Parquet floors, with their distinctive geometric block patterns, require a modified approach to both sanding and finishing compared to straight-run plank floors. The alternating grain directions of the blocks create specific challenges that affect how each stage of the finishing process should be carried out. Done well, a freshly finished parquet floor is one of the most striking results in residential flooring.
Sanding Parquet Floors
Because herringbone parquet has blocks running at 90 degrees to each other, there is no single sanding direction that is with the grain for all blocks simultaneously. The standard approach is to sand at 45 degrees to both block directions, effectively creating a diagonal sanding angle across the whole floor. Begin with 40-grit at 45 degrees, followed by 60-grit and 80-grit at the same angle. Finish with an orbital or rotary sander at 80-grit to 100-grit to remove the 45-degree machine marks from the main passes.
The edge sander is used for perimeters in the same diagonal direction as the main sander. Corner areas use a multi-tool or hand sanding with care. After all machine sanding is complete, inspect under raking light to identify any remaining machine marks or uneven areas, and address these with a hand pole sander before any finish is applied.
Choosing a Finish for Parquet
Both oil and lacquer finishes are appropriate for parquet, and the choice follows the same criteria as for any wood floor: traffic level, maintenance preference and aesthetic intent. For traditional Victorian or Edwardian oak parquet blocks where authenticity of appearance matters, Osmo Polyx Oil produces a natural result that suits the period character. For herringbone floors that will receive high traffic and are in contemporary settings, Bona Traffic HD in extra-matt provides excellent durability.
Applying Finish to Parquet
The diagonal grain orientation affects application as well as sanding. For oil finishes, apply across the diagonal of the pattern to ensure the product is worked into the grain of every block. Applying straight along the room length would leave some blocks receiving cross-grain application, which affects penetration and can produce a slightly uneven result.
For lacquer coats after the seal, applying along the room length (at 45 degrees to the blocks) maintains a manageable wet edge. The direction of the blocks is less critical at this stage because the seal coat has already been absorbed into the grain and the lacquer is forming a film on the surface.
- Sand herringbone parquet at 45 degrees to both block directions
- Finish with orbital sanding to remove 45-degree machine marks
- Osmo Polyx Oil: excellent for traditional oak parquet in period settings
- Bona Traffic HD: best for high-traffic contemporary parquet
- Apply oil across the diagonal to ensure grain penetration in all blocks
- Apply lacquer along the room length for manageable wet-edge working
Parquet finishing rewards patience with excellent results. The geometric pattern of a herringbone or chevron floor under a quality finish is genuinely one of the most attractive floor surfaces available. The additional preparation care required for parquet compared to plank floors is fully justified by the quality of the final result.
