When deciding on a floor covering, the most important factors to consider are reliability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of use. Fortunately, parquet board possesses all of these qualities. Back in the Soviet period, parquet was seen as a symbol of prestige in flooring. With the proper maintenance, a parquet floor can last for an impressive 40-50 years, if not longer. Regular treatment of the surface helps to preserve the beautiful pattern and natural structure of the wood, even after more than half a century of use.
Types of parquet board and their thickness
Contemporary material differs significantly from the same small planks utilized in the previous century, which required quite laborious work to lay. The dimensions of the boards have changed and now have the following values:
- width ranging from 14 to 20 cm;
- length ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 m;
- thickness ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 cm.
Similar to earlier times, the material is characterized by wood species, whether it be pine, ash, or oak. The latter offers increased strength and durability. Modern technology allows for the implementation of various methods in the production of a parquet board. Based on this, finished products are categorized into two groups.
Solid parquet board
Understanding the name alone, it is clear that we are referring to the entirety of the product. This category specifically includes parquet planks, which have been used since the Soviet era and continue to be popular today. One of the main reasons for this popularity is the low cost of the planks, which can be utilized in their raw state by simply grinding the floor surface.
The thickness of this material ranges from 1.5 to 5 cm, although there is a particular demand for planks with a height of approximately 2 cm. These are easily laid on joists, which are arranged with a spacing that corresponds to the width of the desired pattern. The dimensions of these planks differ from modern parquet boards, as they adhere to Soviet standards. In the production process, hardwood species are used as the raw materials for creating these solid planks.
The convenience of repairing parquet flooring made of small strips is one of its undeniable advantages. If any size area is damaged, it can easily be restored by having spare pieces of solid wood in stock.
A variety of solid parquet combines two types of wood: a valuable upper layer and a water-resistant plywood base. The fibers of the plywood provide strength and stability to the product. The thickness of the wood species can range from 6 mm, while the plywood sheet used can vary from 10 mm. Engineering parquet flooring, a type of coating, can provide the required strength with its low panel height.
Parquet board sandwich
An alternative to the large coverings that emerged in the mid-20th century was the development of a three-layer finishing material. What sets this product apart is its unique arrangement of glued fiber layers, which are positioned perpendicular to each other. This arrangement significantly enhances the strength and durability of these panels.
One notable advantage of this design is its ability to minimize changes in linear dimensions when exposed to drastic fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Additionally, the varying fiber directions help alleviate pressure on the supports and cushion the surface under heavy loads. The top layer, made from a variety of wood species, closely mimics the appearance and structure of solid wood and features a sleek finish. By employing different fiber directions in each layer, these panels are able to achieve the strength of a solid material measuring 40-50 mm thick, despite their actual height ranging from 13 to 20 mm, which can be tailored to individual specifications.
INTRODUCTION! The design of a tri-layered parquet, featuring a reduced thickness of the top layer, enables the attainment of exceptional flexibility and alleviates the burden on the underlying floor structure.
Incorporate such flooring in the shape of panels equipped with interlocking mechanisms on their side surfaces.
When selecting panels, there is a lot of consideration given to factors such as color, design, ease of installation, length, and width. The thickness of the material is also an important criterion to consider when choosing a finishing material, as it can impact the lifespan and durability of the coating. It also plays a role in determining how many times the surface can be sanded down over the course of its use.
For instance, when sanding floors, a 1mm layer is typically removed. With a top layer height of 7mm for parquet panels, this allows for only 6 rounds of sanding. When working with solid wood floors, the depth of the sanding should not exceed 30% of the slat size. If the total thickness is less than 10mm, sanding is not recommended. Additionally, the thickness affects the rigidity and thermal conductivity of the coating, with taller panels resulting in warmer floors.
IMPORTANT: The use of a cycling machine can enhance the aesthetic appearance of the finishing material, but it may result in a decrease in its overall strength.
The pricing of parquet slats, which are crafted from solid wood, is directly influenced by the thickness of the product. In the case of sandwich panels, the primary factor determining their price is the quality and the technological implementation of the coating.
What thickness to choose a parquet board depending on the room
When it comes to residential properties, it is advisable to use a material with a low height of 13-16 mm. This is because the loads in these areas are typically light and the strength requirements are not very demanding. For rooms that have underfloor heating, it is recommended to use boards with a minimum thickness. This is because wood flooring has low thermal conductivity, so thinner boards allow for better heat transfer.
NOTICE: In the event that there are alternative types of flooring in the apartment, it is important to choose a finishing material of a size that minimizes the difference in height when connecting (for instance, with tiles)!
In situations where there is an increased load on the floor, such as in the hallway or office, it is advisable to use a parquet board with a thickness of 16-20 mm. When installing the floor in public spaces, opt for products with a height exceeding 20 mm.
If the installation of the finishing material is done on the joists, it is recommended to use a board with a thickness of at least 20 mm in order to ensure the rigidity of the resulting coating.
Keeping in mind the specific considerations when selecting parquet, choose the desired color and pattern of the product. Once this is done, lay the floor with the board and enjoy the outcome.
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