Parquet maintenance: find craftsmen, get offers and find out costs

A sealed parquet floor can be cleaned with a damp (not wet!) cloth. A microfiber cloth may be suitable in some circumstances, but you should consult a specialist first. Microfiber cloths should not be used on oiled or waxed parquet. The cloth can be wet and the wiping water should always contain a care product. Depending on whether the parquet is oiled or waxed, other care products are necessary.

With sealed parquet, the wood is covered with a varnish or sealant. This lies over the wood and forms a protective layer, but does not penetrate the wood. This is a so-called “film-forming” coating that lies over the wood like a plastic film.

With oiled parquet, an oil is applied to the parquet, this penetrates into the wood and coats the individual fibers and saturates the pores. This means the wood remains breathable and can release and absorb moisture. The oil also highlights the natural color and grain of the wood.

A sealed parquet floor needs to be renovated every 12-15 years. The entire surface coating is removed and reapplied.

An oiled or waxed floor can be treated every few years with an “initial care” product from a specialist retailer.

Sanding and resealing parquet is usually charged in square meters. In Switzerland, this work costs between 45 and 55 francs per square meter. There are also travel costs and possibly product costs. Depending on what the parquet is sealed with or whether further repairs need to be carried out, the costs can be higher.