Costs of parquet flooring
Cost of laying parquet flooring 2026
Laying a parquet floor costs on average between €35 per m² for materials only and €175 per m² when you fully outsource it, including underlay and finishing. The installation of wooden planks is done either floating or glued, with factors such as the type of parquet, the surface area, and any preparatory work determining the final price. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of laying a parquet floor and what to look out for when choosing materials and a professional.
Table of Contents
- What is the cost of laying a parquet floor?
- Cost of parquet flooring per installation method
- Price-determining factors for a parquet floor
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the professional work when laying a parquet floor?
- How can you save on a parquet floor?
- Common problems with parquet floors
- Find the best professional for laying a parquet floor
- Frequently asked questions about laying parquet flooring
- Book a professional for laying a parquet floor
- Useful links
What is the cost of laying a parquet floor?
Fully outsourcing a parquet floor costs an average of €175 per m², including material, underlay, installation, and finishing. The hourly rate of a flooring specialist starts from €50 per hour, while only the installation work by a professional costs €40 per m². The total price depends on the type of parquet, the surface area, and any additional tasks such as installing skirting boards.
Parquet flooring material costs
| Component | Price per m² incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Solid oak parquet without installation and finishing | €35-40 |
| Solid oak parquet 10 mm thick sanded | €30-35 |
| Solid oak parquet 20 mm thick sanded | €50-60 |
| Veneer parquet with wooden top layer | €45-50 |
The choice of material largely determines the costs for a wooden floor. Solid oak parquet without finishing is the most affordable, while thicker sanded parquet costs more but also offers a longer lifespan. Veneer parquet combines a natural look with a lower price than fully solid wood.
Installation costs
| Component | Price per m² incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Professional costs for laying parquet | €40 |
| Installing underlay | €6 |
| Installing flat skirting boards | €2.50-4.50 |
| Installing high skirting boards | €6-8 |
In addition to the installation work itself, you must take into account extra costs such as the underlay and skirting boards. Some projects also require sanding and lacquering a wooden floor when you want to renovate existing parquet instead of replacing it.
All mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour. The costs for sanding and lacquering a wooden floor are calculated separately when necessary, usually between €25 and €40 per m². These costs depends on the condition of the floor and the number of finishing layers you wish to apply.
Cost of parquet flooring per installation method
The total price for laying parquet depends heavily on the chosen installation method. A floating parquet floor is faster to install and costs between €10 and €20 per m², while a glued parquet floor costs between €20 and €25 per m². For both floating and glued installation, the skirting boards also determine part of the total price.
| Installation method | Price per m² incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Laying floating parquet flooring | €10-20 |
| Laying glued parquet flooring | €20-25 |
| Type of skirting board | Price per m² incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Fitting flat skirting boards | €2.50-4.50 |
| Fitting high skirting boards | €8-10 |
Price-determining factors for a parquet floor
The total price for laying a parquet floor depends on several factors that influence both material costs and labour time. Below you can read which aspects determine the costs.
Type of parquet
Solid parquet has a lifespan of about 50 years and can be sanded three times, making it more expensive to purchase. Engineered parquet has a lifespan of 15 years and can be sanded once, which makes the costs lower. The difference in durability and maintenance options explains the price difference between both options.
Thickness of the wood
Parquet 20 mm thick costs between €50 and €60 per m², while parquet 10 mm thick costs between €30 and €35 per m². Thicker wood contains more material and offers more options for sanding, which increases the purchase price but also extends the total lifespan.
Installation method
Glued parquet costs between €20 and €25 per m², while floating installation costs between €10 and €20 per m². Glued installation requires more materials, such as glue and chips, and the installation takes more time because each plank is glued individually. This increases both material and labour costs.
Condition of the subfloor
If the subfloor is uneven or damaged, it must first be levelled before the parquet can be laid. This extra preparatory work costs time and material, which increases the total price. A flat subfloor, on the other hand, ensures a faster installation.
Surface area
With larger surface areas, the professional can work more efficiently because there is less stopping to measure and fit planks. This lowers the labour costs per m², making larger projects relatively more economical than small areas.
Type of skirting boards
High skirting boards cost between €8 and €10 per m², while flat skirting boards cost between €2.50 and €4.50 per m². High skirting boards require more material and more precise placement, which increases the price.
Finishing
Sanding, lacquering, or oiling are extra tasks that influence the total price. The costs for sanding and lacquering lie between €25 and €40 per m². When you want to renovate existing parquet instead of replacing it, you must take these costs into account. The number of finishing layers you want to apply determines the exact price.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. This is because professionals in urban areas have higher business costs, such as parking fees and longer travel times due to traffic, which is reflected in their rates.
Urgency versus planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. The professional must adjust their schedule and possibly postpone other jobs, which costs time and income. This is reflected in the rate for urgent assignments.
Weekend
Work at the weekend costs more than on weekdays. Professionals charge a surcharge for work outside regular working hours, as this limits their free time and deviates from standard planning.
Money-saving tips
Do not postpone tasks. Addressing small problems early prevents greater damage and higher costs later. Choose a local professional who can be on-site faster, limiting travel time and travel costs. Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible. This saves the professional time and lowers labour costs. Use a fair platform like Zoofy, where you know what you pay in advance without surprises and without call-out charges.
