The cost of flooring in the UK varies significantly based on the type of flooring, quality, and installation. Laminate flooring can range from £5 to £30 per square meter, while solid wood flooring can cost between £50 and £75 per square meter. Installation costs also vary, with professional floor fitters charging between £35 and £60 per square meter for solid wood flooring.
Whether you live in a terraced house in Bristol or an apartment in London, flooring is an important part of every home. Laminate, vinyl, engineered wood, solid wood, and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) all have different price points. Higher-quality materials, like premium engineered wood or solid wood, will naturally cost more than basic laminate or vinyl.
If you're comfortable with DIY, you can save on installation costs, but be aware of the time and effort required. Let us check out the complete flooring cost details.
Types of Flooring & Regular Costs (Materials + Labour)
Flooring Type |
Materials (£/m²) |
Labour (£/m² or rate) |
Total Range (£/m²) |
|---|
Laminate |
£20–60 (avg £30) |
£15–40 (avg £30) |
~£30–60 |
Luxury Vinyl Tile |
£20–45 |
£10–30 |
£30–75 (approx.) |
Engineered Wood |
£20–50 (avg £35–50) |
£12–30 |
£32–80 |
Solid Hardwood |
£30–90 (avg £80+) |
£35–60 |
£65–150+ |
Carpet |
£6–60 |
~£20–35/hr or £150–250/day |
Varies widely |
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile |
£20–60+ |
£20–60+ |
Varies |
Laminate flooring is an affordable option. If you are busy with your household chores, it is well advised for mid-range boards that are AC3 or AC4 rated.
Vinyl, mainly Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), is known for its longevity and waterproof nature, making it a favorite for kitchens and bathrooms.
Engineered wood flooring hits a perfect balance. It has a real wood cover but provides moisture resistance and a more inexpensive price than solid hardwood.
Solid hardwood flooring adds a touch of comfort and boosts your home’s value. It’s made to last, but the price certainly reflects its quality.
Understanding The Flooring Expenses
Materials: Flooring installation materials vary by type but commonly include the flooring itself (laminate, vinyl, wood, tile, or carpet), underlay, adhesives, and trims. The material cost typically ranges from £6/m² for basic carpet to over £90/m² for premium hardwood or stone tiles.
Labour: Labour costs for flooring installation typically range from £10–£60/m² depending on the material type and complexity. Alternatively, some professionals charge around £20–£35 per hour or £150–£250 per day for their services. Costs can be different for various locations, mostly being higher in London and the South East.
Subfloor Preparation: It covers jobs such as levelling the subfloor, applying cement, and removing any old materials. Subfloor preparation can cost between £5–£30/m², depending on the condition and required work such as levelling, cleaning, or repairing. Complex jobs involving moisture barriers or screeding may increase the overall flooring project cost.
Waste Disposal: This mentions getting rid of old flooring and other waste, that could be hiring a skip or clearing rills of carpet. Waste disposal for old flooring typically costs £100–£200, depending on material type and volume.
Flooring Installation Additional Costs
- Underlay: Costs start from £5 to £10 per square meter.
- Carpet removal: Approximately £7 per square meter, or roughly £100 to £150 per area of the room.
- Fitting skirting boards: Roughly £22 for every linear meter.
- Door Edging: About £30 per door.
- Floor levelling: Around £15 per square meter.
Regional Price Variations: Flooring Cost In the UK
Be aware that flooring installation rates usually change according to your area. London & South East have rates 15%-25% costly than the Midlands or North, mainly due to labour charges.
Region |
Estimated Total Cost (£/m²) |
Notes |
|---|
London |
£50–£150 |
Higher labour and material costs |
South East |
£45–£130 |
Slightly below London, but still premium |
South West |
£40–£120 |
Moderate pricing with some rural variation |
East of England |
£40–£110 |
Competitive rates, especially outside cities |
Midlands |
£35–£100 |
Generally affordable across cities and towns |
North West |
£35–£95 |
Lower labour rates help reduce total costs |
North East |
£30–£90 |
Among the most budget-friendly regions |
Scotland |
£35–£100 |
Variable by city (e.g., Edinburgh vs rural) |
Wales |
£30–£95 |
Lower costs overall, depending on location |
Northern Ireland |
£35–£100 |
Balanced costs, though material options may vary |
How To Hire The Right Flooring Installers?
