Lesson 1Parquet patterns: geometry, material yield, and visual effects of herringbone, chevron, and mosaicYou will explore how herringbone, chevron, and mosaic layouts influence wood usage, fitting complexity, and room aesthetics. Learn to select plank dimensions, account for scraps, and direct patterns to match room layout and natural light in Namibian homes.
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 weight, bend resistance, and swelling traits of oak, maple, walnut, and ash woods. You will assess their build quality, cutting ease, and fit for various parquet styles and foot traffic in everyday Namibian living spaces.
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 oil soaks, water-based and solvent polyurethanes, plus hardwax oils here. You will grasp their makeup, drying process, shine levels, and wear to pick the best match for each job under Namibian climate conditions.
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 wood moisture shifts and size stability by type, and effects on concrete installs. You will gauge chances of splits, warping, and glue fails amid changing Namibian 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 toughness scores and Janka tests to home use here. You will see how marks, dents, and fading show in lounges, and balance hardness with foot comfort, sound, and costs for Namibian families.
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 oak, maple, walnut, and ash responses to cleaning, wear, and sanding. Learn service spans, sanding limits, and how wood tones and grains affect repair looks in local settings.
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 outlines how designs limit plank sizes, groove directions, and cut extras. You will plan setups honouring maker specs and cutting site hassles in Namibian builds.
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 mixes drive rub resistance, discolouring, fume levels, air flow, redo ease, and fixes. You will weigh coating vs soaking types for varied use and care in hot 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 woods, designs, and finishes to client wants. You will apply checklists on toughness, cosiness, clean effort, style, and future changes for Namibian homes.
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 checks how grains, hues, and tannins shift parquet looks over time. You will foresee fading, marks, and tone holds under sun and daily wear in Namibian conditions.
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
