2026 Pricing Guide
Flooring Costs UK 2026
Wood, tile, laminate, carpet and LVT — see real UK flooring prices per m² and get an instant estimate.
New flooring in the UK costs £25–£120 per m² supplied and fitted in 2026, depending on material. Laminate and carpet are the most affordable at £25–£50/m², while solid wood and porcelain tiles run £70–£120/m². LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is the fastest-growing choice, combining water resistance, durability and a wood or stone look at £35–£65/m². Subfloor preparation (levelling or ply) adds £8–£15/m² and is often needed on concrete or uneven floors.
Flooring Prices
How Much Does Each Flooring Option Cost?
Prices below are indicative 2026 UK market rates and include labour and materials. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate.
Laminate Flooring (per m²)
£25 – £45
Click-lock, wood-effect. Budget-friendly, DIY-able. Best for living rooms and bedrooms.
Carpet (per m²)
£25 – £50
Supply and fit including underlay. Stairs and landing cost more due to labour.
LVT / Luxury Vinyl Tile (per m²)
£35 – £65
Waterproof, scratch-resistant, wood or stone look. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.
Porcelain / Ceramic Tile (per m²)
£40 – £80
Supply and fit including adhesive and grout. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.
Engineered Wood Flooring (per m²)
£50 – £80
Real wood top layer, stable, can be sanded. Suitable for most rooms including over underfloor heating.
Solid Wood Flooring (per m²)
£70 – £120
Solid timber, lasts 100+ years, sandable. Best in living areas, not over underfloor heating or in bathrooms.
* All prices are estimates. A site survey is required for an accurate quote. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate.
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The Flooring Process Step by Step
Measure & Quote
Measure rooms including wastage (5–10%). Confirm material, underlay, thresholds and transitions between rooms.
Subfloor Prep
Level concrete with self-levelling compound, overlay timber with ply, treat damp, fit damp membrane. The most important step.
Acclimatise (Wood)
Stack wood flooring in the room for 48–72h before fitting to match temperature and humidity.
Lay Flooring
Install underlay, lay flooring starting from the longest wall, cut around obstacles, fit thresholds and skirting or beading.
Finish & Handover
Fit transitions, thresholds and trims. Clean, seal grout (tile) or oil (wood). Walk-through snagging with the fitter.
Common Mistakes
4 Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Subfloor Prep
An uneven or damp subfloor ruins any flooring. Wood cupps, tile cracks, laminate bounces and creaks. Budget £8–£15/m² for levelling or ply — it's the foundation of a lasting floor.
Not Acclimatising Wood
Solid and engineered wood must sit in the room for 48–72h before fitting to match humidity. Fitting un-acclimatised wood causes gaps, buckling and cupping as it expands.
Cheap Underlay on Carpet
Underlay is the difference between a carpet that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 15. Spend £6–£12/m² on a quality underlay rather than the free roll offered with budget carpet.
Wrong Material for the Room
Laminate and solid wood warp in bathrooms; cheap tile cracks on flexing timber floors; dark carpet shows every mark in hallways. Match material to room function and traffic.
FAQs
Flooring Cost FAQs
How much does new flooring cost per m² in the UK in 2026?
New flooring costs £25–£120 per m² supplied and fitted in 2026. Laminate and carpet cost £25–£50/m², LVT £35–£65/m², porcelain tile £40–£80/m², engineered wood £50–£80/m² and solid wood £70–£120/m². Subfloor prep adds £8–£15/m².
How much does it cost to floor a whole house?
Flooring a 3-bed house (60–80m²) costs £1,500–£6,000+ depending on material. Laminate throughout costs £1,500–£3,000, engineered wood £3,000–£5,000, and solid wood £4,500–£8,000. Mixing materials by room is common and cost-effective.
Which flooring is best for kitchens and bathrooms?
Porcelain tile and LVT are the best choices for wet areas — both are waterproof and durable. Engineered wood can work in kitchens if spills are dealt with quickly. Avoid solid wood and laminate in bathrooms as moisture warps them.
Can I install flooring myself?
Laminate and LVT with click-lock systems are DIY-friendly if your subfloor is flat. Tile, solid wood and carpet need professional fitting for a good result. Subfloor prep (levelling compound, ply overlay) is the step most DIYers get wrong.
How long does flooring installation take?
A single room (15–20m²) takes 1–2 days for most materials. A whole house (60–80m²) takes 3–6 days. Tile and solid wood take longest due to cutting, adhesive curing and acclimatisation. Allow 48h for wood to acclimatise before fitting.
Does flooring need underlay?
Carpet always needs underlay (included in most quotes). Laminate needs an underlay with a damp membrane on ground floors. Wood and LVT may need a ply or levelling compound subfloor. Tile needs a suitable substrate (ply or backer board on wood). Good underlay improves comfort and lifespan.
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