"Classic contemporary", "old meets new", "modern with a classic twist": There are so many terms now to describe the trend towards fusing new home design with traditional elements. Whatever turn of phrase you use, it's a look that seems to be here for the long haul. It also explains why parquetry has become so popular again, particularly large format blocks.
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According to Boral Timber, parquetry is an extremely durable floor covering, making it the perfect solution for heavy traffic areas such as halls, steps and entrance ways. It can be laid down in countless patterns, and if a small section is damaged it can be easily replaced.
After years of wear, the entire floor can be restored by sanding and refinishing, and it's an excellent option for allergy sufferers because timber floors do not harbour dust mites and other allergens. It can be very durable and less susceptible to gapping or movement because of the way it's laid.
Boral's Ed Marshall points out that in the past, parquetry lent itself more to period properties and cottages, especially the smaller blocks laid in a traditional weave pattern. However large format blocks laid in a herringbone pattern are perfect for today's designer homes, or for adding a modern twist to heritage homes.
"Our new large format hardwood timber blocks are approximately double the size of our standard range and create a cleaner, more contemporary feel, while still embodying the aesthetics of heritage architecture," Marshall says. "They also look great as they're more in keeping with the space's proportions."
As Marshall explains, solid hardwood parquetry does come with a higher price tag, but does give a home a more premium feel. Boral's solid hardwood parquetry can also be laid on existing sub-floor surfaces, including concrete slabs, old timber flooring, particle board and plywood.
That said, it's crucial to have parquetry flooring installed by a professional, as it requires specific methodology and equipment. A professional installer will also take acclimatisation into consideration and lay the timber accordingly. This is particularly important for solid timber parquetry, such as Boral's new range, which is available in Blackbutt and Spotted Gum species.