CRAFT Hardwood Guides
Herringbone Flooring Cost in 2026:
A Complete Budgeting Guide
A transparent guide to understanding herringbone and parquet flooring costs — so you can plan your project with realistic expectations.
Written by Wojciech, founder of CRAFT Hardwood | Updated February 2025 | 15 min read
One of the biggest questions we’re asked is: how much does a parquet floor really cost — and what makes it worth it?
Unlike most home improvements, a quality herringbone or parquet floor isn’t just a purchase. It’s an investment in your property. Installed correctly, using the right materials and proper preparation, it’s one of the very few additions to a home that can genuinely outlast the people who commissioned it — leaving beautiful, characterful floors for generations.
We regularly restore Victorian and Edwardian parquet floors that are well over a century old and still stunning today. That longevity is what you’re really paying for.
But in 2026, costs vary significantly depending on materials, pattern complexity, subfloor condition, room size, and finishing. This guide explains each factor clearly and honestly, so you can plan your project with realistic expectations — and no surprises.
Why Herringbone Costs More Than Standard Flooring
Before we look at specific costs, it's worth understanding why patterned flooring commands a premium over standard plank installation.
Herringbone and parquet patterns require significantly more skill, time, and precision than laying straight planks. Every piece must be cut and fitted at exact angles. Every joint must be tight. Every row must align perfectly across the entire floor. A single miscalculation early in the installation affects every board that follows.
This is specialist work — and specialist work costs more. At CRAFT Hardwood, patterned flooring is the main thing we do, which means we've spent over a decade perfecting the techniques that make the difference between a floor that looks ordinary and one that looks exceptional.
With that context, here is every factor that affects your final price.
1. Materials — Solid vs Engineered Oak
The timber itself is typically the largest single cost in any flooring project.
Budget range: Entry-level engineered oak: £30-50/m²
Mid-range solid or engineered oak: £50-90/m²
Premium solid or engineered oak: £90-200+/m²
What drives material costs:
Wood grade — Oak comes in different grades from clean and minimal (fewer knots, consistent colour) to rustic and characterful (heavy knots, natural variation). Clean grades cost more because they're rarer and more consistent to work with.
Wear layer thickness — For engineered oak, the thickness of the real wood top layer matters enormously. A 3mm wear layer gives you one refinish in its lifetime. A 6mm+ wear layer gives you multiple refinishes and decades more life. Thicker wear layers cost more upfront but represent better long-term value.
Plank or block width — Wider planks and larger herringbone blocks cost more per square metre than narrower ones. A 90mm herringbone block costs more than a 70mm block of the same wood.
Species and origin — European oak is the standard for herringbone and parquet. Exotic or reclaimed timbers command significant premiums but create truly unique results.
One important note: premium engineered oak with a thick wear layer often costs the same as or more than mid-range solid oak. The choice between solid and engineered should be driven by your subfloor and environment, not just price. If you'd like to understand that decision in more detail, read our full guide on solid vs engineered oak.
2. Pattern Complexity
Not all parquet floors are equally complex to install. The pattern you choose has a direct impact on installation time and therefore cost.
Standard herringbone — The classic 90-degree pattern. This is the most common choice and the baseline for installation pricing. Still requires significant skill and precision but is the most straightforward of the patterned options.
Chevron — Similar to herringbone but with angled cuts at the ends of each board to create a continuous zigzag. The angled cuts require more precision and generate more waste material, both of which add to cost.
Versailles panels — The most complex and time-consuming pattern we install. Elaborate square panels inspired by French palace floors require intricate cutting, fitting, and assembly. Installation time is significantly longer than standard herringbone, which is reflected in the price.
Custom patterns — Bespoke borders, medallions, and mixed-pattern layouts are priced individually based on complexity and design. These are truly one-of-a-kind installations and priced accordingly.
Double herringbone — Two boards laid side by side in each herringbone arm. More material, more complexity, more time.
As a general guide, expect chevron to cost 10-15% more than standard herringbone in installation labour, and Versailles or custom patterns to cost 25-40% more.
3. Room Size and Layout
Room size affects cost in ways that aren't always obvious.
Larger rooms — Cost more in total but often less per square metre. Fixed costs like setup, preparation, and finishing are spread across more floor area, making larger rooms more cost-efficient per m².
