How we install patterned and wide plank floors in Upper West Side prewar apartments, from subfloor checks and layout to fastening.
Installing a new floor on the Upper West Side? Call Joe Avila at (908) 232-6600 or book a virtual consultation.
Prewar apartments along Riverside Drive, West End Avenue and Central Park West have beautiful bones, but rarely a square room or a flat subfloor. A patterned floor shows every one of those flaws, so installation is where a fine floor succeeds or fails. Our Upper West Side team installs herringbone, chevron and wide plank following NWFA practice, and Joe Avila is a certified installer and inspector.
Start With The Subfloor
Before anything is ordered, the subfloor is checked. Wood subfloors and concrete are tested for moisture, which must be within the adhesive and flooring manufacturers’ specifications. Parquet and patterned blocks cannot go directly over old solid board subfloors, a common condition in prewar buildings, without added underlayment. Solid parquet can go above or on grade but is not recommended below grade. Our parquet installation guide covers these NWFA requirements.
Laying Out Herringbone In A Crooked Room
Herringbone layout uses a centerline and two working lines, with the third line set halfway between the first two, and a square plywood starter piece sized to the pattern. Rooms are squared from the center using arcs of 3, 4 and 5 feet, so the pattern runs true even when the walls do not. In a long prewar gallery, the centerline usually follows the length of the hall. A minimum half-inch expansion space is left at the perimeter. See our herringbone collection for sizes.
Chevron: Angle And Overage
Chevron boards are cut at an angle so the ends meet in a point. A 45 degree chevron gives a softer zigzag, while a 60 degree chevron is sharper and more dramatic. Because every board is cut on the end, chevron needs more material than plank: plan for 15 to 20 percent overage. Our chevron calculator helps estimate quantities, and the chevron collection lists species and sizes.
Want an installation plan for your apartment? Book a virtual consultation with Joe Avila.
Glue, Nail Or Both
Parquet and patterned blocks are laid in the manufacturer’s approved adhesive, following the spread rate and trowel size, and never on adhesive that has dried. Some 3/4 inch parquet can be nailed if a side tongue is exposed. Solid plank is typically nailed, or nailed and glued, to a plywood subfloor, and for wide planks we recommend gluing and nailing where possible. Allow at least 24 hours after a glued installation before walking on the floor or moving furniture.
Wide Plank In A Prewar Apartment
Wide plank can make a prewar living room feel larger and calmer. Solid floors are 3/4 inch thick with standard widths from 3 to 12 inches. Over concrete or radiant heat, engineered formats suit modern construction and can provide improved dimensional stability in many assemblies. Boards usually run toward the main windows. Explore options in our wide plank collection, and see how existing floors are restored on our refinishing page.
Ready to install your new floor? Speak with Joe Avila.
Quick Answers
Can parquet go over old board subfloors?
Not directly. Solid board subfloors need added underlayment before parquet is installed.
How much extra material does chevron need?
Plan for 15 to 20 percent overage because every chevron board is cut on the end.
How are wide planks fastened?
Solid wide planks are typically glued and nailed to a plywood subfloor where possible.
How soon can I use the room?
Allow at least 24 hours after a glued installation before walking on it or moving furniture back.
Begin Your Installation With Joe Avila
Call (908) 232-6600, email joe@hugginsflooring.com, or book a virtual consultation. Explore herringbone, chevron, wide plank and parquet floors, or our sanding and refinishing and NWFA inspection services.
About The Author
Joe Avila is the founder of Huggins Wood Floor Specialist and leads New York City Wood Floors, a Huggins Wood Floor Specialist brand. He brings 26 years in wood flooring, is NWFA certified (CSI, CI, CWFI, CFS), and teaches AIA, IDCEC and ASID continuing-education courses. See his certifications.
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Contact New York City Wood Floors
Email: joe@hugginsflooring.com
Phone Number: 908-232-6600
Address: 406B West Broad Street, Westfield, NJ, 07090
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