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Typical UK flooring costs (per sqm, indicative)
Per-sqm rates below include labour and standard underlay; the floor itself is supplied separately. Pattern lays (herringbone, chevron) add 30–50% to the straight-plank rate.
Labour-only fitting rates (excludes floor + skirting)
Laminate, straight plank lay Quickest material to fit; most cost-effective option. | £10 – £18/sqm |
LVT click or glue-down Click is faster; glue-down is more stable for wet areas + UFH. | £18 – £35/sqm |
Engineered wood, straight plank lay Standard straight-plank in 180–220mm widths. | £20 – £35/sqm |
Solid wood, straight plank lay Slower to acclimatise; secret-nail or glue-down installs. | £25 – £45/sqm |
Engineered or solid wood, herringbone / chevron Pattern lay adds significant labour; subfloor levelling must be precise. | £35 – £70/sqm |
Self-levelling subfloor preparation Add-on when the existing subfloor is out of spec. | £12 – £25/sqm |
Typical project costs
Below are ballpark project rates — labour only, with the floor itself supplied separately.
Project rates — fitting only
Single living room (~20 sqm) — laminate Quick straight-plank lay, basic underlay. | £250 – £500 |
Single living room (~20 sqm) — engineered wood Standard plank in mid-grade engineered. | £500 – £900 |
Hallway + landing — engineered wood herringbone Pattern lay over levelled subfloor, mitred returns at doorways. | £900 – £2,200 |
Open-plan living/dining (~40 sqm) — LVT Glue-down LVT for stability over the larger run. | £800 – £1,800 |
Whole-floor refit (~80 sqm) — engineered wood straight lay Excludes subfloor self-leveller, skirting and threshold trims. | £2,200 – £4,500 |
What drives the price
Beyond the material itself, the things that change a flooring quote are:
- Subfloor condition. A flat, dry, level subfloor is quick to floor over. A wavy concrete slab, hollow chipboard or old residual adhesive can need self-levelling, plywood overlay or strip-out — easily £400–£1,500 added on a medium room.
- Pattern lay. Herringbone, chevron or diagonal patterns are about 1.5–2× the labour of a straight plank lay because of the extra cuts, setting-out and mitred returns at doorways.
- Skirting + trims. Removing and refitting skirting (or fitting scotia + threshold strips) is often quoted separately — clarify if it's included or not.
- Old floor removal. Lifting carpet is fast; removing old laminate is moderate; chipping out original tiles is slow and dusty. Each impacts the total programme.
- Underfloor heating compatibility. Engineered wood and LVT both work over UFH but need a specific build-up + acclimatisation. Solid wood is typically not recommended over UFH.
Material cost ranges to budget for
Floors are sold per pack but trade prices per sqm give you something to plan against. Standard UK 2026 ranges, supplied (not fitted):
Indicative material costs (supply only)
Laminate (AC4-AC5, mid-range) | £12 – £35/sqm |
LVT (mid-range brand) | £25 – £55/sqm |
Engineered wood (oak, 14–20mm) | £35 – £90/sqm |
Solid wood (oak, 18–22mm) | £45 – £120/sqm |
Underlay (acoustic 3–5mm) | £3 – £10/sqm |
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