This type of flooring is laid in patterns of herringbone
or alternate squares, using one or more kinds of wood.
Method
Start by dry laying a row of panels
along the longest straight run of wall in the room. Mark
the positions at each end and adjust the positions if necessary,
to avoid difficult pieces being cut and added at both ends.
Dry lay a single row in the opposite direction to check
adjustments on the other side of the room.
When you are happy with the layout
of the panels, mark their positions on the floor. Lay all
the whole panels first, according to the manufacturer's
fixing details. Use a saw with a fine tooth or a power jigsaw
to cut the panels for filling in around the edges and in
difficult corners. Make a template of a difficult section
using hardboard or cardboard. Check the measurements and
alter if necessary, before using the template to help cut
the wooden panel.
Once complete use a heavy-duty floor
sander to smooth the surface and remove any uneven edges
or joins. An edging sander is necessary for the borders
of the room. If it is a small room, try using a powered
orbital sander to sand the surface. Sanding is a very noisy
and dusty job and wearing a mask and goggles is advisable.
It is important to keep the doors and windows closed when
sanding. This will allow the dust to settle and then be
hoovered away as well as preventing dust permeating through
the house.
When the sanding is complete and
the area has been cleaned to remove dust, the floor needs
sealing. Use two or three coats, according to the manufacturer's
instructions, of a matt or gloss floor sealer. For a professional
finish, use a fine grade sand paper between each coat, remembering
to remove the dust with a moist cloth before applying the
next coat.
Cleaning and caring
Mosaic flooring is usually waxed
or sealed, which stops dirt penetrating the surface and
improves the surface appearance. It is therefore easy to
maintain. If newly laid, blocks should be professionally
sanded before sealing. Sweep and clean with solvent-based
wax. If the floor is darker than you would like, apply bleach
to lighten them, always testing an obscure area first. You
could also use a coloured polyurethane varnish. Even better
use a wood stain, which colours the timber and complete
by sealing with a clear polyurethane varnish. Some flooring
is factory treated with lacquer, and requires only vacuuming
and wiping over with a damp-dry cloth. A rug is advisable
where there is heavy usage to avoid scuffing. If the flooring
begins to show signs of wear and tear, the surface can be
given a new lease of life by light sanding and re-sealing
with varnish. A polyurethane varnish is recommended because
it is very hardwearing and easy to maintain.
Repairing mosaic flooring
The flooring can get damaged, badly
stained or burnt. Use a mallet and a chisel to remove the
damaged strips of hardwood from the panel. Clear the area
of debris and use the chisel to remove the old adhesive
below the strip. Clean the area using a moist cloth to remove
any dust. Prepare the new strip and dry lay in the space.
Make sure it fits correctly, planing the sides if necessary.
Use a layer of adhesive suitable for the flooring already
laid and apply it to the floor surface where the strip will
be fixed. Press the new strip into position. Once it has
dried, rub with a fine grade sand paper if necessary and
clean the area. A wood stain may be required to match the
colour of the surrounding area before resealing.
