What Does Wood Floor Fitting Cost in the UK?
The cost of fitting a wood floor in a UK property varies considerably depending on the type of floor, the subfloor condition, and the region. This guide gives realistic price ranges for 2026, covering everything from basic floating engineered board installation to specialist parquet laying.
Engineered Wood Boards: Fitting Costs
Engineered wood is the most widely fitted type of wood flooring in UK homes today. It is available in planks ranging from around 90mm wide to over 300mm, and in thicknesses from 14mm to 21mm.
- Fitting only (floating): £10 to £18 per square metre
- Fitting only (glued): £14 to £22 per square metre
- Supply and fit (mid-range boards): £45 to £80 per square metre
- Supply and fit (premium wide-plank boards): £80 to £150 per square metre
Floating installation is faster and less labour-intensive than gluing. Gluing gives a more solid result underfoot and is better suited to rooms with underfloor heating.
Solid Hardwood: Fitting Costs
Solid hardwood is more demanding to fit than engineered board, requiring secret nailing to a timber subfloor or gluing to concrete with additional preparation. Fitting costs are higher to reflect this:
- Fitting only: £18 to £30 per square metre
- Supply and fit (standard oak): £65 to £110 per square metre
- Supply and fit (premium species, wide plank): £100 to £200 per square metre
Parquet and Patterned Floors
Herringbone and chevron patterns take significantly longer to lay than straight-run planks due to the preparation, cutting waste, and precise alignment required.
- Engineered herringbone parquet, supply and fit: £45 to £85 per square metre
- Solid parquet blocks, supply and fit: £60 to £120 per square metre
- Fitting only for herringbone: £20 to £35 per square metre
Additional Costs to Factor In
The base fitting price rarely tells the whole story. Common additional costs include:
- Subfloor preparation: levelling compound for concrete (£10 to £20 per m²), additional plywood deck (£12 to £18 per m²)
- Sanding and finishing after fitting: £25 to £45 per m² for unfinished boards
- Underlay: £3 to £8 per m² depending on type
- Threshold strips and beading: £15 to £40 per doorway or room edge
- Removal and disposal of existing flooring: £8 to £15 per m²
Regional Variation
Wood floor fitting costs are higher in London and the South East than in the rest of the UK. Contractors in the capital typically charge 20 to 40 percent more than the national average for the same work. This reflects higher overheads, travel time, and market rates. Outside London, fitting costs in cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol are closer to the mid-range of the figures above.
Getting the Best Value
Getting multiple quotes is the most effective way to ensure fair pricing. Ask each contractor to itemise the quote so you can compare like for like. A lower headline price may not include subfloor preparation or finishing, so always clarify what is and is not included.
Choosing a fitter who is experienced with your specific floor type matters. Herringbone parquet fitted by someone more familiar with straight-run boards is more likely to have alignment issues. Ask to see examples of their work in similar properties and check reviews from recent customers.
