Parquetry Restoration
Priced from $65/m2
Parquetry — block, herringbone, chevron, mosaic — is a category of floor that most sanders shy away from. It requires slower work, a lighter touch and an understanding that you cannot machine-sand parquet the same way you sand a straight floorboard run.
We restore parquet floors across the Peninsula, from post-war herringbone in older Frankston homes to feature parquet in more recent Mount Eliza renovations.
The work is meticulous: re-glue lifting blocks, replace missing tiles from matched stock, sand progressively across the grain directions, then finish with a low-abrasion coating system that flatters the pattern.
OUR PROCESS
- 01 Inspect for lifting, missing or damaged blocks and identify pattern.
- 02 Re-glue and re-secure loose blocks.
- 03 Replace missing tiles from matched or reclaimed stock.
- 04 Sand carefully, respecting the grain direction of each block.
- 05 Fine finish with detail sanders at borders and thresholds.
- 06 Sealer plus two topcoats, low-abrasive.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- From $65/m² — higher rate reflects slower, hand-guided work.
- Handles herringbone, chevron, block and mosaic patterns.
- Matched-block replacement for missing tiles.
- Suitable for period homes and feature floors.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Can you sand parquet without ruining the pattern?
Yes — parquet needs multi-directional sanding to respect the alternating grain. We use progressive grits and slower passes than we would on a straight-run floor.
What if some blocks are missing?
We source matched replacement stock. If your pattern is unusual, we may need reclaimed material from a similar-era demolition.
Can lifted blocks be glued back down?
Usually yes. Blocks lift because the original bitumen or glue has failed, or moisture has moved in. We re-adhere with a modern flexible adhesive.
How long does a parquet restoration take?
A typical parquet room is three to five days — more than a straight-run floor because of the slower sanding and any re-gluing or replacement work.
Can you match a stain across new and old blocks?
Yes, though we recommend sample-testing in an inconspicuous area first. Stain on parquet is unforgiving.
What finish suits parquet best?
A satin water-based finish is the most common choice — it protects the timber without giving parquet a plastic look.
Can parquetry be laid new?
Yes, but new parquet is a specialist installation job rather than a sanding job. We can refer.
Is parquet worth restoring in an older home?
Almost always. Original parquet floors add real character and value to a period home, and you can’t easily reproduce the look with new flooring.