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With its rich patina and timeless elegance, wood flooring never goes out of style. It can elevate any décor and add a lot of character and value to your home with its natural warmth and classic beauty.
Wood flooring is sturdy and long-lasting if maintained properly, lasting up to 100 years or more. And even though it can be scratched, the scratches can add a touch of antique charm, especially as the wood ages.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the wood flooring installation process, from its main steps to whether or not it’s DIY-friendly.
First order of business, you need to choose the right type of wood flooring for your project. There are several factors to consider here as indicated below.
Solid hardwood, engineered wood, and laminate floors each have their pros and cons. Solid hardwood is the way to go for maximum longevity, whereas engineered wood is perfect for dimensional stability, especially with radiant heat or concrete subfloor installations. If you’re on a tight budget, laminate floors are a good option.
Deciding on the width of the floorboards will boil down to aesthetic preferences. Wide-plank floors, around 125mm to 200mm, offer a dramatic and rustic look, but they’re more costly than traditional floors (70mm to 100mm).
Higher grades of wood have a uniform, almost flawless appearance but come with a high price tag. Lower grades tend to have knots and visible character marks. Choose the grade that suits your budget and desired look.
Do you want your flooring to be light (e.g., natural oak) or dark (e.g., walnut)? Also, do you want a glossy finish that offers shine and depth or a matte/satin finish with a more subtle lustre?
Along with the above-listed factors, which relate mainly to the characteristics of wood, there are non-wood-related factors that should influence your choice of flooring, namely:
Living rooms and bedrooms allow more flexibility in flooring choices compared to high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Solid hardwood and engineered wood are suitable for most rooms, while LVT and laminate are suited for kitchens and bathrooms.
For smaller rooms, we highly recommend going with wide-plank floors. Narrow-plank floors can make small rooms feel cramped, while wide planks will make them look more commodious.
Wide-plank, matte-finish floors are best suited for contemporary spaces. For traditional homes, glossy-finish classic oak, maple, or cherry floors are a good fit. For more rustic styles, opt for distressed or hand-scraped wood.
Houses with kids or pets may warrant more scratch-resistant wood finishes. As for houses in humid climates, they should opt for wood varieties that offer high dimensional stability, like red oak and ash.
The amount of natural and artificial lighting can affect how a wood floor looks. For example, darker stains typically show more detail in bright light.
The next step in a typical wood flooring installation involves taking measurements to calculate how much flooring you need and a rough estimate of the cost.
Using a tape measure or a laser distance measurer, measure the length and width of each room you’re looking to refloor. We recommend taking measurements in multiple spots as most rooms aren’t perfectly rectangular. You then multiply the average length by the average width to get the square meterage.
Example: If the room's length is 6m and the width is 4m, the square meterage would be 24m². For irregular rooms, check out this video tutorial.
The figure you calculated in the previous step isn’t the final figure. You still need to account for cutting waste and defects. To do so, add 5-10% to the square meterage. If you’re working with parquets as opposed to planks, you should add 12-15%.
Perpendicular flooring draws the eye from side to side across a room. This has the effect of making a room appear larger. Parallel flooring draws the eye ahead in the direction of entryways or windows. It helps add depth to smaller spaces. The latter is the more traditional choice for most installations.
To figure out how much flooring you need, calculate the square meterage, add the 5-15% cutting waste factor, and then multiply the result by the width of the flooring board to get a linear value.
Here’s an example:
So, to cover a room that measures 20 square metres using 20cm-wide boards with a 10% waste factor, you would need to purchase approximately 4.4 linear metres of flooring.
To calculate the cost of your purchase, simply multiply the number of linear metres by the price per linear metre. If the price per linear metre is £50, for instance, you would spend £220 for 4.4 linear metres.
Note: If the flooring is sold by the square metre, simply multiply the total adjusted square meterage—22 square metres in the example above—by the cost per square metre.
Now that you’ve purchased enough flooring material for your project, it’s time to gather the tools necessary for the installation. Some of the tools listed below will already be in your toolbox.
You should already have a tape measure if you’ve carried out the previous step. You use it, along with a carpenter's square and some chalk, to measure and mark straight lines during the installation.
