characteristics of the bearing surfaces.

1. On glue. The so-called fixed floor. A special solution is applied to the base, it can be concrete, plywood or OSB boards. Taking into account the characteristics of the base, the brand of glue is selected. The solution is leveled with a comb spatula, the parquet board is mounted in the usual way in the lock. The advantages of the method - the floor never creaks, is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and humidity. Disadvantages - such a coating is difficult to repair, replacing individual boards requires a lot of time.
2. On nails. Each board is nailed to the base with small nails or screwed with self-tapping screws. The hardware is fixed at an angle above the spike. The work is quite difficult, requires practical skills. Nails are much more convenient to hammer with a special tool. This is not only faster, but also safer - the risks of mechanical damage to the spikes are minimized.
3. For soft pads. The so-called floating floor. The coating is mounted only in locks; a soft lining 2–3 mm thick is used to level the base. In addition to alignment, the lining prevents squeaks while walking.

Video - Laying parquet boards in several ways

For example, we will consider several ways of laying flooring.

Ordinary laying of a parquet board on a soft bedding

It is this method that is most often used during the laying of the coating. Laying diagonally is less commonly used, we will talk about it a little lower. The herringbone layout is not used at all due to large sizes boards.

For the production of work, you will need a metal template, plastic devices of various lengths for assembling boards into a lock, a rubber or metal hammer, a pencil, a tape measure, a folding ruler and an electric jigsaw. Use of eye and hand protection is recommended.

Step 1. Bring the material into the room, relative humidity should be within 45-65%, temperature +15-22°. Open the sealed package and leave to settle for about two days.

Step 2 Check the condition of the supporting base. It should be even, the difference in height cannot exceed one millimeter per running meter. You can check the plane long rule or level.

If deep and wide cracks are found, they should be repaired. Use any adhesive for ceramic tiles, cement-sand fillers or special repair mortars. Choose a specific material taking into account the characteristics of the base.

Step 3 After the mixture has hardened, carefully remove the surface from dust and debris, dry the room.

Step 4 Check the condition of the lamellas. If mechanical damage is found on the spikes or grooves, then set them aside. These boards can later be used during the adjustment of the coating along the length.

Step 5 Measure the dimensions of the rooms and make preliminary calculations on the amount of material. In order to see the final result of the work, it is recommended to make a preliminary dry layout of the boards on the surface in a small area. If desired, you can change the scheme and apply corner laying. How this is done, we will explain in this article below.

Step 6 Lay the lining on the floor, make sure that there are no folds or gaps. The same material can be used as a damper tape, for this you need to cut off strips or wrap it a little on the wall.

Step 7 From the first parquet board, you need to remove the connection spike. This should be done with an electric saw or jigsaw.

Cutting a tenon from the boards of the first row

Practical advice. You should not achieve a perfectly even cut, the gap between the coating and the wall will be closed with a plinth in the future.

Step 8 Start working from the wall opposite the doorway. Be sure to leave a gap of 10-15 mm between the boards and walls, it is needed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the coating. To control the gap, you can use small pieces of parquet board.

Step 9 Connect the planks into locks until they stop and click. To kill you need to use special devices otherwise, there is a high risk of damage to the locks. The device is placed close to the upper even edge of the lamella, on the opposite side it is struck with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the coating.

Step 10 Measure the distance to the wall and use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut off the excess. Make measurements taking into account the gap.

Using the same technology, continue to lay the parquet board over the entire area. If it becomes necessary to cut non-standard corners, then first you should mark the dimensions on the template, and then transfer them to the board. For the template, you can use the cardboard from the package; in size, it exactly matches the parameters of the coating.

Step 11 Attach skirting boards. Smear them on the back liquid nails and press firmly against the wall.

In order for the parquet board not to be damaged by furniture legs, it is recommended to glue soft pads to them. It is strictly forbidden to move heavy objects on the surface, they can only be carried carefully. If the parquet board has oil coating, then after laying it should be impregnated with a special compound. It is sold together with the parquet board.

Features of laying diagonally

Work begins in the corner of the room, the boards are located at an angle of 45 ° to the walls.

