Fallon & Byrne plank and parquet flooring (Swan Shopping Centre, Dublin)
For this Fallon & Byrne project in the Swan Shopping Centre, we supplied and installed over 650m² of traditional solid plank flooring and parquet herringbone, sourced directly from our European manufacturer. The brief required a high-end finish that could withstand heavy footfall, with careful subfloor remediation due to significant moisture issues.
Quick facts
Project type: Commercial fit-out (retail + food halls)
Total area: 650m²+
Flooring: Solid plank + solid herringbone parquet
Plank spec: 120mm x 22mm, character grade, unfinished
Parquet spec: 500 x 70 x 22mm, character grade herringbone, unfinished
Subfloor system: Pump screed levelling + Tremco DPM moisture barrier
Finish: Light tint + 4 coats matt lacquer
Location: Swan Shopping Centre, Dublin
Project overview
This was a large-scale commercial flooring installation with two key priorities: resolve subfloor and moisture risk properly, then deliver a premium timber finish suitable for constant daily traffic.
At a glance
Installed 650m²+ of solid plank and herringbone parquet across multiple shop zones.
Corrected severe subfloor condition using pump screed levelling.
Locked out moisture caused by an overhead leak using a full Tremco DPM system.
Planned layouts with the client and architects to suit each department’s function.
Supplied flooring unfinished to allow final colour decisions closer to opening.
Finished with a light tint and 4-coat matt lacquer system for durability.
What the client wanted
A premium timber floor solution suitable for a busy, high-traffic commercial environment.
Different flooring looks for different zones (dining vs service areas).
A reliable moisture strategy due to known subfloor and leak issues.
Flexibility to decide final colour/toning late in the programme.
A tight turnaround to meet the grand opening deadline.
Our solution
We delivered the full specification from subfloor remediation through to finishing, with careful sequencing to keep the wider fit-out moving.
Challenges on site and how we handled them
Subfloors were uneven and in poor condition
The base wasn’t suitable for glue-down plank or parquet.
Our fix: we levelled the full area using a pump screed system, delivered by a specialist screed contractor using Laydex-supplied products.
High moisture caused by water ingress from the car park above
Moisture readings were high and posed a major risk to timber flooring performance.
Our fix: once screed cured, we applied the Tremco DPM system across the full 650m², creating a robust moisture barrier and improving bonding conditions for the adhesive installation.
Multiple zones required different layouts and aesthetics
The fit-out included dining, deli, fish and meat areas, each with different functional needs.
Our fix: we worked with the client and architects to agree a clear zoning plan: plank flooring for dining, herringbone parquet for other areas.
Colour decisions weren’t final during installation
The architect needed time to confirm the final tone.
Our fix: both plank and parquet were supplied unfinished, allowing installation to proceed while keeping finishing decisions for the final stage.
Materials, layout and finish
Plank flooring: 120mm wide x 22mm deep, solid, character grade, unfinished
Parquet flooring: 500 x 70 x 22mm, solid character grade herringbone, unfinished
Installation method: glue-down system prepared for commercial performance
Subfloor build-up: pump screed levelling system
Moisture barrier: Tremco DPM system applied across entire 650m²
Finish spec: light tint toning + 4 coats matt lacquer (extra coat for high traffic)
The finished result
The completed floor delivered a consistent premium timber look across a complex retail environment, with layouts tailored to each section of the store. The full subfloor and moisture strategy ensured long-term stability, while the 4-coat matt lacquer system provides the durability required for constant daily use.
Services used on this project
Commercial parquet and plank supply and fitting
Subfloor levelling (pump screed specification and coordination)
Moisture testing and damp-proof membrane system (Tremco DPM)
Floor sanding, tinting and lacquer finishing for high-traffic environments
FAQs about this Fallon & Byrne flooring project
Planning a commercial parquet or plank flooring project?
If you need a reliable supply-and-fit partner for plank or parquet flooring in Dublin or Leinster, we can help you plan the specification, manage subfloor risk, and deliver a finish built for heavy use.