When using power tools on wood, dust particles are going to fly everywhere. You definitely wouldn’t want to inhale that dust, so be sure to have a dust mask handy. Ear protection is also recommended.
You’ll need a table saw or mitre saw to cut wood planks to size and mitre their edges. We’d recommend getting a sliding mitre saw for wide cross-cuts.
This is a specialised hand saw that’s used to undercut door jambs so that flooring can fit underneath them. This isn’t necessary, but it makes for a clean finish.
You’ll need a nailer or stapler to secure tongue-and-groove hardwood planks to the subfloor. Make sure to purchase nails/staples that are compatible with your flooring thickness.
This is a soft hammer that you’ll use to tap the flooring together. Avoid using a hammer that has a metal head to prevent dents and damage.
You’ll use these tools with the rubber mallet to tap the wooden planks tightly together and pull them into place while avoiding damage.
You’ll use the power drill/drive to screw the flooring planks to the subfloor. We recommend having a selection of drill bits on hand for a smooth installation.
You’ll use this metre to test the moisture content of the subfloor and wooden planks before installation. Wagner and Lingomat are popular brand names to consider.
Useful for removing existing floorboards and mouldings. We recommend getting one with a flattened end for easier floorboard/moulding removal.
While not an essential tool, you may need it for trimming excess flooring and underlayment. Make sure to use fresh blades for clean cuts.
Lastly, you’ll need a flooring cleaner to clean the finished floors after you’re done with the installation. Two of our favourite hardwood floor cleaner brands are Bona and Bruce.
The subfloor is a building’s foundational floor. It’s typically made up of plywood or concrete. Subfloor preparation, as the name suggests, is the process of getting the subfloor ready for the new flooring materials (i.e., wood).
There are several ways to prepare your subfloor for wood flooring, from making sure it’s level and in good condition to ensuring it’s clean and dry.
A typical subfloor preparation involves ensuring that the subfloor is:
Underlayment is a material that’s installed between the subfloor and wood flooring to provide moisture protection and sound absorption. Glue or adhesives, on the other hand, are used to bond the wood flooring boards directly to the subfloor.
If you’re having a hard time choosing between the two, consider their pros and cons:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Underlayment | - Cushioning and isolation- Noise and echo reduction- Allows for floating floor installation | - More expensive than adhesives- May also require adhesive for stability- Slightly increases floor height |
| Adhesion | - Strong bond to subflooring- Direct glue-down installation- No need for underlayment | - Messy application process- Fumes require ventilation- The floors cannot be floated |
Both application methods ensure a smooth and stable finished floor. Choosing between them will boil down to the specific type of flooring being installed and personal preference.
Go for underlayment if you’re looking to create a buffer layer between the wood flooring and the subflooring. But if you’re looking for a direct attachment method, adhesion is your best bet.
After you’ve prepared your subflooring, settled on an application method, and determined the optimal direction for the flooring boards based on the size and shape of the space, it’s time to lay the wood flooring.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
You first need to pry off existing baseboards, door trim, and thresholds using the pry bar. Be careful not to damage the trim pieces as you’ll reinstall them later. Also, be sure not to damage the walls.
From a corner, start laying the first row of boards against the straightest wall in the room, with spacers placed against the walls to allow for expansion gaps. Make sure this starter row is as straight as possible, as this will affect the rest of the installation.
The end seams between the boards of each consecutive row should be staggered by at least 150 to 300mm. This ensures stability and prevents aligned seams, which could crack over time.
As you lay each board, use a stapler or nail gun to place fasteners every 100 to 150mm along the boards. You can also use temporary fixing cleats.
Secret nailing is a technique where you nail through the tongue of the floorboard at an angle so that the nail heads are concealed once the adjoining board is installed.
Using the tapping block, gently knock the boards into place. Once again, you don’t want to use a hammer in this step as it can damage the surface of the boards.
Measure and cut the final row of boards to fit snugly against the wall while accounting for the spacer gaps. You may need to use the pry bar to manoeuvre into place.
Once you’re done with the steps above, simply renail all skirting boards, thresholds, and door trim to cover the expansion gaps along the walls and doors.
