With its classic style and elaborate designs, parquet flooring has long been a mainstay in residences and commercial buildings. Parquet floors add an unmatched elegance to any space, whether it’s the classic herringbone or chevron style. But these lovely floors can get worn down over time, resulting in certain frequent problems. Fortunately, many of these problems can be fixed with the right approach.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 5 most common parquet flooring issues and provide practical solutions to restore and maintain your floor’s beauty.
Scratches and Scuff Marks
Issue: Parquet floors are highly susceptible to scratches and scuff marks, especially in high-traffic areas. These marks can be caused by furniture movement, pet claws, or even dirt and grit embedded in footwear. While light scratches may seem like a minor issue, they can diminish the overall appearance of the floor, making it look aged and worn.
Solution: The approach to fixing scratches depends on the depth and size of the damage. Here are the steps for handling light to moderate scratches:
For Light Scratches:
- Clean the Floor: To start, carefully clean the impacted region to remove dirt or debris.
- Use a Wood Polish or Scratch Filler: Many commercial wood polishes or scratch fillers are available. These materials can be used to fill minor scuffs and scrapes. Just rub the product over the area that has been scraped and use a gentle cloth to buff it.
- Buff the Surface: After applying the filler or polish, buff the area to restore the floor’s sheen.
For Deeper Scratches:
- Sand the Area: Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand down the scratched area. To prevent harming the nearby floor, take care not to sand too forcefully.
- Apply Stain or Finish: After sanding, apply a matching wood stain if the sanded area looks lighter than the rest of the floor. Follow this up with a finish to restore the gloss.
- For Large Scratches: In cases of deep or large scratches that go beyond the surface, you may need to replace individual parquet tiles or planks. Install a new part after carefully removing the broken one.
Gaps Between Parquet Tiles
Issue: Temperature and humidity variations can cause the wood in parquet flooring to expand and shrink over time, creating spaces between the tiles. This issue is common in areas with fluctuating weather conditions. Gaps can also form if the floor isn’t installed correctly or if the subfloor has settled unevenly.
Solution: To fix gaps between parquet tiles, you have a few options:
- Wood Filler: Use a wood filler or putty to fill small gaps. Choose a filler that matches the color of your parquet flooring and use a putty knife to carefully fill the gap. Once the filler has dried, sand it smooth to ensure it blends seamlessly with the rest of the floor.
- Re-installation of Parquet Tiles: If the gaps are too wide or too many, it might be necessary to re-install some tiles. Carefully lift the affected tiles, clean the subfloor, and reinstall them using appropriate adhesive. Ensure the tiles are tightly aligned.
- Expansion Gap Fix: If the gaps are due to expansion or contraction, adjusting the humidity in your home may help. In the winter, use a humidifier to prevent the wood from drying out and shrinking; in the summer, use a dehumidifier to prevent the wood from expanding too much.
Discoloration and Fading
Issue: Parquet floors can suffer from discoloration or fading over time, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight. The finish on the wood may degrade, causing it to look dull or uneven in color. This is especially typical of floors that have not been adequately maintained or sealed.
Solution: Restoring the color and shine of your parquet floor requires a multi-step approach:
- Deep Cleaning: Start by cleaning the floor with a hardwood-friendly floor cleaner. To make sure there is no dirt or debris left on the surface, use a microfiber mop.
- Re-staining: If your parquet floor has faded, you can re-stain it to restore its natural color. Choose a stain that matches the original wood tone, and apply it in even coats, following the grain of the wood.
- Resealing or Refinishing: If the floor is still in good structural condition but looks dull, applying a fresh layer of protective finish can do wonders. A polyurethane finish will restore the floor’s sheen and provide an additional layer of protection from wear and moisture.
Water Damage
Issue: Spills, leaks, or high humidity can seep into the seams of the parquet tiles, causing the wood to warp, swell, or buckle. If left untreated, water damage can permanently distort the appearance of your floor.
Solution: Preventing water damage is always better than fixing it. However, if water damage has already occurred, here’s what you can do:
- Immediate Action: If you notice water pooling on your floor, clean it up immediately with a dry cloth or mop. The damage is less likely to spread if you take action quickly.
- Drying the Floor: If the parquet floor is swollen or buckled, you can try using a dehumidifier to draw out the moisture. To prevent additional damage, make sure the space has adequate ventilation and stay away from direct heat sources like hair dryers.
- Replacing Damaged Sections: In severe cases, the only solution may be to replace the damaged parquet tiles. Remove the affected tiles carefully, dry the subfloor, and install new parquet tiles to match the rest of the floor.
Loose Parquet Tiles
Issue: Loose parquet tiles can occur when the adhesive used during installation weakens over time or if there has been a shift in the subfloor. Loose tiles can create an uneven floor, which may lead to tripping hazards and damage to the surrounding area.
Solution: To fix loose parquet tiles, you can follow these steps:
- Re-gluing the Tiles: For minor issues, re-gluing the loose tile can be an effective solution. Lift the loose tile carefully, clean both the subfloor and the back of the tile, and then apply a strong wood adhesive. Press the tile back into place to keep it there until the adhesive solidifies.
- Re-sanding and Re-gluing: If the tile has become significantly loose, it may need to be sanded down to create a better bonding surface. Before stepping on the tile, apply adhesive, press it back into position, and let it cure.
- Replacing the Tile: If the tile is too damaged to be reattached, you may need to replace it entirely. Remove the damaged tile, clean the area, and install a new tile.
Investing in parquet flooring enhances the attractiveness and coziness of any area. From scratches and gaps to water damage and discoloration, the issues that can arise are common but fixable. You can prolong the lifespan of your parquet floors and bring back their beauty by acting appropriately and promptly.
Fixing Parquet Flooring Problems – At a Glance
| Issue | Solution Summary | Difficulty Level | Recommended Time to Fix |
| Scratches and Scuff Marks | Polish, fill, or sand and refinish | Low to Medium | 1-3 hours |
| Gaps Between Parquet Tiles | Use wood filler or re-install tiles | Medium | 1-2 hours |
| Discoloration and Fading | Deep clean, re-stain, or re-seal | Medium | 3-6 hours |
| Water Damage | Dry the floor, replace damaged tiles | High | 2-5 hours |
| Loose Parquet Tiles | Re-glue or replace tiles | Medium | 1-3 hours |
