Glued parquet is a flooring solution that combines aesthetics with robustness. Appreciated for its longevity and warm appearance, it is equally suited to classic and contemporary interiors. In this article, we'll explore the different aspects of glued parquet, from installation to maintenance, with an emphasis on the importance of a quality glue like that offered by our partner Wakol.
Glued-down parquet is a solid wood or engineered wood floor covering distinguished by its installation method: it is fixed directly to the floor surface using a special glue. This process ensures excellent stability and reduces impact noise, making this type of flooring quieter than floating parquet. It is particularly suitable for large areas or rooms with underfloor heating. In terms of cost, glued-down parquet is generally more expensive than floating parquet, due to the cost of the glue and the more technical and demanding installation work. However, one major advantage of glued-down parquet is that it can be sanded and refinished several times, which means it lasts longer, especially for solid wood floors.
Glued-down parquet has a number of advantages that make it a preferred choice for those looking for a durable, high-quality floor. First of all, it offers excellent stability, because each strip is fixed directly to the subfloor, reducing wood movement and the risk of warping. What's more, thanks to its solid installation, it provides better sound insulation, reducing impact noise, making it an ideal solution for flats or high-traffic areas. Its lifespan is extended, especially for solid wood floors, as it can be sanded and renovated several times, ensuring a new look over the long term. Glued-down parquet is also compatible with underfloor heating, providing even heat distribution without creating air spaces that could reduce heating efficiency.
However, it does have a few drawbacks. It is more complex and costly to lay than floating parquet, because it requires careful preparation of the subfloor and the use of a special adhesive. What's more, when replacing boards or renovating, removing glued-down boards can be difficult and time-consuming.
There are two main types of glued parquet: solid parquet and engineered parquet. Solid parquet is made up of strips of solid wood, making it extremely robust and long-lasting. Each strip is made entirely from a single species of wood, giving it an authentic appearance and the possibility of being sanded several times, making it possible to renovate it over time. This type of parquet is particularly appreciated for its natural look and timeless character.
Engineered parquet, on the other hand, is made up of several superimposed layers of wood. The top layer, known as the wear layer or noble layer, is made of precious wood, while the lower layers are made of low-grade wood or wood derivatives. This type of parquet combines the aesthetics of solid wood with greater resistance to variations in temperature and humidity, making it ideal for environments such as damp rooms or those with underfloor heating. Less expensive than solid wood, it also offers good stability, although it cannot be sanded as many times as solid wood.
Laying a glued-down parquet floor requires rigorous preparation to ensure that it is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The first step is to properly prepare the subfloor, which must be clean, dry and smooth. Thorough cleaning is essential to remove any dust, dirt or grease that could compromise the adhesion of the glue. Next, check the levelness of the floor: unevenness can affect the stability of the boards, so it's important to correct it with a levelling compound if necessary. Checking the humidity level is also crucial, as a floor that is too damp can lead to problems of rising damp, causing the floor to warp. To improve adhesion and protect the wood, it is often necessary to apply a primer, particularly on porous or crumbly surfaces. Once this preparation has been carried out, the parquet can be laid using a special adhesive, ensuring a solid, durable hold.
Worth knowing: how do you know the hardness of your floor?
The Mohs kit is a tool used to measure the hardness of a floor by testing its resistance to scratching. Made up of spikes of different minerals graded from 1 to 10 on the Mohs scale, it can be used to determine the strength and durability of materials such as tiles or parquet.
The choice of adhesive is an essential element in ensuring the successful installation of your parquet, guaranteeing a long-lasting, high-quality bond. This is where our partner Wakol comes in, a reference when it comes to adhesives for floor coverings. Wakol, a renowned German brand, offers its expertise in the manufacture of specialist adhesives for parquet and cork, meeting the requirements of the most diverse projects. The strengths of their adhesives include environmentally-friendly formulations, excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates, ease of application, and increased durability and resistance over time. Although Repex favours its partnerships in France, we are making an exception for the glue because of the incomparable quality of Wakol products. What's more, they're located nearby, just over the border, making them a practical and reliable choice.
Wakol offers a wide range of adhesives specially designed to meet the varied needs of glued parquet installation, whatever the type of parquet or subfloor. Their flagship products include WAKOL Moisture Barrier Primer PU 280, which protects the floor against moisture, as well as several high-performance adhesives: WAKOL MS228 multi-ply for parquet, WAKOL MS230, a versatile adhesive suitable for various types of parquet, and WAKOL MS260, ideal for solid parquet. For repairs, WAKOL MS335, a fast-curing repair resin, allows you to carry out touch-ups quickly and efficiently. These products guarantee optimum adhesion and lasting stability over time.
