9 tips for choosing a parquet board

What flooring to choose for living room or bedroomsso that it was beautiful, natural and practical? All these qualities are combined by a parquet board, which fits perfectly into any style of interior, and with proper care will serve for decades. The growing demand for this finishing material has also caused an ever-increasing supply. Choose a parquet board with a modern assortment - a task, if not of increased complexity, then certainly requiring careful preparation. We will tell you by what properties different types of material can differ, and what type of parquet board is suitable in a particular case.

No. 1. What does a parquet board consist of?

To better understand the basic properties of the material and make a competent choice, you need to know the structure of the material. Parquet board consists of three layers:

• upper layer - It is a veneer of valuable species of wood. Oak, walnut, cherry, teak, as well as exotic species such as merbau, wenge and others can be used. Front layer optional varnishes or oil;
• middle layer - lamels from coniferous wood, rarely HDF-boards. The wood fibers of this layer are perpendicular to the wood fibers of the front layer, ensuring the stability of the board. Then cut out the castle connection;
• bottom layer - spruce wood with a thickness of about 2 mm, serves to give rigidity to the entire structure and to resist bending of the board.

The total thickness depends on the thickness of all layers, but quality depends on the thickness of the outer layer. The thicker it is, the more polishing the board can withstand, which means the higher its durability.

No. 2. Which board is better: single-lane or multi-lane?

By the number of diceused to create the top layer, the parquet board is divided into the following types:

• single-lane, or Full Plank. The finishing layer of natural wood is a solid canvas, not divided into separate parts. This is the most expensive and most attractive type of parquet board, because the unique structure of the wood here is best seen. Some manufacturers make a single-lane board with bevels in the corners. In this case, the material completely imitates a massive board;
• two-way board consists of two rows of slats that are carefully matched by color and drawing. The lamellas can be divided into several segments or be continuous, and the choice in this case depends on your own preferences. In any case, the structure of the tree will be very well expressed;
• three-lane board represents three rows of lamellas displaced relative to each other. The most common type of parquet board that fits perfectly into any room;
• four-lane board, as its name implies, consists of four rows of individual lamellas;
• multiband board appeared not so long ago, is a pattern of small planks. The result is a coating with high decorative qualities, moderately colorful and well conveying all shades of natural wood. It fits perfectly into the interior, not overloaded with details, since such a board can itself become its highlight.

No. 3. What size parquet board is needed?

One of the most important parameters, of course, is thickness. She can range from 7 to 26 mm. It is not recommended to choose a parquet board thinner 13 mm, because the decorative layer in such a material is not more than 2.5 mm, therefore, looping is excluded. In addition, such a board is not rigid enough, which ultimately leads to low durability. Roughly speaking, such a board can be called disposable, and it is intended for cheap temporary repairs, until it is replaced by a better and more durable option.

A good choice for residential premises - parquet board with a thickness of 14 mm or more. In this case, the thickness of the decorative layer is approximately 4 mm, which means that the material can be cycled several times, returning it to its perfect appearance. For public spaces, a board with a thickness of 20 mm is perfect and more: it will normally tolerate increased stress and mechanical damage. By the way, a thick parquet board is often laid not on a concrete base, but on the floor logs, which is important for houses of the old construction. Remember that the thicker the board, the warmer and quieter the room will be, not to mention practicality and durability.

The length of the floorboard, as a rule, is 2-2.5 meters. The longer the material, the better the energy of the step is extinguished, and the less likely it is that the board will begin to creak over time.
It is not recommended to choose a parquet board with a length of less than 1.8 m, especially if it is three-way. It will not look very good, since it will not be possible to completely imitate piece parquet, and over time, seams can separate. Large manufacturers do not sell such material, but some domestic companies offer such a board. You can even meet a board with a length of about 1 m, these are, rather, sawn and discarded parts, but they also find application in budget construction projects. Width from 10 to 20 cm, the choice depends on your own preferences.

Number 4. What is selection of planks and which is better to choose?

Even wood of the same species can differ significantly in appearance, therefore, to achieve the best appearance, selection of strips. Selection is based on such parameters as:

• method of cutting;
• fiber inclination;
• color;
• the presence, size of knots and other defects.

