Solid parquet is the perfect combination of the warmth of wood and timeless elegance. However, to preserve its shine and robustness in the face of everyday hazards, it must be meticulously maintained. From day-to-day maintenance of restoration, Anova Bois explains in this guide the different steps and tips for looking after your solid wood floor.
what is a solid parquet ?
Solid parquet is a floor covering made entirely from solid wood, also known as noble wood. Solid wood parquet is generally 20mm thick. Solid parquet differs from engineered parquet, which is made up of a layer of noble wood (solid wood) 2.5mm to 6mm thick, on top of a layer of veneers, often from the softwood family (such as pine), averaging 10mm thick. It is also different from laminate parquet, which in fact imitates the other types of parquet (solid and engineered) with a synthetic material (recomposed wood fibre and synthetic wear layers).
This type of floor can be made from different types of wood. There are hardwood floors such as birch, chestnut and oak, and softwood floors such as maritime pine, Scots pine and larch. There are also exotic solid wood floors made from bamboo or other woods such as teak, ipe, wenge,...
Not all solid wood floors have the same finish. There is unfinished solid parquet on the market, which receives no special treatment. It is neither varnished nor treated. There is also a solid parquet that has been stained, aged or factory-treated before installation. Here, several processes are used to achieve a specific finish. Finally, unwaxed, oiled or factory-sealed solid parquet requires a top coat such as a parquet sealer for long-lasting protection and a matt, satin or high-gloss finish...
Daily maintenance of solid flooring
Maintenance of a solid parquet floor, whether waxed, oiled, untreated or varnished, involves daily sweeping to remove dust and particles. You can use a soft microfibre broom or a hoover suitable for wooden floors. The latter should be fitted with a soft brush to prevent scratching. Make sure you vacuum in the direction of the floorboards for effective cleaning. If you can't do the daily maintenance, schedule a weekly or monthly cleaning of your solid wood floor using the right products and methods.
The right products for solid flooring
The right products for solid wood flooring
For weekly or monthly maintenance, we recommend choosing a mild cleaner (black soap, washing-up liquid, Marseille soap, etc.) or a cleaning product specially designed for the type of parquet concerned (oiled, waxed, varnished, sealed, etc.). Don't hesitate to ask your varnish manufacturer for advice on choosing the right products for the type of wood. Use a well wrung-out cloth to avoid over-wetting the surface. Never pour water on your floor.
What should I do if I get a stain ?
Use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe up any splashes on your floor immediately to prevent the wood absorbing them. If there is a persistent stain, spot clean with a sponge and the recommended product. For oiled floors in particular, you can use white spirit, 70° alcohol, talcum powder (for oil stains), ammonia or terebinth oil to remove deep stains. After degreasing, you can apply a wax such as Cire Parquet & Meuble CPM800 to restore waterproofing and preserve the satin finish.
Tips for protecting solid wood flooring from wear and tear
To prevent scratches and protect solid wood flooring from wear and tear, we recommend that you use protective accessories under furniture. You should also maintain a humidity level of between 40 and 60% in the room to prevent the wood from warping. Direct sunlight should be avoided. Use curtains or blinds to reduce discolouration. Follow the floor manufacturer's recommendations and avoid using aggressive products or steam, which could damage the wood surface.
Restoring a solid parquet floor: sanding and oiling or sealing
Restoring or renovating a solid wood floor is essential to preserve its original appearance and ensure its longevity. This procedure can be undertaken depending on various factors such as wear and tear over time, stains, scratches,... Maintenance also helps to maintain the natural beauty of the wood and reinforce its resistance to external aggression.
To restore your parquet floor, clear the room of all the furniture on the floor. Once the surface is clear, you can start by sanding. Use a sander to remove worn top coats, stains and imperfections. We recommend starting with a coarser sanding grit, such as 40 for the initial work. Then, you can progress to finer grits (120 and 240) for a smoother finish. Use a broom or hoover to remove dust and residue. If necessary, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth.
Once the sanding is complete, the choice of finish is crucial. The most common options are varnish, oil or vitrification. Varnish offers long-lasting protection and easy maintenance. Oil deeply nourishes the wood and gives it a natural look, but risks leaving behind odours and a sticky feel. Vitrification creates a solid protective barrier. You can either call in a professional to seal your floor or do it yourself. In all cases, make sure that the top coat is applied evenly and in accordance with the instructions for use.
