5. Restoring an old parquet floor

Preservation in acceptable condition

Restoring an old parquet floor, even one with a few irregularities, can be worthwhile, provided its condition remains acceptable. The results obtained with old materials are often satisfactory, and give off a particular warmth and ambience that new materials do not.

Preliminary analysis

Old parquet is often damaged, with splinters, holes and nail heads that need to be filled. Renovating an old parquet floor doesn't just involve restoring its surface; you also need to locate the boards that squeak. Nailing to the joists is the classic solution. Care should be taken to conceal the nail heads, which have been driven a few millimeters below the surface of the wood using a nail driver of appropriate diameter, with wood filler....