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Original poster

Help settle out difference of opinion on parquet floor

139 replies

JenaWren · 21/07/2025 19:17

Can you help settle a difference of opinion on this parquet floor?

We recently moved into a new house and then found we had a few unexpected carpet moth housemates.

We’ve just taken up the carpets and found this. The floor is in reasonably good nick - I suspect it might be original 1970s based the age of some of the carpet.

It’s an ugly dark colour but I think it could be repaired and restored to something lovely.

DH says it reminds him of his parents house and he can’t get past the old fashioned vibes.

Please help settle the argument - do we restore or do something else (carpet or new hardwood floor).

Help settle out difference of opinion on parquet floor
OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
dylexicdementor11 · 23/07/2025 07:25

JenaWren · 21/07/2025 19:17

Can you help settle a difference of opinion on this parquet floor?

We recently moved into a new house and then found we had a few unexpected carpet moth housemates.

We’ve just taken up the carpets and found this. The floor is in reasonably good nick - I suspect it might be original 1970s based the age of some of the carpet.

It’s an ugly dark colour but I think it could be repaired and restored to something lovely.

DH says it reminds him of his parents house and he can’t get past the old fashioned vibes.

Please help settle the argument - do we restore or do something else (carpet or new hardwood floor).

It’s beautiful- please keep it.

justineblack · 23/07/2025 09:10

I am 39 and I love it!!! Definitely restore

Paaseitjes · 23/07/2025 09:43

Oh wow. I've just googled mahogany parquet and it's beautiful. We have modern oak which is lovely, but it doesn't have the depth and richness of mahogany.

GasPanic · 23/07/2025 10:27

JenaWren · 23/07/2025 07:10

I have another update!

I sent some pics over to a local, highly recommended professional parquet floor restorer and they came back overnight.

They think it’s mahogany and sent some beautiful examples of similar restorations. It will be quite spendy to restore but it’s a large space, there is some damage and I think it’s worth a bit of investment.

They’re coming for a closer look. I’ll let you know what they say (and hopefully there might be a an after pic in the future!).

Cool. There is just no way I would take that up if it can be restored.

It would probably cost a fortune to install these days, even if you could get it done.

T1Dmama · 23/07/2025 14:19

I love it! Hard wearing as it’s proved !

justasking111 · 23/07/2025 14:46

As a child ours was never varnished but waxed

Iamthemoom · 23/07/2025 14:59

I have lovely Victorian parquet in my house but my parents had this 1960s one so for me it would have to go. But I know lots of people who would love this so if you love it keep it!

Wot23 · 23/07/2025 15:05

if you and you partner need input from mumsnet to "settle" a difference of opinion between the pair of you then you would be better getting a divorce and moving on with life.

DoloresDelEriba · 23/07/2025 15:12

It’s five finger parquet and it’s fabulous. Just needs a bit of tlc. It’s warm and looks lovely with rugs on. And yes I’m biased as I have it in my hall. 1970s.

Help settle out difference of opinion on parquet floor
JaninaDuszejko · 23/07/2025 15:40

Wot23 · 23/07/2025 15:05

if you and you partner need input from mumsnet to "settle" a difference of opinion between the pair of you then you would be better getting a divorce and moving on with life.

Tell us you haven't read the thread without telling us you haven't read the thread.

But seriously, the collective wisdom of MN is a great place to settle a no-stakes debate.

Pandajj · 23/07/2025 15:56

JenaWren · 21/07/2025 19:17

Can you help settle a difference of opinion on this parquet floor?

We recently moved into a new house and then found we had a few unexpected carpet moth housemates.

We’ve just taken up the carpets and found this. The floor is in reasonably good nick - I suspect it might be original 1970s based the age of some of the carpet.

It’s an ugly dark colour but I think it could be repaired and restored to something lovely.

DH says it reminds him of his parents house and he can’t get past the old fashioned vibes.

Please help settle the argument - do we restore or do something else (carpet or new hardwood floor).

i absolutely love it

user1471538283 · 23/07/2025 17:32

I wished for this in my mid century home but no, I've got black tiles. It's gorgeous and once it's clean, sanded and polished it will be gorgeous! I'd team it with light rugs.

What a treasure!

Oakhouse · 23/07/2025 19:18

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at poster's request

JaninaDuszejko · 23/07/2025 20:22

It’s oak finger parquet

Better than that, we had an update from @JenaWren and she's had a specialist look at it and it's mahogany.

Wot23 · 23/07/2025 23:07

JaninaDuszejko · 23/07/2025 15:40

Tell us you haven't read the thread without telling us you haven't read the thread.

But seriously, the collective wisdom of MN is a great place to settle a no-stakes debate.

Show quote history

what is the gender split of this "collective wisdom" that has been displayed so far?

JaninaDuszejko · 23/07/2025 23:43

Collective wisdom = the wisdom of the crowd. And I don't know why what is between someone's legs would affect their view on wooden flooring.

MyNameIst · 24/07/2025 00:23

We had this growing up, it was quite nice when it was restored. They came with a machine they rolled over it.

dEdiCatEdFeliNeEntHusiAst · 24/07/2025 05:52

FireHorseStar · 21/07/2025 19:27

We restored 1970's parquet floor. It's absolutely beautiful now and gives the house character. It's not old fashioned, it's retro!!!

Totally agree. It's beautiful, reminds me of my childhood home.
I hate when people strip houses of their history (i know it's probably only 70's) and make them into plain open plan boxes that all look the same.

orangedream · 24/07/2025 14:00

I wasted money having one of these floor sanded. It seemed fractionally lighter for about a month and then went dark again. I had to take it out.

Yours doesn't look particularly well laid either. A lot of people stuck then down as a DIY job in the seventies.

pearlchoker · 24/07/2025 18:46

It's just fabulous. I'm very envious. A quality wooden floor is both timeless and classy. Don't go with something modern and/or fashionable, it will quickly date and become tasteless. Your home decor and furnishings should never be thought of, or purchased, in the same way as the items in your wardrobe in my view.

Original poster
JenaWren · 28/09/2025 11:34

Well the floor has now been restored and I promised to come back and show the after pic…

Turns out it was teak and after some expert restoration it looks stunning!

Thanks everyone for your comments.

Help settle out difference of opinion on parquet floor
OP posts:
Original poster
JenaWren · 28/09/2025 11:54

And one more without the light on…

Help settle out difference of opinion on parquet floor
OP posts:
BigAnne · 28/09/2025 12:00

That floor is glorious

SilenceOfTheTimTams · 28/09/2025 12:02

Wow. I knew us saying “keep it” were right.

Enjoy!

Soontobe60 · 28/09/2025 12:04

Oooh it’s stunning!