Lesson 1Parquet patterns: geometry, material yield, and visual effects of herringbone, chevron, and mosaicYou will explore how herringbone, chevron, and mosaic patterns influence wood usage, layout difficulty, and room appearance. Learn to choose board sizes, account for waste, and direct patterns to fit room shapes and natural light in Kenyan settings.
Herringbone geometry and layout fundamentalsChevron angle choices and directional emphasisMosaic and panel patterns for small spacesMaterial yield, offcuts, and waste calculationsPattern choice versus room proportions and lightLesson 2Physical and mechanical properties of common parquet species: oak, maple, walnut, ashThis part reviews the density, strength, and swelling behaviour of oak, maple, walnut, and ash woods. You will compare how they hold up under load, cut easily, and suit various parquet styles and foot traffic in busy family homes.
Density and weight differences among speciesElasticity, stiffness, and deflection under loadWear layer performance in solid and engineered parquetMachining, splintering, and edge stability by speciesSpecies suitability for residential versus light commercialLesson 3Finish types: penetrating oils, water-based polyurethane, solvent-based polyurethane, hardwax oils — composition and performanceWe compare penetrating oils, water-based and solvent-based polyurethanes, and hardwax oils here. You will grasp their makeup, drying process, look, and durability to select the best for each job considering local climate and use.
Penetrating oils: solids content and curingWater‑based polyurethane layers and additivesSolvent‑based polyurethane and film hardnessHardwax oils: wax fraction and open timeVisual look: sheen, depth, and grain highlightingLesson 4Moisture movement and dimensional stability per species; suitability for concrete subfloorsWe examine how moisture causes wood to expand or shrink by species and its impact on fitting over concrete slabs. You will gauge risks of gaps, warping, and glue failure amid Kenya's varying humidity levels.
Radial versus tangential shrinkage by speciesEngineered versus solid stability comparisonsMoisture limits for concrete subfloors and slabsVapor barriers, primers, and adhesive selectionSpecies choices for high humidity or slab‑on‑gradeLesson 5Durability and scratch resistance ratings; Janka hardness and impact on family living roomsWe connect durability scores and Janka hardness tests to everyday family use. You will see how dents, scratches, and wear show up in sitting rooms, and balance hardness with comfort, sound, and cost for local homes.
Understanding Janka hardness test proceduresHardness versus denting from furniture and toysScratch resistance from pets, sand, and chair legsBalancing hardness, comfort, and acoustic behaviorSpecies selection for busy family living roomsLesson 6Comparative maintenance and refinishing characteristics for each speciesYou will compare cleaning, wear handling, and refinishing responses of oak, maple, walnut, and ash. Learn service lifespan, sanding limits, and how wood colour and grain affect repair visibility in Kenyan conditions.
Routine cleaning needs by species hardnessSurface wear patterns and gloss loss over timeSanding limits for solid and engineered parquetColor change impact on patch and board repairsRefinishing intervals in typical home conditionsLesson 7Pattern installation constraints: board sizes, tongue-and-groove orientation, and required cutting allowancesThis part details how patterns limit board sizes, tongue-and-groove direction, and cut margins. You will plan layouts that follow maker guidelines and cut down site hassles in real Kenyan installations.
Board length and width rules for herringboneChevron angle, leg length, and factory millingTongue‑and‑groove direction and reference linesExpansion gaps and border framing strategiesCutting allowances and waste for complex layoutsLesson 8Finish properties: abrasion resistance, yellowing, VOCs, breathability, recoatability, and repairabilityThis explains how finish types handle wear, discolouring, fumes, moisture passage, recoating, and fixes. You will compare surface-forming and soaking systems for varied use and care needs in humid climates.
Abrasion resistance and traffic class ratingsYellowing behavior of oils and polyurethanesVOCs, indoor air quality, and regulationsFinish breathability and moisture bufferingRecoatability, spot repair, and blending limitsLesson 9Selecting wood species, pattern, and finish to meet client needs: durability, warmth, cleaning, and classic appearance (decision criteria checklist)This offers a clear way to match wood, pattern, and finish to client wants. You will apply criteria on strength, cosiness, cleaning ease, style, and future changes using a handy checklist.
Clarifying client lifestyle and traffic patternsPrioritizing durability versus visual warmthCleaning effort, stain tolerance, and sheen levelClassic, modern, and rustic style preferencesDecision checklist for final parquet specificationLesson 10Appearance, grain, and color stability: tannins, oxidation, and staining behaviorThis looks at how grain, colour, and tannins change parquet looks over time. You will predict fading, stains, and colour hold under sunlight and daily wear in Kenyan homes.
Grain types and perceived texture in parquet floorsNatural color ranges of major parquet wood speciesTannins and reactions with adhesives and finishesOxidation, UV exposure, and long‑term color changePreventing stains from metals, pets, and household spills
