Costs of sanding a wooden floor
Costs of hardwood flooring 2026
The installation of a hardwood floor costs on average between €10 and €25 per square metre, depending on the type of wood, the installation method, and any preparatory work such as floor levelling. In this job, solid wood or engineered wood is placed floating or glued and finished with skirting boards. In this price guide, you can read what a hardwood floor costs and what to look out for in your situation.
Table of Contents
- What does it cost to install a hardwood floor?
- Hardwood flooring costs per type of work
- Price-determining factors for a hardwood floor
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the professional work when installing a hardwood floor?
- How can you save on a hardwood floor?
- Find the best professional for a hardwood floor
- Frequently asked questions about hardwood floors
- Book a professional for a hardwood floor
- Useful links
What does it cost to install a hardwood floor?
Installing a hardwood floor costs on average between €10 and €25 per square metre, depending on the installation method. Floating installation is cheaper than glued installation, and the price includes 21% VAT and labour. In more complex situations, costs for floor levelling of €8 to €15 per square metre may be added.
Overview of hardwood floor prices
| Type of work | Costs |
|---|---|
| Floating hardwood floor installation | €10 to €18 per m² |
| Glued hardwood floor installation | €18 to €25 per m² |
| Installing high skirting boards | €8 to €10 per linear metre |
| Installing flat skirting boards | €3 to €6 per linear metre |
The table shows that the difference between floating and glued installation is significant. The installation of skirting boards is calculated separately based on the chosen height and the number of linear metres.
These prices are indicative and based on previously completed jobs at Zoofy. On an uneven substrate, additional levelling costs may be factored in. The affiliated professionals assess whether levelling is necessary during the intake meeting, so you know where you stand in advance. If you are considering a PVC floor alongside a hardwood floor, the costs often lie between €8 and €15 per square metre. All mentioned costs for a hardwood floor include VAT and labour, but exclude material costs such as the wood itself.
Hardwood flooring costs per type of work
The costs for a hardwood floor differ per installation method and type of finish. Floating installation is the cheapest option and costs between €10 and €18 per square metre, while glued installation is more expensive but offers a sturdier bond and costs between €18 and €25 per square metre. On an uneven substrate, costs for floor levelling of €8 to €15 per square metre may be added. These levelling costs are always calculated separately, as not every substrate requires preparatory work.
| Type of work | Costs |
|---|---|
| Floating hardwood floor installation | €10 to €18 per m² |
| Glued hardwood floor installation | €18 to €25 per m² |
| Installing high skirting boards | €8 to €10 per linear metre |
| Installing flat skirting boards | €3 to €6 per linear metre |
Price-determining factors for a hardwood floor
The total price for a hardwood floor is determined by several factors. Some influence the labour time, others the complexity of the job. Below you can read what brings the price up or down.
Installation method
Floating installation costs between €10 and €18 per square metre and is cheaper because the planks are laid on an underlay without the floor needing to be perfectly flat. Glued installation costs between €18 and €25 per square metre and requires a completely level substrate. If the existing floor is not flat enough, levelling costs are added. These range between €8 and €15 per square metre, depending on the degree of levelling.
Floor type
Solid wood is more expensive than engineered wood, but lasts up to 50 years compared to 15 years for engineered wood. Solid wood consists of one continuous layer of wood, while engineered wood has a top layer on a carrier material. The extra investment means less maintenance in the long term.
Type of skirting board
A high skirting board costs between €8 and €10 per linear metre, a flat skirting board between €3 and €6 per linear metre. High skirting boards cover more space and require more material and finishing. Flat skirting boards are faster to install and use less material.
Room shape
Simple rooms with straight corners are faster to lay. Rooms with alcoves, corners, or doorways require more cutting work and coordination, which increases the labour time per square metre.
Accessibility
Hard-to-reach spaces cost more because carrying materials takes extra time. In an upper-floor flat without a lift or a basement with a narrow staircase, transport takes longer, which directly affects the price.
Urgency versus planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. The professional adjusts their schedule to be available quickly, which entails a higher hourly rate.
Weekend
Work at the weekend costs more than on weekdays. Weekend work requires flexibility from the professional and is therefore calculated with a surcharge.
Required materials
The type of wood directly influences the total price. Pine is the cheapest, while teak and merbau are more expensive due to the availability and durability of the wood. For a floor that needs to be sanded and lacquered, the costs for sanding and lacquering parquet are added on top.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas. The difference is due to higher parking costs, travel time, and the general price level.
Cost-saving tips
Do not postpone jobs. Fixing small problems is more economical than repairing major damage. If levelling is necessary, it is better to do it immediately than to start over later.
Choose a local professional. Local professionals can be on-site faster and charge lower travel costs. At Zoofy, you are automatically matched with someone from the neighbourhood.
Good preparation and accessibility reduce labour time. Ensure the workspace is clear, furniture is moved, and the professional can start immediately.
Use a fair platform. At Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without surprises. Prices are clear and the affiliated professionals work with fixed rates.
Additional costs and surcharges
Additional costs depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges.
