Special Producers of Versailles panels

PANEL FLOORS CAN BEAR ANY FITTING PATTERN IMAGINABLE

‘VERSAILLES’ IS STILL THE BIRTHPLACE AND THE MOST POPULAR DESIGN

Photo – Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs

Panel floors; design floors; cassettes; you immediately think: ‘What’s in a name?’ Nevertheless, in view of the huge spectrum of possible designs in the world of parquet, it would be good to speak more or less the same language. ‘Versailles floors’ are certainly examples of pre-assembled wooden panel floors, but they are definitely not the only one. ‘Versailles’ is one of the patterns in that segment. It is certainly also the oldest pattern, and that is why people often refer to all panel floors as Versailles panels. Nevertheless, this type of parquet lends itself to an infinite range of patterns.

The height of eclecticism! Eclecticism is a trend from 19th century architecture. It is a cross between cultures and, in particular, human emotions; a mix of styles, cross-fertilisation between tastes and aesthetic approach. Can you fit a parquet floor in a fitting pattern which originates from the palaces of Louis XIV in a hyper-modern and futurist building? Warm renaissance in a cool silo? An old herringbone amidst sheer rigidity? Why not? Herringbone parquet tends to drill its way through the room like an arrow and give life to the immobility of scarcity. White walls and dark oak. Yes, you can! Can you in that same futurist context plant a real old Chesterfield for visitors and guests? An ‘antique’ sofa in a ‘future’ setting. Or vice-versa, could you set out a rigidly modern salon in the knights’ hall of a restored medieval castle, equipped with every imaginable ergonomic technical gadget? Of course you can!

Technical misfit Versailles panels are certainly the most popular panel or design floors still fitted today. We’re talking here about design floors with a so called ‘historic’ fitting pattern. It is essential to make that point because design floors are actually the result of a production method for which all sorts of designs can be used, even new and as yet non-existent ones.

Always an identical method Strictly speaking, the production method is an ‘engrafted method’. These floors are formed with pre-engineered square panels into which wooden sections are fitted in accordance with a particular fitting pattern. Each panel forms a mini-parquet floor in some respects. The sections are sawn and mitred as required and are glued to each other sideways and tightened in order to dry.

Versailles is unique The real original Versailles pattern is a diagonal wickerwork. The panels in the renowned castle of Louis XIV are precisely 1m² (100 x 100cm). They are separated by three strips (8cm) which come together in a corner to form a point. A specific feature of Versailles panels is that

they are fitted in diamond shape. This therefore means that a half panel (diagonal) is always needed for each row. And so, Versailles floor lovers also make provision for those half panels so that sawing is not necessary.

Historic? Amongst the historic design floors we identify several other designs apart from Versailles. Chantilly, for instance, is a somewhat intricate variant which consists of several small panels which also form a wickerwork. The great classics of ‘Hungarian point’ and herringbone, which are normally fitted full, can be included as patterns of a panel floor. With Hungarian point, the strips are fitted to each other at an angle of 30 to 45°. Sandpapering creates a subtle difference in colour which provides a three-dimensional effect. With herringbone, the strips are fitted in herringbone bond, the top sides straight against each other to create a zigzag pattern.

Or something totally different? Modern fitting patterns, patterns with a company logo, even with a photograph, it’s all possible. Any imaginable geometric figure can be designed in a panel. We did find one misfit at the PlyQuet stand at the most recent edition of Domotex, namely panel floors with cross-cut inlay. That looks modern to the core and yet so classic. The step to this application is not so great since cross-cut in most cases is supplied in some or other pre-engineered form. A typical application for offices, for instance, is pre-fitted cross-cut floorboards onto aluminium tiles. These tiles (in tub shape) have a base fitted with an MDF panel onto which the cross-cut sections are glued.

Three specialists

Chêne de l’est

Versailles parquet enjoys worldwide renown thanks to the Versailles Palace in France. The design not only seduces people, but is also simply the international reference for parquet. Obviously, Chêne de l’est works with oak because it is most in demand, but it is also the most accessible type of wood. Distressed versions are very much in demand here. Chêne de l’est works on the distressed versions with care and they stick as closely as possible to the colours of the original Versailles panels. They offer multilayer and solid wood. Multilayer (15mm) is in sizes 800 x 800 mm, whilst solid wood (also 14mm) is in size 800 x 800mm and 22mm in size 980 x 980mm. They sometimes make customised panels. This design requires extra skill due to the diagonal fitting in relation to the walls.

Design Parquet

Panel floors continue to charm people even today due to their history and appearance. Although panel floors are usually associated with

prestigious projects such as hotels, companies, and shops, Design Parquet has noticed a growing demand from private customers. Here, too, oak is the absolute champion. Since Design Parquet produces customised work, they can also offer lots of other wood sorts and in all finishes, such as distressed, brushed, or structured. And so, they offer customised work ‘on request’. The designs can be personalised or can revert to the old classics such as Versailles, Normandy, Aremberg, and such like. They offer a choice of wood sort, size, and finish. That’s exactly why panel floors are less attractive as ‘standard’, something which leave little scope for creativity. At Design Parquet these panels are produced by specialist teams, professionals with the qualities and experience required to make these design floors.

Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs In recent years we have found Style panels are gaining popularity. We at Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs have had increasing demand and received many commissions for this product. Mostly commercial projects, think hotels, bars, restaurants and other public spaces. There is also growing demand for these Style panels by private customers who have a larger budget. People like to create a traditional atmosphere combined with a modern twist. When a specific request comes for something bespoke, we first do design drawings. After approval our highly skilled factory team starts production. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs is very flexible when offering Style Panels. This can be done in several dimensions, pattern and wood species. Material can be smoked, brushed or aged (distressed) before the panels are assembled. Finishes such as staining, oiling or lacquering will be done on site. Houtbedrijf Kerkhofs produces Style Panels with great precision care and quality.

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Oak: Prime/Rustic Grade: 12 x 145 x 800 mm Top-layer: 3,2 mm Natura Oil Tongue & Groove - 4 bevels Semi-solid wood flooring (Birch plywood base) www.designparquet.com FloorForum International 111