Smaller rooms — Proportionally more expensive per square metre. A 10m² hallway costs significantly more per m² than a 40m² open-plan living space, because the same setup time is spread across less floor.
Room shape — Straightforward rectangular rooms are the most straightforward to install. Irregular shapes, alcoves, bay windows, and rooms with many obstacles (fireplaces, columns, fitted furniture) require more cutting, more precision, and more time.
Doorways and transitions — Every doorway requires a neat, precise threshold or transition strip. Multiple doorways add both material and labour costs.
Starting point and centring — A properly installed herringbone floor is centred in the room so the pattern is symmetrical and balanced. This requires careful planning and layout work before a single board is fixed, all of which is part of the installation cost.
4. Subfloor Preparation
This is the cost factor most homeowners don't anticipate — and the one that can significantly affect the final price.
The condition of your existing subfloor determines how much preparation work is needed before installation can begin. Skipping or rushing subfloor preparation is the most common cause of floor failure. We never compromise on this, regardless of budget pressure.
Wooden subfloors — Most period properties have wooden subfloors. These typically need checking for squeaks, loose boards, and level. Minor preparation is usually included in the installation cost. Significant repairs — replacing rotten boards, securing loose joists, adding plywood overlay — are priced separately.
Concrete subfloors — Common in newer properties, extensions, and ground floor renovations. Concrete must be tested for moisture, checked for level, and usually need a damp-proof membrane applied. Screeding or self-levelling compound may be required if the surface is uneven. These are additional costs on top of the installation itself.
Existing floor removal — If you have existing tiles, carpet, or old flooring that needs removing, this adds both labour and disposal costs. Removing old ceramic tiles in particular is time-consuming and adds meaningfully to preparation costs.
Levelling — Subfloors should be within 3mm over a 1.8m span for most herringbone installations. Floors outside this tolerance require levelling compound, which adds material and time costs.
As a rough guide, budget an additional £15-30/m² for subfloor preparation depending on the condition and type of your existing subfloor. In some cases — particularly older properties with significant issues — preparation costs can exceed this.
5. Finishing — Oils, Lacquers and Stains
Once the unfinished wood floor is installed, it needs finishing. The finish you choose affects both the look of your floor and the cost.
Solid wood installation with site finishing — We install the floor unfinished, then sand and finish on-site. This gives the best possible result because the finish is applied after all cutting and fitting is complete, creating a perfectly smooth, seamless surface. This is what we recommend for most traditional herringbone projects and is included in our standard installation.
Oil finishes — Natural oils penetrate the wood rather than sitting on top. They give a more natural, matte appearance and are easier to repair locally if damaged. Oiled floors need periodic re-oiling (typically every 1-2 years in high-traffic areas).
Hardwax oil finishes — A premium version of oil finishing that combines the natural look of oil with better durability.
Lacquer finishes — A surface coating that sits on top of the wood. More durable in high-traffic areas, easier to clean, but harder to repair locally if damaged. Gives a slightly more formal appearance. Similar cost to hardwax oil. Our most commonly specified finish for flooring projects.
Staining — If you want a specific colour — grey tones, darker browns, white washes — staining is applied before the final finish coat. This adds both material and time to the finishing process, typically adding £10-20/m² to the finishing cost.
Dust-free sanding — We use virtually dust-free sanding equipment on all projects. This is included in our standard finishing process and protects your home and belongings during our works.
6. Restoration vs New Installation
If you have existing herringbone or parquet floors that need restoring rather than replacing, the cost structure is different.
What restoration involves: assessment of existing floor condition, virtually dust-free sanding back to bare wood, repairing or replacing damaged boards, re-staining if a colour change is desired, applying new finish coats.
When restoration makes sense: existing floor is structurally sound with boards intact, wood is thick enough for sanding (typically 4mm+ remaining above tongue), you want to preserve original character and period authenticity, you're renovating a property where original floors add value.
Restoration is almost always significantly cheaper than new installation when the existing floor is in reasonable condition. You're saving the cost of new materials entirely, and the labour, while still skilled, is typically less than a full installation.
Restoration costs vary significantly based on floor condition, but as a broad guide:
Basic restoration (sand and refinish): £40-50/m²
Full restoration including repairs: £50-70/m²
Complex restoration with significant board replacement: priced individually
Many of the original Victorian and Edwardian parquet floors we restore are over 100 years old. With proper restoration and care, they'll last another century. Sometimes the most cost-effective decision is restoring what you already have.
