English-style, lost-joint installation
With lost-joint laying, the joints are laid unevenly. This is by far the most common installation method. Boards of different lengths are laid randomly to produce irregularly staggered joints.
This type of installation also allows us to give back to nature what it has given us, as it allows us to use all board lengths to get the most out of the wood.
Stone cutting
This type of installation is not very widespread, as it requires planks of identical lengths, which in solid or semi-massive parquet made from natural wood is more complicated and costly. It is also more time-consuming to lay and causes more parquet to fall. Nor does it reflect a "natural" look.
Broken stick
Herringbone installation has a very long tradition. Its pattern is both classic and contemporary, depending on the decor of the room in which the parquet is laid. This installation style is very elegant. This type of installation is very popular with interior designers who want to add character to a room.
The end of one plank fits into the end of the other plank along its length. In other words, the two types of boards (left and right) of identical dimensions are laid at right angles to each other.
Point de hongrie
Herringbone parquet, also known as herringbone parquet, is parquet where the boards are installed in a mitered cut at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees. The angle will depend on the style you want to achieve, but also allows you to have full bays in the room, i.e. no cutting at either end.
The pattern created is sometimes compared to ferns, finials or fishbones, the latter giving the English translation of this laying style "Herring Bone". The difference between herringbone and herringbone is that herringbone boards are mitered at the ends, whereas herringbone boards are straight and square to each other.
Ladder installation
Laying parquet in ladders is not very well known. It is often used in old country cottage-style homes. This installation consists of two rows of straight strips spaced by a succession of strips, with identical lengths laid perpendicular to these two rows. This pattern is repeated several times, one after the other. As the name suggests, this method of installation brings out a ladder pattern.
Edge-mounted slats
Edge-strip parquet, also known as industrial parquet, is made up of 8mm strips of wood laid parallel to one another. It is glued down and sanded on site. It is highly impact-resistant and suitable for public areas.
It is also suitable for private homes in new construction or renovation. With thicknesses from 8mm to 20mm, it can be renovated several times. It is compatible with underfloor heating systems and is environmentally friendly thanks to the use of recycled wood scraps.
Versailles and others
Versailles" parquet is a type of parquet composed of square wooden panels with a pattern of interlaced diagonals. It was created to replace marble floors at the Château de Versailles. Dimensions vary from 97 to 130 cm, depending on the size of the room. The original version was made of solid wood, cut and assembled on site. The panels were then nailed to joists, sanded and treated on site. Today, there are prefabricated versions in solid or engineered wood, which can be glued to a screed.
In addition to the Versailles pattern, there are many other patterns for parquet panels or tiles, such as Chantilly, Maiche, Arenberg, Chalais, Chaumont, Marisy, Montalembert, Passy, Saint-Fargeau or La Rochelle.
Glue-down installation
This is by far the most popular installation method today. As the name suggests, the parquet is glued directly to the screed using a slightly flexible adhesive suited to this type of installation. Depending on the type of parquet to be laid, a single- or two-component adhesive is required.
The advantage of this type of glue is that it reduces the movement of the parquet, gives it a sturdy look and doesn't produce a "hollow sound" when walked on. On the other hand, it takes longer and costs more than floating installation, which is also very popular today.
Nail-down installation
This was the first method of installation at the time, since there was no such thing as glue. A mechanical fastening method had to be used. In order to nail the tiles or floorboards in place, it is necessary to create a substructure called a "lambourdage" or "gîtage". This is mainly made of resinous wood, with a well-defined spacing between each joist, so that the parquet can support future loads between the support points.
This installation method is often used for renovation projects, where there is no screed or insulation on the floor. It is also used for sports floors in sports halls (basketball, volleyball, etc.).
Floating installation
Floating installation of parquet is by far the most accessible option, thanks to its low cost and rapid installation. Only laminate, vinyl and semi-massive floors are suitable for floating installation. This installation method involves laying an acoustic underlay, which also serves to absorb slight level differences in places.
By definition, parquet is floating, i.e. not attached to the floor support. It can therefore be easily dismantled and reassembled elsewhere, provided that the room dimensions match. Otherwise, there will be a few extra falls, as the ends of rows cannot be installed in the middle of the surface.