Step 1. Cut the first board into a triangle. A piece is cut off from the end of the whole board, the tools must be sharp and not leave burrs on the material.

Important. The angle between walls is not always 90°, check it. In order not to be mistaken, it is better to cut out a template from a piece of thick paper or cardboard.

Do not forget to leave gaps between the wall and the coating, use any available materials for this.

Step 2 Accurately measure the dimensions of the second board and cut the trapezoid. Pay attention to which side the spikes and grooves are located. You can measure the length of the sides of the trapezoid with a tape measure. To do this, take the dimensions of the lower part of the established triangle, draw lines from the marked points using a square at an angle of 45 °.

Practical advice. Always use the same board for cutting, this will reduce waste. But you need to remember that in any case there will be a little more waste than with an ordinary layout.

If a small piece is missing along the length, then it can be cut off with new board, all the same corners are removed. It is advisable to additionally fix a small piece with glue, this will prevent it from tearing off.

Step 3 To finish the heating pipes in the boards, you need to cut longitudinal holes. Then they are sealed with inserts, the seams between the elements are puttied in the color of the parquet board. Liquid nails are applied on the sides of the segments.

Never throw away pieces of boards, almost all of them will be needed at the time the laying of the coating is completed.

Next, the flooring must be continued according to the described scheme. Carefully tamp the boards, small gaps after a few rows will become noticeable. To fix the problem, you will have to dismantle the already installed lamellas. Remember that end locks should be spaced apart.

Prices for parquet board "Tarkett"

parquet board tarkett

According to its technical parameters, the parquet board is significantly different from the laminate, natural wood requires more thorough protection against moisture. On the first floors, it is recommended to make waterproofing from a polyethylene film or modern non-woven materials.

After finishing work, do not rush to bring furniture into the room, let it stand for several days, then check the quality over the entire area. Walk and jump on the surface, the presence of squeaks and deflections indicates problems. Find out their cause, if deviations from the norm are not critical, then no measures can be taken. During the settling period, the humidity will even out better. wooden elements taking into account the microclimate in the room, under furniture, these processes are difficult.

Start the first row with a whole board, and the second with trimming. This method reduces waste. If the material is purchased with a margin or the segment has a length of less than 30 cm, then you will have to cut the boards in half and lay them in this way.

Make sure that foreign objects or chips do not get into the lock. Before connecting, check the condition of the tongue and groove. If the foreign object is not removed in time, then it will be driven deep into the groove, and then it is quite difficult to get it out of there.

Thin parquet boards easily bend, which complicates the connection of the lock. With such material it is better to work together.

Video - How to choose a parquet board

At first glance, a topic that touches on the basics of choosing the right parquet board does not deserve special attention However, if you delve into the deep and purely practical essence of the problem, you can make sure that this topic is worthy of close attention and discussion. This is largely due to the external similarity of the parquet boards of competing manufacturers, which greatly complicates the choice of a simple layman who is not familiar with the hidden nuances. Moreover, in order to draw a correct conclusion about the duration operational life parquet, it is necessary to have deep theoretical knowledge in the field of wood science, which provides comprehensive answers to many such questions. In this article, we will introduce the reader to the main aspects of choosing the right parquet board, as well as consider the top most popular parquet manufacturers.

Parquet board: traditional wood or exotic species?

The parquet board, which won the fight for leadership among durable floor coverings, is now presented in the widest range. For its production, natural wood is used, which determines a certain set of properties of the finished material. Thanks to the use of natural raw materials and spectacular installation, the parquet board, the photo of which is presented in the article, has become one of the most desirable materials chosen for flooring.

Considering the main aspects of choosing a parquet board and answering the question: “which one is better?”, Let's pay attention to the types of wood used for its production. Today, in the production of parquet boards, almost all known types of wood are used, which have proven themselves in terms of wear resistance and durability.

The manufacturer does not shun not only traditional, but also exotic species, which contributes to a huge selection of finishing materials in the construction market. But, despite this, oak, beech, maple, walnut, ash, cherry, merbau and wenge are especially popular among manufacturers.