What Does Herringbone Flooring Actually Cost in 2026? Real Figures from the North West
The figures below are based on real projects we have quoted and completed across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire in 2025 and 2026 — not national averages or estimates.
They usually reflect mid-range engineered oak products which customers typically source themselves. Premium solid oak or high-specification engineered products with thick wear layers would add significantly to these figures.
Installation Only — You Supply the Materials
This is the most common scenario — customers purchase their own flooring and we provide everything else including subfloor preparation, DPM, adhesive, and installation. All prices below include liquid damp proof membrane on concrete subfloors and professional parquet adhesive.
Small areas — up to 15m²: £75-90/m² Example: A hallway or small room. Small projects cost more per square metre because setup, preparation, and DPM application take similar time regardless of floor size.
Medium areas — 15 to 50m²: £60-75/m² Example: A living room, dining room, or two adjoining rooms. The most common project size and the most cost-efficient range for herringbone installation.
Large areas — 50m² and above: £55-70/m² Example: Entire downstairs floors, open-plan layouts. Fixed costs spread across more area bring the per-square-metre figure down.
These figures are for standard herringbone pattern. Chevron adds approximately £8-12/m² due to the additional precision cutting required. Versailles and custom patterns are always priced individually.
Supply and Fit — We Source Everything
If you want us to supply and install traditional solid oak parquet blocks including all materials, subfloor preparation, DPM, adhesive, sanding, and finishing:
Small areas — up to 15m²: £160-200/m² The small area premium is significant here because material sourcing, setup, and finishing costs are spread across very little floor area. A 5m² hallway in solid oak fully finished will typically cost £800-1,000 in total.
Medium areas — 15 to 50m²: £150-170/m² Example: A living room fully supplied, installed, and finished in prime grade solid oak. A 23m² room would typically total £3,450-3,900.
Large areas — 50m² and above: £130-160/m² Larger supply and fit projects benefit from better material pricing and more efficient use of time.
These figures are based on European prime grade solid oak — a good quality, clean-looking timber that represents excellent value. Rustic grade costs slightly less. Premium grade with tighter grain, better colour consistency, and thicker wear layers would add £20-60/m² to the material cost alone.
What "Mid Range" Actually Means
The quotes we issue most frequently involve mid-range prefinished engineered oak blocks that customers source themselves — typically from established UK suppliers. These are good, reliable products that will last decades with proper care.
If you are considering premium products — thick wear layer engineered oak from manufacturers such as Havwoods, Ted Todd, or Chaunceys, or hand-finished solid oak from specialist timber yards — expect the total project cost to increase substantially.
Premium timber alone can cost £100-300/m² before a single board is installed. For truly exceptional projects using premium materials, total costs of £300-500/m² are realistic and not uncommon.
Sanding and Finishing — Unfinished Floors
Basic sanding and clear lacquer finish: £25-40/m²
Sanding with hardwax oil or coloured finish: £30-45/m²
Staining before finishing: add £10-20/m² depending on colour depth and number of coats
Restoration — Real 2026 Figures
Pine floorboard restoration — entire house: £50-55/m²
Single room floorboard restoration: from £495 including sanding, filling, and lacquer finish Staining to a different colour: add £150
Herringbone or parquet restoration with staining on a period property hallway: from £890 Re-gluing loose blocks: included up to 15 blocks, then £150 for up to 100 blocks, or full lift and re-stick from £600 for larger areas
A Worked Example — Real 2026 Project
A 36m² herringbone installation across two adjoining downstairs rooms in a farmhouse in the Ribble Valley. Customer supplied prefinished engineered oak blocks. Concrete subfloor required DPM. Standard herringbone pattern, no border.
DPM supply: £300 DPM, application: £180
Professional parquet adhesive: £320
Installation: £1,750
Total: £2,550 — approximately £71/m²
This is a real quote for a real project installing customer-supplied herringbone on a concrete subfloor. Had the customer chosen solid oak supplied by us, with sanding and finishing included, the same area would have been in the region of £4,500-5,500.
Why Quotes Vary So Much
If you have received significantly different quotes from different contractors, here is why that happens.
