Curved Parquet Gives Kitchen Floor The Edge

Fulfilling the brief

The brief for this project was to install a new aged oak parquet wooden floor, paying particular attention to the curved wall and island in the new kitchen extension. The flooring continued into the hall which was previously carpeted. The wooden blocks were fitted in a classic herringbone design.

The right concrete moisture content

Originally we were booked in to fit the hardwood flooring in October, but on inspection the new 70 mm thick concrete kitchen floor wasn’t dry. With the relative humidity level standing at 90%, we had to wait for a few months until it had dropped to under 60%.

A strong and level subfloor

On returning to the job, we started by removing the old hall carpet, only to discover that the original floorboards were in a bad condition. These were lifted up so we could fit new plywood to create a sound subfloor. The builders had already laid ply in the kitchen, but it wasn’t level, so it had to be removed. During this process, we discovered that one of the wet underfloor heating pipes had been hit with a screw when the original ply was fitted. This was a lucky find, as a slow leak like this would have completely ruined the floor over time.

How to fix an uneven subfloor

The concrete subfloor was very uneven, so to rectify this problem, we applied Ardex NA, a latex based, quick drying, self levelling compound. A liquid damp proof membrane was then applied to provide a barrier against condensation. The newly levelled subfloor meant that we could fulfil the client’s wishes of running the hardwood floor at the same height as the kitchen doors leading out to the garden.

Laying the new parquet wooden floor

After considering the design for the new oak parquet, we decided to start the alignment in the hall, as this was the narrowest point. Once we had worked out the formation, we continued the symmetry into the kitchen. A single border with mitred corners was fitted to run all around the parquet. This ensured that the blocks in the border were a consistent length, rather than being left with unsightly smaller pieces.

Fitting wood flooring around curves and round walls

The rounded wall and kitchen island were signature design features in the kitchen, so it was essential that the flooring reflected the curves to enhance the design. Using our experience and fitting skills, we were able to work with this detail and create a mirror image of the curved structures.

Integrated hall coir doormat

To prevent dirt and grit entering the house, an integrated coir doormat was fitted by the front door. This was finished off with a matching border to frame the mat.

Location: CR4 Mitcham, London