Finishing is the process of sanding, staining, and applying protective sealant to the wood flooring. If the flooring you bought is already sanded and stained, you’ll only need to apply a sealant.
Here’s what this process entails:
Use a coarse to fine sandpaper to smoothen the surface of the flooring. You’ll need to vacuum after each sanding to keep the place free of wood particles.
If desired, you can use water or oil-based stains to achieve the specific look you want. We recommend testing on samples first. We also recommend applying the stain along with, not against, the wood grain.
Next, you need to seal the floor so that moisture doesn’t seep in between the boards. You can use water-based polyurethane or moisture-cured urethane (for humid environments).
This step is optional, but waxing helps give you a classic, low-sheen look that’s quite appealing. We recommend it for low-traffic areas.
Proper maintenance keeps your wooden floor in good condition and extends its beauty. Here are some tips on how to maintain your wooden floor after installation:
Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep your wood flooring regularly. Also, use a hardwood-safe vacuum to get rid of dirt and debris that can scratch the wood.
Any liquid spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible. If you let it linger long enough, it will stain and warp the wood.
If you’re used to mopping your floor every so often, you’ll want to tone it down a bit. And when it’s time to mop, be sure to use a damp, not wet, mop to avoid soaking the floors.
You can probably see the pattern here; water and wood flooring don’t mix! So you’ll want to keep the humidity level in your house between 40% and 60% to minimise expansion and contraction.
Attach felt pads to chair and table legs to prevent them from scratching and denting your hardwood floor.
UV light can damage your wooden floor and cause it to fade. So be sure to use curtains, shades, or rugs to limit direct sunlight exposure.
Please bear in mind that different types of wood flooring require different levels of maintenance. For instance, exotic wood that’s imported from tropical regions often requires more careful maintenance than domestic hardwoods.
Generally speaking, darker, smoother wood floors show wear and tear more readily than lighter, wire-brushed floors. So the darker and smoother your floor, the more maintenance it’ll need.
Yes, different flooring styles and patterns do require a slightly different installation process. For instance:
Basic installation; often nailed or stapled to the subfloor. It comes in simple patterns like parallel boards or squares.
Can accommodate more intricate design patterns like herringbone due to its dimensional stability. That said, the boards must be precisely cut and glued to the subfloor rather than nailed.
Brittleness and hardness may limit pattern options in certain exotic wood varieties. They’re often glued down to the subfloor as opposed to nailed or stapled.
The wood itself is going to cost anywhere from £20 to £100 per square metre, depending on the type of wood you choose. Add another £15 to £30 per square metre for the installation.
Several factors affect the cost of wood flooring installation. Different patterns and finishes can be more expensive than others. You also have to account for factors like board width and wood grade.
Here’s a brief explanation:
Different wood species come at different prices as a result of their varying availability and durability. As an example, pine costs considerably less than walnut because it’s not as resistant to damage.
Certain patterns and designs are more intricate and elaborate than others, requiring more skill and time from your contractor to install.
Traditional finishes like oil and wax are more affordable than more modern finishes like lacquer and varnish.
Narrow plank widths (70mm to 100mm) often cost less than wider planks (125mm to 200mm).
The higher the wood grade, as in the fewer knots and defects it has, the more it costs.
Wood flooring installation for an average-sized room takes 2-5 days. If you’re flooring an entire house, the process can take 1-2 weeks.
The time it takes to complete a wood flooring installation varies based on a range of factors, the biggest of which is room size. Flooring larger rooms or multiple rooms will need more total labour hours to complete.
Other factors that affect installation time include:
No, you don’t need to hire a professional for wood flooring installation. However, unless you have experience with flooring projects, hiring a professional would be advisable.
Pros of hiring a professional:
Cons of hiring a professional:
You can, but unless you have enough DIY flooring experience, we wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a difficult project that requires a great deal of experience.
Pros of DIY wood flooring:
Cons of DIY wood flooring:
Yes, but it depends on the type of existing flooring you have. You can install wood over concrete, tile, sheet vinyl, OSB, and plywood. You shouldn’t install it over carpet, cushioned vinyl, or floating floors.
