GR Interior Design | info@gr-design.it

Parquet

This space is dedicated to parquet, which has been very important in my professional growth thanks to my father.

It is precisely thanks to him, his advice, and his ideas that I can say I know all the strengths and weaknesses of various types of parquet, from solid wood finished on-site to pre-finished parquet. Like carpentry, being a parquet installer is considered an art, not just a trade.

A well-furnished home can gain even more value thanks to a wooden floor, which immediately gives a sense of warmth and welcome. Depending on the context of the living space and the impression each of us wants to give to our home, parquet can add a touch of modernity or antiquity.

GR DESIGN PARQUET

Characteristics

Once exposed to light and air, a finished parquet floor begins an oxidation process that changes its color (typically, but not exclusively, darkening) and makes its veins more homogeneous (a typical behavior of Asian Teak). This process varies in speed and intensity depending on the wood species (normally exotic woods oxidize more), the amount of light exposure, and the applied finish (different types of varnishes can either enhance the color and oxidation or limit it significantly). Although noticeable in the first months of the floor’s life, this process can continue slowly for several years. Parquet is always a ‘living’ material and is affected by humidity fluctuations typical of modern homes: in low humidity conditions, the boards shrink slightly, causing cracks in the flooring, which slowly close up when normal humidity returns. Excessive humidity (condensation, water leaks, or even slight but continuous infiltration, poor maintenance) causes the boards to absorb moisture and expand, potentially lifting from the subfloor and, in extreme cases with particularly restless species (such as South American woods), even damaging the subfloor. Therefore, using liquids for cleaning is generally not recommended. Most stability issues have been resolved by multi-layer parquet, which is much less affected by the environment’s thermo-hygrometric variations.

Types

GR DESIGN PARQUET

The main types of parquet flooring are:

  • SOLID WOOD WITHOUT EDGE JOINTS, RAW TO BE FINISHED ON-SITE
  • SOLID WOOD WITH EDGE JOINTS, RAW TO BE FINISHED ON-SITE
  • SOLID WOOD WITH EDGE JOINTS, PRE-FINISHED
  • SOLID WOOD WITH HOOKED EDGE JOINTS, PRE-FINISHED
  • MULTI-LAYER PRE-FINISHED
  • INLAID PRE-FINISHED
  • DECORATED PRE-FINISHED
  • INLAID SOLID WOOD TO BE FINISHED ON-SITE
  • CARVED SOLID WOOD TO BE FINISHED ON-SITE

The most commonly used type today, due to its cost, long-term durability, and quick installation, is the pre-finished parquet. It also comes in a wide range of colors and finishes to meet every need.