Parquet Floor Installation

Parquet is one of the most exacting floor types to install well. The pattern only looks right when every block is correctly set out from the start — wrong by a centimetre at the centre and the whole room reads slightly off. FlooringFirst installs parquet across London, covering all the main patterns and both solid and engineered construction. We take care of subfloor preparation, acclimatisation, adhesive selection, and finishing so the floor performs as well as it looks.

Planning a parquet project? Call us on 020 8830 9782 or book a free site visit — we'll assess the subfloor, confirm the layout, and give you a fixed price before any work starts.

Patterns we install

Each parquet pattern has its own setting-out demands and waste profile. We're experienced across all of them.

• Herringbone — the most popular pattern in London at the moment. Rectangular blocks interlock at 90° to create a continuous zig-zag. Requires precise centre-line setting-out and a 15–20% waste allowance for perimeter cuts.
• Chevron — similar visual effect to herringbone but blocks are cut at a mitre angle so the points meet cleanly. Slightly more complex to cut and lay than herringbone; expect a comparable waste allowance.
• Basket weave — pairs or groups of blocks alternate direction to create a woven appearance. A traditional pattern with strong character, well-suited to period properties.
• Brick bond (straight lay) — blocks offset by half a length, like brickwork. Less waste than angled patterns and a cleaner, more contemporary look in the right room.
• Feature borders — contrasting border runs can frame a herringbone or chevron field, particularly effective in hallways, reception rooms, and open-plan living areas.

Solid parquet vs engineered parquet

The construction type affects the fitting method, how the floor behaves over time, and compatibility with underfloor heating.

Engineered parquet

Engineered parquet has a real-wood top layer bonded to a multi-ply or HDF core. The layered construction resists seasonal movement better than solid wood, making it a reliable choice for flats, new-builds, and rooms with underfloor heating (where the product is rated for UFH use). Installation is typically full glue-down, though some click-profile products can be floated.

Solid parquet blocks

Solid parquet is traditional and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. It requires longer acclimatisation — typically 5–7 days minimum in the room — and is almost always installed using a fully bonded adhesive system. Subfloor moisture control is critical; solid blocks are more sensitive to damp than engineered products.

Subfloor requirements

Most parquet failures trace back to subfloor problems, not the flooring itself. We carry out moisture checks and flatness assessments on every job before a single block goes down.

• Moisture: Concrete subfloors must read no more than 75% RH (or 3.5% CM). Higher readings require a surface DPM or moisture-tolerant adhesive system.
• Flatness: The subfloor must be within 3mm over a 1.8m straight edge. High spots are ground down; low spots are filled with a suitable levelling compound.
• Structural integrity: Timber subfloors with movement, bounce, or rot must be addressed before installation. We typically overlay with 6mm or 12mm plywood, fastened at close centres, to create a stable base.
• Cleanliness: The subfloor must be free of contamination — old adhesive, paint, and dust all affect bond strength.

Acclimatisation

Timber flooring needs to reach equilibrium with the room's temperature and humidity before installation. Lay it too soon, and you risk gapping in winter or buckling in summer.

• Solid parquet blocks: 5–7 days minimum in the installation room, loosely stacked or in open bundles. Some batches may need longer.
• Engineered parquet: 48–72 hours is typically sufficient, but always follow the manufacturer's specification.
• The room should be at normal living temperature (18–21°C) and humidity (40–60% RH) during acclimatisation and throughout the installation window.
• Do not bring timber in from an unheated van or cold storage and install it straight away.

Glue-down vs floating installation

Glue-down is the standard method for parquet and the one we recommend in most situations. The entire underside of the block or board is bonded to the subfloor with a flexible, moisture-tolerant adhesive. This eliminates hollow spots, reduces noise underfoot, and locks the pattern in place over time. It's the correct method for all solid parquet and for herringbone or chevron layouts in engineered products.

