Parquet flooring installation in Zurich is one of the most popular ways to upgrade an apartment or house. It looks premium, works well with underfloor heating, and adds long-term value to the property. But many owners (and some long-term tenants) are unsure about real costs, how long it takes, and whether they should do it themselves or hire a professional floor installer.
In this guide, you’ll learn how much parquet flooring installation in Zurich really costs, which parquet options make sense for Swiss apartments, what tenants need to know before changing a floor, and how to find a trusted parquet specialist through MyProfessional.ch.
Parquet is a classic in Switzerland for a reason:
It gives a warm, high-end look that fits both modern and traditional apartments.
Quality parquet can last decades if properly installed and maintained.
Many types of engineered parquet work well with underfloor heating, which is common in newer Zurich buildings.
For owners, parquet is often seen as an investment in property value. For tenants with long leases, it can be a way to improve comfort and aesthetics – if they have written permission from the landlord.
The total cost of parquet flooring in Zurich depends on two big components: materials and labour.
For a new parquet floor in Switzerland, material prices usually start around CHF 40 per m² for basic options and can easily reach CHF 80–200 per m² or more for high-quality oak, walnut or premium designs like herringbone.
The price is influenced by:
Type of wood (oak vs cherry or walnut)
Thickness and number of layers (solid vs engineered parquet)
Surface treatment (oiled, varnished, brushed, smoked, etc.)
Pattern (straight planks are cheaper than herringbone or chevron)
For professional parquet flooring installation in Switzerland, you can roughly expect:
CHF 25–35 per m² for preparation work (levelling, cleaning, minor repairs)
CHF 25–35 per m² for laying the parquet
Typical floor layer hourly rates: CHF 80–120 per hour.
In total, it’s common to end up around CHF 90–180+ per m² for a complete job (materials + installation), depending on the wood quality, room layout, and subfloor condition.
A small Zurich apartment might cost several thousand francs to re-floor, while a larger flat or house renovation can easily reach five figures.
Before you install parquet, it helps to understand your main options.
Solid parquet is made from a single piece of wood. It can be sanded multiple times and has a very long lifespan, but it’s more sensitive to humidity and often more expensive.
Engineered parquet consists of several layers with a hardwood top layer. It’s more stable, works better with underfloor heating, and is widely used in modern Swiss apartments.
For most Zurich apartments, especially with floor heating, engineered parquet is usually the safest and most cost-effective choice.
You’ll also need to decide on:
Finish: oiled (more natural, easier spot repairs) vs varnished (more resistant to stains and wear).
Look: classic straight planks, rustic wide planks, or herringbone for a more high-end, design-driven feel.
Colour: from light Nordic tones to warm browns and dark walnut.
A professional floor specialist can bring samples on site so you can see how the wood looks with your light and furniture.
On paper, “click” parquet looks simple to install. In practice, parquet installation in Zurich can be demanding:
The subfloor must be level and stable.
Expansion joints, transitions, and door areas must be handled correctly.
Mistakes can lead to gaps, creaking, or visible height differences.
Small rooms (e.g. a single bedroom)
Floating click parquet on an already flat subfloor
You’re experienced with DIY and have proper tools
Larger surfaces or multiple rooms
Glued-down parquet, herringbone or complex patterns
Uneven or old subfloors that need levelling
Rental apartments where poor work could cause disputes or deductions from your deposit
For owners, a professional parquet installer protects your investment. For tenants, a pro reduces the risk that you’ll be held responsible for visible defects at the end of the lease.
The duration depends on:
Total square meters
Preparation needed
Pattern (herringbone is slower than straight planks)
Drying times for levelling compounds or adhesives
As a rough guide, a professional team can often install parquet in a single room within 1–2 days, and a standard apartment in several days, including preparation. Full renovations with sanding, skirting and finishing can take longer.
If you live in a rental apartment, parquet flooring installation is not just a design decision – it’s also a legal one.
In Switzerland, tenants typically must:
Ask for written permission before replacing or permanently altering floors.
Restore the original condition or leave the new floor in perfect condition when moving out, depending on the agreement.
Use qualified professionals for major work, especially if it affects the building structure or insulation.
If you install parquet without approval and there’s a dispute later, you may have to pay for removal or compensation, even if the new floor is technically “better”.
A local handyman or floor specialist in Zurich can advise what is realistic in your building and help you prepare a proposal for your landlord if needed.
A typical professional parquet installation in Zurich includes:
Site visit & assessment
Measuring the rooms, checking the subfloor, discussing parquet type, pattern, and direction of laying.
Preparation
Removing old flooring if needed, repairing or levelling the subfloor, cleaning and priming.
Installation
Floating or glued installation of the parquet, cutting boards precisely around doors, radiators and corners.
Finishing touches
Installation of skirting boards, transitions, and final cleaning.
Care instructions
The floor specialist explains how to clean and maintain your parquet so it stays beautiful for years.
Instead of calling multiple companies and waiting for quotes, MyProfessional.ch makes it easy to find trusted parquet installers and floor specialists in Zurich, Zug, and Sankt Gallen.
On the platform, you can:
Describe your parquet project in a few steps
Receive first responses and offers, often within 24 hours
View verified profiles with photos, reviews, and experience
Contact professionals directly and agree on price and timeline without hidden fees
There are no middlemen and no platform commissions for owners, just direct contact with local specialists who know Swiss standards and building regulations.
Once your parquet is installed, proper care will extend its life:
Use felt pads under furniture to avoid scratches.
Clean regularly with a vacuum and a slightly damp mop (never soaking wet).
Use cleaning products designed for parquet, not aggressive multi-purpose cleaners.
Place mats at entrances to catch grit and small stones.
For oiled parquet, follow your installer’s recommendations for re-oiling intervals.
If the surface becomes dull or scratched over time, a professional sanding and refinishing can make parquet look almost like new again.
Whether you’re renovating a new home or upgrading an older apartment, parquet flooring installation in Zurich is a smart long-term investment in comfort and value.
You don’t have to navigate it alone:
👉 Describe your project on MyProfessional.ch, compare local parquet installers, and choose the expert who best fits your budget, style, and timeline.
Your next step towards a warmer, more elegant home in Zurich might just be a new parquet floor.
Costs for parquet flooring in Zurich typically range from CHF 90–180 per m², including materials and labour. Basic engineered parquet starts at CHF 40 per m², while premium herringbone or hardwood options cost more. Labour usually adds CHF 50–80 per hour.
Yes. Engineered parquet is ideal for underfloor heating because it’s stable and resists temperature changes. Solid wood parquet is less suitable unless approved by a professional installer.
Tenants can only install parquet flooring with written permission from the landlord. Without approval, you may be required to remove the floor or pay compensation at the end of the lease.
A professional installer typically needs:
1–2 days for a single room
3–5 days for a full apartment
Timing depends on preparation, room size, and parquet pattern (e.g., herringbone takes longer).
Engineered parquet: multilayer, stable, underfloor heating compatible, good price–performance ratio.
Solid parquet: made from a single piece of wood, can be sanded many times, but more expensive and humidity-sensitive.
Yes. Most professionals can remove carpets, laminate, vinyl, or old parquet for an additional fee. They also level the subfloor if needed.
Parquet can be installed in kitchens if properly sealed, but it’s generally not recommended for bathrooms due to moisture and humidity.
Primarily Zurich, but also Zug, Aargau, and nearby cantons.
Compare available handymen and get your tasks done. Quickly, reliably, and directly.