Mosaic parquet is a wooden floor covering where the planks are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Generally, the planks are very short and are oriented alternately according to each checkerboard block. The wood shade also varies from one plank to another, creating a very interesting aesthetic effect.
Extremely popular at one time, this flooring is still found in many homes as it is an affordable and versatile material. Mosaic parquet is generally durable, depending on its thickness and the type of wood from which it is made. That said, like any floor covering, renovations and a restoration process may become necessary after a certain period of use.
The main signs of wear on a mosaic parquet floor
First, it often happens that after a few years, some of the small planks become damaged. Due to the small size of the plank, it is not easy to replace just one at a time. On some parquet floors, it is not possible to remove one of these “strips”. In this case, the entire square must be removed.
Finally, like any wooden floor covering, after a few years of use, the surface finish is no longer what it used to be. It then becomes necessary to sand the floor and refinish it.
Renovating mosaic parquet: it all depends on the installation method
When it comes to renovating mosaic parquet, you first need to determine which type of installation was chosen. Some parquet floors are nailed while others are glued. Nowadays, in most cases, people opt for glued installation which is simpler and takes much less time to complete. The following instructions will therefore assume that your parquet has been glued.
Changing a few planks on a mosaic parquet floor
To remove a wooden plank, you will use a wood chisel to make the cut. Go around the plank in question by striking along the joint lines. Once you have created the opening all around the plank, remove it following the direction of the wood grain. Some of the plank may still be glued to the bottom. Use a knife to clear away the rest of the plank. You will also probably need to cut the metal rods that connect the planks to each other.
Then, you can take a replacement plank to place in the hole. Make sure the plank fits perfectly into the opening. Using a little wood glue, put the new plank in place. With a mallet, gently tap on the plank to ensure it doesn’t move. Then let the glue dry for a few minutes.
Sanding a mosaic parquet floor
Once you have completed the restorations, you will probably need to sand. Ideally, it is recommended to sand the entire floor instead of sticking to the restored sections as this could have the effect of making the repairs visible. Such a task will need to be accomplished with the right tools. You will therefore need to equip yourself with a drum sander, a floor sander, a vacuum cleaner, and sandpaper.
The drum sander will be used to sand the entire floor surface. Initially, it is advisable to use coarse-grained sandpaper to effectively remove the finishing product on the surface. Afterwards, you can go over it with finer paper which will help you achieve a smooth finish. Of course, you must operate the machine respecting the direction of the grain.
The floor sander will be used to reach corners and wall edges. Once you have finished, don’t forget to do a thorough cleaning before moving on to the finishing stage.
Finishing the floor
Whether it’s a complete floor restoration or just a few planks you’ve just replaced, it’s important to choose the right type of finish to protect the floor. On mosaic parquet floors, it is possible to apply wax, oil, or varnish, with the latter being the most common option. Choose the product that best suits your preferences and needs.
Restoring a mosaic parquet floor is an accessible renovation project but still requires a lot of time and effort. For a result that meets your expectations, it is therefore advisable to call on specialists in floor renovation.