Allocate such main ways of sawing wood:

• radial. Sawing is carried out along the central axis of the tree, and the fibers in this way are located along the surface of the die. This method allows you to get the most uniform color and pattern, the highest performance. On the other hand, such a cut gives a large amount of rejection, which explains the high price;
• tangential. Such a cut is carried out tangentially to the tree trunk, so the pattern of annual rings is clearly visible. A similar option will cost less, but outwardly some like it even more than the radial cut considered ideal;
• rustic. It can be executed in any direction, therefore the board pattern is heterogeneous. Looks good in certain types of interior.

Taking into account the type of cut, uniformity of shade and pattern, selection of a parquet board is carried out. The main types of selection:

• radial select. The layer of wood in this case is characterized by the most even texture, has no knots and other defects. Such a cut is rarely used to make a parquet board, since its surface is too boring and monotonous. The main scope is the geometric way of laying panel parquet;
• select. Such a selection includes only radial cut strips with a uniform color and a beautiful woody pattern, without knots and defects. Used in the arrangement of classic interiors, has good wear resistance;
• natures. Boards of radial and tangential cuts fall into such a selection, the presence of knots with a diameter of up to 2 mm, veins and heart-shaped rays is allowed.Such parquet has a beautifully pronounced wood structure, there may be differences in color by several tones, which adds a twist to the interior;
• rustic. In this case, the selection is carried out not by sawing, but by the appearance of the wood. The main requirement is a bright lively color, and knots and sapwood are even welcome. Such parquet turns out to be very beautiful, but some find it motley. Great for country style;
• economy. This includes wood of various types of cuts, which can differ markedly in color and pattern, have knots and streaks, and there may even be cracks.

No. 5. What kind of tree to choose

Although in the parquet board only the top layer is a natural tree, the operational qualities of the material depend on it in many respects. On sale you can find a parquet board using wood of both local and exotic species. The most popular options are:

• oak. A leader in hardness, wear resistance and durability, such a parquet will not dry out, and with a change in humidity it will not change linear dimensions much;
• beech. It has a pleasant light color and exquisite texture, but loses to many other types of wood in hardness and stability;
• nut. Thick solid wood in a beautiful color with a pronounced structure. It tolerates moisture differences, unpretentious in care;
• ash. In many operational qualities it resembles an oak, but differs in a lighter shade;
• maple. Strong and stable wood of light color;
• cherry. It has a rare pinkish tint that is able to add a twist to the interior.

Today, the demand for a parquet board with a top layer is growing from exotic tree species:

• wenge. The wood has a very dark, almost black shade and a beautiful pronounced pattern. Due to its unique structure, it resists loads, bumps and bends, so it will last a very long time. The only negative is the high price due to rarity;
• merbau. Brown wood with golden streaks. Thanks to natural oils it is not affected by mold. Due to the record hardness, it behaves very well in operation;
• jatoba. It has strong and hard wood, it is difficult to process, but as a result, you can achieve a mirror surface. The tree is unique in that the sections of the trunk without knots reach 23 m;
• kempas. The wood has a golden orange hue, the highest hardness and density. It is almost impossible to scratch, but significant differences in humidity can adversely affect it.

The two lower layers are made of wood of cheaper species. Often used for this purpose. conifersincluding pine and spruce. Sometimes you can find a parquet board, where the supporting layers are made of wood hevea. This tree is characterized by the presence of a large number of resins, due to which it has excellent moisture resistance and resistance to deformation.

No. 6. Do I need special treatment?

Wood can be exposed to high temperatures (up to 195⁰C) so that it acquires new valuable operational qualities. Heat treated wood becomes more stable, less prone to swelling and drying out, and scratches on it remain almost invisible. Some wood species (beech, ash, birch), due to such a temperature effect, can gain sensitivity to sunlight and gradually fade under their influence.

Oak wood often lends itself brushing. Tree rings formed in spring are less durable than those that appeared in winter or autumn.Brushing involves removing softer wood fibers with stiff brushes. The result is a stronger and more voluminous surface.

Number 7. What coverage to choose?

