Project Overview
This Mayfair project covered two distinct lines of work: the installation of a new parquet floor in one area and the full renovation and refinishing of an existing parquet floor in another. Both workstreams ran under the same contract for the same client, allowing us to coordinate materials, timing and finish standards across the whole job. Mayfair properties have high expectations — the quality of both the installation and the renovation needed to be to the same standard. Parquet fitting in central London including lacquering typically runs from £70 to £100 per square metre, with renovation of existing parquet starting at around £30 to £50 per square metre depending on condition.
The Challenge
Parquet in a Mayfair setting carries extra pressure on quality. The installation needed to produce a pattern that was geometrically precise from wall to wall, with cut blocks at the perimeter that were even and looked deliberate rather than makeshift. The renovation side of the project brought its own demands: the existing floor had gaps between blocks that needed filling carefully, the old lacquer had a pronounced orange tint that the client wanted to move away from with a fresh, clearer finish, and some areas had been damaged by water at some point, leaving slight cupping on individual blocks. Managing all of this while maintaining a tidy site in a central London residential property required planning and experience.
Our Approach
Subfloor preparation and plywood underlayment: For the new installation area, the subfloor was prepared to the required flatness and moisture tolerance. A plywood underlayment was laid over the prepared subfloor before the parquet blocks, providing a firm, level, insulated base and adding a degree of cushioning underfoot.
New parquet installation: Blocks were laid working out from the centre line in the agreed herringbone pattern. Alignment was checked constantly throughout and the cut blocks at the perimeter were measured and cut individually for accuracy. Flooring accessories — threshold bars and perimeter beading — were fitted to complete the installation.
Renovation of existing parquet: Gap filling came first: a resin and sawdust mix for the finer joints, pine slivers where gaps had opened wider. The slightly cupped blocks were inspected — none were so severely affected that replacement was necessary, and careful sanding brought them level. The full floor was sanded through coarse, medium and fine grits. A water-based lacquer was selected for the finishing coat to avoid the yellow tint associated with older oil-based lacquers. Two coats were applied with a light abrasion between coats.
The Result
Both areas of the project finished to a high standard. The new parquet installation sits level and tight, with a clean pattern and consistent lacquer finish. The renovated section has had its gaps filled, its cupped blocks flattened and its finish renewed to a clear, fresh satin. The two areas are consistent in colour and sheen level, which was important given that both are visible from the same room. This Mayfair project is a good example of what coordinated parquet installation and renovation work looks like when executed properly.
FAQ
Why is parquet installation more expensive per square metre than other wood flooring?
The individual blocks need to be laid one at a time, aligned precisely to build the pattern, and the setting-out stage at the start requires experience to get right. Compare this to laying long boards, where the process is significantly faster. The material costs can also be higher depending on the species and block quality. You are paying for craftsmanship that shows in the finished result.
Can slightly cupped parquet blocks be sanded flat without replacing them?
In most cases, yes. Light cupping — where the edges of a block have lifted slightly — can be taken back down with careful sanding. Severe cupping, or blocks that are structurally compromised, are better replaced. We assess this on inspection and advise honestly on the most cost-effective approach.
How do you avoid the yellow tint that old lacquer leaves on parquet?
Modern water-based lacquers are formulated to be clear with minimal colour cast. They are also harder and more resistant to UV yellowing over time than traditional oil-based products. If you have an existing oil-based lacquer that has yellowed and want a clearer finish, a full sand to bare wood followed by water-based lacquer will make a significant difference to the final colour.
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