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Parquet flooring has returned to Dublin’s design scene with fresh energy, blending timeless elegance with modern practicality and winning the hearts of both homeowners and business owners across the city.
Why Dublin is Falling in Love With Parquet Again
Walk into a restored Georgian townhouse in Rathmines, a slick Docklands apartment, or even a boutique on Grafton Street, and you might spot it — the distinctive geometry of parquet flooring. This centuries-old craft is making a strong comeback in Dublin, not just as a design statement but as a smart investment in durability and property value.
At FBS Flooring, we’ve witnessed how the right parquet can transform a space — adding warmth, depth, and a touch of sophistication that carpets and standard planks simply can’t match. Beyond its beauty, parquet carries the charm of tradition and the promise of longevity, making it as practical as it is stylish.
What Exactly is Parquet Flooring?
Parquet isn’t just wood underfoot — it’s craftsmanship in geometric form. Instead of long, continuous planks, parquet floors are built from small blocks or strips of wood arranged in repeating patterns. The technique took root in 16th-century France and gradually spread throughout Europe, finding a natural home in Dublin’s grandest interiors.
Today, you’ll find three main varieties:
- Solid wood parquet – Crafted from single pieces of hardwood. Unmatched in authenticity, though more sensitive to moisture changes.
- Engineered parquet – Built with multiple layers and a hardwood veneer. This is a top choice for Dublin’s occasionally damp climate, offering stability without losing character.
- Laminate parquet – A cost-effective option with a printed design layer, perfect for rentals, budget-friendly renovations, or low-traffic areas.
The patterns range from the ever-popular herringbone and chevron to intricate basket weaves. Some businesses even commission custom designs incorporating brand logos into the flooring — a subtle way to leave an impression.
Why Parquet Works So Well in Dublin Homes & Businesses
1. A Design Classic That Never Dates
Whether it’s golden oak for a snug family room or rich walnut for a boardroom, parquet lifts an interior instantly. Its rhythmic patterns create a sense of order, while the natural variations in the wood bring warmth and personality.
2. Built for Dublin’s Climate
Humidity swings can be the undoing of some wooden floors. Engineered parquet, in particular, stands up to Dublin’s mix of cool, damp winters and mild summers without warping or gapping.
3. Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Lifespan
A good parquet floor isn’t a short-term purchase — it’s a 50-year investment. Keep it clean with regular sweeping, avoid soaking it during mopping, and refinish when it starts to lose its sheen.
4. Adds Real Value to Property
Estate agents across Dublin agree: parquet sells. Buyers recognise the craftsmanship and know it’s a feature that will stand the test of time.
5. A Sustainable Choice
From reclaimed timber to FSC-certified hardwoods, parquet can be part of a green renovation plan. Pair it with low-VOC finishes, and you’ve got a floor that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your home.
Popular Parquet Styles & Patterns in Dublin
Parquet flooring in Dublin isn’t only about hard-wearing surfaces—it’s about character. From Georgian townhouses to glass-fronted penthouses, the right pattern can change the mood of a room entirely. At FBS Flooring, we spend time helping clients match patterns to their home’s architecture, furnishings, and the atmosphere they want to create.
1. Herringbone Parquet
Herringbone remains Dublin’s all-time favourite, and for good reason. Its neat, angled layout of slim rectangular blocks creates a refined, rhythmic flow that has been charming European homes for centuries. Whether it’s running through a high-ceilinged Ballsbridge drawing room or a minimalist apartment in Smithfield, herringbone adds a timeless elegance that never looks forced.
2. Chevron Parquet
While it may look similar at first glance, chevron has its own personality. Each board is cut at an angle so the pattern forms clean, continuous ‘V’ shapes, giving a sleeker and more directional feel. It’s a bold choice that works especially well in airy loft apartments or high-spec office suites where a modern edge is part of the brief.
Image suggestion: Wide chevron pattern in walnut wood.
Alt text: “Walnut chevron parquet flooring in a modern Dublin apartment.”
3. Basket Weave
Basket weave brings a sense of crafted detail to a floor. By interlacing short strips of timber, it creates the illusion of a woven surface—a look that feels both tactile and welcoming. This style is a natural fit for entrance halls, cosy dining spaces, or independent boutiques where the floor is part of the overall experience.
4. Versailles Panels
For those who like their interiors with a flourish of grandeur, Versailles panels are in a league of their own. Their square frames, filled with intricate geometric arrangements, borrow directly from French palace design. In Dublin, they’re often chosen for formal dining rooms or luxury hotel settings where first impressions really matter.
Choosing the Right Parquet Materials & Finishes
Pattern is only half the story—the wood itself dictates much of the look and feel.