Yes, wood needs to acclimate for 3-5 days in the room in which it will be installed. This is to allow the boards to adjust the room’s temperature and humidity.
Some of the most common problems when laying wood flooring include:
Here are the steps to installing laminate flooring:
Here are the steps to installing vinyl flooring:
Wood flooring adds a timeless and natural beauty to any space. It’s versatile, durable, and easy to maintain, not to mention that it increases your property’s value!
While it’s possible to DIY a wood flooring project, it’s not recommended. If you don’t have enough experience, you’ll run into a host of problems that will eventually lead to poor results. For professional wood flooring installation in the UK, get in touch with us.
Wooden floors can elevate the comfort and aesthetic appeal of any room you install them in, courtesy of their timelessness and elegance. Not only that, but they’re also resilient and can last for decades with proper care. How much does wood flooring cost, though?
If you’re planning your next renovation project and wondering about that, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain the different available wood options, how much each costs, and more.
Let’s start!
Below are the most commonly installed wood floor types. The price ranges reflect the cost of materials only! Installation can add another £15 to £30 per square metre.
Engineered wood flooring costs around £20 to £80 per square metre.
It’s a type of wood flooring composed of a thin hardwood veneer layer. This layer is bonded with layers of plywood, fibreboard, or oriented strand board. It’s more stable and moisture-resistant than solid wood, but the materials it's composed of aren’t as durable, justifying its lower price point.
Another downside to engineered wood is that you can’t resurface it as much due to its veneer layer’s thickness. Still, it’s an excellent option for homeowners looking for a cheaper alternative to solid wood or a more authentic flooring solution for moisture-prone areas.
Solid wood flooring starts at £35 but can go well over £100 per square metre, depending on the wood species. It’s among the most expensive flooring solutions, courtesy of its high-end, luxurious appearance and appeal.
Your solid wood floor will be made of planks of natural wood cut from a single piece of timber. Each wood species has its own characteristics. We’re talking about durability, appearance, and resistance. So, that’s one thing to consider when investing in a solid wood floor.
Other than that, you should be aware that it’s also prone to warping and shrinking due to temperature and humidity changes.
Parquet is among the most elegant flooring solutions available due to its rich history and decorative nature. It comes at a steeper cost, though. Material-wise, its price ranges from £20 to £80 per square metre, but it depends on the brand and wood species.
Labour is the primary concern when installing parquet, as it’s pieces of wood arranged in geometric patterns.
Contemporary and highly decorated designs can set you back several thousand unless you opt for prefabricated parquet tiles that already feature designs within them.
Laminate is one of the cheapest options available for budget-conscious homeowners looking to enhance the look of their floors because it offers a multitude of options.
While low-end brands start at £15 per square metre, you can find high-end laminate that feels and performs great around the £80 price mark. It’s made of synthetic materials that mimic the appearance of hardwood.
Despite that, it’s durable, easy to install, and decently resistant to scratches and stains. It’s not completely waterproof, though; clean up any water or spills quickly so as not to damage it.
Similarly to laminate, vinyl offers an alternative for budget-conscious homeowners looking to give character to their rooms while navigating the expenses that authentic hardwood floors bring.
It’s a synthetic material that can imitate the appearance of wood. But a few advantages it has over wood include its comfort, ease of cleaning, lifespan, and durability.
It starts at a very affordable price of £10 per square metre, but higher-quality rolls and LVT can cost up to £60. It’s also waterproof and more resistant to fading and warping. Remember that it’s less eco-friendly; vinyl is made from materials that emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
This wood is salvaged from old buildings and barns, where it was perhaps redundant. It can be anything from a piece of furniture to even a boat or trailer. So, the quality, cost, and appearance of the wood depend on the source and its condition.
Generally, it costs from £20 to £80 because, despite being real wood, it’s recycled—pests, hidden dangers, and such are concerns. But if eco-friendliness and uniqueness are qualities you’d love your next wooden floor to have, reclaimed wood is an option.
Wood-effect tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles that carry the design of a wooden floor. Not only are they customisable, but their durability, resistance to moisture and stains, and waterproof quality are welcome among homeowners.
