- Parquetry
Parquetry is a geometric
mosaic ofwood pieces used for decorative effect. The two main uses of parquetry are as veneer patterns on furniture and block patterns forfloor s. The patterns of parquet flooring are entirely geometrical and angular— squares,triangle s,lozenge s. The use of curved and natural shapes constitutesmarquetry 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 theGrand 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 asoak ,walnut ,cherry , lime,pine ,maple etc. are sometimes employed; and in the more expensive kinds the richly colouredmahogany and sometimes other tropicalhardwood s 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 in1946 , was moved intact toBoston Garden in1952 and used there until the team moved to what was then known as FleetCenter in1995 . The floor remained intact and in use until it was cut up and sold as souvenirs in1999 , after the1998 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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