- Urgency surcharge: applies to urgent jobs because the professional must adjust their schedule for quick availability.
- Weekend surcharge: applies when you have the job performed at the weekend instead of on weekdays.
- Installing high skirting boards: costs €8 to €10 per linear metre and is calculated as additional work.
- Installing flat skirting boards: costs €3 to €6 per linear metre.
- Floor levelling costs: between €8 and €15 per square metre are added when the substrate is not flat enough for glued installation.
How does the professional work when installing a hardwood floor?
The installation of a hardwood floor follows a fixed step-by-step plan, where each phase has its own function.
- Preparation: The professional inspects the substrate and determines if levelling is necessary. For glued installation, the floor must be completely flat, which may add levelling costs of €8 to €15 per square metre. For floating installation, the requirements are less strict.
- Underlay: A foam or underlay is applied for insulation and sound dampening. This is especially important for floating installation, as the floor does not rest directly on the substrate.
- Installation: The hardwood floor is installed according to the chosen method. In floating installation, the parts are clicked together; in glued installation, they are attached to the substrate with adhesive. The professional allows for expansion space along the edges.
- Finishing: Skirting boards are placed to finish the edges. You can choose between high skirting boards (€8 to €10 per linear metre) or flat skirting boards (€3 to €6 per linear metre). If the floor needs to be sanded and lacquered, separate costs will follow later.
A standard living room can be laid in one to two days. Ensure the space is empty and freely accessible.
How can you save on a hardwood floor?
There are several ways to save costs when installing a hardwood floor.
- Choose floating installation: Floating installation costs between €10 and €18 per square metre, while glued installation costs between €18 and €25 per square metre. With floating installation, you do not need levelling costs as the floor does not need to be completely flat.
- Choose flat skirting boards: Flat skirting boards cost €3 to €6 per linear metre, high skirting boards cost €8 to €10 per linear metre. The difference saves significantly in larger rooms.
- Good preparation: Clear the room and ensure free access. The professional can start immediately, which saves labour time.
- Plan on weekdays: Avoid weekend and urgency surcharges by planning the job on weekdays. This keeps the costs for a hardwood floor within budget.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the completion of the job.
Find the best professional for a hardwood floor
Installing a hardwood floor requires professional knowledge to prevent problems such as misalignment or noise nuisance.
- No call-out charges: You never pay call-out charges, regardless of the distance the professional has to travel.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what you pay for laying the floor, without surprises afterwards.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Book a professional directly and choose a time, without long waiting times.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is completely finished and you are satisfied with the result.
- Reliable, checked professionals: All affiliated professionals are thoroughly screened for professional knowledge and reliability.
- Assessment of the substrate: The professional determines whether levelling is necessary during the intake meeting, so you know where you stand in advance.
If you start without experience and later have to call in a specialist, it costs significantly more than choosing a professional right away. In more complex situations, levelling costs of €8 to €15 per square metre may be added, but these are always discussed in advance.
Frequently asked questions about hardwood floors
What does a hardwood floor cost including installation?
Costs lie between €10 and €25 per square metre, depending on the installation method. Floating installation is cheaper than glued installation. For an uneven substrate, levelling costs of €8 to €15 per square metre may be added.
What does it cost to lay 100 m² of flooring?
For 100 square metres, you pay between €1,000 and €2,500, excluding material costs. The price depends on the installation method and any levelling costs if the substrate is not flat enough.
Is a hardwood floor more expensive than a PVC floor?
Yes, a hardwood floor costs between €10 and €25 per square metre, while a PVC floor costs between €8 and €15 per square metre. However, a hardwood floor lasts longer.
What does an oak floor cost per m²?
Oak is one of the more expensive wood types. Installation costs remain between €10 and €25 per square metre, but the material itself is more expensive than pine.
What is the difference between floating and glued installation?
In floating installation, the planks lie loose on an underlay and this costs €10 to €18 per square metre. In glued installation, they are glued to the substrate and this costs €18 to €25 per square metre.
Does the floor need to be levelled for a hardwood floor?
With glued installation, a completely flat substrate is necessary, which may add levelling costs of €8 to €15 per square metre. This is usually not necessary for floating installation.
How long does a hardwood floor last?
A solid hardwood floor lasts up to 50 years with good maintenance. Engineered wood has a shorter lifespan of average 15 years.
Can a hardwood floor go over underfloor heating?
Yes, a hardwood floor can be well combined with underfloor heating. The professional takes expansion space for the heat into account when laying the floor.
What do skirting boards cost?
High skirting boards cost €8 to €10 per linear metre, flat skirting boards cost €3 to €6 per linear metre. The difference saves significantly in larger rooms.
Do I pay call-out charges at Zoofy?
No, at Zoofy you never pay call-out charges. You get a fixed price in advance and pay only after completion of the job via QR code.
Book a professional for a hardwood floor
Ready to have a hardwood floor installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs in advance, and Zoofy pairs you with a reliable professional who has been checked. You only pay once the work is done. Book a professional directly.