Compared to other solutions, they’re mid-range in terms of cost. They start at £10, but higher-end brands may cost up to £60 per square metre. Of course, such brands are better at mimicking the appearance of different wood species with their realistic textures and patterns.
Yes, it can.
Complex patterns are more intricate and elaborate, requiring more skill and time from your contractor to install. Expect to throw in an extra £10 to £50 per square metre on top of installation costs because of them.
Some common wood flooring patterns and styles homeowners love include:
Yes!
Some treatments are more expensive and require frequent applications. They can enhance your floor’s beauty and protect it from wear and tear. Some finishes and treatments include:
The prices above reflect material costs only! You may need to pay an extra £10 to £20 per square metre for labour.
You guessed it!
Some types of wood have different prices depending on their availability and durability. Similarly, some species just look and perform better than others.
Here are a few examples:
It depends.
Your choices are nearly unlimited, considering the number of available wood species, flooring types, patterns, and finishes. You should also consider whether you need to remove your current flooring or level your subfloor.
First, consider the cost of materials. For example, engineered wood is cheaper than solid wood, so installing an engineered wood floor will be much more affordable.
Experts will also suggest buying more material than your floor requires to be prepared for any eventualities. 10% more than your floor space needs should suffice.
Labour costs are next. Most professionals will charge you between £15 and £30 per square metre in installation costs. However, these rates are estimates; different contractors will charge you different prices.
Contractors will also charge you extra if you need to remove your current flooring or skirting boards, level or treat your floor, install underlayment, or trim your doors. Except for trimming doors, which is slightly more expensive, these services shouldn’t exceed £30 per square metre.
To sum it up, installing a wooden floor in a 17.09 m² room in the U.K. can cost anywhere from £1,200 for cheaper solutions like laminate to over £8,000 if you’re using high-end Macassar Ebony.
If you’re stumped, contact us. We’ll give you a free quote and help you find the best solution for your situation.
Yes.
Some rooms are more complex to renovate than others, either due to size, design, or condition.
Large rooms will require more material and labour, increasing the cost. Similarly, some rooms may have more obstacles or corners, making the installation more difficult and costly.
If a room’s floor is damaged, uneven, or needs to be removed, the extra preparation work will incur additional costs. The room’s location plays a role, too. The more accessible and convenient a room is, the easier it is for your contractor to renovate it.
It depends!
You need underlay with some wood flooring types, such as laminate and engineered wood, as well as for rough, uneven, and damp subfloors.
Some flooring types usually don’t need underlayment, as is the case for solid wood, unless your subfloor is damaged or you’d like to enhance the flooring’s comfort and durability. But, for the most part, underlay is recommended for most wood flooring installations.
Yes, but we recommend against it if you’re not skilled.
Let’s see some factors to consider when DIYing.
However, if you’re confident in your abilities and have all the necessary tools and materials, you’ll save a lot on labour costs.
Yes, but it depends on your flooring type; you must maintain some floors more frequently than others.
Also, factors like refinishing, sanding, and restoring your floor play a role in the final maintenance cost.
Your need to restore your floor depends on its condition. Sometimes, cleaning and repolishing it would suffice. Other times, you might need an expert to repair it.
Cleaning is a given; you must clean your floor regularly to remove dust, dirt, and stains. Fortunately, this isn’t expensive, as most homeowners have a vacuum cleaner, a broom, and a mop, and the cost of cleaning products doesn’t exceed £15.
Some wood flooring types require frequent polishing to maintain their durability and visual appeal. You can do this yourself by buying a polishing pad and a suitable polish product; contact your manufacturer for advice regarding which products to use. Wood floor polish costs around £20 per litre, but expect cost differences across brands.
Renovations can be fairly expensive. After all, you’ll likely redo the floor of an entire room. Depending on your current floor’s and subfloor’s condition, your desired floor type, material, and finish, and the size of your room, you can expect renovations to cost from £800 to well over £6,000.
Sanding wood floors is usually part of the refinishing process. Usually, this process costs around £20 or more per square metre.
The primary benefit of sanding your floor is that it evens it out and removes any scratches and stains. But it also opens up the possibility of choosing a different refinishing method.