• Oak parquet is considered a sales leader due to the high strength, hardness and durability of the raw materials used. Parquet board, for the production of which oak acted as the main raw material, is practically not subject to high humidity and the deformation associated with it, and also does not dry out after a long time and effectively demonstrates all the advantages of oak raw materials.
• Walnut parquet board, which has proven itself in terms of high strength, is unpretentious in maintenance and is characterized by high performance properties. Due to the high hardness of the walnut, which is much higher than that of oak, it allows the use of walnut parquet in rooms with a potentially high mechanical load on the floor covering, and the pronounced structure of the material makes it possible to use walnut for finishing rooms for various purposes.

• Parquet, for the production of which beech was used, in most cases is purchased for children's rooms and bedrooms, due to its pleasant light cream shade and the ability to visually expand the space of the room. Beech parquet is characterized not only by high strength, but also by resistance to high levels of humidity.

• Cherry parquet board and ash parquet board are characterized by a rich variety of shades, among which soft pink and dark coffee are recognized as the most original. The richest palette of shades and exquisite various patterns will make parquet a harmonious addition to any room.
• The merbau wood variety, which is characterized by a rich brown hue, complemented by golden veins, is used to produce moisture-resistant parquet, due to the high percentage of oils in the wood structure. Wood processing, which is one of the production steps in the manufacture of parquet, resistant to moisture and rodent damage, causes a high cost of the finished finishing material.

• Wood of exotic African origin - wenge today is just beginning to gain popularity among manufacturers of furniture and floor coverings, but has already established itself as a wear-resistant, not subject to increased mechanical stress material for production. floor covering, which is characterized by an almost black tint and an original shade with ethnic notes.

The thickness of the parquet board and factors affecting it

In most cases, the structure of the flooring is represented by three layers that determine the thickness of the parquet board:

• Upper, for the manufacture of which the most valuable types of wood are used, such as oak, cherry, beech or walnut;
• Medium, represented by the most powerful slab, for the manufacture of which thin layers of conifers glued together are used;
• The lower layer is represented by spruce rocks, the thickness of which does not exceed 2 mm.

An important practical conclusion follows from this, according to which the quality of a parquet board mainly depends on the material used for the production of the underlying top layer, as well as the thickness of the latter. We must also not forget that the number of sandings that a parquet floor can withstand is determined by the thickness and quality characteristics of the outer layer.

What you need to know about the dimensions of the parquet board?

The quality of the parquet board and the prices depend on its initial dimensions, which should not exceed the maximum permissible values.

• Thickness - no more than 20 cm;
• Length - from 2 to 2.5 m;
• The thickness also should not go beyond certain limits: 7-25 mm.

Practical Conclusions

• For facing the board, the thickness of which is 7 mm, veneer is used, and therefore it cannot be scraped;
• Given that the 10 mm thick board is not much stronger than the previous one, it requires a very careful attitude, as excessively sharp movements can cause scratches and scuffs;
• According to experts, the optimal thickness of a parquet board is close to 13-15 mm, since in this case the thickness of the working (upper) board will be 4 mm;
• A massive parquet board, which is characterized by a thickness exceeding 25 mm, can withstand significant loads, due to the fact that the emphasis is projected not only on the main upper, but also on the middle layer. The use of such a board is relevant not only in the conditions of apartments with concrete floors, but also old houses, where the installation of wooden floors on logs is still practiced.

Plank selection: its impact on the quality of the face layer

Among the parameters that most clearly affect the quality of the front layer is the selection of planks. In other words, plank selection is one of the ways to sort parquet flooring according to the following criteria:

• Saw the wood layer;
• The presence of mechanical defects (knots, cracks);
• Color palette;
• Fiber orientation and wood pattern.

