London has some of the finest herringbone parquet in the country, from Edwardian mansion flats in South Kensington to interwar houses in Hampstead and Dulwich. Properly restored, these floors are genuinely spectacular. The restoration process, though, is meaningfully more complex than standard sanding and needs a contractor with real, specific experience.
What Is Herringbone Parquet?
Herringbone parquet consists of rectangular blocks arranged in a V-shaped zigzag, each block laid perpendicular to the next to form the characteristic interlocking pattern. Traditional London examples are typically oak, though beech, teak, and pine versions exist. Blocks generally run 230mm to 300mm long, 70mm to 90mm wide, and 20mm to 22mm thick.
The style was popular in London roughly from the 1890s through the 1950s, installed widely in high-end residential buildings, hotels, and institutional buildings of the era. Surviving domestic examples are increasingly prized today.
Assessing The Condition Of Your Floor
A thorough assessment comes before any quote or work begins:
- How many blocks are loose, raised, or missing.
- Whether any blocks show beetle damage or rot.
- The remaining wood thickness above the tongue, which determines how much material is left for sanding.
- Whether the original bitumen adhesive is still bonding effectively, or has failed across significant areas.
- The extent of any staining, particularly near windows or doorways.
A genuine specialist spends 20 to 30 minutes on this assessment before quoting. Be cautious of anyone willing to quote without inspecting the floor in person.
The Restoration Process
Herringbone restoration is a multi-stage process, typically taking two to four days for a medium-sized room.
Stage one: block repair and rebonding. Loose blocks are removed, old adhesive cleaned away, and blocks re-laid with a modern adhesive suited to wooden block floors, products like Mapei Ultrabond P990 or SikaBond-54 Parquet are commonly used. Missing blocks need sourcing and matching, and for older London floors, architectural salvage yards can be a genuinely good source of matching period oak blocks.
Stage two: sanding. Herringbone needs a different approach entirely from strip floor sanding. Initial passes go diagonally to the pattern, levelling the blocks without catching their edges, and an experienced operator adjusts machine pressure and angle continuously throughout. Edge work needs particular care, since rotary edge sanders can damage corner blocks if not handled properly.
Stage three: finishing. Oil finishes enhance the wood's natural character and allow easier local repairs. Hard-wax oil from Osmo is a popular choice, giving good protection while keeping an authentic period appearance. For heavier use or where water resistance genuinely matters, a hard-wearing lacquer from Bona offers excellent durability instead.
How Much Does Herringbone Restoration Cost In London?
This is among the more expensive floor work you'll commission, reflecting the genuine skill and time involved. Realistic 2026 figures:
- Good condition floor, oil finish, medium room (20-25m²): £1,200 to £1,800.
- Floor requiring significant block replacement and re-adhesion: £1,800 to £3,500.
- Large reception room (40m²+) with full restoration: £3,000 to £6,000+.
These reflect both the specialist skill premium for herringbone work specifically and London's higher baseline labour costs generally. Given the quality and heritage value of original London parquet, the investment is generally justified for a floor worth saving.
Finding A Genuine London Parquet Specialist
Not every floor sanding company has real herringbone expertise. Worth asking directly about the number of herringbone restoration projects a contractor has actually completed, and asking to see photographs of finished work. Bona's certified craftsman directory and the Contract Flooring Association are both worth checking. Word of mouth from architectural salvage dealers and period property specialists can also be genuinely valuable, these professionals often know exactly which contractors do the best restoration work locally.
Herringbone Parquet Restoration: Common Questions
Why does herringbone parquet cost more to restore than standard boards?
The diagonal sanding technique, careful edge work around corner blocks, and any block re-bonding or replacement all require genuinely specialist skill and time that standard board sanding doesn't.
What adhesive is used to re-bond loose herringbone blocks?
Modern moisture-curing polyurethane adhesives, products like Mapei Ultrabond P990 or SikaBond-54 Parquet are commonly used, replacing the original bitumen adhesive that's often failed over the decades.
How do I find matching blocks if some are missing or damaged?
Architectural salvage yards are often the best source for period-matched oak blocks, particularly for older London floors where the original species or cut isn't readily available new.
Is oil or lacquer the better finish for restored herringbone parquet?
It depends on use. Hard-wax oil suits the authentic period look and allows easier local repairs, while a hard-wearing lacquer offers more durability and water resistance for heavier-use rooms.
If you're considering fitting new parquet elsewhere in your property, or need ongoing floor re-oiling advice for a restored floor, call us on 020 7036 0625 or request a free site visit.
