An independent journal about wood floors and parquet. Not a manufacturer, shop or workshop, and not affiliated with the previous website on this domain. Leave sanding and complex repairs to a craftsman.
Care
Parquet ages slowly if nothing gets in its way. Sand from outside, water in the joints, chair legs without pads and air that is too dry in winter are the main reasons a floor loses its looks before its time. Care depends above all on the finish and on where the floor lies: in a quiet bedroom or by the front door.
Look at the floor against the light once a season. Worn paths, dry patches and new gaps are easier to spot in time than to fix later with a major repair.
How this section works: here we gather general advice for lacquer, oil and wax and for the parts of a home where the floor takes the most wear. Products and how often to use them are determined by your flooring manufacturer, and in the case of serious damage the condition of the floor is assessed by a craftsman.
Types of finish and places in the home that call for special attention to parquet.
Lacquer forms a durable film on the wood that protects it from dirt and drops of water and is easy to clean. Scratches show on it and spot repairs are difficult, so worn lacquer is usually renewed across the whole room. Clean it with products made for lacquered floors.
Oil soaks into the wood and keeps its natural look and warmth to the touch. A worn spot can be touched up locally, but the floor needs regular care with oil-compatible products and careful handling of stains.
Wax gives a soft matte sheen and is often applied over oil. It does not tolerate water well and needs renewing more often, but small marks on it are easy to buff out. Apply and polish it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Dark wood clearly shows dust, streaks and scratches; light wood shows dirt from outside and shoe marks. Keep this in mind when choosing a tone, and remember that over the years light wood often warms while dark wood may fade.
By the front door, parquet suffers most: sand scratches the finish, and melted snow from shoes seeps into the joints. A good doormat, a shelf for wet shoes and the habit of wiping up puddles right away all help.
Sunlight changes the tone of wood, and a noticeable patch of a different color remains under a rug or cabinet. Move rugs and furniture from time to time, and draw the curtains during the brightest hours.
Information about wood floors is given in general terms, based on encyclopedic and etymological dictionaries, technical documentation from manufacturers of parquet, lacquers and oils, and home fire safety guidance from Russia's emergency services ministry (EMERCOM). How to treat your particular floor is up to its manufacturer, and the condition of the floor and subfloor should be judged by a craftsman who sees them in person.