Parquetry

Parquetry

Parquetry is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns for floors. The patterns of parquet flooring are entirely geometrical and angular— squares, triangles, lozenges. The use of curved and natural shapes constitutes marquetry rather than parquetry. The most popular parquet flooring pattern is herringbone.

History

(French "parqueterie", from "parquet".) The large diagonal squares known as "parquet de Versailles" were introduced there in 1684, as "parquet de menuiserie" ("woodwork parquet"), to replace the marble flooring that required constant washing, which tended to rot the joists beneath the floors. Such "parquets en lozange" were noted by the Swedish architect Daniel Cronström at Versailles and at the Grand Trianon in 1693. [Fiske Kimball, "The Creation of the Rococo" 1943, p 47, noting the original accounts.]

Materials

Timber contrasting in color and grain, such as oak, walnut, cherry, lime, pine, maple etc. are sometimes employed; and in the more expensive kinds the richly coloured mahogany and sometimes other tropical hardwoods are also used. While not technically a wood, bamboo is also a popular material for modern floors.

Parquet floors were formerly usually adhered with hot bitumen. Today more modern cold adhesives are usually used.

Pop culture

One of the most famous parquet floors is the one used by the Boston Celtics of the NBA. The original floor, which was installed at the Celtics' original home of Boston Arena in 1946, was moved intact to Boston Garden in 1952 and used there until the team moved to what was then known as FleetCenter in 1995. The floor remained intact and in use until it was cut up and sold as souvenirs in 1999, after the 1998 demolition of Boston Garden. The Celtics today play on a parquet floor that combines old and new sections. [cite web|url=http://www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/arena_history_garden.asp |title=Boston Garden History |publisher=TD Banknorth Garden |accessmonthday=March 8 |accessyear=2007]

Cleaning

Wood floors may be brushed clean, and mopped when necessary. Upright vacuum cleaners can scratch and wear the surface, as grit particles become embedded in the spinning brushes.

Repair

Parquet floors are usually long lasting and require little or no maintenance.

Unstuck blocks are re-glued. Bitumen glued blocks require use of either hot bitumen or a cold bitumen emulsion, as other glue types do not adhere to bitumen.

Notes and references

ee also

* Wood flooring
* Tessellation
* Hardwood
* Marquetry
* Tunbridge ware


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  • Parquetry — Par quet*ry, n. [F. parqueterie, fr. parquet inlaid flooring, fr. parquet, dim. of parc an inclosure. See {Park}.] A species of joinery or cabinet work consisting of an inlay of geometric or other patterns, generally of different colors, used… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • parquetry — [pär′kə trē] n. [Fr parqueterie: see PARQUET] inlaid woodwork in geometric forms, usually of contrasting woods, used esp. in flooring …   English World dictionary

  • parquetry — noun The technique of applying wooden tiles or veneers to create a decorative geometrical pattern on floors, furniture etc. The new ballroom floor is a marvellous example of parquetry …   Wiktionary

  • parquetry — parquet ► NOUN ▪ flooring composed of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern. DERIVATIVES parquetry noun. ORIGIN French, small compartment, wooden flooring …   English terms dictionary

  • parquetry — noun (plural tries) Date: circa 1842 work in the form of usually geometrically patterned wood laid or inlaid especially for floors …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • parquetry — /pahr ki tree/, n. mosaic work of wood used for floors, wainscoting, etc.; marquetry. [1835 45; < F parqueterie. See PARQUET, ERY] * * * …   Universalium

  • parquetry — par·quet·ry || pÉ‘rkɪtrɪ / pɑːk n. mosaic design made from inlaid wood; floor made from wooden tiles or boards …   English contemporary dictionary

  • parquetry —    Inlay or veneers of wood forming a geometric design; as related to marquetry, which forms a pictorial image. It is most commonly seen in parquet floors …   Glossary of Art Terms

  • parquetry — n. Marquetry …   New dictionary of synonyms

  • parquetry — n marquetry, mosaic work, tiling, tesse lation, patterned inlay, floor inlay, checkering; ornamentation, decoration …   A Note on the Style of the synonym finder

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