laying parquet flooring onto a suspended timber floor

[str]

Was thinking of laying a reclaimed parquet floor in our sitting room, which has a suspended timber floor (floorboards).

the house is c. 1900 and the majority of the boards are original so have some cupping, but are generally flat.

I assume that I shouldn't lay the parquet blocks (I am assuming that they should be glued?) directly onto the floorboards?

Would hardboard over the floorboard be enough of a base?

Someone had said that I should be lifting the floorboards and installing a 18mm ply floor but this may be too much work!

Any advice appreciated!

 

[WoodYouLike]

When we install parquet flooring on existing floorboards, we use 12mm plywood (screwed or stapled down) to create a smooth and stable subfloor.

 

[str]

thanks WoodYouLike, hadnt hoped you would respond, you seem to be an expert when it comes to wood flooring!

I take it that the blocks should be glued to the solid ply base?

i've seen a couple of lots of reclaimed blocks - any idea what the idea thickness should be when I am looking at these?

 

[WoodYouLike]

Glueing down with suitable adhesive is the best way forward.

As for which "reclaimed" blocks to look for: those without bitumen!
Thickness at least 10mm (and check if they are all the same width/length, specially when installing in Herringbone pattern)

 

[str]

Final question! Had only been considering reclaimed parquet but any ideas of a good source for new parquet?

Thanks for your advice

 

[WoodYouLike]

Eh, how about having a look here?

 

[will2000]

Don't waste money on buying reclaimed blocks by new they are not that expensive it's the fitting and finishing that costs£££