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The cost of flooring in the UK varies significantly based on the type of flooring, installation complexity, and location, but generally ranges from £5 to £150 per square meter.
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.
| 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.
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.
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 |
To avoid unreliable workers(“cowboy builders”), follow the given steps:
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.
Consider energy savings too: Underlay assistance with insulation, and wooden floors can improve a home’s look when it’s time to sell.
For a 3-bedroom duplex house (~90 m²):
For a single room (20 m²):
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.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.