To avoid unreliable workers(“cowboy builders”), follow the given steps:
- Choose carefully: Always get at least three quotes. Choose flooring installers who are professionally trained and have verified business profiles on trusted marketplaces or local business directories.
- Ask for a contract in writing: Review using a contract like the JCT homeowner to safeguard yourself.
- Check their credentials: Ask about the warranties, look at reviews, and ensure they have the right insurance.
- Communicate clearly: Confirm you agree in advance on substances such as materials, the schedule, the timeline, and whether they will use any subcontractors.
Saving Money & Getting the Best Value
- Choose material wisely: For most rooms, a mid-range laminate is perfect. Laminate boards rated AC3 or AC4 are likely to hold up well over time.
- Handle room preparation yourself: Cleaning out furniture and removing the debris before will reduce the time and save you money.
- Bulk discount: Make an effort to get flooring for different rooms at once; you might get a better price with a bulk discount.
- Be a smart shopper – Keep an eye out for sales or different outlet stores, particularly during mid-season sales events.
- DIY installation makes sense in some cases: Putting click-lock laminate in simple rooms can save you the total cost of labour. However, for large places, complex layouts, or some areas susceptible to moisture, it is good to hire a professional.
DIY or Call a Pro for Flooring Installation
DIY laminate installation is within reach with the easy-click system. The easy click system means no sticky adhesives, making it great for a single room project.
Skilled persons make sure of a smooth finish and handle tricky bits like changes between rooms or working around underfloor heating. Look forward to paying nearly £30 per square meter for their labour.
For hardwood, tile, or specifically complicated designs, attempting DIY leads to a greater risk of finishing up with uneven or high-pitched floors. In such cases, it is best to leave the job to a certified floor fitter.
Long-Term Value & Maintenance
- Hardwood: Can be smooth and refinished several times—lasts 30+ years.
- Engineered: Lasts 20–30 years, but can typically only be refinished a very few times.
- Laminate: Around 10–15 years in high-traffic areas; it’s often inexpensive to just restore it.
- Vinyl/LVT: Endure moisture, quick cleaning; ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Carpet: Feels soft and warm, but lack of durability will be there as well and usually needs returning every 8–12 years.
Consider energy savings too: Underlay assistance with insulation, and wooden floors can improve a home’s look when it’s time to sell.
Quick Flooring Installation Cost Examples
For a 3-bedroom duplex house (~90 m²):
- Laminate: About £5,400 (£60/m²)
- Engineered wood: Around £7,200 (£80/m²)
- Solid hardwood: Approximately £11,700 (£130/m²)
For a single room (20 m²):
- Laminate: It costs around £1,140.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is laminate flooring less expensive than vinyl?
Laminate is often more economical when it comes to materials and installation costs, but vinyl (or LVT) is waterproof and tends to be more enduring.
- Do I require underlay for laminate flooring?
Totally—it helps with insulation, soundproofing, and protecting the floor. Sometimes, the underlay is already involved.
- How long does installation normally take?
For smaller rooms, it might only take 1 to 2 days. If you're protecting an entire ground floor or a 3-bedroom house, it will take about 5 to 7 days.
- Does new flooring boost my home's value?
The value of your home can be increased with natural wood flooring. Luxury vinyl and Laminate tile can also make your place look good and sell faster.
- Should I obtain quotes from multiple contractors?
It is always the best idea. Prices for labour can differ a lot depending on your location, and receiving various quotes helps you find trusted professionals and avoid any untrustworthy professionals.
Final Take
Investing in durable flooring can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. When choosing flooring, really think about your needs.
Try to steer clear of fake contractors. It is much safer to use reputable tradespeople, like those certified by FMB, get a solid written contract (maybe something like a JCT), and make sure you get a repair list too.
For materials, something in the middle of the price range is usually a good call. Buying sets can save money, and do not wait to do some of the work yourself if you are relaxed with it.
Think about the rooms that are most used: kitchens and bathrooms would be good with waterproofing choices such as LVT or vinyl, whereas wood or carpet may be nicer for living areas and bedrooms.
