Versailles Parquet Hallway and Staircase Restoration in Fairmilehead, Edinburgh
Project · Fairmilehead, Edinburgh
Hoff Parquet made, supplied and installed engineered oak Versailles parquet panels in a Natural Oak hardwax oil for a hallway in Fairmilehead, south Edinburgh. Old boards were lifted, 9mm plywood was fixed to the joists and the panels were fully bonded from a centred layout; we also restored the staircase with 18 new risers, including two curved ones, woodworm treatment and three coats of varnish.
- Location
- Fairmilehead, Edinburgh
- Flooring
- Engineered oak Versailles parquet panels, made by Hoff Parquet
- Finish
- Hardwax oil, Natural Oak
- Subfloor
- Old boards lifted, 9mm plywood fixed to joists
- Installation
- Fully bonded with flexible parquet adhesive, centred layout
- Stairs
- 18 new colour-matched risers incl. 2 curved, woodworm treatment, 3 coats varnish
- Extras
- Bespoke oak thresholds, new skirting boards
Engineered Oak Versailles Parquet and Staircase Restoration, Edinburgh
Hoff Parquet was commissioned to produce, supply, and install engineered oak Versailles Parquet panels for a private residential project on Biggar Road, Edinburgh. The journey began when the client visited our Edinburgh showroom to explore premium wood flooring options. After careful consideration, they selected our beautifully crafted engineered oak Versailles Parquet with a "Natural Oak" hardwax oil finish for their hallway.
Production & Material Preparation
Our team meticulously crafted the engineered oak Versailles Parquet panels, ensuring precision in design and durability. Each panel was finished with high-quality hardwax oil in "Natural Oak," enhancing the wood's natural beauty while providing a durable and long-lasting protective layer.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before installing the new flooring, we had to prepare the site properly:
- Removal of Existing Flooring: The old floorboards were carefully removed to avoid damage to the underlying structure.
- Subfloor Preparation: To create a stable and even base, we installed 9mm plywood sheets, securing them firmly to the joists. This step was crucial for ensuring proper adhesion of the Versailles Parquet panels and preventing future movement.
- Skirting Board Removal: Existing skirting boards were removed to allow a seamless fit for the new flooring and were later replaced with new white skirting boards of the same size as those in the adjacent rooms.
Installation of Versailles Parquet Flooring
Versailles Parquet Installation requires precision and expertise due to the intricate pattern. The key steps included:
- Centred Layout Planning: We started the installation from the centre of the hallway entrance, ensuring an even distribution of panels and symmetry throughout the space.
- Gluing Process: The engineered oak Versailles panels were fully bonded to the subfloor using high-quality flexible parquet adhesive. This method enhances stability and minimizes movement over time.
- Edge Alignment & Pipe Fittings: To achieve a flawless finish around radiator pipes, we removed the radiators and carefully cut the parquet panels to slide seamlessly over the pipes, ensuring a snug and elegant fit.
- Precision Cutting & Borders: A precise approach was used for cutting panels at the edges, maintaining the integrity of the Versailles pattern while ensuring a clean transition to adjoining areas.
Staircase Restoration
As part of the project, the client requested the restoration of the existing staircase, which posed significant challenges:
- Riser Replacement: The two bottom risers had a curved shape and were cracked. Our craftsmen produced 18 new risers, including two custom curved risers, all carefully colour-matched to the existing stair treads.
- Sanding & Damage Inspection: During the sanding process, we discovered woodworm damage on the staircase and handrails. To address this, we applied a specialist woodworm treatment to prevent further deterioration.
- Finishing: After sanding and repairing, we applied three coats of high-durability varnish to protect and enhance the staircase's natural beauty.
Final Touches & Project Completion
To ensure a cohesive design throughout the space:
- Bespoke Thresholds: We produced and installed custom oak thresholds in the same "Natural Oak" finish as the Versailles Parquet flooring. These provided smooth transitions between rooms.
- Skirting Board Installation: New white skirting boards were fitted to match those in adjacent rooms, ensuring consistency in design.
- Clean-Up & Client Handover: Our team meticulously cleaned the site, removing all debris and dust, leaving the residence spotless and ready for use.
Client Satisfaction
The client was highly satisfied with the outcome, appreciating the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the elegant transformation of their hallway and staircase. The Versailles Parquet flooring, combined with the restored staircase, added a timeless and luxurious appeal to their home.
Conclusion
This project showcased Hoff Parquet’s expertise in high-end wood flooring installations. Our meticulous approach, from material selection to final finishing touches, ensured a flawless result that blended seamlessly with the client's home aesthetics.
If you are considering premium-quality wood flooring for your home, contact Hoff Parquet to discuss your project with our experts.
Versailles parquet and period floors in south Edinburgh
The houses around Fairmilehead and Comiston are largely interwar and mid-century bungalows and detached villas, built with suspended timber floors over joists. After decades of use the original boards are often cupped, patched for heating pipes and too uneven for a precise pattern such as Versailles, whose square panels show every millimetre of misalignment. Lifting the boards and fixing new plywood gives a flat, stable base for a fully bonded parquet.
This client came into our Comiston Road showroom in Morningside to see Versailles panels, finishes and stair options side by side before deciding. That is the easiest way to judge a pattern this large, and for south Edinburgh homes we follow up with a free site survey to check joists, pipe runs, door heights and how the floor will meet existing stairs and thresholds.
Versailles parquet Design parquet panels Subfloor preparation and levelling Wood for stairs
Questions about this project
Can Versailles parquet be laid on timber joists in an older Edinburgh house?
Yes, but not directly onto old floorboards that are uneven or loose. The usual approach is to lift or overboard them and fix plywood securely to the joists, then fully bond the Versailles panels with a flexible parquet adhesive. This gives the flat, rigid base the large square panels need.
How do you fit Versailles panels around radiator pipes?
Radiators are taken off and the panels are drilled and cut so they slide over the pipes, with a tight, neat fit around each pipe. This keeps the pattern intact and avoids large pipe collars. Radiators are refitted once the floor is complete.
Can you restore an existing staircase to match a new parquet floor?
Often, yes. We sand the stair, replace damaged risers or treads with new timber colour-matched to the originals, treat any woodworm found, and apply a durable finish. Bespoke oak thresholds in the floor's finish then link the stair, hall and adjoining rooms.
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