You should refinish your wood flooring every few years to improve its appearance, durability, and your home’s value. Experts suggest that you do this every five years.
This process involves sanding, staining, and sealing the wood flooring, which can cost you from £20 to £35 per square metre. Your choice of finish can also add to the final bill; lacquer is significantly more expensive than oil.
Repairs can be pricier. You’ll likely need to replace your planks or tiles if you damage your flooring. So, buying new materials and hiring a contractor are to be expected. The costs will depend on your floor type and condition and the material used.
Repairing damaged floors may require a few touch-ups that range from £100 to well over £1,000.
A lacquered solid wood floor is the most expensive flooring option, especially if you pick a luxurious wood species.
As for materials, zebra wood (~£210/m² or more) and Macassar Ebony (~£1260/m² or more) are among the most expensive wood species and will significantly increase your flooring costs if you opt for them.
Solid wood is more expensive than engineered wood. The former costs around £35 to £100, while the latter is cheaper at £20 to £80 per square metre.
The cheapest “wood” floors are vinyl and laminate. They’re synthetic floors that mimic the look of natural wood and start at around £10 to £80 per square metre.
You can get the cheapest vinyl option for about £10 per square metre, but higher-end vinyl can cost upwards of £45 per square metre.
This makes it much cheaper than wood floors, which start at a similar price and can exceed £100 per square metre.
Laminate is among the cheapest flooring materials, but higher-end options can cost as much as some mid-quality wood species.
You can also install a laminate floor that mimics the appearance of wood. Low-quality laminate starts at around £15, while high-end laminate tiles can reach £80.
Carpet flooring costs from £4 to £40 per square metre. Premium options can cost upwards of £50. This makes it less expensive than most wooden floors, which range from £15 to £100 per square metre.
Concrete floors are more expensive than wooden floors, primarily due to the polishing process. Since it has to be poured, polished, and then sealed, it’ll cost you £135 per square metre on average.
Most wooden floors don’t exceed £100 per square metre unless you opt for a rare species.
Despite its high cost, installing a wooden floor in one of your rooms is among the best ways to give it a touch of elegance and warmth. While budget-conscious owners have more affordable options, such as engineered wood and laminate, solid wood and parquet floors are available to those willing to go all in.
At Ultimate Flooring, we deliver exceptional flooring options and truly bespoke service at competitive prices. Visit us for all your flooring needs!
Before diving into a home renovation project or upgrading a commercial space, it’s important to assess the flooring cost.
The prices of flooring vary, depending on many different factors, such as the room size, type of flooring materials, cost of installation, and location of the property.
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or just someone with a curious mind, join us as we break down the financial aspects of purchasing, installing, replacing, and maintaining various types of flooring.
Buying new flooring to replace the old one ranges between £400 to £3,000. However, the total amount depends on the following factors:
Various flooring options are available for residential and commercial buildings. They include hardwood, vinyl, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and laminate flooring. Below, we’ll discuss the different flooring materials and how much they cost.
Laminate flooring is a composite or hybrid flooring material. It consists of a wood base, an image layer, and a tough protective layer. Some brands come with a backing or an underlayment for soundproofing or moisture resistance.
When it comes to cost, you can get laminate flooring for as low as £15 per square metre and as high as £80 per square metre. The real cost depends on several factors, such as:
If you want flooring that comes close to natural wood or stone, then vinyl flooring is your best bet. It’s a popular synthetic flooring material with four layers: the backing, the waterproof layer, the image layer, and the wear layer. Vinyl is resistant to water and stains and requires low maintenance.
Cheap vinyl flooring is available at £10 per square metre. But you can get the more expensive options from £30 per square metre. Bear in mind that several factors may determine the price. They include:
Known for its underfoot softness and warmth, carpet is a textile flooring material consisting of a pile of wool, olefin, polyester, or nylon. It’s attached to a backing, which dampens noise in any room where it’s fixed.
