Parquet Floor 1. Прочитайте и переведите текст. History of Parquet Flooring True parquet floors were first developed in the 17th century in France and were used in castles (замки), public buildings, mansions (особняки), and palaces (дворцы). The name itself comes from the French word “parquetry”, translated to mean “a small compartment (небольшое отделение)”. In the 18th century, parquetry flooring became very popular in houses of aristocrats in St. Petersburg and cities in Latvia. Due to the extensive process of hand-piecing (ручная сборка) together the floor, it was a sign of wealth (достаток) and power. Some well-known buildings that still boast parquet floors today include The Palace of Versailles in France, The Chinese Palace in St Petersburg, and The Walnut Study in the Menshikov Palace in St Petersburg. The style faded (исчез) from the mainstream (тенденция) public for years, then returned in a redefined way (в новом виде) in the 1960s when parquet tiles became all the rage (вошла в моду). Made with thin hardwood veneers (виниры), the tiles (плитки) were an affordable replication (доступная копия) of an expensive flooring style. 2. Ответьте на вопросы к тексту. 1. When and where were the parquet floors first appeared? 2. In what houses did parquetry flooring become very popular? 3. Name well-known buildings where we can see parquet floors. 4. When did parquet floors become all the rage? 3. Прочитайте и переведите следующий текст. Benefits to Parquet Flooring One major (главный) benefit is the unique, historical style of this handcrafted (ручной работы) wood flooring. It has the homey appeal (домашняя привлекательность) of a wood floor with a twist (изюминка). It looks great in mid-century modern homes, and adds dimension (аспект) to your room in a distinctive (особенный) way. The flooring is also very easy to install — another huge advantage for homeowners. Parquet flooring usually comes in thin tiles that are simple to cut and glue down (склеивать). The finishing process is typically minimal or nonexistent. You don’t have to deal with nails (гвозди) or a quick glue-drying window. Parquet flooring is also a great choice for homeowners on a budget. It’s easy to find discounted (уцененные) tile options, and with a bit of research, it’s entirely possible to save installation costs by laying the tiles yourself. 4. Найдите верные и неверные предложения. 1. One major benefit is the unique, historical style of this handcrafted (ручной работы) wood flooring. 2. It looks great in mid-century old homes, and adds dimension (аспект) to your room in a distinctive (особенный) way. 3. The flooring is hard to install. 4. Parquet flooring usually comes in thin tiles that are simple to nail down. 5. The finishing process is typically nonexistent. 6. Parquet flooring is sometimes inexpensive. 7. You can lay the tiles yourself. 4. Прочитайте и переведите следующий текст. Drawbacks (недостатки) to Parquet Flooring However, there are a few disadvantages to keep in mind when installing parquet flooring. First, the flooring type is susceptible (подвержен) to water and fire damage. This is because wood expands (расширяется) when it becomes wet (влажный), destroying the hand-glued patterns that make the wood pieces stick (склеиваются) together. Repairing the floor can be an extensive and costly process, 1 particularly if it is a historic house. It can also be time-consuming (отнимает много времени) to find the point of failure (точка поломки). Another peril (опасность) for old, historic parquet floors is damage (разрушение) from sunlight. Excessive exposure (чрезмерное воздействие) to the sun can cause the color of the floor to fade, and over a long enough period of time, it can damage the wood itself. If you do choose to install parquet floors, make sure it is in a room where you can keep the floor shielded (затененный) from direct sunlight. You should also stay away from installing in humid (влажные) places such as bathrooms, washrooms, or the basement. Although parquet floor installation is much simpler than other types of flooring, there are still two aspects that can be difficult. First, the layout (компоновка) must be precise (точный), otherwise the parquet pattern will be miss-matched. Second, you must have a level subfloor (ровный черновой пол), otherwise the parquet tiles will start to bend (изгибаться) over time under the weight of foot traffic. 5. Найдите подходящий по смыслу конец предложений. 1. However, there are a few disadvantages …. 2. Repairing the floor can be an extensive and costly process. 3. It can also be time-consuming ……. 4. Another peril for old, historic parquet floors is…... 5. If you do choose to install parquet floors, make sure it is in a room …… 6. You should also stay away from installing in humid places such as …. 7. Although parquet floor installation …. ….. 8. First, the layout must be precise, …. a) to find the point of failure. b) there are still two aspects that can be difficult. c) to keep in mind when installing parquet flooring. d) where you can keep the floor shielded from direct sunlight. e) bathrooms, washrooms, or the basement. f) otherwise, the parquet pattern will be miss-matched. g) damage from sunlight. h) is much simpler than other types of flooring, 6. Прочитайте и самостоятельно переведите текст. Tips for Installation and Maintenance The most commonly used wood flooring material is oak. Parquets are no exception to this. While you can find parquetry made of more exotic species like mahogany, those are rare cases because of the cost involved. Avoid installing parquet flooring in bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, or any location that may be susceptible to water leaks or humid conditions. You should also order the tiles at least two weeks in advance of installation to give them time to adjust to the conditions of your home. When you’re ready to install, you can lay the tiles in one of two ways: either in rows or from the center of the room outward. If you are installing the tiles yourself, it’s typically best to go with the row method, as it will be easier to line up the patterns on the tiles. You should have a jigsaw on hand to cut the tiles down to size around the walls and doors. Once your parquet tiles are installed, clean the floor using a floor cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Parquet flooring does not require much in the way of long-term maintenance, but you should still keep dust and dirt off the floor by sweeping it regularly or using a dry microfiber mop. About once a month, you can go over the tiles with a wood floor product. Keep water and waxes away from the wood. The former can cause damage to the wood, and the latter can ruin the finish and make the floor dangerously slippery. 2