- Oak – A go-to for Dublin homes thanks to its strength, versatility, and wide tonal range. Whether left natural or stained, oak works in both traditional and modern interiors.
- Walnut – Known for its deep, velvety brown shades, walnut adds an instant touch of prestige and warmth.
- Maple – Light in tone and smooth in texture, maple brightens spaces and fits perfectly in Nordic-inspired designs.
- Exotic Woods – Teak, mahogany, and merbau bring rare colours and grains, though they tend to be more expensive and require careful sourcing.
Finish options matter just as much:
- Lacquer – Glossy, hard-wearing, and easy to maintain.
- Oil – Enhances the natural character of the grain with a soft, matte finish, and can be touched up locally if needed.
- Hardwax Oil – A hybrid approach that blends the rich look of oil with the protective benefits of wax.
Parquet Flooring Costs in Dublin (2025)
In Dublin, parquet costs can shift considerably depending on the timber, the pattern’s complexity, and how much preparation is needed before laying the floor. At FBS Flooring, we keep pricing transparent so clients know exactly what’s included.
Average supply + installation prices:
- Engineered Oak Herringbone – €75 to €110 per m²
- Chevron Walnut – €95 to €140 per m²
- Solid Oak Basket Weave – €120 to €160 per m²
- Versailles Panels – €140 to €200 per m²
What affects the price:
- Quality of the material – Premium hardwood naturally commands higher rates.
- Labour intensity – Detailed designs take more time and skill.
- Subfloor work – Levelling, damp-proofing, or adapting for underfloor heating all add to the cost.
- Scale – Larger jobs can reduce the price per square metre.
Internal link suggestion: Link to your Products page to showcase available parquet options.
Choosing the Right Parquet Flooring Installer in Dublin
Pick the wrong installer, and your parquet floor could be creaking, gapping, or losing its lustre long before its time. Pick the right one, and it becomes a centrepiece that lasts decades.
Why FBS Flooring Has Earned Dublin’s Trust
In Dublin, parquet isn’t just flooring, it’s a statement. And at FBS Flooring, we’ve built our name on getting that statement exactly right. Step inside a restored Georgian townhouse off Merrion Square or a penthouse in Docklands, and you might be walking on our work.
We don’t just “fit” floors; we treat them like bespoke joinery. Every job begins with a conversation, not a sales pitch. We’ll look at your subfloor, your lighting, even how you use the space, before suggesting a single plank. From adhesives to underlays, every material is chosen for durability and performance — not the lowest quote.
Clients often tell us they feel at ease during the process. That’s not by accident. Our team knows parquet installation can be disruptive, so we work with clean, methodical precision and keep you in the loop until the final sweep.
How to Spot a True Professional
A good parquet installer leaves no guesswork. Here’s what separates the seasoned pros from the rest:
- Pattern fluency – Herringbone, chevron, Versailles… these aren’t just designs; they’re disciplines.
- Proof of work – A photo portfolio shows not only skill but an understanding of proportion and room flow.
- Credentials and cover – Insurance and proper certification aren’t “extras”; they’re non-negotiables.
- Numbers on paper – A written breakdown avoids “surprise” charges and keeps everyone on the same page.
Many homeowners in Dublin are surprised how quickly bad workmanship reveals itself — uneven lines, gaps, or finishes that peel in months. That’s why getting it right the first time matters.
What Really Happens During Installation
Most people never see the hours of work that go into a parquet floor before it shines underfoot. Here’s the real flow:
Initial Visit & Design Chat
We don’t just measure; we listen. Is your home prone to damp? Do you have pets? Are you after a period look or a modern feel? The answers shape everything that follows.
Getting the Base Right
No subfloor is perfect. Some need levelling; others demand a full damp-proof membrane. Skip this stage, and even the best parquet will fail.
The Pattern Comes Alive
Laying parquet is equal parts geometry and craft. Chalk lines, precise cuts, adhesive spread just so — it’s slow, deliberate work. Each block locks the next into place like a puzzle.
Finishing Touches
The sanding smooths away microscopic edges; the finish — whether oil, lacquer, or hardwax — brings depth and protection.
The Wait
Depending on your chosen finish, you might tiptoe around your new floor for a day or two. Heavy furniture waits a week — patience that pays off in longevity.
Keeping Your Parquet Beautiful for Decades
Parquet rewards those who care for it — but that care isn’t complicated.
- Daily: Sweep or vacuum to keep grit from scratching the surface.
- Spills: Wipe immediately; wood and moisture are not friends.
- Monthly: A quick pass with a barely-damp microfibre mop and wood-safe cleaner keeps the finish fresh.