Some quotes include DPM and adhesive, others do not — always check what is included. A quote that looks £15/m² cheaper may simply have excluded £10/m² of adhesive and DPM costs.
Material quality varies enormously. A 2mm wear layer engineered block and an 6mm wear layer engineered block can look identical in a photo but have very different lifespans and refinishing potential.
Experience and specialisation matter. Herringbone installation done by a generalist flooring company and herringbone installation done by a specialist who does nothing else will look different. The pattern makes imperfection visible in a way that straight plank installation does not.
We are not the cheapest option in the North West. We are confident we offer strong value — because a correctly installed floor with proper subfloor preparation and quality materials lasts generations, while a cheaper installation that fails within a few years costs far more to put right.
Prices correct as of February 2026 based on real projects in the North West. We update this guide annually to reflect current market rates.
Quick Summary — What Should I Budget?
If you've skimmed to this point and just want a ballpark figure, here it is:
Entry level — £110-150/m² Prefinished engineered oak, standard herringbone, good subfloor condition. A well-installed floor that will last decades with proper care.
Mid range — £150-200/m² Mid to premium engineered or solid oak, standard or chevron pattern, some subfloor preparation included, hardwax oil or lacquer finish. The most common range for quality residential installations in the North West.
Premium — £200-300+/m² Premium solid or engineered oak, complex patterns, significant subfloor work, bespoke finishing. Period property restorations and high-specification new builds.
All figures include materials, installation, subfloor preparation, and finishing. Based on real projects completed in Lancashire and Greater Manchester in 2025 and 2026.
The only way to get an accurate figure for your specific project is a free site visit — every property is different.
What's Not Worth Cutting Corners On
If budget is tight, here is where we would recommend prioritising spend and where you have more flexibility:
Never compromise on:
Subfloor preparation — a poorly prepared subfloor will cause problems regardless of how good the flooring above it is;
Installation quality — herringbone done badly looks worse than standard flooring done well;
Moisture testing — skipping this is the most common cause of floor failure.
More flexibility on:
Wood grade — a rustic grade of premium oak can look more characterful than a clean grade of cheaper oak;
Plank width — narrower herringbone blocks cost less and can look equally beautiful;
Pattern choice — standard herringbone is timeless and costs less than chevron or Versailles.
Why Get a Proper Quote
Online calculators and ballpark figures can give you a starting point, but they can't account for the actual condition of your subfloor, the specific layout challenges of your rooms, your exact material preferences once you've seen samples, or regional labour rates and material availability.
We offer free no-obligation site visits across Lancashire and Greater Manchester where we assess your subfloor, take accurate measurements, discuss your preferences, and provide a transparent fixed-price quotation with no hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is herringbone flooring more expensive than straight plank flooring?
A: Yes, typically 30-40% more in installation labour due to the additional skill, time, and precision required. The material cost is similar but the wastage is slightly higher — it's the same timber cut into different sizes.
Q: Why do quotes vary so much between contractors?
A: Quotes vary because contractors include different things. Some quote materials only, others include preparation and finishing. Always compare like for like and ask exactly what is and isn't included. A significantly cheaper quote often means subfloor preparation, finishing, or waste material costs are excluded.
Q: Does a larger room cost less per square metre?
A: Generally yes. Fixed costs like setup and preparation are spread across more area, making larger installations more cost-efficient per m².
Q: Can I supply my own materials to reduce costs?
A: Yes, though we would want to approve the product before installation to ensure it's suitable for your subfloor and environment. Using unsuitable materials is a false economy if it leads to problems later.
Q: How long does a herringbone floor installation take?
A: A typical room of 20-30m² takes 2-4 days including preparation, installation, and finishing. Larger or more complex projects take longer. We provide fixed timelines with every quotation.
Q: Does herringbone flooring add value to my home?
A: In our experience, yes — particularly in the North West property market where herringbone and parquet floors are increasingly desirable features. Quality patterned flooring consistently features in estate agent photography and can meaningfully differentiate a property.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Understanding costs is the first step. The next is getting an accurate figure for your specific property and project.
We offer free site visits across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire where we assess your subfloor, discuss your preferences, and provide a transparent fixed-price quotation.
Call: 07856 308 208 Email: contact@crafthardwood.co.uk
We serve Chorley, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, and throughout the North West. Every quotation includes a full breakdown so you know exactly what you're paying for and why.