English-style parquet: How to achieve this installation?

English-Style Parquet Installation: Tradition and Elegance

Parquet flooring has long been a popular choice for flooring, adding warmth, aesthetics, and durability to interiors. Among the various installation techniques, the English-style installation stands out for its elegance and simplicity. This article explores the specifics of English-style parquet installation, its advantages, and the steps to install it in your home.

What is English-Style Installation?

English-style installation, also known as random-length installation, is a technique where the parquet boards are arranged in parallel. The joints between the boards are staggered, often randomly or with a regular interval. This creates a simple yet elegant visual effect, reminiscent of traditional English interiors.

Advantages of English-Style Installation

• Timeless Aesthetic: English-style installation offers a timeless look that adapts to various décor styles, from classic to contemporary.
• Ease of Installation: Compared to other patterns like herringbone or chevron, English-style installation is relatively simple to perform, making it an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts.
• Less Waste: The random or regular arrangement optimizes the use of boards, reducing material waste.

Steps for English-Style Parquet Installation

1. Prepare the Floor Before starting, ensure that the surface is clean, dry, and perfectly level. If necessary, perform leveling to even out the floor.
2. Acclimate the Parquet The parquet boards should be left in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the space.
3. Install the Underlay The underlay is essential for thermal and acoustic insulation. Roll it out over the entire surface and secure it with adhesive tape.
4. Install the Boards Start in the most visible corner of the room. Place the first board, leaving a 10 to 15 mm expansion gap between the board and the wall.
5. Random Method: Lay the boards so that the joints are staggered randomly, creating a natural look. 5-2 Regular Method: Set a fixed length for the staggering, such as one-third or half of the length of the board, for a more structured look.
6. Fix the Boards The boards can be nailed, glued, or clicked together, depending on the type of parquet chosen. Ensure that each board is properly adjusted to avoid gaps.
7. Finishing Touches Once all the boards are installed, remove the expansion spacers and install baseboards to cover the expansion gaps and give your floor a neat finish.

Maintaining English-Style Parquet

Regular maintenance is essential to preserve the beauty and durability of your parquet. Here are some tips:

• Cleaning: Use a soft broom or vacuum to remove dust and debris. Light damp cleaning with a slightly moist cloth is recommended.
• Protection: Avoid dragging furniture across the floor, and use felt pads under furniture legs.
• Renovation: Every 5 to 10 years, consider sanding and refinishing the floor to restore its shine.

English-style parquet installation is a classic and elegant method that offers great flexibility and simplicity of installation. By following these steps and taking care of your parquet, you’ll enjoy a beautiful and durable floor that enhances your living space. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave the job to a professional, English-style parquet is a safe choice to add sophistication to your interior.