Manufacturers offer to distinguish between radial and tangential cutting options:

• Radial sawing - a sawing method that is made parallel to the diameter of the trunk, while the wood fibers are oriented along the surface of the die, i.e. the cutting line is made through the center of the trunk. In addition to excellent physical and chemical indicators, this board is characterized by the most high level stability, maximum uniform color and perfect pattern. The level of shrinkage and swelling for a board with a radial cut is half that for a board with a tangential cut.
• Tangential sawing - a cutting line passing along a tangent line relative to a tree trunk. Such a board is characterized by a pronounced, colorful pattern and the pattern of annual rings is clearly visible. In terms of technical parameters, the tangential cut is significantly inferior to the radial one, however, due to the low amount of rejected material, the price of a board with a tangential cut is characterized by a lower cost.

Taking into account the method of cutting, there are several types of selection, the main ones are:

Natur

It implies the presence of planks sawn both tangentially and radially. Selection of the nature type excludes the presence of large defects, except for microscopic knots. The board of this selection type is characterized by original color transitions and a variety of patterns;

Select

The material of this selection type is rightfully called the leader in its market segment, which is due to the use of only radially sawn planks for this selection, which are characterized by uniform color and even woody pattern, which will ideally complement interiors made in a classic style;

Rustic (Country)

Which does not imply selection according to the cutting method, and includes boards not only of the radial, but also of the tangential cutting method. Selection options for of this type selections serve the color and quality of the wood. The rustic selection is characterized by a lively, naturalistic pattern, as well as significant differences in shades, and therefore it may seem overly colorful to many. This type of parquet allows the presence of fiber inclination, heart-shaped rays and larger mechanical defects.

Parquet board: which company is better?

The main manufacturers and importers of parquet boards are the following companies:

Tarkett

The Serbian company Tarkett, according to numerous Internet users, tops the top 15 most popular flooring manufacturers.

The Serbian manufacturer offers a wide range of colors, thanks to which it is able to please even the most demanding customer. The Tarkett parquet board is distinguished by high technical characteristics, which contributes to its operation not only in the conditions of an apartment, but also in commercial establishments.

Kahrs

The Kahrs parquet board is the main competitor of Tarkett and claims to deserve a well-deserved fight in the competition of manufacturers. Chers parquet boards tend to have a lot of positive reviews, however, products from individual collections, according to the consumer, are not stable under the influence of slightly fluctuating levels of humidity and moderate climatic changes. A significant drawback of the products of the Swedish manufacturer is recognized as overpriced.

Polarwood

The Polarwood parquet board, which is a product of the popular Finnish manufacturer Karelia-Upofloor, deserves attention because the quality and production technology of the economy segment of Karelia does not differ from the parquet that occupies the premium segment of Karelia. Its slight and only difference lies in the noticeable simplicity of colors and the presence of small mechanical defects that do not affect the quality of the flooring.

Barlinek

The Polish parquet board Barlinek, which has received wide recognition among consumers, due to its low prices, is suitable for lower social strata of the population carrying out economy-class repairs. Despite the democratic cost, products manufactured in accordance with European standards can safely fight for victory in the competition with such luminaries as Tarkett and Upofloor. The only drawback of the company is the products from the Diana Forest collection, which are distinguished by very weak locks, prone to quick breakage.

Leroy Merlin

Leroy parquet board is made exclusively from materials of natural origin, which makes it environmentally friendly. pure material. It is formed from three layers, which are connected under the influence of high pressure, which leads to high strength of the material. The tongue and groove system used by the manufacturer facilitates easy installation. Unpretentiousness in leaving and high durability - important advantages of a parquet board of Leroy Merlin.

How to choose parquet is a rather popular question, because the modern market offers a wide range. What criteria you should pay attention to, read below.

The parquet is offered by a wide variety of models. Therefore, choosing a floor covering can be very difficult. To facilitate the choice, you need to be guided by several criteria.

If you want to choose an aesthetic, high-quality and durable parquet, try to take into account several important factors when making your final decision:

• type of parquet;
• type of parquet;
• material of manufacture;
• features of the protective coating.

What is the difference between different types of parquet

Parquet is a floor covering made from natural wood. Its quality depends on the method of sawing the log, which determines the grade of the product.

