Lay Parquet Flooring Over Floorboards

Laying Parquet Flooring Over Floorboards

Laying parquet flooring over floorboards is a great way to add warmth and character to your home. Parquet flooring is made from small pieces of wood that are arranged in a geometric pattern. It is durable and easy to maintain, making it a good choice for busy families. ### Preparation Before you begin laying the parquet flooring, you need to prepare the floorboards. The floorboards should be clean, dry, and level. You may need to sand or plane the floorboards to level them. If the floorboards are not level, the parquet flooring will not lay flat. ### Moisture Barrier Once the floorboards are prepared, you need to install a moisture barrier. A moisture barrier will prevent moisture from seeping up from the floorboards and damaging the parquet flooring. You can use a plastic sheet or a roll of rosin paper as a moisture barrier. ### Underlayment Once the moisture barrier is installed, you need to install an underlayment. An underlayment will provide a cushion for the parquet flooring and help to reduce noise. You can use a variety of materials for the underlayment, such as cork, rubber, or felt. ### Laying the Parquet Flooring Now you are ready to start laying the parquet flooring. Start by laying the first row of parquet flooring along the longest wall in the room. Use a chalk line to mark a straight line along the wall. Place the first piece of parquet flooring on the chalk line and tap it into place with a rubber mallet. Continue laying the first row of parquet flooring until you reach the end of the wall. Once the first row of parquet flooring is laid, you can start laying the second row. Stagger the joints in the second row so that they do not line up with the joints in the first row. Continue laying the parquet flooring until you have covered the entire floor. ### Finishing Once the parquet flooring is laid, you need to finish it. You can finish the parquet flooring with a sealant, a wax, or a polyurethane finish. A sealant will protect the parquet flooring from moisture and wear. A wax will give the parquet flooring a shine. A polyurethane finish will provide a durable and long-lasting finish. ### Tips Here are a few tips for laying parquet flooring over floorboards: * Use a chalk line to mark a straight line for the first row of parquet flooring. * Stagger the joints in the second row so that they do not line up with the joints in the first row. * Use a rubber mallet to tap the parquet flooring into place. * Allow the parquet flooring to acclimate to the room for several days before laying it. * Finish the parquet flooring with a sealant, a wax, or a polyurethane finish.