- Long-term: Re-oil or re-wax as needed; sand and refinish every decade or so, depending on wear.
Dublin’s Quirks — And How We Handle Them
Moisture & Climate
Anyone who’s lived through a Dublin winter knows the damp. That’s why engineered parquet is often our first suggestion. It’s more stable under fluctuating humidity, especially with a proper vapour barrier.
Older Homes
From terraced houses in Portobello to red-brick semis in Drumcondra, uneven subfloors are common. We can level them and, if needed, integrate insulation or underfloor heating without compromising the wood.
Sustainable Choices
For eco-minded clients, we source FSC-certified and reclaimed wood. That way, your floor can have both history and a lighter environmental footprint.
Where to Buy Parquet Flooring in Dublin
Choosing parquet flooring isn’t just about picking a pattern you like. The real difference lies in finding a supplier who can balance quality materials, a range of styles, and a service you can rely on. While larger DIY outlets may seem appealing for their lower prices, specialist stores usually offer better craftsmanship, more design options, and guidance that can save you from costly mistakes down the line.
FBS Flooring – Dublin’s Trusted Parquet Supplier
FBS Flooring has built its reputation on pairing quality products with skilled installation. Step into their showroom and you’ll see everything from timeless herringbone and elegant chevron to basket weave and fully customised layouts, available in a variety of wood types. Each client gets a personal design consultation, ensuring the floor suits both their space and lifestyle. Pricing is straightforward, and the installation team works with precision, making sure every block sits perfectly in place.
Parquet Flooring Restoration in Dublin
Even the best parquet floors can lose their charm after years of use. Scratches, dull patches, or uneven boards are signs it might be time for a refresh rather than a replacement. Restoring a parquet floor is often more cost-effective and retains the unique character of the original wood.
The process starts with a close inspection to find any loose pieces, deep marks, or signs of moisture. Damaged sections are replaced with matching wood, then the floor is sanded to remove the old finish and even out the surface. The final stage is refinishing with oil, lacquer, or hardwax oil, giving the floor a fresh look that can last for years. In Dublin, professional restoration usually costs between €35 and €55 per square metre, depending on the condition and chosen finish.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Parquet Options
Sustainability has become an important factor for many homeowners and developers in the city. At FBS Flooring, you’ll find parquet sourced from FSC-certified forests, reclaimed pieces salvaged from older buildings, and finishes with low VOC content for healthier indoor air. Reclaimed parquet, in particular, brings a distinctive look to a home, telling a story through its natural wear and patina.
DIY vs. Professional Parquet Installation
Fitting parquet flooring yourself may sound like a good way to save money, but it’s rarely straightforward.
On the plus side, you avoid labour costs and can work to your own schedule. On the downside, you’ll need specialist tools and the skill to align patterns perfectly. A poorly prepared subfloor can cause long-term problems, from uneven boards to gaps that widen over time. In most Dublin homes — and especially in commercial spaces — hiring a professional team like FBS Flooring means getting the job done right the first time, ensuring durability and a flawless finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common errors is skipping proper subfloor preparation, which leads to creaks and uneven areas. Using the wrong adhesive is another, as moisture in the air can cause blocks to lift if the bond isn’t right. Failing to let the wood acclimatise to the room before fitting is a subtle but damaging mistake, as it can cause warping later. And when it comes to cleaning, too much water can quickly ruin the finish and distort the timber.
Conclusion
Parquet flooring remains one of the most stylish and enduring choices for both homes and businesses in Dublin. With the right wood, pattern, and a skilled installation, a parquet floor can offer decades of beauty and performance. Whether you’re restoring a floor that has been in place for generations or laying a brand-new design, working with an experienced supplier like FBS Flooring ensures a result that will stand the test of time.
FAQs – Parquet Flooring Dublin
Q1: How much does parquet flooring cost in Dublin?
Generally between €75 and €200 per m² installed, depending on the wood, pattern, and finish.
Q2: Is parquet suitable for Dublin’s climate?
Yes, especially engineered parquet with a moisture barrier.
Q3: Can parquet floors be refinished?
Absolutely — many can be sanded and refinished several times.
Q4: How long does parquet last?
With the right care, it can last over 50 years.
Q5: What’s the difference between herringbone and chevron?
Herringbone boards meet at right angles, creating a broken zig-zag, while chevron boards are cut at an angle for a continuous V shape.
Q6: Where can I buy parquet flooring in Dublin?
Specialist suppliers such as FBS Flooring, who offer both showroom selection and professional installation.
Q7: Is DIY parquet worth the effort?
In most cases, no — professional fitting gives a better, longer-lasting result and often includes a warranty.