Repex Floor also distributes other products from the Wakol range, such as ultra-practical spray guns for precise application of adhesives, crack-fillers, cleaning wipes and much more, to ensure a professional and meticulous installation.
Parquet installers know this well, but a quick reminder of the key stages in laying a glued parquet floor is always useful to ensure a flawless job. Acclimatising the parquet remains essential: it is essential to leave the boards in the room for 48 hours before laying, so that they can adapt to the climatic conditions. Preparing the subfloor is another crucial stage, because a clean, dry and even floor is the basis for successful installation. The adhesive should be applied evenly and uniformly, preferably with a notched trowel, to ensure optimum adhesion, especially with Wakol adhesives. When laying the planks, it's important to start carefully on one side of the room, while checking alignment. Squeezing each board ensures good contact with the adhesive. Finally, it is essential to respect the drying time recommended by Wakol before walking on the floor, to ensure a lasting bond and a perfect finish.
Glued parquet is always worth looking after to preserve its longevity and shine. Properly cared for, it can last for decades. Here are a few tips to keep it in tip-top condition: clean regularly with a hoover or soft broom to avoid dust and dirt build-up. For cleaning, use a special parquet detergent, which cleans gently without damaging the wood. It is essential to avoid standing water on the floor, as dampness can damage the wood and alter the glue. Also remember to place glides under furniture to avoid scratches when moving around. Finally, sanding and sealing are recommended every 10 to 15 years, depending on the degree of wear, to give your floor a new lease of life and protect it effectively for years to come. To accompany this care, Repex always has the solution with the product range of its partner Blanchon, which offers solutions adapted to the maintenance and protection of your parquet.
Glued parquet offers many environmental benefits, making it a wise choice for sustainable interiors. First of all, it uses wood, a renewable material that contributes to the sustainable management of forest resources. Be sure to check the labels! Its durability is a major advantage, reducing the need for frequent replacement and therefore the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of floor coverings. What's more, the possibility of renovating a floor, rather than replacing it completely, helps to extend its lifespan while minimising waste.
Wakol's commitment to an ecological approach, with EMICODE EC1 PLUS certified products, demonstrates their desire to guarantee low emissions, thus contributing to a healthier indoor environment and the protection of our planet.
In comparison, glued parquet offers excellent stability and better acoustics, but is more complex to lay. It has a very long lifespan and can be renovated several times, whereas floating parquet offers good stability, lower acoustics, easy installation, long lifespan, limited renovation options and generally lower cost.
The choice of wood is crucial to the appearance and durability of your floor, as each species has unique characteristics. Oak, for example, is renowned for its durability and classic aesthetic, making it a timeless choice. Beech, with its light colour and durability, is ideal for modern, light-filled spaces. Walnut, on the other hand, is more elegant and dark, adding a touch of sophistication to any room. For a more eco-friendly option, bamboo stands out for its originality and durability, as well as being a renewable resource. It is essential to choose a wood species that matches your lifestyle and the intended use of the room, as this will influence both the appearance and longevity of your floor.
The importance of professional installation of glued parquet cannot be underestimated. Although some experienced DIY enthusiasts may consider doing it themselves, it is advisable to call in a professional. An experienced installer will be able to assess the subfloor correctly, choose the most suitable Wakol glue and apply it optimally. He will also be able to lay the floor with precision and ensure an impeccable finish. By opting for a professional installer, you not only guarantee an aesthetic result, but also greater durability for your parquet.
Wakol stands out for its constant commitment to innovation and development, investing in research to improve its products. The brand's parquet adhesives incorporate the latest technological advances, offering improved adhesion, optimised drying times and greater ease of application. What's more, these adhesives are compatible with a wide range of substrates. This approach to continuous innovation guarantees users high-performance products that meet the modern requirements of parquet installation.
Glued parquet represents a lasting investment for interiors. Thanks to its stability, longevity and timeless aesthetic appeal, it offers undeniable added value. By choosing quality products like Wakol adhesives, you can be sure of optimal, long-lasting results.
The combination of a quality parquet floor, a high-performance adhesive like those offered by Wakol, and professional installation, guarantees an elegant, hard-wearing floor for many years to come. Don't hesitate to consult a specialist to guide you in choosing your glued parquet and associated products.
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