Hardwood Flooring Installation | Paint Your Own Fine Art

19 January 2025
Mohamed Zaghloul
Hardwood Flooring Installation | Paint Your Own Fine Art

Perhaps you are about to install a wooden floor in your home, or you work in this field and would like to know more. In all cases, it will be useful to know more details about installing wooden floors.

These details will make a difference in the final look of the floor, and most importantly, they will contribute to the stability and durability of these floors and maintain their lifespan for a longer period.

Today, you will learn with Al-Ghamlas some details of installing wooden floors such as parquet, and we will answer the most common questions in this regard.

Parquet installation steps

Installing parquet requires precision and craftsmanship, but it can be done yourself if you have some basic skills. Here are the basic steps for installing parquet:

Preparation :

    • Removing old flooring: If there is old flooring, it must be completely removed.
    • Floor flatness: The floor must be completely flat and free of any cracks or holes.
    • Insulation: An insulating layer is placed between the wooden floor and the foundation to prevent moisture and sound.

Measurement and calculation:

    • Area measurement: The area is measured accurately to determine the amount of parquet needed.
    • Determine the installation direction: The design and installation direction of the parquet are determined, whether longitudinal or transverse.

Composition:

    • Start from the wall: Installation begins from one wall, leaving a small space for expansion.
    • Installation: Parquet boards are fixed to each other using a side lock system, glue or nails.
    • Trimming: The last panels are trimmed to fit the corners and edges.

Finishing touches:

    • Thresholds: Thresholds are installed at doors to cover the gap between the parquet and the doors.
    • Finishing: The floor is finished with wax or oil to protect it and enhance its beauty.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Flooring Installation

What do we put under the parquet?

Before installing the parquet, an insulating layer must be applied. This layer has several functions:

  • Sound insulation: reduces sound transmission between floors.
  • Thermal insulation: maintains room temperature.
  • Parquet protection: Protects parquet from moisture and damage.

What is the difference between parquet and HDF?

Parquet and HDF are two different types of wood flooring:

  • Parquet: It consists of small pieces of natural wood glued together. It is characterized by natural beauty and warmth, but it is more expensive and less resistant to moisture.
  • HDF: High density fiberboard covered with a layer of wood-patterned vinyl. It is affordable and durable, but does not give the same warm and natural feel as parquet.

Can parquet be installed on cement?

Yes, parquet can be installed on cement provided that the floor is completely flat, dry and free of cracks. An insulating layer must also be applied as mentioned above before installing the parquet.

How is parquet installation calculated?

The cost of installing parquet is calculated based on several factors:

  • Room size: The larger the space, the higher the cost.
  • Parquet type: The prices of parquet types vary depending on the type and quality of wood.
  • Installation Method: Installation cost varies depending on the method used (adhesive, screws, or locking system).
  • Cost of additional materials: such as insulation, thresholds, and finishing materials.

The most famous methods of installing parquet

1. How to install parquet by gluing:

  • Principle: Parquet boards are glued directly to the floor using a special adhesive.
  • Features:
    • Provides a solid and consistent floor.
    • Suitable for places that require good sound insulation.
    • It can be used in small spaces.
  • Disadvantages:
    • The process of removing parquet is difficult and requires a lot of effort.
    • You need high precision in applying the adhesive.
    • It may damage the parquet if the adhesive is not dried properly.

2. How to install parquet with nails:

  • Principle: Parquet boards are fixed to the floor using special screws.
  • Features:
    • Suitable for hard floors such as wood or concrete.
    • Provides strong hold for panels.
  • Disadvantages:
    • May cause damage to panels if screws are not installed properly.
    • Requires high carpentry skill.
    • It may leave nail marks on the parquet surface.

3. How to install the parquet, Ashiq and Maashuk, or the floating system (Click System):

  • Principle: It relies on a system of side locks that connect the parquet boards without the need for adhesive or nails.
  • Features:
    • The easiest and fastest way to install.
    • Parquet can be easily removed and reinstalled.
    • No high carpentry skills required.
  • Disadvantages:
    • May be less durable than other methods in areas with heavy traffic.
    • An additional layer of insulation may be required to achieve good sound insulation.

4. Partial adhesive parquet installation method:

  • Principle: Only the side ends of the panels are glued, while the top is left unglued.
  • Features:
    • Combines the advantages of adhesive method and locking system.
    • Provides greater flexibility of movement.
  • Disadvantages:
    • You need high precision in applying the adhesive.
    • It may be more expensive than other methods.

Factors affecting the choice of installation method:

  • Parquet type: Some types of parquet are more suitable for certain installation methods than others.
  • Type of subfloor: The condition of the subfloor affects the choice of installation method.
  • Budget: The costs of each method vary.
  • Expected room use: If the room will be exposed to heavy traffic, it is recommended to choose a more durable installation method.

Installing hardwood floors is a fun adventure that can completely change the look of your home, for the better, of course. By following the steps mentioned above, you can install parquet yourself or hire a professional technician without having to stand by.

Remember that choosing the right type of parquet and the right method of installation are the keys to getting the perfect result.

Additional tips:

  • Hire a Professional: If you are not sure if you can install the parquet yourself, hire a professional technician to ensure a professional result.
  • Parquet maintenance: Parquet should be cleaned regularly using appropriate products to maintain its shine and beauty.
  • Care for humidity: Avoid exposing the parquet to excessive humidity, as this can lead to swelling and deformation.