This Fulham property required the installation of herringbone parquet flooring throughout the ground floor reception rooms. The owners wanted to restore the character of their Victorian townhouse with period-appropriate flooring that would complement the original cornicing and fireplaces. Our fitting team completed the work over four weeks, including all preparation, laying, and finishing.
Work carried out
- Removal of existing laminate flooring
- Preparation and levelling of concrete subfloor
- Installation of herringbone pattern parquet blocks
- Sanding and finishing with three coats of matte lacquer
- Skirting board reinstallation
- Final inspection and quality sign-off
About the project
The clients had inherited a 1880s townhouse with good bones but decades of neglect. The ground floor consisted of two reception rooms knocked through into one large entertaining space, approximately 45 square metres. The existing laminate flooring was worn through to the substrate in several places, and the subfloor beneath showed signs of minor movement where the floorboards had originally run. We needed to establish a completely level base before laying the new parquet.
Our approach involved three stages. First, we carefully removed the old flooring and inspected the underlying structure. We found the original timber joists were sound but would need modern support where Victorian repairs had been made. We installed a self levelling compound across the entire floor to eliminate the natural settlement patterns. Once cured, we then commenced the herringbone layout, working from the centre point outward to ensure balanced cuts at the perimeter. The final stage involved two days of sanding followed by hand finishing between coats. The owners lived on the upper floors throughout, and we managed dust containment using portable barriers and HEPA filtration during sanding.
About our Fulham, SW6 service
Fulham remains one of London's most sought after residential postcodes, and we work regularly on properties across the area. The neighbourhood consists largely of Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, many converted into flats, alongside newer mansion blocks and contemporary developments. Ground floor reception rooms in period properties often present similar challenges to this project, with uneven subfloors and the need to work around original features like fireplaces, bay windows, and ceiling heights that affect layout decisions.
Parquet fitting in Fulham typically suits owners restoring period character rather than pursuing modern minimalism. We commonly encounter original timber floors that have been covered over, and many clients choose to reinstate them using herringbone or chevron patterns that were traditional to the era. Other properties have concrete ground floors, particularly where basements have been dug out or kitchens extended, requiring engineered flooring solutions. Our experience across Fulham's building stock means we understand the practical constraints of working in these homes, from narrow hallways that require careful measurement before material delivery through to navigating listed building restrictions where they apply.
Frequently asked questions
How long does herringbone parquet fitting typically take?
A straightforward installation across 40 to 50 square metres takes between two and three weeks. This includes preparation, laying, sanding, and finishing coats. Complexity increases with room shape, number of cuts needed at perimeters, and any structural preparation required underneath. For the Fulham project, the concrete subfloor preparation added an extra week to the schedule.
What preparation is needed before parquet fitting can begin?
The subfloor must be structurally sound, clean, and level to within 3 millimetres across any two metres. For timber joists, we check for movement and repair as needed. Concrete requires checking moisture content to ensure it sits below 75 percent relative humidity before we lay any flooring. We remove old coverings entirely and address any obvious defects. The room should be clear of furniture and access must be available for deliveries and removal of waste.
What does parquet finishing cost and how is it protected?
Fitting herringbone parquet typically ranges from £35 to £60 per square metre depending on pattern complexity and subfloor condition. Finishing, including sanding and three protective coats, costs roughly £25 to £45 per square metre. We apply matte or satin lacquer as standard, which provides durable protection for domestic use. Owners should expect to recoat high traffic areas every four to five years to maintain appearance and protection.
