Sanding Chevron Parquet: Protecting Apex Points & Scratch Flow

Chevron parquet flooring is a design statement—elegant, geometric, and precise. But sanding it to refinish or prep for a new finish comes with special risks. The angled meeting points (apexes) are fragile, and sanding across them can round or chip the pattern. Achieving a smooth, consistent finish requires a carefully planned grit sequence, directional control, and protective techniques at those delicate intersections.

Why chevron parquet demands extra care

Unlike straight plank flooring, chevron patterns meet at sharp angles. Each apex acts like a peak that can be torn away or dulled by aggressive sanding. Directional scratches also stand out more because of the changing grain direction. Respecting these factors keeps the pattern crisp and the floor flat.

Tools for safe sanding

• Drum or belt sander with perfectly balanced abrasive wrap
• Random orbital sander for perimeter and blending
• Rigid sanding block for fine hand work at apex points
• Vacuum with dust extraction hose
• Bright raking light to monitor scratch direction
• Protective pads or tape for masking delicate points

Recommended grit sequence

• 80 grit: Initial leveling of finish build-up, careful not to dwell at apex points.
• 180 grit: Scratch refinement, blending directional changes.
• 320 grit: Final smoothing for a consistent surface ready for finish.

Step-by-step sanding process

1. Survey the floor layout. Identify apex rows and mark them lightly with pencil. Plan your sanding passes to approach apexes diagonally, not directly across them.
2. Level with 80 grit. Use a drum or belt sander fitted with 80 Grit (25-pack). Work in long, shallow passes that stop short of apexes. Hand-block any stubborn finish at the points instead of letting the drum dwell.
3. Refine with 180 grit. Switch to a finer grit for intermediate smoothing. A reliable choice is 180 Grit (50-pack). Sand with the chevron angle direction whenever possible, feathering transitions. Hand-sand apexes using short strokes to protect their geometry.
4. Finish with 320 grit. Use 320 Grit (100-pack) sheets on a random orbital or block for final smoothness. Light pressure is key—this grit is for polish, not flattening. Move with the grain direction of each board segment.
5. Inspect under raking light. Shift light across the floor to check for swirl marks, cross-scratches, or uneven sheen. Touch up apexes by hand where machine sanders can’t safely reach.
6. Vacuum and tack thoroughly. Dust tends to accumulate at chevron joints. Clean until seams are clear to avoid grit telegraphing through finish.

Special cases

• Engineered chevron parquet: Confirm veneer thickness before sanding; if thin (<3 mm), limit to 180 and 320 grits only.
• Stain prep: End at 180 if applying stain, then sand sealer coats to 320 for topcoat clarity.
• Repairs at apex points: Replace damaged pieces instead of over-sanding; once points are gone, they can’t be rebuilt with sanding alone.

Pro tips

• Sand diagonally along board runs, never straight across apex points.
• Keep abrasive sheets sharp; dull grit requires extra pressure that risks flattening peaks.
• Mask fragile apexes with tape when using orbitals nearby.
• Use a block and light touch for hand work—better to sneak up slowly than to overshoot and round corners.
• Always vacuum between grits; stray particles from 80 can create scratches at the 180 or 320 stage.

Aftercare

• Choose a flexible finish that tolerates wood movement across angled joints.
• Use breathable rugs to avoid trapping moisture at seams.
• Maintain humidity at 40–50% to keep chevron joints stable.
• Recoat when wear appears, before sanding becomes necessary again.

FAQs

• Can I sand apex points with a power sander? No—always hand-sand apexes to avoid rounding or chipping.
• Is 60 grit okay for leveling? Too aggressive for parquet; stick with 80 as your coarsest grit to reduce risk.
• Do I need to fill gaps between boards? Small seasonal gaps should be left; filling can crack when wood moves.
• Can chevron parquet be refinished many times? Yes, if solid wood; engineered versions depend on veneer thickness.

Video: sanding chevron parquet safely

Bottom line: Chevron parquet rewards patience and precision. Keep machines away from apex points, hand-sand with care, and follow an 80 → 180 → 320 grit sequence. Done right, your chevron floor will stay crisp, smooth, and elegant for years.