Additional costs and surcharges
Extra costs are situation-dependent. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- Urgency surcharge: A surcharge often applies to urgent jobs because the professional has to adjust their schedule
- Weekend surcharge: Work at the weekend is more expensive than during the week
- Installing underlay: Installing an underlay costs €6 per m² extra
- Levelling subfloor: When the subfloor is not level, it must first be levelled before the parquet can be laid
- Skirting boards: Flat skirting boards cost €2.50-4.50 per m², high skirting boards €8-10 per m²
- Finishing: The costs for sanding and lacquering are between €25 and €40 per m² when you want to renovate existing parquet
How does the professional work when laying a parquet floor?
Laying a parquet floor follows a fixed sequence of steps.
- Subfloor inspection: The professional checks if the subfloor is level. If necessary, the floor is first levelled with, for example, epoxy.
- Installing underlay: For floating installation, an underlay of foil is placed to absorb irregularities and dampen sound.
- Laying parquet: The wooden planks are clicked together in floating installation or glued to the subfloor. For herringbone or Hungarian point, gluing is mandatory. A glued floor sounds less hollow when walking across it than a floating floor.
- Sanding: After laying, the parquet is sanded for a smooth surface. Costs depend on the condition of the wood and the number of layers.
- Finishing: The floor is lacquered or oiled for protection and a beautiful appearance. Costs range between €25 and €40 per m².
- Installing skirting boards: Finally, the skirting boards are mounted. High skirting boards are glued to the wall, flat skirting boards are fixed to the floor.
How can you save on a parquet floor?
There are several ways to reduce the costs of a wooden floor without compromising on quality.
- Preventive maintenance: Regular maintenance prevents expensive renovations. Sand and lacquer your floor in time so you don't need a complete replacement later. Sanding and lacquering costs between €25 and €40 per m², which is much more economical than laying a new floor.
- Clear the workspace: Ensure the floor is clear and accessible before the professional arrives. This saves time and directly lowers labour costs.
- Choose the right time: Book during the week and in advance instead of at the weekend or with urgency. This prevents surcharges and keeps costs low.
- Do simple work yourself: You can install skirting boards or finish the floor yourself, saving labour costs. On average, 70% of the total price is labour.
- Consider renovation: Already have parquet? Renovation by sanding and lacquering is often cheaper than replacement.
- Book through Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common problems with parquet floors
Problems with parquet floors often arise from moisture, wear, or incorrect maintenance.
Moisture under the floor
Moisture from the subfloor pulls into the wood and causes expansion, causing planks to creak or lift. This mainly happens with an insufficient moisture barrier or leakage. A glued floor suffers less from this than a floating parquet floor because the glue provides extra protection.
Worn top layer
Through intensive use, the protective layer wears out, exposing the wood directly to dirt and moisture. This accelerates further damage and increases the costs for renovation if you wait too long.
Find the best professional for laying a parquet floor
Laying a parquet floor requires craftsmanship to guarantee a smooth and durable result.
- No call-out charges: At Zoofy, you never pay extra for the professional's arrival, regardless of the distance or accessibility of your home.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the job costs beforehand, without surprises on the final bill.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Book a professional directly without having to request quotes first, allowing you to start your project faster.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay after the job has been completed to your satisfaction, providing certainty about the quality of the work delivered.
- Reliable, verified professionals: Only professional flooring specialists are affiliated with Zoofy with an average score of 9.2, ensuring you expert work.
- Clear hourly rate: The hourly rate of a flooring specialist via Zoofy starts from €50 per hour.
- Transparency about all costs: For renovation, the costs for sanding and lacquering are between €25 and €40 per m², which you know in advance without hidden surcharges.
Frequently asked questions about laying parquet flooring
What does a parquet floor cost per m² including installation?
Fully outsourcing costs an average of €175 per m², including material, underlay, installation, and finishing. Installation work alone by a professional costs €40 per m². The total price depends on the type of parquet and any additional tasks.
What does real parquet cost per m²?
Solid oak parquet without installation and finishing costs between €35 and €40 per m². Veneer parquet with a wooden top layer is between €45 and €50 per m². Thicker sanded parquet of 20 mm costs €50-60 per m².
What is the difference between solid parquet and engineered parquet?
Solid parquet consists of one piece of wood, can be sanded 3 times, and lasts up to 50 years. Engineered parquet is made of several layers, can be sanded 1 time, and lasts about 15 years.
What is cheaper: floating or glued parquet installation?
Floating installation costs €10-20 per m², gluing costs €20-25 per m². Floating installation requires fewer materials and less time, making it more economical.
Is parquet more expensive than laminate?
Yes, parquet is more expensive to purchase but lasts longer and can be sanded several times. Laminate is cheaper but cannot be renovated and has a shorter lifespan.
What is the difference between a wooden floor and parquet?
Parquet is a type of wooden floor with specific characteristics such as thickness and layer construction. Solid wood floors are thicker and consist of one piece of wood, while parquet often has multiple layers.
Can I take a floating parquet floor with me when moving house?
Yes, floating parquet can be moved. Note: a floating floor often falls under your contents insurance instead of buildings insurance.
What does it cost to renovate a parquet floor?
The costs for sanding and lacquering are between €25 and €40 per m². This is more economical than laying a complete new floor when you have existing parquet that is still in good condition.
Is floor renovation an alternative to a new floor?
Yes, renovation through sanding and lacquering is often cheaper than replacement. The costs are lower than a new installation, especially for parquet that is still structurally sound.
Is a parquet floor suitable for damp rooms?
No, parquet is not suitable for damp rooms such as bathrooms. The wood can expand and be damaged by moisture, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
Book a professional for laying a parquet floor
Ready to have a parquet floor installed? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You will see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable professional who has been verified. You only pay once the work is done.