Hello parquet enthusiasts,
we are building a one-and-a-half-story house and plan to install oak country-style plank flooring. We have a large L-shaped room for the living/dining area and open kitchen (about 60m² (645 sq ft)). We intend to install and glue the flooring ourselves. However, some craftsman friends strongly advised against doing it ourselves. We have installed laminate flooring several times before and feel confident about that. Does engineered wood flooring really have to be installed only by a professional?
We understand that an expansion joint will likely need to be incorporated (where the corner of the L is, or where the screed will have an expansion joint).
We would also be interested in your experiences with underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery regarding the lower indoor humidity. Because of these conditions, some specialists have advised us against parquet, as larger gaps can occur in winter, which is less suitable for wooden flooring.
Thank you for your feedback,
sunny84
we are building a one-and-a-half-story house and plan to install oak country-style plank flooring. We have a large L-shaped room for the living/dining area and open kitchen (about 60m² (645 sq ft)). We intend to install and glue the flooring ourselves. However, some craftsman friends strongly advised against doing it ourselves. We have installed laminate flooring several times before and feel confident about that. Does engineered wood flooring really have to be installed only by a professional?
We understand that an expansion joint will likely need to be incorporated (where the corner of the L is, or where the screed will have an expansion joint).
We would also be interested in your experiences with underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery regarding the lower indoor humidity. Because of these conditions, some specialists have advised us against parquet, as larger gaps can occur in winter, which is less suitable for wooden flooring.
Thank you for your feedback,
sunny84
sunny84 schrieb:
and wanted to switch to laminate already This is my first post, and I don’t want to be too direct, but I would advise against switching to laminate. Oak parquet is actually a very good choice, as oak has low shrinkage and swelling behavior. However, there are important points to consider before gluing it down, such as following a proper heating protocol. Your screed installer can advise you on this.
If you plan to install the parquet yourself, it is highly recommended to research thoroughly beforehand. Keep in mind that both the screed installer and the parquet manufacturer might refuse any warranty if the guidelines are not followed precisely.
Regarding concerns about children and pets, you can stay calm. Of course, parquet, like any other floor covering, can be damaged, but such damage is usually much easier to repair compared to other types of flooring.
Hello everyone,
Thank you very much for the many responses; that reassures us, and we will reconsider our options. One idea we had was to use hardwood flooring downstairs and possibly laminate upstairs, also in oak plank style. Besides the budget, the reasoning behind this is whether it might be better to have a floor in the children’s room that can be cleaned with a damp cloth, especially since drawing with markers and similar materials happens there. What are your experiences with this?
We are also interested in your experiences regarding the direction of installation as well as discoloration or darkening caused by strong sunlight exposure. Our living room faces south/west and has three double patio doors, so we expect plenty of sun and light in this area. Is it true that the areas where objects like flower pots, rugs, etc., remain in place for a long time appear lighter than the areas exposed to sunlight?
Regarding the installation direction, I would intuitively follow the length of the L-shaped room. The external dimensions of the L are 10 meters x 8.25 meters (33 ft x 27 ft), so the planks would be laid parallel to the wall with the patio doors. This way, the light would fall along the seams of the plank edges. What do you think about this?
Thanks and best regards,
sunny84
Thank you very much for the many responses; that reassures us, and we will reconsider our options. One idea we had was to use hardwood flooring downstairs and possibly laminate upstairs, also in oak plank style. Besides the budget, the reasoning behind this is whether it might be better to have a floor in the children’s room that can be cleaned with a damp cloth, especially since drawing with markers and similar materials happens there. What are your experiences with this?
We are also interested in your experiences regarding the direction of installation as well as discoloration or darkening caused by strong sunlight exposure. Our living room faces south/west and has three double patio doors, so we expect plenty of sun and light in this area. Is it true that the areas where objects like flower pots, rugs, etc., remain in place for a long time appear lighter than the areas exposed to sunlight?
Regarding the installation direction, I would intuitively follow the length of the L-shaped room. The external dimensions of the L are 10 meters x 8.25 meters (33 ft x 27 ft), so the planks would be laid parallel to the wall with the patio doors. This way, the light would fall along the seams of the plank edges. What do you think about this?
Thanks and best regards,
sunny84
EveundGerd25 Jan 2016 21:19We had cork flooring in the children's rooms when they were little. Later, at age 12, our daughter switched to carpet because she found it cozier. We had underfloor heating in the old house, where cork was almost ideal.
Today, with underfloor heating, there is carpet in all the bedrooms. However, our kids are now 17 and 20. Cork fades in the sunlight.
I can’t say anything about hardwood flooring.
I haven’t seen laminate fade yet.
Today, with underfloor heating, there is carpet in all the bedrooms. However, our kids are now 17 and 20. Cork fades in the sunlight.
I can’t say anything about hardwood flooring.
I haven’t seen laminate fade yet.
For children's rooms, vinyl flooring could be considered as an alternative since it is very durable and easy to maintain.
Regarding discoloration/darkening:
Wood parquet is a natural product and will definitely darken over time. Areas exposed to sunlight naturally darken faster.
Installation direction:
With parquet, you can design it according to your preference. The direction of light does not matter. Depending on how it is laid (regular pattern, irregular pattern, single-strip English pattern, etc.), it can significantly influence the room's appearance. It also depends on whether the parquet has V-grooves all around or only on the long sides.
With laminate, it can be different. Here, quality is especially important. High-quality laminate can usually be installed in any direction. In my experience, cheaper laminates tend to produce a "wave effect" when laid perpendicular to the light source.
Regarding discoloration/darkening:
Wood parquet is a natural product and will definitely darken over time. Areas exposed to sunlight naturally darken faster.
Installation direction:
With parquet, you can design it according to your preference. The direction of light does not matter. Depending on how it is laid (regular pattern, irregular pattern, single-strip English pattern, etc.), it can significantly influence the room's appearance. It also depends on whether the parquet has V-grooves all around or only on the long sides.
With laminate, it can be different. Here, quality is especially important. High-quality laminate can usually be installed in any direction. In my experience, cheaper laminates tend to produce a "wave effect" when laid perpendicular to the light source.
N
nordanney25 Jan 2016 22:281. Fading: Light-colored hardwood floors darken over time (e.g., maple), while dark hardwood floors become lighter (e.g., wenge).
2. Damp mopping: You can do this on any hardwood floor and you should.
3. Coloring pencils: These can be removed just like on other types of flooring, but you need to be more careful (cleaning solvents are not good for oiled floors). Otherwise, buy water-based markers for children; we have had no permanent stains on our floors for almost eight years.
4. Installation direction: Usually parallel to the windows. For L-shaped rooms, try different layouts and install accordingly.
2. Damp mopping: You can do this on any hardwood floor and you should.
3. Coloring pencils: These can be removed just like on other types of flooring, but you need to be more careful (cleaning solvents are not good for oiled floors). Otherwise, buy water-based markers for children; we have had no permanent stains on our floors for almost eight years.
4. Installation direction: Usually parallel to the windows. For L-shaped rooms, try different layouts and install accordingly.
Starting from the original post, it seems it will be oak, as I have now read, and yes, it will lighten over time.
The mentioned maple, like ash, does not darken but rather yellows.
You should not wipe it wet; I assume you mean more like slightly damp. I can only support @nordanney’s suggestion to simply try it out.
Best regards, Sigi
The mentioned maple, like ash, does not darken but rather yellows.
You should not wipe it wet; I assume you mean more like slightly damp. I can only support @nordanney’s suggestion to simply try it out.
Best regards, Sigi
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