Sort "Select" Radial differs in the highest quality in comparison with other grades. Appearance - dies with a radial cut, in which the cut plane passes through the core of the trunk along the entire radius of the butt. Wood fibers are arranged parallel to each other. This variety excludes the presence of sapwood, knots, wormholes, color differences. Only marble (mineral deposits on the parquet surface) can be present - its share should not exceed 7%.

Grade "Radial". It has the same characteristics as the "Select" variety. The share of marble can reach 60%. Other wood defects are not allowed.

Sort "Standard" Select. Mixed cut parquet. The presence of sapwood, knots, wormholes is not allowed. There may be slight color variations.

Variety "Natural". Mixed cut parquet. It is characterized by significant color differences. Sapwood may be present - up to 10%. Sound knots (up to 5 mm) and closed knots (up to 3 mm) are allowed.

Variety "Rustic". Mixed cut type. Characterized by a wide colors. Knots and sapwood are allowed in any quantity. There may be shrinkage cracks located on the back of the board. The depth of mechanical damage does not exceed 1.5 mm.

What are the types of parquet

There are several varieties of parquet flooring. Each of them has its own features and characteristics.

• Block parquet. It is a homogeneous plank of wood, which are attached to each other according to the type of thorn-groove connection. On the reverse side, you can often see special grooves that serve to uniform distribution loads. They do not allow the parquet to crack and creak over time.
• Type-setting parquet. Consists of hardwood planks that create an artistic parquet pattern. It is better to trust the laying of such a floor covering to masters who are able to create a wide variety of compositions. The front part of the slats is pasted over with special paper, which is removed after installation. The reverse side of the boards is often equipped with a special substrate.
• Parquet board. More cheap option. It is made up of several layers of wood. The bottom layer is low-grade raw materials, the top layer is made of hardwood. The parquet board is sold fully prepared for laying, already equipped with a substrate and varnished. Connection type thorn-groove. The coating can be laid in several ways: herringbone, frieze, deck. The advantages of the parquet board include the richness of the assortment, low price material.
• Parquet boards. They differ in their design. They are boards or fiberboard glued to the top decorative layer of hardwood. The shields are square in shape, available in sizes 800x800 mm and 400x400 mm, varnished and ready for installation immediately.
• Pronto parquet. Appeared in 2000, but managed to gain high popularity. It has a multilayer structure, where all the elements are fastened by pressing and adhesive method. Only the front side is made of valuable wood species. With a parquet thickness of 10-14 mm, the thickness of the front layer is 4 mm. Differs in carefully deduced geometry, ideally equal surface, simple installation on the tenon-and-groove technology. Available with and without lacquer.

Parquet from different types of wood

Before choosing parquet for your home, you need to determine what kind of wood its front layer should be made of. There are several main options on the market.

Oak parquet - photo

Oak parquet. Durable and beautiful flooring. It is durable, resistant to different operating conditions, a variety of textures. Oak flooring that has been in water for some time has a unique color that can vary from brown-green to black.

Beech parquet. Differs in the high durability, resistance to hostile environment. Easy to process. Golden shades allow you to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort in the room.

Ash parquet. Floor covering with multi-striped wood pattern. It has a yellowish color, looks beautiful and unusual. Differs in elasticity and durability, it is capable to serve long term. Good for mechanical processing.

Maple parquet. It is remembered for its property of a chameleon. Initially, the coating White color, but over time, the service takes on a honey hue. Pairs well with dark furniture.

Walnut parquet. It has a beautiful embossed pattern, a pleasant warm color. The material is easy to process, but in practice it is very durable and strong, not prone to mechanical damage, cracking.

Bamboo parquet. excels in strength characteristics even the oak flooring. It does not absorb moisture, is resistant to mechanical damage, and has a high wear resistance. Bamboo parquet is not demanding on operating conditions. In this case, only the high price of flooring can confuse.

How to coat parquet - varnish or oil

The need for choosing a protective coating will arise in any case - if you buy prepared parquet or open it with varnish or oil yourself. Each composition has its own distinctive features that will appear during the operation of the floor covering.

Parquet varnish. It is considered the most common type of coating. It has a different texture: matte; semi-gloss; glossy. Well protects wood from moisture, mechanical damage, temperature changes, abrasion. AT ideal applied to the surface in 5-7 layers. The lacquered surface is not demanding in care, it involves only the periodic use of polishes and other special products.

Oil coating. Relatively the new kind parquet processing. The oil helps preserve the texture and color of the wood, keeping it natural. The mixture does not create a continuous coating of the parquet, it penetrates into it to a depth of about 2 mm. Due to this, proper air exchange in the floor covering is ensured, but its protection is reduced.

To prolong the life of oiled parquet, this procedure must be repeated regularly, providing additional protection against moisture and temperature changes.

Video - How to choose parquet

A practical democratic parquet board was invented and introduced into production in the 40s of the last century. It appeared as a worthy alternative to expensive piece parquet flooring. Popular flooring is now produced by hundreds of companies that are constantly improving their product. Many collections with amazing designs and improved features are delivered to the market every year. An extensive range of modernized products is able to puzzle even a buyer tempted by abundance. Recommendations and information on what properties to pay attention to and how to choose a parquet board will help experienced and inexperienced future owners decide on a future purchase.

Attractive sides of the parquet board better than any advertisements convince of the rationality of arranging commercial, administrative and residential premises with the help of this material.

• Floor installation using a parquet board takes a significantly shorter period of time than is required for scrupulous alignment of piece parquet dies.
• Cheaper installation.
• Significantly lower than the price of a floor fully prepared for work.
• The parquet board does not need to be sanded, carefully sanded and applied several layers of protective and decorative varnish.
• Thanks to its special design, this floor covering does not react as sharply as a parquet floor to fluctuations in moisture levels and temperature changes.

Oak parquet board - democratic presentable practical material

The service life guaranteed by the parquet board manufacturers is lower than that of a presentable parquet, but replacement in the event of a global redesign of the interior will not be painful for family budget.

Choice: consideration of operating conditions

The technical priorities of the parquet board are due to the design specifics of the flooring elements. Their structure resembles a sandwich, made up of three or more layers of wood of different value. The fibers of the top face veneer, made from expensive wood, are perpendicular to the fibers of the underlying layer. The structural components of the lower layer are again attached "to the cross" of the previous one.

Due to the alternation of the directions of the lamellas, the layered system perfectly endures all the hardships of domestic influences. However, excess moisture can still spoil it. Therefore, most manufacturers do not recommend laying parquet boards in rooms with unfavorable conditions for wood, as described in the instructions attached to the product.

The absence of deformation changes is justified design features parquet board

The parquet board, for the manufacture of which only wood is used, belongs to the category of products with high environmental criteria. It is suitable for arranging children's and bedrooms, it is used to decorate living rooms, home offices, respectable offices. There are options designed specifically for sports complexes and dance halls. Information about the operational specifics and the ability of the flooring to resist dynamic and static loading is indicated in the product labeling.

For laying the floor in sports complexes there are specific brands of parquet boards

Examine the documents attached to the product

Anyone wishing to lay a parquet board should study the information provided by the manufacturer. Good products come with certificates and a full package of technical documentation. A reliable company that is attentive to its customers, be sure to indicate all the details that need to be taken into account by future users. A well-written recommendation must contain information about:

• is this modification compatible with the "warm floor" system;
• on what basis can the series offered for sale be put;
• Is it possible to use parquet boards in rooms that are not equipped with a climate system.

Potential buyers, puzzled by the question “which parquet board to choose”, should be interested in information about the maximum width of the floor. This characteristic reflects the strength of the interlock. A number of the latest brands from leading manufacturers can boast of the possibility of arranging a floor with a width of 16-18 m. This means that you can choose a transverse or diagonal direction for laying the coating, without fear that end locks or cracks will appear in winter.

The maximum possible laying width of a parquet board is a significant characteristic that must be indicated by a responsible manufacturer

An important parameter is the permissible unevenness of the base intended for the arrangement.

This indicator, like the previous characteristic, must be indicated by a responsible supplier, in contrast to dubious firms. The most durable brands are distinguished by a tolerance of 3 mm per two meter length of the floor covering, in general a standard deviation of 2 mm per meter of board is allowed.