Floating (click-lock or loose-lay) is an option with some engineered parquet products in low-traffic areas. The floor is not bonded to the subfloor — it moves as a single floating layer. It is faster to install and easier to remove, but it does not suit patterned layouts well and can feel hollow underfoot in comparison to a fully bonded floor.

Parquet installation costs in London

Prices vary depending on the pattern, product, and subfloor condition. These are realistic ranges for London-based work:

• Engineered parquet, straight-lay or brick bond: typically £70–£100 per m² supply and fit
• Engineered parquet, herringbone or chevron: typically £85–£120 per m² supply and fit (pattern premium of 10–20% over straight-lay reflects additional setting-out, cutting, and waste)
• Solid parquet blocks, herringbone: from £100 per m² upwards, depending on species and board size
• Subfloor preparation: levelling compounds, DPM, and plywood overlaying are priced separately and depend on site conditions
• Waste allowance: budget for 15–20% extra material on herringbone and chevron patterns

We provide fixed quotes after a site visit — no estimates with hidden extras on the invoice.

Our installation process

1. Free site visit — we check the subfloor, confirm room measurements, discuss pattern direction and border options, and identify any prep work needed before installation.
2. Subfloor preparation — moisture checks, grinding or filling to achieve the required flatness, plywood overlaying on timber subfloors if required.
3. Acclimatisation period — timber is left in the room for the required period before installation begins.
4. Setting-out — centre lines are established, and the pattern is dry-laid before any adhesive is applied. This is where symmetry, border allowances, and cut positions are confirmed.
5. Installation — full glue-down using the correct adhesive for the product and subfloor. Blocks are laid in sequence from the centre lines outward.
6. Sanding and finishing (where required) — unfinished parquet is sanded flat and finished with oil or lacquer on site. Pre-finished products are protected and cleaned down after installation.
7. Borders, thresholds and skirting — feature borders are fitted, thresholds are installed at doorways, and expansion gaps are covered with appropriate beading or skirting.

Frequently asked questions

How much does parquet floor installation cost in London?

Supply and installation of engineered parquet typically runs £80–£120 per m² all-in for herringbone or chevron layouts. Straight-lay patterns are slightly less. Solid parquet starts from around £100 per m² and rises with the species and board dimensions. Subfloor preparation is priced separately based on site conditions.

What is the waste allowance for herringbone parquet?

Allow 15–20% extra material for herringbone and chevron patterns. The angled cuts at room perimeters, doorways, and alcoves produce significantly more offcuts than straight-lay flooring. Your fitter will confirm the exact allowance once the room is measured.

Should parquet be glued down or floated?

Full glue-down is the correct method for solid parquet and for all patterned engineered layouts. It gives a solid, hollow-free feel and keeps the pattern stable. Floating is only appropriate for certain engineered products in specific low-traffic applications — it is not suitable for traditional parquet blocks.

How long does parquet need to acclimatise?

Solid parquet blocks need a minimum of 5–7 days in the installation room before fitting. Engineered parquet typically needs 48–72 hours. The room must be at normal living temperature and humidity throughout the acclimatisation period. Don't rush this — it's one of the most common causes of post-installation movement.

What subfloor do you need for parquet?

The subfloor must be dry (no more than 75% RH for concrete), flat (within 3mm over 1.8m), clean, and structurally sound. Concrete with elevated moisture needs a DPM. Timber subfloors typically need a plywood overlay to provide a stable, flat base for the adhesive bond.

Can parquet be installed over underfloor heating?

Engineered parquet with a UFH rating can be installed over water-fed underfloor heating, provided the surface temperature doesn't exceed 27°C. Solid parquet blocks are more restricted — check the specific product's technical data sheet before proceeding. Electric mat systems are generally not suitable for solid timber.

Ready to get started? Call us on 020 8830 9782, email cs@flooringfirst.co.uk, or book a free site visit online. We cover all of London and can usually arrange a survey within a few days.