How to Install Parquet

Co-authored by Schannon Yodice

Last Updated: February 18, 2024

Parquet flooring consists of inlaid wood tile squares with repeating patterns made from short strips of wood. The tiles are made from solid wood or laminated wood veneers and can be installed using flooring adhesive or nails. Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, parquet tiles are a durable and relatively inexpensive flooring option that can enhance the appearance of any room's décor. This article explains how to install parquet properly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Preparing the Subfloor

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Remove any paint, wax, sealants, adhesives, and debris. Be sure the subfloor is completely dry before beginning to install the parquet flooring.
Use a belt sander to sand any high areas and/or fill any sunken areas with cement leveling compound.

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The subfloor needs to be smooth and level to ensure the overlaid parquet floor is level.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Installing Parquet Flooring

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Use a marker to indicate the center of each wall and draw straight chalk lines connecting opposite walls.
2
Lay the parquet panels down on the floor. Start from the center point where the perpendicular chalk lines intersect out to the walls along each line.
- Do not apply adhesive yet. Adjust the lines if more than one-half of the last row of panels needs to be cut.
Use a notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle to apply enough adhesive on the subfloor for the area to be covered by the first parquet panel. Lay the first panel, aligning it with the chalk lines.
5
Align the flooring.
- Holding each parquet panel at a 45-degree angle, align the tongue-and-grooves between the new panel and the adjacent panel already laid on the subfloor and tap into place with a rubber mallet. One the panels are aligned, lay the new panel into the adhesive. Repeat until all 8 parquet panels have been laid.
Lay the last row of parquet panels.
Set the parquet flooring firmly by rolling the newly laid panels with a 150-pound (68.04 kg) floor roller within a few hours of completing the installation.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What kind of adhesive should I use when installing a parquet?

Schannon Yodice
Tile Installation and Design Expert
Schannon Yodice is a Tile Installation and Design Expert based in League City, Texas. She is the Founder of Online Tile Academy, an online video platform designed to educate designers, contractors, and the general public on the proper use, installation, and building of tile installation. With over 242K followers on her Instagram, thattilechick, Schannon is known for sharing DIY projects and tips for various tile installation projects.

Schannon Yodice

Tile Installation and Design Expert

Expert Answer

You’ll want to use high-quality wood flooring adhesive that’s specifically recommended for your parquet. The best options are urethane-based or a modified-silane adhesive. But before you dive in, check the data sheet for the adhesive you’re considering. The data sheet will spell out where and how it’s meant to be used, including any prep requirements for your subfloor. For example, some adhesives work better on concrete floors, while others are designed for plywood or existing wood floors. The data sheet may also specify temperature and humidity limits, which is really important when working with wood. Applying the adhesive evenly is also essential. You can use a notched trowel to spread it across the floor in manageable sections, this way, you can set each parquet tile before the adhesive starts drying. And don't rush it. Getting a strong, uniform bond requires pressing each tile firmly into place.

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My hot water heater leaked. Water is now under the parquet tiles. How can this be fixed?

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You would need to take up the affected wood, dry or replace the subfloor, plywood, or concrete, and lay down new tiles.

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What glue do I use on concrete?

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Fevicol or a PVC solution can work. It gives good stability and can be applied using a brush or some hard material.

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Tips

Make cardboard templates to cut the parquet panels to lay along the walls and in the corners of the room.

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Once most of the floor has been covered, you may want to place a piece of plywood down to protect the surface you're kneeling on while you complete the installation.

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Leave a one-half inch (1.27 cm) gap between the edge of the parquet panels and the walls to account for any possible expansion.

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