laying parquet flooring on birch plywood

Laying Parquet Flooring on Birch Plywood

Laying Parquet Flooring on Birch Plywood

Parquet flooring is a popular flooring option due to its beauty and durability. However, before installing parquet flooring, it is essential to understand the importance of the subfloor. Plywood is a widely used subflooring material, and birch plywood is an excellent choice. In this blog post, we will discuss how to lay parquet flooring on birch plywood, the different types of plywood grades, and the flooring options that can be directly installed on plywood.

What is Birch Plywood?

Birch plywood is a high-quality plywood made from birch veneers. It is widely used for construction, furniture-making, and flooring. Birch plywood is a stable and durable material that can withstand the weight of the flooring without sagging or warping. Additionally, it has a smooth and even surface that provides an ideal base for the parquet flooring. Birch plywood is easy to install and can be cut to size, making it a popular choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers.

Laying Parquet Flooring on Birch Plywood

Birch plywood is an excellent subflooring material for parquet flooring. Before laying the parquet flooring, ensure that the birch plywood is clean and free from any debris. The next step is to install plywood slats perpendicular to the floor joists, leaving a gap of around 1/8 inch between each panel. The gap is necessary to allow for any expansion or contraction of the birch plywood due to changes in temperature and humidity.

Once the plywood is installed, it is essential to check for any unevenness or gaps and fill them with a self-leveling compound. The self-leveling compound is a cement-based material that can be poured onto the birch plywood to create a smooth and level surface. The compound is self-leveling, meaning that it will fill any gaps or unevenness and create a smooth surface. After the self-leveling compound is dry, sand the surface of the birch plywood to remove any roughness or unevenness.

Finally, install the parquet flooring using a recommended adhesive, following the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to choose a high-quality adhesive that is suitable for parquet flooring and birch plywood. The adhesive should be applied evenly to the back of each parquet tile or plank, ensuring that there are no air pockets or gaps.

Flooring Options for Plywood

There are several flooring options that can be installed directly on plywood, including UV prefinished plywood, exterior plywood, and thin flexible plywood. UV coated plywood is a popular choice due to its high durability and resistance to moisture. Exterior plywood grades are also suitable for flooring applications due to their water-resistant properties. Thin flexible plywood is ideal for curved surfaces and can be used for flooring, depending on the thickness and grade of the plywood. However, it is essential to ensure that the plywood is smooth and free from any defects before installing any flooring options.

Plywood Grades

Plywood is available in different grades, each with its own characteristics and uses. The grade of plywood refers to the quality and appearance of the veneers used to make the plywood. The higher the grade, the better the quality and appearance of the plywood. Plywood grades are classified into four categories: A, B, C, and D.

Grade A plywood has a smooth and consistent surface and is suitable for high-end applications such as furniture-making and cabinetry. Grade B plywood has a slightly rougher surface and is suitable for general-purpose applications such as subflooring and sheathing. Grade C plywood has a rough surface and is suitable for structural applications such as walls and roofs. Finally, Grade D plywood has a rough and uneven surface and is suitable for temporary or utility purposes such as packaging and crates.

Conclusion

Birch plywood is an excellent subflooring material for parquet flooring. It is strong, durable, and provides a stable base for the flooring. When laying parquet flooring on birch plywood, it is important to ensure that the plywood is clean, level, and free from any defects. Additionally, it is crucial to choose the right type of flooring that can be installed directly on plywood, such as UV prefinished plywood, exterior plywood, and thin flexible plywood. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a long-lasting and beautiful parquet flooring installation.

FAQs

  • What do you put under parquet flooring?
    A subfloor material such as birch plywood is required for parquet flooring installation.
  • Can you lay hardwood over plywood?
    Yes, hardwood can be installed over plywood as long as the plywood is flat, clean, and free from any defects.
  • What flooring can go directly on plywood?
    Flooring options such as UV prefinished plywood, exterior plywood, and thin flexible plywood can be installed directly on plywood.
  • Can you lay parquet flooring on chipboard?
    Chipboard is not recommended as a subfloor material for parquet flooring. It is essential to use a stable and durable subfloor material such as birch plywood.
  • What is the difference between film faced plywood and hexa flooring?
    Film faced plywood is a type of plywood that has a smooth and glossy surface, making it ideal for applications where appearance is important. On the other hand, hexa flooring is a type of birch plywood that has a hexagonal pattern, providing strength and stability.