Repair of Parquet Flooring Yourself
Typically, this includes oak, beech, birch, and other valuable wood species. Additionally, the production process itself—especially energy and drying equipment—contributes significantly to the overall cost.
On the secondary housing market, homes built during the Soviet era were also often fitted with parquet, though it was usually simple, solid, and of lower quality. Over years of use, wear and tear prompted active efforts to restore parquet flooring.
When undertaking repairs, it's important to critically assess the realistic final result. If the old parquet was made from thin boards that have deteriorated over time, attempting to repair it would be a waste of time, effort, and money. Additionally, reconstruction may be needed even for new parquet that has been damaged due to careless handling.
Parquet wear depends on factors such as humidity, temperature, and foot traffic. High moisture levels during installation can cause gaps to form between boards as they dry. Minor deformation can be filled with putty, but large cracks will require full replacement.
How to Fix Parquet Gaps Yourself
To close gaps between parquet boards, use thin wooden strips. First, clean the gaps of dust and debris, then apply filler with a putty knife. Once fully hardened, sand the joints with fine-grit sandpaper or a chisel.
Alternatively, a special mixture of sifted wood shavings and viscous oil-based lacquer can be used to fill cracks. A mix of wood shavings and epoxy resin also works well as a filler.
Parquet boards often warp or crack due to adverse conditions like high humidity or temperature. If a board is warped or cracked, replace it with a new one, placing a dense paper layer underneath. New boards must not be damp, as drying will cause new gaps.
Secure the board with thin, headless nails, driven at a slight angle into the tongue. When selecting a board, ensure its height exceeds the floor level by about 1 mm to allow for sanding and planing.
Parquet Sanding (Planing)
To achieve more effective sanding of oak parquet, wipe the surface with a damp cloth, as moist wood is easier to plane. After repair, sand the area to achieve a perfectly flat surface. If any fuzz remains, remove it with sandpaper. Finally, apply a wood mastic and polish thoroughly.
Re-sanding old parquet carries a serious risk of reducing its quality, as repeated sanding reduces thickness and may cut through to the groove. This can cause the parquet to break apart.
After final treatment, apply a protective lacquer coat to the parquet.
