Hardwood Floors June/July 2026

“Before a contract was signed, I dismantled and salvaged the remaining panels personally to prevent them from being burned or sent to the landfill,” recalls Molnár. “The castle had a presence, a character, and an atmosphere that immediately resonated with me. In that moment, I knew Swiss Parkett had to be part of this project.” Molnár worked with the Hungarian Heritage Protection Authority closely to ensure a 100 percent historically accurate replica of the original panel parquet was created. There were 400 square meters of 15 mm solid oak parquet and Molnár says the only structural difference was the installation method.

“While the original flooring had been nailed to a traditional sleeper subfloor, the new parquet was adhered directly to a concrete base to comply with modern structural standards,” explains Molnár. “All surface preparation and finishing were completed on site. The surface was wire brushed to recreate historical texture and then treated with oil and wax using period-appropriate materials.” He says the end result exceeded expectations. So much so that Swiss Parkett then was commissioned to complete the ceremonial hall, additional reception rooms, and the director’s office of the Rector’s Cabinet at Semmelweis University in Budapest. Earlier this year, Molnár even was invited to attend the reopening ceremony of Szeleczky Castle alongside government officials. “It was a true honor to speak at such an event – knowing we were returning not just a building element, but a piece of cultural history to the community,” he says. There was still a surprise awaiting Molnár, though. He had been storing the salvaged parquet for 18 months, even though most of it was not in good condition, because he believed it was important from a historical perspective. “From the remaining 15 percent, I selected one panel that I believed could be restored,” shares Molnár. “Without examining its underside, I carefully dismantled it, cleaned it, replaced the deteriorated joinery, and reassembled it according to original structural principles. I preserved the authentic surface character and treated it using linseed oil and balsam turpentine.” After completing the restoration, Molnár examined the back of the panel. What he found was the original craftsman’s signature, which read: “Tar Péter – April 19, 1864.”

“Out of the small percentage that survived, I unknowingly had saved the one piece bearing the handwritten mark of the original master,” he says. “It was a powerful and humbling moment.” Salvaging historic wood is a passion for Molnár. He says in Hungary, a majority of historic parquet floors are removed and discarded. Taking a different approach sets Swiss Parkett apart. “Investing additional care, thought, and energy into details, especially those aligned with one’s professional values, creates distinction,” adds Molnár. “Competitors rarely go beyond what is required. Yet it is precisely those small, intentional decisions that define excellence.”

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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