Information about the maximum allowable unevenness is required for proper selection adhesive composition. The need to use an adhesive with enhanced strength properties can significantly increase the cost of laying the coating as a whole. The buyer is again faced with a dilemma: buy expensive material and cheap glue or prefer a different combination?

In any case, saving on glue is not worth it, even if it is used only for hardening. interlock connections in a floating floor structure.

Size of flooring elements

According to the regulations of European standards, a parquet board is produced with a length of elements of 2-2.5 meters, a width of up to 20 cm. There are much more thickness options. The thickness of the thinnest material is 7 cm, the size of the thickest boards is 26 cm.

Important. Due to the insignificant thickness of the veneer of the thinnest variants of the parquet board, such material cannot be scraped.

The decorative qualities can be restored by scraping planks equipped with a working layer with a thickness exceeding 4 mm. These are 13-15mm stamps used for arranging public spaces and housing.

For the device of a wear-resistant durable floor in rooms with an intensive degree of traffic, a floor covering with a board thickness of 20 mm is mainly used. The thickness of the veneer in contact with the soles of shoes and furniture in these specimens is equal to or exceeds 6 mm. A parquet board with a thickness of 22 mm or more is recommended for laying floors subjected to intense dynamic loads. It can be laid directly on the subfloor, on the logs.

One or three strip board?

One of the classification features of a parquet board is the number of rows of slabs that make up the top layer of the material. On the basis of which the floor covering is divided into different types, whose characteristics are given below.

Single-strip parquet board with chamfer

Characteristics of single-strip material

Single-strip board veneered with one whole plank. Its front layer is represented by a solid layer of expensive tree species. The material is distinguished by the charm of the natural structure, the beauty of the natural pattern, depending on the sawing technology. The method of sawing wood affects the shade of the front layer, the distinctness of natural lines and the presence of defects inherent in wood. A single-strip parquet board is chosen in order to visually expand the geometric framework of the room.

Two-strip parquet board

Its working layer is made up of two perfectly fitted lamellae. The components can be solid, continuous along the entire length of the board, or divided into 2 or 3 segments. The pattern of a two-lane cover is more diverse; its specificity is also affected by the type of selection.

Three-strip parquet board

The upper layer of the three-strip is made up of three parallel rows of lamellae. The most sought after material classic look piece parquet floor. In the collections of three-strip parquet boards, there are options with the location of the segments of the famous parquet herringbone, wicker, with the traditional longitudinal orientation of all components.

A new word - multiband

The multi-strip board is an innovative innovation of recent years, appreciated by designers and consumers. Its decorative layer is assembled manually from individual components of a small area. The veneer strips fit perfectly, butt welds are often difficult to visually identify. Finished products strikes with the sophistication of the range of shades, the beauty of the structure. Multi-strip parquet boards are preferred to be installed in rooms with an ascetic design. It in itself is a rich interior element that draws attention. Its advantage lies in the invisibility of minor defects that may appear during operation.

Different variants single-strip, two-, three-strip parquet boards and multi-strip copies

Type of selection and decorative indicators

In the list of questions combined in one phrase “how to choose the right parquet board”, not the last place is occupied by decorative criteria. They directly depend on the method of sawing logs for veneer harvesting. Cutting technology affects the strength characteristics of the front layer, the presence / absence and the number of defects. In the production of components for parquet boards, they use:

• Radial sawing method, performed parallel to the share guide of the trunk. As a result, the plates receive an even pattern of longitudinally arranged fibers with a uniform shade and a maximum level of stability.

• Tangential type of cut, directed tangentially to the structural rings of the trunk. Timber sawn in a tangential way is distinguished by the originality of the pattern.

• Rustic sawing, for which the angle is not regulated. Rustic cut veneer is characterized by heterogeneity of color and pattern.

