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Parquet treatments and processes: the most popular
When we think of a floor that combines style and elegance, we most likely imagine parquet. This is perhaps due to the wood, its geometric patterns and colours evoking nature. But not only that. Functionality and durability also make this floor timelessly beautiful. So how does parquet come into being? What processes shape its appearance? Which treatments help protect it from time and wear?
The main parquet processing techniques
When referring to parquet processing techniques, reference is made to all those processes that treat the individual planks of wood so as to modify and shape their appearance. At the end of the process each plank will be unique, the result of a process that will make it original and different, but at the same time consistent in style and look with all the others. For a floor that tells a story through the expression of so many small details. The techniques that can be used are many and include both skilful craftsmanship, in which the hand ‘draws’ on the wood, as well as the use of industry-specific machinery. While there is no one process that is better than the others, the one to choose is the one that gives you a parquet floor just as you have always dreamed of it. Smooth, with the grain in relief, with a rustic effect, hand-polished, there are so many effects that can be achieved. This is the reason why, unlike other types of flooring, wooden floor coverings ensure maximum customisation options and are therefore perfect for creating a home that fully reflects your own sense of aesthetics.
Types of planing: which one to choose
As we have seen, wood is a versatile and constantly changing material: hence, it mutates according to the processes it undergoes. Of these, planing is one of the most popular. But mastering the art of planing wood is anything but simple. There are many variables that must be considered to achieve a perfect result, such as the type of wood, its hardness, and the direction of its natural grain. Planing is a skill that our craftsmen have learnt through study, dedication, and plenty of practice in the workshop, so much so that we now offer 4 different planing methods that produce different results on the surface of your parquet.
HAND-PLANED: expert craftsmen plan each individual board by hand, using blade planers. The surface comes to life and returns an interplay of volume and movement to the floor.
HAND-PLANED AND ROUNDED: In addition to the “hand planed” process, the long sides of the wooden boards are rounded by hand, lending the floor a pleasant “wavy” effect. A creative solution for a superb parquet floor.
ANTIQUED PLANED: this is the most complex manual process, a combination of the planing technique and an antiquing process that reproduces the old style and the signs of time. The effect imprinted on your floor makes it aesthetically elegant and timeless.
SOFT AND SANDBLASTED PLANING: very soft planing only carried out on large boards that are then refined and enhanced by sandblasting. For a more delicate and stylish parquet.
Read the article Oiled or varnished parquet.
Smoothing: the specifics of the process
Smoothing is a fundamental process for treating and finishing wood. Smoothing regularises the surface, redefines the edges after cutting, and smoothes out irregularities. To achieve this result, our craftsmen can work by hand, following a manual method, or by machine. In any case, to achieve a perfect result it is necessary to adjust the aggressiveness of the action to be impressed on the wooden boards of your parquet with precision. Again, thanks to study and research, we have come up with two different processes centred on sanding, which shape the wood giving it two different style traits.
AGED : Sanding is made by hand to create ‘hollow’ effects along the plank and its edges. The result is a three-dimensionality of the surface of your parquet, giving it a lived-in feel.
PRE-SMOOTHED: sanding is made by machine and the result is a particularly smooth surface.
Sawning: an age-old processing technique
Only expert hands that know the material inside out and respect its nature and shapes can make the most of it. This enables our craftsmen to cut and process the wood of your parquet to perfection, making it achieve great value. There are two effects created by this process: SAWN: this is a re-enactment of the oldest process of sawing wood on 7.2 mm lamellas. The blade leaves its marks on the surface, which are then smoothed out by hand
SAWED AND SANDBLASTED: the 7.2 mm lamellas are sawed and also sandblasted. The exaltation of the grain along the length of the board is accompanied by the sawing marks, creating the exclusive Mardegan wood geometric texture. The process of sandblasting makes it possible to obtain planks with a particularly rich texture: through very high pressure, the sand removes the softer part of the fibre, returning a particularly rich surface that enhances the wood grain. If the sandblasting is also combined with a rounding effect, the board acquires a remarkable three-dimensionality.
Thermotreatment
Last but not least, we cannot fail to mention the heat treatment of the parquet, which is a process by which the wood is subjected to high temperatures in order to reduce its moisture content and increase its resistance and stability over time. This treatment transforms the colour of the wood; depending on the temperature, technology and time, different colours can be obtained, ranging from strong, dark colours to lighter colours. The result is a parquet floor featuring unique colours (impossible to achieve using varnishes) and rich nuances. As we have seen, wood is a material with a thousand qualities and parquet is a flooring with timeless appeal. Depending on its features and colouring, it can create an elegant and lavish atmosphere, ideal for a home with a classic style, or a cooler feel suitable for a home with a Nordic style. The most distinctive quality of parquet flooring is its versatility: depending on the type of workmanship the craftsmen apply to the wooden planks, the result changes. The wood can be smooth, rough, with more or less marked veining. Sanding, planing and sawing are the most popular processes because these create an extremely high-quality product. Once installed, the parquet needs to be cared for. The fundamental treatment to keep it as bright and shiny as on the first day is polishing.
