How Much Is Parquet Flooring (UK – 2025)?
SUMMARY
Which Trade would normally do this: Flooring Contractor or Carpenter
Average time to install parquet flooring: 2 – 4 Days
Average cost to install parquet flooring: £1,600
- Material Costs 45%
- Labour Costs 45%
- Disposal Costs 10%
Introduction: How Much Does Parquet Flooring Cost?
Parquet flooring brings style and elegance to any room it’s installed in. However, it’s not cheap. Parquet flooring can be done in various types of wood which vary in price. It’s also quite time consuming to lay and needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing.
On average a parquet floor will cost you around £1,600. That’s for materials and labour. but this does depend heavily on the size of the room and the wood chosen.
This article takes a look at some of the factors that affect the cost of parquet flooring.
What Is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet flooring is a type of flooring made from small pieces of hardwood that are arranged in geometric patterns. This style of flooring originated in France in the 17th century and was typically used in elegant and high-end homes. The word “parquet” comes from the French term “parqueterie,” which refers to the process of laying wooden flooring in a pattern.
The design of parquet flooring can range from simple geometric patterns, like herringbone and basketweave, to more complex designs incorporating multiple shapes and sizes of wood. Each piece of wood is typically cut to a precise size and then glued to a subfloor to create the pattern.
Parquet floors are valued for their beauty and the artistry that goes into their design. They can add a distinctive and sophisticated look to a room. Over time, parquet floors may require refinishing to restore their original luster, but with proper care, they can last for many decades.
What Type Of Wood Is Used In Parquet Flooring?
The cost of different woods used in parquet flooring can vary based on factors like availability, durability, and the wood’s natural aesthetics. Here’s a list of common woods used in parquet flooring, roughly ordered from the cheapest to the most expensive:
Pine: Often the most affordable option, pine is a softwood that’s widely available. It’s less durable than hardwoods but can be a cost-effective choice for parquet flooring.
Oak: A very popular choice for parquet due to its durability and attractive grain. Oak is moderately priced and offers a good balance between cost and quality.
Maple: Known for its light, creamy colour and subtle grain, maple is slightly more expensive than oak. It’s hard and durable, making it a good choice for flooring.
Cherry: Cherry wood has a distinctive reddish hue that deepens over time. It’s more expensive than oak and maple and is valued for its rich colour and smooth grain.
Walnut: Walnut is a premium hardwood known for its deep, rich colour and durability. It’s typically more expensive than cherry.
Teak: Highly valued for its durability and resistance to moisture and pests, teak is often used in high-end parquet flooring. Its cost is generally higher due to these desirable properties.
Mahogany: Mahogany is a luxury hardwood known for its deep, rich colour and fine grain. It is one of the more expensive options for parquet flooring.
Exotic Hardwoods (like Brazilian Cherry, Ebony, etc.): These woods are often the most expensive due to their rarity, unique colours, and patterns. They offer a distinctive look but come at a higher price.
What Are The Cost Factors Involved In Installing Parquet Flooring?
The cost of installing parquet flooring is influenced by several factors, each contributing to the overall expense. Here’s a breakdown of the primary cost factors:
Material Costs: The type of wood used for parquet tiles significantly impacts the price. Exotic hardwoods are usually more expensive than common domestic woods. Additionally, the quality and grade of the wood will affect the cost.
Complexity of Design: Simple patterns like herringbone or basketweave are generally less expensive to install than intricate or custom patterns. More complex designs require more labour and skill, increasing costs.
Floor Preparation: Preparing the existing floor for parquet installation can add to the cost. This may include levelling the floor, removing old flooring, or repairing the subfloor.
Size of the Area: The larger the area to be covered, the higher the material and labour costs. However, larger areas may sometimes lead to lower per-square-foot costs due to economies of scale.
Labour Costs: Installation costs can vary based on the skill and experience of the installer, as well as regional labour rates. Parquet flooring installation is labour-intensive, especially for intricate patterns.
Finishing Costs: After installation, parquet floors may require sanding, staining, and sealing. The type of finish (e.g., oil-based, water-based, polyurethane) and the number of coats applied will affect the cost.
Additional Features: Additional features like inlays, borders, or medallions will increase the cost due to the extra materials and labor required.
Geographical Location: Prices can vary depending on where you live. Urban areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher installation costs.
Removal and Disposal of Existing Flooring: If there’s an existing floor that needs to be removed, this will add to the overall cost. Proper disposal of the old flooring materials can also incur additional fees.
Underlayment and Subfloor Materials: If a new subfloor or underlayment is needed, this will add to the material costs.
When considering parquet flooring, it’s important to get a detailed quote from a flooring specialist or contractor that includes all these factors. This will give you a more accurate idea of the total cost for your specific project.
What Are The Costs Of Laying Parquet Flooring?
For the materials, parquet flooring can range from £20 to £80 per square metre. The specific cost depends on the type of wood you choose, with options like oak, maple, pine, and beech available, each at different price points. For instance, oak parquet flooring is popular in the UK and costs between £40 to £80 per square metre, while pine, a softer wood, ranges from £20 to £80 per square metre.
Regarding labour costs, installing parquet flooring typically costs between £140 to £200 per day. This rate can vary based on the complexity of the installation and the standard labour costs in your area. In London, for example, installation costs can be higher, going up to £350 per day. The time it takes to complete the installation depends on the room’s size, with smaller to medium-sized rooms often being completed within a day. Larger rooms, however, could take anywhere from 2 to 5 days.