Refurbishment Parquet floor

[Bayliss]

We have discovered a nice parquet floor underneath the old carpet in our newly purchased home. The parquet is original to the house build in 1960 and is in reasonable condition generally. I am not particularly confident that my DIY skills are up to the job of bringing this flooring back to former glory and the risk of making a complete hash up is high. The parquet is the finger block 5 finger pattern (mosaic?) how would you go about this job and how much would a pro' cost do you think? The room is 13' x 22'. Thank you.

 

[Penners]

We have discovered a nice parquet floor underneath the old carpet in our newly purchased home. The parquet is original to the house build in 1960 and is in reasonable condition generally. I am not particularly confident that my DIY skills are up to the job of bringing this flooring back to former glory and the risk of making a complete hash up is high. The parquet is the finger block 5 finger pattern (mosaic?) how would you go about this job and how much would a pro' cost do you think? The room is 13' x 22'. Thank you.

I can't tell you what a professional job would cost, but there's no reason why you can't tackle it yourself.

Is the parquet still nice and level? If so, then that's probably the biggest hurdle overcome.

If it were mine, I would first set to with a scrubbing brush and a bucket of soapy water. I know this is difficult on parquet, but as much as possible try to scrub in the direction of the grain rather than across it. Give whole floor a good clean, drying off the wetness with old towels, as you go.

Once the floor is thoroughly dry, you might be amazed at how much better it already looks. I suggest you then try to ascertain what finish has previously been used on the floor, and come back and discuss your options with the folk here. A few photos will help us to see what kind of a task you're faced with.

 

[paulb33]

I would first set to with a scrubbing brush and a bucket of soapy water.

Agree: a good clean will work wonders and maintain the patina. Although I'd worry about water getting down beneath the blocks and warping the floor. Maybe some oil instead (linseed, or...?) and plenty of dry towels?

Paul

 

[Penners]

I certainly agree with Paul that you should use as little water as you can and, as I said above, dry off as you go.

 

[paulb33]

I certainly agree with Paul that you should use as little water as you can and, as I said above, dry off as you go.

Apologies, Penners. You made that very clear. I'm sensitive to this: my mother in law's 1923 parquet floor reacts to a heavy dew outside....

As you say, all dependent on if its level/sound. If so, perhaps some ultra fine wire wool, linseed oil, elbow grease and a large stack of cotton cloths/towels. Then, seal with Danish Oil, Osmo, or somesuch. It won't be perfect, but will better suit the house than shiny orange sanded surface.

 

[Penners]

Absolutely no apology necessary, Paul - you made a very valid point.

My only reservation about linseed oil is that if it's excessively used on a floor it can build up into a sticky surface that dirt can cling to. However, I'm talking about an accumulation after some years.

 

[paulb33]

My only reservation about linseed oil is that if it's excessively used on a floor it can build up into a sticky surface that dirt can cling to.

Carpet's always an option.... :lol: