How Much Does Flooring Cost in the UK? 2026 Prices

Flooring costs in the UK range widely depending on material, quality, and location. As of 2026, vinyl and laminate remain the most affordable choices for homeowners, while solid hardwood and luxury vinyl planks command premium prices. This guide breaks down current UK flooring prices, labour costs, and hidden expenses so you know exactly what to expect before committing.

UK Flooring Costs by Material Type in 2026

The material you choose drives the price. Most UK suppliers and installers quote per square metre, and prices fluctuate based on brand, durability rating, and appearance. Here are the 2026 benchmark figures across all major flooring types.

Laminate Flooring Costs

Laminate is the budget option at £3–8 per square metre for materials. Entry-level laminate with an AC3 rating (suitable for light domestic use) sits at £3–5/m², while AC4-rated laminate (suitable for busy kitchens and living areas) costs £5–8/m². Premium laminate with realistic wood grain patterns and thick wear layers can exceed £8/m², but most homeowners find excellent value between £5–7/m². Laminate is durable, surface water-resistant (though not waterproof), and easy to maintain, making it sensible for bathrooms and kitchens if you wipe spills promptly. Installation labour typically adds £4–8/m² depending on room complexity and regional rates.

Vinyl Flooring Prices

Vinyl comes in two forms: sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl planks (LVP). Sheet vinyl costs £4–10/m² for materials, with installation adding £3–6/m² labour. It's waterproof, soft underfoot, and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Luxury vinyl planks are more expensive at £6–15/m² for materials but offer a more authentic wood or stone appearance. LVP installation labour is similar to sheet vinyl. Hybrid vinyl (SPC or WPC core) sits at the premium end of the vinyl range. In London and the South East, homeowners typically pay 15–20% more for vinyl than those in Scotland or the Midlands due to higher regional labour rates.

Hardwood Flooring Costs

Solid hardwood is the premium choice, costing £8–20/m² for materials alone. Engineered hardwood (plywood base with hardwood veneer) is more stable and slightly cheaper at £7–15/m². European oak is the most popular species in the UK and sits at £10–15/m²; American walnut or maple costs £15–20/m². Reclaimed hardwood commands £25–40/m² or more due to rarity and character. Installation labour for hardwood is more intensive, typically £10–15/m² depending on whether you're fitting over existing subfloors or underfloor heating. Hardwood needs acclimatisation (usually 14 days in your home before fitting) and proper underfloor ventilation to prevent warping.

Tile and Stone Flooring

Ceramic and porcelain tiles cost £4–12/m² for materials; natural stone (marble, slate, granite) ranges from £15–50/m² or higher. Tile installation is labour-intensive, typically £8–15/m² because grouting, levelling, and waste disposal add time. Stone requires specialist sealing (£2–5/m²) to prevent staining. Underfloor heating installation beneath tiles adds £15–25/m² depending on system type (electric mats or water-based). Grout colour and quality also vary: basic grout is included, but epoxy grout (stain-resistant, better for kitchens) costs an additional £2–4/m².

Carpet Costs

Domestic carpet is the most affordable soft flooring at £2–8/m² for materials, with installation (underlay, seaming, fitting) adding £3–6/m². Commercial-grade carpet suited to hallways costs £5–12/m² but lasts longer. Wool-rich blends (80% wool, 20% synthetic) cost £8–15/m² and resist staining better than pure synthetic. Budget carpet typically lasts 5–7 years in busy homes; quality wool blends last 10–15 years. London and South East suppliers often charge 20% premiums on both materials and labour compared to provincial areas.

Labour Costs and Installation Fees

Installation labour is your second-largest expense and varies by region, room complexity, and floor preparation required. UK average flooring installation labour costs £4–15 per square metre, depending on material and location. London and the South East typically sit at the higher end; rural Scotland, Wales, and Northern England at the lower end.

What Affects Labour Charges

Several factors push labour costs up or down. Removing and disposing of old flooring adds £2–4/m² and extends the project timeline by 1–2 days. Levelling an uneven subfloor (common in older UK homes) costs £5–12/m² depending on the method used (self-levelling compound, grinding, or patching). Fitted kitchens, built-in wardrobes, and awkward room shapes increase labour time; a simple rectangular living room takes 1–2 days for a team of two, while a kitchen with islands and fitted units can take 3–4 days. Underfloor heating installation (especially water-based systems) adds £15–25/m² labour plus materials. Stairs add £150–300 per flight depending on material and complexity.

Installation Timeline and Project Costs

A typical 20 square metre room (such as an open-plan kitchen-diner) takes 1–2 days to install; a whole-house project (80–100 m²) takes 5–7 working days. Installers usually charge per day (£400–700 for a two-person team in the South East, £300–500 in the Midlands and North) or per square metre. Always ask for a fixed price quote that includes removal of old flooring, disposal, and any levelling work required. Many installers add a call-out fee (£50–100) to cover site visits and measurement.

Hidden Costs and Additional Expenses

The headline price per square metre rarely tells the full story. Several hidden costs can push your final bill significantly higher.

Subfloor Preparation and Repairs

If your existing floor is damaged, damp, or uneven, repairs are essential. Floorboard replacement costs £8–15 per board plus labour; rotten joists can cost £50–150 per joist to replace. Damp treatment (essential before installing floating or fitted flooring) costs £400–1,200 for a typical room and takes 2–4 weeks to cure. Screed replacement (often required under tile installations) is £15–25/m². Always arrange a full survey before committing; most flooring installers offer free assessments.

Underlayment and Moisture Barriers

Underlayment beneath laminate, vinyl, or engineered wood costs £1–3/m² but is essential in UK bathrooms and kitchens. Acoustic underlayment (soundproofing) adds £2–4/m² and is popular in flats and upper storeys. Moisture barriers beneath tile installations cost £2–5/m² and prevent water damage to joists below. Damp-proof membranes beneath ground-floor screeds cost £1–2/m².

Finishing and Sealing

Hardwood and natural stone require sealing to prevent staining and moisture damage. Polyurethane finish for hardwood adds £3–6/m² and takes 5–7 days to cure fully. Oil finishes (more natural appearance, easier to touch up) cost £4–7/m² but require re-oiling every 2–3 years. Stone sealing costs £2–5/m² for penetrating sealer; topical seals cost more but offer superior stain protection. Grout sealing after tile installation (essential for kitchens and bathrooms) costs £50–200 depending on room size.

Disposal and Site Clearance

Removing old flooring and disposing of it costs £200–600 per room depending on quantity. Skip hire (if DIY removing) costs £150–300 for a small skip, £300–500 for medium. Some installers include disposal in their labour quote; others charge separately. Always clarify this in writing before work begins.

Regional Price Differences Across the UK

Flooring costs in London and the South East are 15–25% higher than the national average due to higher labour rates and greater demand. A square metre of vinyl that costs £7 in Manchester may cost £8.50–9 in London. Here's the regional breakdown (materials plus labour, typical mid-range options):

London and South East: £12–20/m² (vinyl), £15–25/m² (laminate with fitting), £25–35/m² (hardwood)
South West (Bristol, Devon): £11–18/m² (vinyl), £13–22/m² (laminate), £20–30/m² (hardwood)
Midlands and East Anglia: £10–15/m² (vinyl), £12–18/m² (laminate), £18–25/m² (hardwood)
North West and Yorkshire: £9–14/m² (vinyl), £11–16/m² (laminate), £15–22/m² (hardwood)
Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland: £9–13/m² (vinyl), £10–15/m² (laminate), £14–20/m² (hardwood)

Rural areas often have higher labour costs due to travel time; installers may charge £50–150 call-out fees or add travel costs. Urban areas with multiple competing installers typically offer keener pricing.

Cost Comparison: Full Room Examples

Understanding real-world costs helps with budgeting. Here are three typical 20 square metre kitchen installations across the UK.

Budget Option: Sheet Vinyl

Materials (£6/m²): £120. Installation labour (£5/m²): £100. Underlayment: £30. Removal of old flooring and disposal: £150. Total cost: £400–500. Timeline: 1 day. Best for: rental properties, temporary solutions, budget-conscious homeowners.

Mid-Range Option: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Materials (£10/m²): £200. Installation labour (£7/m²): £140. Underlayment with acoustic properties (£2.50/m²): £50. Removal and disposal: £200. Total cost: £590–700. Timeline: 1–2 days. Best for: busy kitchens, young families, pet owners (waterproof, durable, easy to clean).

Premium Option: Solid Oak Hardwood

Materials (£12/m²): £240. Installation labour (£12/m²): £240. Underlayment: £40. Floor preparation and levelling: £100. Finishing and sealing (£5/m²): £100. Removal and disposal: £200. Total cost: £920–1,100. Timeline: 5–7 days (including curing time). Best for: period properties, long-term investments, homes where resale value matters.

Note: These are 2026 estimates for mid-range UK suppliers. Always obtain 3 quotes from local installers to compare; prices vary significantly by postcode and installer reputation.

How to Save Money on Flooring Installation

Strategic choices and smart sourcing can reduce your flooring bill by 20–30% without sacrificing quality.

Buy materials online or from trade suppliers. Online retailers often undercut high-street prices by 15–20%. Trade suppliers (such as Topps Tiles or major laminate distributors) offer discounts if you collect rather than have delivered. Compare prices across at least 5 suppliers before buying.
Consider engineered wood instead of solid. Engineered hardwood costs 20–30% less than solid, installs faster, and is more stable on underfloor heating. The visual difference is minimal for most homeowners.
Avoid complex room shapes. Each corner, fitted unit, and awkward angle adds labour time and waste. Simple rectangular rooms are cheapest to install.
Plan for off-peak installation. Installers often offer 10–15% discounts during winter months (November–February) when demand is lower.
Remove old flooring yourself if possible. DIY removal (and bagging for disposal) saves £2–4/m² in labour, though it's physically demanding. Many installers still charge a dumping fee even if you remove the flooring.
Negotiate labour rates for larger projects. Whole-house installations (80+ m²) often qualify for 10–15% discounts on labour compared to single rooms.
Skip premium finishes if unnecessary. Matte finishes cost the same as gloss; skip high-end grout brands unless staining is a concern; avoid acoustic underlayment if soundproofing isn't needed.

Quality and Durability: Cost Per Year

Cheaper flooring often costs more in the long run. A budget vinyl (£6/m²) that lasts 5 years costs approximately £1.20/m² per year; premium luxury vinyl (£12/m²) lasting 15 years costs £0.80/m² per year. Solid hardwood, despite high upfront cost, lasts 20–40 years and is often cheaper per year than mid-range alternatives. Warranty length is also telling: budget flooring typically has 1–3 year warranties; quality products offer 10–25 years. Brands with strong UK presence (such as Karndean, Quickstep, Kahrs, and Amtico) tend to honour warranties and have better long-term durability than generic imports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fit flooring per square metre in the UK?

As of 2026, flooring costs range from £5–15/m² for budget options (laminate, sheet vinyl) to £20–35/m² for premium materials (hardwood, luxury vinyl). This includes both materials and labour combined. Regional variations are significant: London costs 20–25% more than northern areas. Always obtain three local quotes for your specific room type and location.

What is the cheapest flooring option in the UK?

Sheet vinyl and basic laminate are the most affordable at £3–8/m² for materials plus £3–6/m² labour. Total installed cost is typically £6–14/m². Budget carpet is similarly priced. These options work well for rental properties or temporary solutions, but expect to replace them within 5–7 years in busy homes.

How much does it cost to carpet a room in the UK?

Domestic carpet costs £2–8/m² for materials and £3–6/m² for installation. A typical 20 square metre bedroom costs £100–280 for materials and £60–120 for fitting, totalling around £160–400. Wool-rich blends cost more upfront but last longer and resist staining better than synthetic.

Is it cheaper to install laminate or vinyl flooring?

The costs are comparable. Laminate ranges from £7–13/m² installed; vinyl ranges from £7–16/m² installed depending on type. Vinyl is more waterproof and better suited to kitchens and bathrooms, while laminate offers better aesthetics and is easier to repair individual planks. For most homes, the choice comes down to your room's moisture exposure rather than price.