A huge advantage of a parquet board is that it covered with a protective layer still from the manufacturer, and it is unnecessary to spend time and money on self-processing. Material may be coated varnish or oil. Often light boards are varnished, and dark ones are oiled, but there may be exceptions. Each of the options has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of varnishing:

• greater wear resistance than when coated with oil. Under normal operating conditions, such a parquet board will need to be restored every 6-10 years, and an analogue with an oil coating - every 4-5 years;
• if you want to change the appearance of the floor, the varnish can be removed and the parquet board treated with oil. The reverse process is not possible;
• You can get a glossy coating using special varnish compositions;
• the cost of varnish is less than oil.

Benefits of Oil Coating:

• more natural appearance, the feel of such a board is more pleasant;
• better suited for underfloor heating systems;
• better than varnish, tolerates changes in humidity and temperature;
• ease of restoration. Damaged oil-coated boards can be repaired locally, which is not possible with varnish;
• longer life of the material;
• with an oil protective coating, the parquet board breathes better.

Number 8. Which castle is better?

Today, many large manufacturers produce products with locks of their own design, which have unique properties. In fact, each of them is an improved version of one of two main types of locks - Lock and Click. In any case, the connection occurs due to the presence of a tenon and a groove on the boards, but their shape and the presence of additional elements become the difference.

In type locks Lock, or straight locks spike and groove are parallel to the board itself. The groove has a special comb, when hit into which the spike is tightly fixed. Installing such parquet boards is like collecting a puzzle. An element with a spike is firmly pressed against the board with a groove and hammered with a mallet. At the same time, there is a high probability of damage to the castle system, so it is better to entrust experienced specialists to laying such a parquet board. Nevertheless, even high-quality installation will not insure you that the comb will begin to wear out over time, weakening the connection and provoking the appearance of cracks. Sometimes, when installing such a board, glue is used, but you need to work with it carefully.

Type locks Click, or rotary locks, more modern and practical. Due to the characteristics of the lock, the installation process is simplified, and the strength of the connection increases. During installation, a board with a protrusion is applied to an already installed board with a groove at an angle of 45⁰, and then lowered to a characteristic click. It is difficult to spoil such a castle, and later on you can disassemble and reassemble the floor several times.

Based on Click-major manufacturers offer their own locksThe most interesting, convenient and practical are the following:

• Quick-Step Uniclic. The design of the lock allows the installation of boards, placing them at an angle or without it, as if sliding one board into another. Additional tools are not needed, but for yourself you can choose the most convenient installation angle, the result in any case will be equally excellent. Such locks are located on all ends of the board, and the floor as a result looks seamless. No gaps will be formed, as there is no room for displacement. The manufacturer gives an unlimited warranty on this lock system;
• T lock (Tarkett Lock) from TARKETT also belongs to Click locks, despite the name. It is considered one of the most progressive and practical to date.The castle is characterized by increased width, its elements are connected at a slight angle with a characteristic click. The ability to install elements at a small angle is convenient especially when you have to work with hard to reach places.

No. 9. What else to consider when choosing?

Here are some more helpful tips to help you choose a quality parquet board:

• purchase is best done in the store. Personally, you can not only evaluate the quality of the product, but also the real color, which is extremely important for the finishing material. It is better to evaluate the shade in the daytime under natural sunlight;
• in a parquet board consisting of several strips, lamellas must not protrude. An exception is made for wood that absorbs moisture well (cherry, beech, maple, birch);
• light stripes on a dark parquet may occur if the varnish was applied without prior priming, which is a violation and ultimately leads to cracking of the varnish coating;
• ideally parquet the board should have a faint smell of wood or burnt wood if heat treatment has been used. The presence of extraneous odors should alert;
• for gluing parquet board layers, high-quality eco-friendly glue is needed, and in sufficient quantities. Unscrupulous manufacturers can use it less than necessary, or replace it with an unhealthy composition. They can save on not the most environmentally friendly varnishes and oils.

To protect yourself Better to trust the products of companies that have long been represented on the market. They worked hard to make their brand recognizable and arouse confidence in it, so they will not spoil their reputation with low quality.