Wood Flooring Installation London
London homeowners choose wooden flooring as it is a mark of practicality and sophistication. From the Georgian townhouse in Kensington to a new build apartment in Canary Wharf, or a suburban house in Wimbledon, wood flooring installation London will instantly give your space character, warmth, endurance and timelessness.
But the key to a successful new floor is selecting the right materials, employing the right fitters and correct aftercare. This guide will take you through every step of the process, from choosing the right type of wood to caring for your floors for decades.
Why Install Wood Flooring London?
Aesthetic Appeal & Versatility
Wooden floors work well in both period and new properties. Options range from:
Standard oak (ideal for Victorian properties)
Streamlined walnut (perfect for modern lofts)
White or grey washed finishes (Scandinavian/minimalist styles)
Increases Property Value
Estate agents agree that wood-floored homes sell more quickly, and at higher prices – particularly in London’s battle-scarred market.
Durability & Longevity
A wood floor lasts 50+ years compared to carpets, which need replacing every 5-10 years.
Better Air Quality
Unlike carpets, wood won’t trap:
✔ Dust mites
✔ Pet dander
✔ Pollen
(Good for allergy sufferers!)
5. Easy to Clean & Maintain
- No more deep shampooing—just regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
- Spills wipe away easily (unlike carpet stains).
Types of Wood Flooring for London Homes
Solid Wood Flooring
Build: Single piece of solid wood (typically 18-22mm in height).
Best for: Traditional houses, long-term investments.
Common species: Oak, maple, walnut, cherry.
Pros:
✔ Can be sanded 5-6 times over its lifetime.
✔ Forms a deep patina with age.
✔ 100% natural (eco-friendly if sustainably harvested)
Cons:
✖ Can also warp in high humidity (that is not good for basements)
✖ Pricey (£40-£100+ per m²).
2. Engineered Wood Flooring
Construction: Real wood top layer (3-6mm) + plywood base
Best for: Flats — especially with underfloor heating — moisture-prone areas
Pros:
✔ More stable than solid wood (less swelling/shrinking).
✔ Compatible with underfloor heating (unlike solid wood).
✔ Average cost (£30-£80 per m²)
Cons:
✖ Can be sanded only 2-3 times (because of a thinner top layer)
Laminate Flooring
Material: High-density fibreboard + photographic wood.
Best for: Homeowners on a budget, rentals.
Pros:
✔ Most affordable (£10-£40 per m²).
✔ Scratch resistant (great for pets/kids).
✔ Do it yourself (click-lock systems).
Cons:
✖ Damage = replacement (not refaceable)
✖ Less authentic feel (no natural grain texture).
Cost Breakdown: Wood Flooring Installation London
Material Costs (per m²)
| Type | Low End | High End |
| Solid Wood | £40 | £100+ |
| Engineered Wood | £30 | £80 |
| Laminate | £10 | £40 |
Labour Costs (per m²)
- Basic installation: £10-£20
- Family-owned fitters (FWF-certified): £20-£40
- Complex jobs (patterned/herringbone): from £50
Additional Costs
- Preparing the subfloor: £5-£15/m²
- Underlay: £3-£10/m²
- Skirting/beading: £5-£20/m
Example for a 20m² room:
- Engineered wood, mid range (£50/m²) = £1,000
- Fitting by professional (£25/m²) = £500
- Underlay & prep = £200
- ✅ Total: ~£1,700
Tip: Always get itemised quotes to avoid hidden fees.
How to Choose the Right Wood Floor for Your London Home
Consider Your Lifestyle
- Pets/kids? Choose wood (oak/maple) or scratch-resistant laminate.
- High humidity? Steer clear of solid wood — engineered is safer.
Match Your Home’s Style
- Period features: Reclaimed oak, wide floorboards.
- Modern apartments: Sleek walnut, gray finishes.
Think About Maintenance
- Busy household? Laminate or lacquered wood (easier to wipe down)
- Want natural aging? Oiled solid wood (ages beautifully).
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Acclimatisation (48-72 Hours)
- Wood needs to acclimate to your home’s temperature/humidity in order to avoid warping.
Subfloor Preparation
- Concrete subfloors: Look for moisture (install a damp-proof membrane if necessary).
- Wooden subfloors: Make sure they’re level and strong.
Underlay Installation
- Sound impact foam underlay: great for noise reduction (flats/apartments).
- Thermal underlay: For heat underneath the floor.
Fitting the Floor
- Nail-down: Ideal for solid wood (conventional method).
- Floating: Engineered/laminate (easier, faster)
- Glue-down: For uneven or poorly prepared subfloors.
Finishing Touches
- Fit skirting boards/beading
- Fill small gaps with wood filler.
Finding the Best Wood Flooring Installers in London
Red Flags to Avoid
No physical address (vanity phone numbers only).
Demands full payment upfront.
No warranty or guarantees.
Top-Rated London Companies
The Wood Flooring Co. (Battersea) – Herringbone & parquet experts
London Floor Fitters — FWF-certified, 10-year guarantee; Mowise.
Eco Timber Group – Sustainable wood sourcing.
Pixels, wood flooring installation London + [your borough]Tip: Search for local expertise
DIY vs. Professional Installation
When to DIY
- Laminate flooring (if you’re handy).
- Small, simple rooms (no complex cuts).
Why Hire a Pro?
- Avoid costly mistakes (gaps, uneven floors).
- Proper tools & expertise (especially for solid wood).
- Warranty protection (most pros offer 5-10 years).Wood flooring installation london
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Floors
Daily/Weekly Care
- Sweep/vacuum (using a soft-bristle attachment).
- Immediate clean up of spills (water stains wood).
Monthly/Yearly Care
- Use wood-friendly cleaners (avoid vinegar/bleach).
- Reapply oil/lacquer every few years (solid wood).
Repairing Scratches
- Light scratches: Buff with walnut meat (natural remedy).
- Deeper Damage: Sand & Refinish (Solid/Engineered) Repairing Scratches
Final Thoughts
This is a smart decision provided that wood flooring installation London is done properly. Pick the right material, hire a reliable installer and care for your floors so you can appreciate their beauty for decades.
Ready to start? Find 3 local fitters and get your quotes today! Ready to start?
FAQ: Wood Flooring Installation London
How Much Does Wood Flooring Installation Cost London?
In London, wood flooring installation cost on average: from £50 to £100 per m² — including materials and labour. Solid wood is the priciest (£40-£100+/m²) and laminate low-budget (£10-£40/m²). But make sure to get a few quotes to ensure pricing accuracy.
What is the best quality wood flooring for British properties?
Engineered wood is best for most London properties — it’s stable, compatible with underfloor heating, and more resistant to humidity than solid wood. Solid oak is an authentic choice for period homes, while laminate works for rentals or well-priced projects.
How long does it take to install wood flooring in London?
Most installs are 1-3 days depending on room size and subfloor prep. Complex patterns (like herringbone) or whole-house projects can take a week.
The Published Price of Underfloor Heating or Underfloor Heating in London?
Yes! Engineered wood is the most suitable floor covering for underfloor heating — its planks have a layered construction that guards against warping. Do not use solid wood, because wood expands/contracts in temps.
Should I acclimatise wood flooring before I fit it?
Absolutely. Planks need to acclimatize in the room for 48-72 hours before fitting, so they can adjust to the humidity in your home. If you don’t do this step, you risk warping or gaps down the road.
