Antique tumbled herringbone in black smoked oak
A large-scale herringbone installation for a new-build in South Dublin, completed in partnership with a trusted builder. The client chose antique tumbled oak with a black smoked finish, a style that replicates the character of aged parquet while being fully compatible with underfloor heating.
Quick facts
Flooring: Antique tumbled herringbone parquet
Material: Solid oak (kiln-dried, tumbled, black smoked)
Design details: Double border around perimeter
Finish: Black smoked tone + wax oil
Location: South Dublin (new-build)
Project overview
This project involved supplying and fitting antique tumbled herringbone throughout a significant new-build property. We coordinated closely with the builder to schedule sanding and finishing after other trades had completed their work, protecting the final result.
At a glance
Supplied antique tumbled herringbone with a black smoked oak tone.
Installed over underfloor heating using a full glue-down method.
Fitted a double border around the perimeter of each room.
Coordinated finishing schedule with the builder to avoid damage from other trades.
Completed sanding, colouring, and wax oil finish four weeks after installation.
What the client wanted
A parquet floor with an aged, characterful appearance in a new-build property.
A finish that would highlight the natural grain and tonal variation in the oak.
A double border layout to frame each room.
Compatibility with underfloor heating.
A warm, vintage tone that would suit the property.
Our solution
Antique tumbled parquet delivers the look of a floor that’s been down for decades without sacrificing modern performance. We managed the full process from supply through to finishing, timing each stage around the wider build programme.
Challenges on site and how we handled them
Coordinating with other trades
On a busy new-build site, floors are vulnerable to damage from follow-on work. We agreed with the builder to leave the parquet unfinished until all kitchen and bedroom units were installed, then returned four weeks later to sand, colour, and finish.
Achieving an authentic aged look in a new property
The tumbling process distresses each block before installation, creating an effect that looks like the floor has been in place for years. The black smoked finish deepens this character without obscuring the natural grain.
Underfloor heating requirements
Solid parquet and underfloor heating work well together when installed correctly. We glued the blocks directly to the subfloor, ensuring stable contact and efficient heat transfer.
Materials, layout and finish
Parquet: Antique tumbled solid oak herringbone
Processing: Extended kiln drying + tumbling for an aged, distressed appearance
Layout: Herringbone with double border around perimeter
Installation: Full glue-down, suitable for underfloor heating
Finish: Black smoked oak tone + wax oil
The finished result
The completed floor brings warmth and character to a contemporary new-build. The black smoked tone lifts the natural variation in the oak, light and dark tones sit alongside each other, giving each room depth and visual interest. The double border frames the herringbone pattern and works well with the fitted skirtings throughout.
Services used on this project
Antique tumbled parquet supply and fitting
Underfloor heating-compatible installation
Borders and layout design
Floor sanding, colouring, and wax oil finishing
Builder/contractor coordination
FAQs about this antique tumbled parquet project
Want antique tumbled parquet in your home?
If you’re drawn to the character of aged flooring but want the performance of a new installation, antique tumbled herringbone could be the right choice. We supply and fit throughout Dublin and Leinster.
