Parquet Grading Specifications
General Rules
Moisture Control
We recommend maintenance of 6 percent to 9 percent average moisture content following manufacture. Upon receipt of shipment, proper moisture controls must be exercised to maintain proper moisture content.
Kiln Drying
Flooring shall not be considered of specified grade unless the lumber from which the MFMA-PQ flooring is manufactured has been properly kiln-dried.
Standard Measurements
MFMA-PQ flooring is manufactured in square and rectangular panels in a variety of dimensions. Individual picket widths range from 3/4” to 1-1/8”, and picket lengths range from 5-1/2” to 12”. Minimum thickness of MFMA-PQ Northern Hard Maple flooring is 5/16”.
Assembly Process
Individual pickets, assembled into panels, shall be joined by either wire, mesh, strapping or tape on the back of the panel, or paperface on the front of the panel.
Beech and Birch Flooring
These rules also apply to beech (Fagus grandifolia) and birch (Betula alleghaniensis) flooring.
How To Specify MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Northern Hard Maple Flooring
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) flooring is specified in the same manner as MFMA-RL (Random Length) and MFMA-FJ (Finger Jointed) Northern Hard Maple flooring. For example, when ordering, requesting or specifying MFMA-PQ Northern Hard Maple flooring, specify as "MFMA-PQ" and list the grade, required species, thickness, and picket size. A typical specification should appear as follows:
2.1 Materials
Flooring shall be MFMA-PQ Second and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple, 5/16” thick; with pickets in 1-1/8” wide x 12” long dimension; fastened together in panels using mesh backing; grade marked and stamped as produced by an MFMA member manufacturer.
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Northern Hard Maple Flooring Grading Rules
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) First Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade is generally not produced for MFMA-PQ Northern Hard Maple flooring.
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Second and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-PQ maple is an ideal choice for gymnasiums, handball and racquetball courts, multipurpose rooms, cafeterias, retail shops, offices, commercial, residential, and industrial applications. With the use of some finishes, slight shadows and color variations may appear.
MFMA-PQ Second and Better Northern Hard Maple allows no surface defects, but admits distinct color variations; numerous dark green or black spots or streaks - provided they do not occur in combination with predominately dark heartwood; and slight imperfections which cannot be wholly removed by the ordinary method of smoothing the floor when it is laid. This grade is not selected for tone or color. The wood must be live and sound.
While these and similar features are admissible, sufficient attention is given to appearance to make this grade desirable and satisfactory for use where color variations and blemishes are not a factor of consideration.
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Third and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-PQ maple is comprised of a mixture of all other grades of MFMA-PQ Northern Hard Maple. The lowest grade admissible shall not be less than MFMA-PQ Third Grade Northern Hard Maple. MFMA-PQ Third and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple is suited for nearly any application where variations in appearance are not an aesthetic concern. This grade can be produced as a mill run product provided it contains a maximum of 40% MFMA-PQ Third Grade Northern Hard Maple. It can also be produced by mixing 60% MFMA-PQ Second and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple and 40% MFMA-PQ Third Grade Northern Hard Maple. This grade allows defects as described in other grades of MFMA-PQ Northern Hard Maple flooring.
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Third Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-PQ maple must be of such character as will lay properly and give a good, serviceable floor. This grade is an ideal choice for gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, cafeterias, offices, commercial buildings and residences. MFMA-PQ Third Grade Northern Hard Maple gives excellent performance where a unique floor is desired and where good wearing qualities are required with medium cost and appearance. This grade may contain defects common to maple including: slight splits and checks; closed knots (1/2” and smaller); heavy mineral streaks; imperfections which will fill and finish satisfactorily; and wane no more than 1/8” from the back of any individual picket in a panel. The maple pickets must be serviceable and firm.
This grade will not admit voids on edges or ends; shake; heart check; badly split ends or imperfections in manufacture which materially impair the serviceability of the floor for the purpose intended. This grade is not selected for tone or color.
Rules Governing Re-inspection
Even the most experienced inspectors will occasionally misgrade some pieces. Therefore:
Shipments shall be considered to be the grade invoiced if, upon inspection by an official inspector of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association, 95 percent or more, in feet, is found to be of grade invoiced. Where the degrades are in excess of 5 percent, in feet, of the shipment, the degrades in excess of the 5 percent shall be the property of the manufacturer of the flooring.
The quality of the flooring in the condition in which it leaves the manufacturer is held to govern the grade, as subsequent lack of care and improper treatment in laying, sanding or finishing are not chargeable to the manufacturer.
In the event that the amount below grade is found to be 5 percent or less, in feet, of the total amount of the item, the cost of re-inspection shall be borne by the complainant. If more than 5 percent in feet, the expense shall be borne by the manufacturer of the flooring.
For dispute resolution contact MFMA. Specific "Guidelines for Re-inspection" are available upon request. In any dispute involving the grade of the flooring material where an MFMA reinspection is requested, the determination of the MFMA inspector shall prevail.
Care of Flooring After Delivery
MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Northern Hard Maple flooring is made from lumber kiln-dried to the proper moisture content. After kiln drying, the lumber is air-cooled and cut into strips, accurately milled, carefully graded, bundled, and stored in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse.
As a valuable product, it deserves from the dealer, trucker, and floor layer the same care in handling accorded by the manufacturer. TO ENSURE the most satisfactory results in the finished floor, observe these simple precautions:
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Don't unload, truck or transfer flooring in rain or snow. If atmosphere is foggy or damp, cover with a tarpaulin.
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Don't store flooring in leaking or open enclosures.
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Don't unload flooring outside of a shelter at the jobsite.
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Don't overlook providing protected ventilation to keep relative humidity at a minimum.
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Don't store or lay flooring in a cold, damp building or directly on a concrete slab. Wait until plastering and cement work are thoroughly dried and woodwork and trim are installed.
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Flooring should be delivered to the premises a minimum of seven days before installation, or as required for acclimation. All flooring should be placed in the area into which it is to be installed to assure proper acclimation to the environmental conditions of the facility.