According to external indicators, laid down by sawing and processing, the selection of planks is carried out to form a single batch. Selection criteria, i.e. sorting are shade, plank pattern and the presence of defects on it. Basically, a parquet board comes on sale, sorted according to the requirements of the following types of selection:

• Select is the most demanding type of sorting, involving the formation of a batch with a perfectly even color, the highest technical performance, with a beautiful uniform pattern. Such material is sawn in a radial way.

• Natur is a type of selection that allows uneven color transitions, differences in the natural pattern, and minor small-caliber defects in a batch of goods. In a batch of products sorted according to the requirements of the selection of natures, a material is selected with a top layer made by radial and tangential sawing.

• Rustic - a type of selection without restrictions in the type of cut, but predetermining sorting by quality and color. The pattern of the parquet board rustic is the most colorful, even variegated, inclusions of sapwood and knots are possible.

Rustic parquet flooring is an impressive and colorful interior element

Famous sales and production campaigns such as Tarkett use their sorting classification. Their collections include brands selected according to the selection criteria Premium with high selection requirements, Robust, close to the Rustic variety, and other variations.

However, there are no significant deviations in the selection regulated by the EN standards. The cost of flooring material depends on the type of sorting. The more demanding the selection, the better quality but also higher price.

Wood as one of the landmarks

Future owners of furnished housing are interested in a lot of questions. What attracts this or that parquet board: which one will fit better into a given interior composition, which brand will be ideally combined with existing furniture or with a brand new finish? A significant factor for the consumer is wear resistance. Abrasion resistance and density, which is related to strength, are also significant parameters. All these indicators are determined by the wood selected by the manufacturer supplying the products.

To carry out the bearing layer of the parquet board, most manufacturing companies use northern conifers. They are distinguished by stability and strength over the entire floor area. Sometimes the bottom layer is made from hevea, which is characterized by resinousness and moisture resistance. The rocks of the lower layer are not prone to deformation, protected from moisture due to the presence of natural components.

1. valuable wood veneer
2. middle layer made from budget grades
3. bottom layer made of coniferous northern woods
F. Lacquer applied in five layers

For veneering planks of parquet boards, both breeds growing in Europe and Asia, as well as exotic wood from other continents, are used. The most popular material, equipped with oak veneer. The beauty and strength of oak over time is not just preserved, but increased. Its wood strikes with an abundance of noble beige, yellow, cognac shades.

Soft yellow with sparkles, ash wood is popular with those who want to visually enlarge the room. In terms of strength characteristics, ash is not much inferior to oak. Designers recommend sunny beech paints for arranging children's rooms. In addition, beech is not as durable as the stone-like wood of the mighty oak, so it is used for arranging rooms with minor loads.

Many people like the creamy color of maple, which is also a fairly durable material. Adherents of interior delights often prefer the pink color of cherry, saturated with coffee and soft cream nuances. A solid brown floor with golden streaks will be obtained when laying a board from a merbau growing in Indonesia. For the device of an almost black floor, a board with veneer from an African wenge breed is used. Kempas top flooring will paint the underside of the room in amazing brick orange tones.

Wenge parquet board - an exclusive African flavor

Varnish or oil impregnation?

Manufacturers apply oil or a multi-layer varnish coating to the material during the production process. This fact is one of the priority aspects of the parquet board, which does not require processing after installation. Most often, the varnish is applied in five layers, its hardening is carried out under the influence of UV irradiation. By hardening the surface in this way, manufacturers increase the stability of wood and resistance to external influences. The varnished floor is easy to clean, moisture does not get into the closed pores of natural organic matter.

Multi-component oil impregnation - a new solution in the processing of parquet boards

Multi-component parquet oil, which contains resins, wax and vegetable fats, impregnates the material without closing the natural pores. The floor treated with oil "breathes", but the fatty components do not let moisture into the wood texture. Although occasional light wet cleaning is allowed, covered oil composition parquet board will require a more careful and attentive attitude. An argument in favor of an oiled board is the easy restoration of worn and scratched areas.

Video: information for buyers

Having studied the properties and characteristics, it is easy to make a choice in favor of a priority floor covering that meets individual requirements. Knowing the main guidelines, it is easier to make a qualitative assessment of the goods from the point of view of the future owner and taking into account individual requirements.