How Much Does a Herringbone Floor Cost in Ireland? (2026 Price Guide)


If you’re considering a herringbone floor, one of the first questions is usually how much it actually costs in Ireland — supply and fitted.
The honest answer is that herringbone flooring can vary widely in price depending on the material, installation method, and subfloor condition.

This guide breaks down realistic Irish prices and explains what actually affects the final cost, based on real installation experience rather than brochure figures.

The starting cost of herringbone flooring in Ireland (supply only)

Below are typical starting prices per m² for common herringbone flooring options available in Ireland. These figures cover supply only and don’t include installation or preparation.

Laminate herringbone (floated floor) — starting supply cost

Laminate herringbone floors are usually installed as a floating system, meaning the floor sits on an underlay rather than being glued down. This can reduce some subfloor requirements compared to glue-down options, though the floor still needs to be reasonably flat and dry.

Engineered wood herringbone (glue-down) — starting supply cost

Engineered herringbone is normally installed as a glue-down floor, which gives a solid feel underfoot but requires a much higher standard of subfloor preparation.

Solid wood herringbone (glue-down) — starting supply cost

Solid wood herringbone is a premium option. Like engineered, it is usually glue-down and demands careful moisture control and subfloor preparation to perform properly.

How much does it cost to install herringbone flooring?

Herringbone installation is more labour-intensive than standard plank floors due to the pattern, alignment, and additional cutting involved.

A typical starting figure for labour is:

  • Starts from €35 per m² for herringbone installation

This can increase depending on:

  • room layout
  • pattern complexity
  • subfloor condition
  • additional detailing such as borders or inlays

What affects the total cost of a herringbone floor?

1. Material choice

The biggest price difference usually comes from the material itself:

  • Laminate herringbone is the most affordable
  • Engineered and solid wood are more expensive and require glue-down installation

2. Pattern details and borders

Standard herringbone is the baseline.
If you add borders, inlays, or custom detailing, labour time increases and the overall cost can rise significantly.

3. Subfloor condition (often the biggest variable)

The subfloor plays a huge role in the final cost, especially for glue-down herringbone floors.

Before installation:

  • The subfloor must be at the correct moisture level
  • If moisture is too high, a liquid membrane may be required
  • Uneven subfloors may need:
    • levelling compound
    • grinding
    • additional preparation work

Laminate herringbone floors are floated and can tolerate minor imperfections better, but they still require a stable, reasonably flat surface.

4. Room size and waste

Herringbone layouts typically create slightly more waste than straight plank floors due to:

  • additional cuts
  • left and right boards
  • pattern alignment

Waste is often marginal, but it still needs to be factored into the total material quantity.

Extra costs people often don’t budget for

Many quotes differ because of site-specific extras. Common additional costs include:

  • Subfloor levelling (can be significant)
  • Adhesives (glue-down systems use expensive products)
  • Removal and disposal of existing flooring
  • Removing and refitting skirting boards
  • Trimming doors if floor height changes
  • Preparing suspended timber floors
    • gluing and screwing plywood
    • extra adhesive
    • additional labour and materials

In short, sometimes herringbone costs more because of the floor itself — and sometimes because of what’s underneath it.

Is herringbone flooring worth the extra cost?

Herringbone flooring is a striking option that adds character and a premium look to a space. When installed correctly, it can transform a room.

While it’s usually more expensive due to labour and preparation, it’s not always dramatically more expensive — particularly if the existing subfloor is already in good condition and the pattern is kept simple.

Frequently asked questions

Is herringbone flooring more expensive than plank flooring?

Usually yes, mainly due to higher labour and preparation requirements.

Does herringbone flooring add value to a home?

It can add perceived value and improve the overall finish of a space when installed properly.

Can herringbone flooring be laid over an existing floor?

Sometimes, but it depends on the existing surface, moisture levels, and flatness. In many cases, removing the old floor is the better long-term solution.

Is laminate herringbone a good alternative?

Laminate herringbone can be a good option for achieving the look at a lower price point, provided the subfloor is suitable.

Want an accurate price for your home?

The most reliable way to price a herringbone floor is with a site survey, as preparation requirements vary from job to job.

We offer site surveys for €50, deductible from the final flooring cost if you proceed with us.

If you’d like a quote, you can get in touch here

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