Maxi-planks: stylish Elm flooring

Elm: a delicate, sensual and refined essence. Here our best tips for choosing maxi-size parquet.

22.03.2019

In the ever-widening spectrum of natural wood parquet flooring, Elm is among the lesser-known options. Yet, with its sweet and soft veining, it is one of the most refined and elegant wood essences.

Unlike the ubiquitous oak, it lends itself to tinting and various treatments, placing it among the more refined and therefore "exclusive" essences.

The somewhat arcane image of the elm with its wide leaves is perhaps also derived from the stories, myths and symbols associated with it.

For the Templars, it was the tree of prophesy and of dreams, reminiscent of Morpheus and the Ancients. In popular tradition it was thought of as a symbol of fertility. In Scandinavian mythology, the elm was female; together with the ash tree, it was the progenitor of man. Many stories and legends became intertwined around this mythical tree.

The fragility of the elm also gives it its “sought-after” quality. Vulnerable to fungal diseases in its earlier stages, only some of the "Olmo Campestre” (Ulmus minor) from which the parquet is made, survive to full maturity, rising up to 35 m.

Elm wood is refined, yet tough and pliable. With its soft veining, it produces a splendid, natural parquet.

The size and regularity of adult elm make it possible to obtain large planks, such as the European Elm Maxi-plank, which is part of the Parkemo MAGNUS  (250/350mm x 3000/3500mm) collection. This is completely handcrafted product, exhibiting an exceptionally bright, sheer and deep effect. Uniquely “Eco-Chic”!

Are Maxi-planks suited to any environment?

Nowadays, larger formats have become increasingly in demand, having almost become a status symbol. The impression one gets is that Maxi-planks somehow elevate and help to embellish living spaces.

While there might be some truth in this, the decision to use Maxi-planks should take the proportions and dimensions of the interiors into account and the type of flooring most suited to it.

Maxi-planks require “maxi-spaces”, which are not always the norm in private dwellings.

In fact, there are relatively few contexts truly suited to the large-format plank flooring. These include renovated barns, prestigious residences and old manors. It’s in these large ambiences that maxi-planks (especially elm-wood), preferably in their natural finish, are most effective. The parquet should be left uncovered as much as possible, with sparse carpeting and furnishings, to best enhance the effect.

A few tips for “Maxilistone” Maxi-plank parquets

• The larger the area covered by the parquet, the better it adheres to the surface.

The glue helps to stabilize the wood which, as a living material, tends to expand and contract over time. Some wood essences, including elm (currently under discussion) are relatively stable.

• For more extensive parquets, it’s preferable to select planks with knots and veining.

Although, some say that knots interrupt the flow of the grain, the natural features and imperfections in the boards such as the veins and grain, help to reinforce and bind the wood fibre. The planks adhere better to the screed, thus preventing cracks and fissures caused by the thermal fluctuations of underfloor heating systems, or improper cleaning and maintenance.

Whether you decide to opt for small, large, or extra-large size planks, you can always rely on Parkemo for premium-quality natural wood flooring!

 

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