A reader's General Construction question: Parquet floor?

Euros W   from   Denbigh : United Kingdom   had this Parquet floor question.

Help !! I am trying to put down a reclaimed parquet floor in herringbone style.
Could you advise me how I can ensure that all lines are straight.
I have encountered one small problem :- some of the blocks vary in size. Help

Bill's answer

Hi Euros,
If you are absolutely set on a herringbone pattern then all you blocks have to be consistent size and the ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 length to width. Whatever the pattern is. Some of the modern ones go to 6:1.

You have two choices, put them in as best you can and fill the gaps,or re size the lot slightly smaller.

If you have most of them correct and say 15% to 20% are bad, maybe use the odd ones as a straight say 2 or 3 wide border around the edge of the room in a brickwork like bond. The size differences won't show up the same.

If it was me, I'd run them all through a fine bench saw to a width they will all make.

Then I would dock them all to length on a drop saw with a stop fixed. It's a pain to do, but it will give the best job.