CRAFT Hardwood Guides
Questions to Ask Your Flooring Contractor Before You Commit
The essential questions that help you choose the right installer — and avoid the mistakes that are expensive to put right.
Written by Wojciech, founder of CRAFT Hardwood | Updated March 2026 | 12 min read
Choosing a flooring contractor can feel more complicated than it should be.
Many companies present themselves well. Pricing can also appear similar at first glance. From the outside, it’s not always easy to understand what meaningfully separates one approach from another, or what will matter most over time.
In practice, some of the most important differences aren’t immediately visible. Details like subfloor preparation, layout planning, and finishing all play a significant role in how a floor looks and performs in the years ahead.
That’s why it helps to know what to look for before making a decision.
This guide walks you through the key questions to ask, along with what clear, reassuring answers sound like. We’re a flooring contractor ourselves, so we’re sharing this from experience — with the aim of helping you feel informed and confident in whichever choice you make.
Before we get into the questions: why this matters more for herringbone
A poorly installed straight plank floor can be disappointing. With herringbone, issues tend to be more noticeable.
Because of the 90-degree pattern, small misalignments can carry across the entire floor. A layout that isn’t properly centred may feel visually unbalanced. Gaps or uneven joints can catch the light, and variations in level can become more apparent.
Herringbone is a more detailed form of installation, and it benefits from experience with patterned layouts. The questions below are designed to help you understand whether a contractor regularly works with this type of floor.
1. How long have you been installing herringbone and parquet specifically?
General flooring experience and patterned floor experience are not always the same.
What to listen for:
Specific experience with herringbone or parquet installations. Familiarity with layout planning, corners, and material calculations for patterned floors.
What to consider carefully:
Answers that focus only on general flooring experience without mentioning patterned work in detail.
2. Can I see examples of completed herringbone or parquet installations similar to mine?
Photos are helpful, but it’s worth asking for examples that closely match your project.
What to listen for:
Relevant projects they can talk through in detail. Willingness to share references if available. Photos that allow you to see joint quality, alignment, and finish.
What to consider carefully:
Portfolios that only show wide-angle images, or where it’s difficult to assess detail.
At CRAFT Hardwood, we’re happy to share examples and, where appropriate, connect you with past clients who’ve agreed to be contacted.
3. What does your subfloor preparation process involve?
Subfloor preparation has a significant impact on the long-term performance of a floor.
A thorough answer should include:
Moisture testing, levelling where required, damp-proof membranes (for concrete subfloors), and a clear plan for handling any issues discovered during installation.
What to listen for:
Clear, step-by-step explanations and defined standards or tolerances.
What to consider carefully:
Very brief or general answers without detail about process.
4. Do you test moisture levels before installation?
Moisture plays an important role in how timber behaves over time.
What to listen for:
Use of moisture meters, concrete RH testing, and timber moisture checks. Awareness of acceptable levels and willingness to delay installation if conditions aren’t suitable.
What to consider carefully:
Answers that don’t mention testing or rely purely on visual checks.
5. How do you handle acclimatisation?
Timber benefits from adjusting to the environment before installation.
What to listen for:
A clear process for delivering materials in advance, storing them correctly, and confirming moisture content before installation begins.
What to consider carefully:
Very short or unclear acclimatisation processes.
6. What’s included in the quote — exactly?
Quotes can vary significantly depending on what’s included.
Ask for a breakdown covering:
Installation labour, subfloor preparation, damp-proofing (if required), adhesives, sanding and finishing (if applicable), and waste.
What to listen for:
Transparency and willingness to explain each element.
What to consider carefully:
Quotes that are difficult to compare due to missing detail.
7. Is this a fixed price or an estimate?
Understanding this helps avoid surprises later.
What to listen for:
Clarity on whether the price is fixed, and how any unforeseen issues would be handled.
What to consider carefully:
Unclear wording around pricing or conditions that may affect the final cost.
At CRAFT Hardwood, we provide fixed-price quotations wherever possible, and discuss any unexpected findings before proceeding.
8. Who will actually do the work?
It’s helpful to understand who will be on site.
What to listen for:
Clear information about the installation team, their experience, and whether they are employed directly or subcontracted.
What to consider carefully:
Uncertainty about who will carry out the work.
9. How do you centre and plan the pattern before starting?
This is an important part of herringbone installation.
What to listen for:
An explanation of how the layout is planned, how the centre line is established, and how room irregularities are handled.
What to consider carefully:
Answers that don’t describe a clear planning process.
10. What finish do you recommend for my specific situation, and why?
Different finishes suit different homes and lifestyles.
What to listen for:
A tailored recommendation based on how the space will be used, along with a clear explanation of the trade-offs between options such as oil, hardwax oil, and lacquer.
What to consider carefully:
Generic recommendations without understanding your needs.
11. What is your process if something goes wrong?
Even well-managed projects can occasionally encounter issues.
What to listen for:
A straightforward approach to resolving problems, along with any guarantees or warranties offered.
What to consider carefully:
Unclear or overly complex explanations of responsibility.
12. Are you insured?
This is a standard but important question.
What to listen for:
Confirmation of public liability insurance and the level of cover.
Reading the answers
These questions are intended to support a constructive conversation.
Clear, specific answers usually reflect a well-defined process. More general answers may simply indicate that it’s worth asking a few follow-up questions.
It can also be helpful to consider the overall interaction. Does the contractor take time to understand your project? Do they ask thoughtful questions? Do they explain potential challenges in a clear and balanced way?
A thorough approach at this stage often carries through into the work itself.
One more thing: the cheapest quote
Price is always an important factor.
When comparing quotes, it’s helpful to make sure you’re comparing like for like — with the same scope of work included. Differences in pricing often reflect differences in preparation, materials, or time allocated to the job.
A well-installed floor, with proper preparation, is designed to last for many years. Taking time to understand what’s included in each quote can help you make a more informed decision.
At CRAFT Hardwood, we focus on delivering a complete, carefully prepared installation, and price our work accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should a herringbone floor installation cost?
A: Our pricing guide covers current 2026 figures in more detail. As a general starting point, installation-only projects may range from £60–90/m², while supply and fit projects often range from £130–200/m² depending on specification and size.
Q: Is it worth choosing a specialist for herringbone?
A: Patterned floors tend to benefit from experience with similar installations, particularly in layout and planning.
Q: What if a contractor can’t answer these questions clearly?
A: It may simply be worth asking for more detail, or comparing with another quote for clarity.
Considering CRAFT Hardwood for your project?
We’re always happy to talk through your project and answer any questions you may have.
We offer free site visits across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire. During the visit, we assess your subfloor, discuss your requirements, and provide a clear, detailed quotation.
Call: 07856 308 208
Email: contact@crafthardwood.co.uk
We serve Chorley, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, and throughout the North West.