The flooring material is among the most affordable you can find on the market, ranging between £6 to £50 per square metre. You should consider the following factors when purchasing carpet flooring:
Luxury vinyl tile, LVT for short, is a hard wearing material that’s thin and flexible and takes the semblance of natural hardwood and stones. It’s designed in a tile style and the multiple layers provide improved features such as resistance to moisture, spills, stains, and scratches. Also, it’s 100% waterproof, which makes it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Although it’s a luxury product, LVT is quite affordable and ranges between £15 to £60 per square metre. Factors that could affect the final cost are:
Derived from linseed oil, linoleum (lino) is an all-natural flooring material that’s often mistaken for vinyl flooring. The main ingredient is mixed with wood flour, crushed limestone, cork dust, and pine resin, which makes it completely biodegradable. Additionally, the material is durable, water and scratch resistant, and possesses antimicrobial qualities.
Although lino is available from £10 to £30 per square metre, you should consider these points before setting your budget:
One popular type of flooring among homeowners is wood flooring. It’s made from natural wood, lends a timeless appearance to a property, and increases its resale value. You can find it in various styles, colours, and textures, but it’s either sold as solid wood or engineered wood.
You can purchase natural wood between £35 to £120 per square metre. However, many factors influence the actual price. They include the following:
Stone flooring is cut from natural stones like granite, marble, travertine, sandstone, and limestone. It possesses inherent qualities like durability, heat retention, and resistance to humidity.
The cost of stone flooring ranges from £40 to £120 per square metre, but other things determine the actual cost. We’ve highlighted a few factors below.
Popular in garages and basements, polished concrete flooring has found its way into home interiors. Although it’s cold under the feet, concrete is durable and easy to maintain.
A contractor may quote between £50 to £160 per square metre for concrete flooring supplies. But the total estimate may be higher depending on the following:
Resin flooring is a mixture of synthetic resin and hardener to create a thick surface. It may also include cement powder, pigments, and decorations.
This flooring type is cheap, ranging between £7 to £120 per square metre. The available options are MMA, epoxy, and polyurethane. Because they possess different qualities, the price gap seems wide. However, you should consider other factors before making a buying decision.
You should expect to spend between £300 and £1,000 when fitting new flooring, depending on a lot of factors, such as:
Maintaining flooring costs between £4 and £30, which is basically the price range for floor cleaning products. You may also get a mop set, which costs an average of £26. Since all you need to do is sweep or vacuum regularly, damp mop, insert furniture pads to prevent scratches, and clean spills immediately, you don’t necessarily need to hire a professional for floor maintenance.
Other things may increase the cost of floor maintenance. They include:
Professional floor cleaning costs between £2 to £5 per square metre. It involves moving furniture, scrubbing, polishing, and deep cleaning, depending on the type of flooring. Other factors that contribute to the cost of cleaning flooring are as follows:
You should budget between £70 to £500 for flooring repairs. Small gouges and scratches due to daily use require minor repairs, little effort, and a few resources. However, deep gouges may require refinishing, resanding, resealing, or restaining, which takes more time, special tools, and expertise.
The total amount you’ll spend on repairing flooring depends on the following:
Flooring restoration could be as low as £40 and as high as £900. The price range depends on the cost of supplies and labour. While you may want to do the task yourself, it’s best to hire a professional because they have the required skills and equipment for the job.
Other factors that determine the price of flooring restoration are:
You may spend between £10 to £60 per square metre on flooring renovation. It involves tasks like upgrading, resanding, and refinishing. The things that influence the cost of renovation are:
Yes, various extra costs are associated with flooring besides the initial cost of supplies and installation. These costs include moving furniture, removal and disposal of old flooring, subfloor preparation, installing underlayment, and purchasing accessories like adhesives, nails, screws, and finishing, among others.
An underlay is a thin sheet of material placed between the subfloor and the flooring. It evens out imperfections and creates underfoot comfort. Generally, underlays are priced between £3 to £8 per square metre.
Installing new flooring usually requires the removal of old flooring because if the old one eventually fails, it’ll affect the new one. Also, it’s important to check the condition of the subfloor before installation. Contractors may charge between £70 to £200 for taking out your old flooring.
You can dispose of your old flooring by arranging for a skip pickup or liaising with the flooring contractor to get rid of it. Some flooring types like laminate, linoleum, and tile are recyclable, which means you can take them to a waste recycling centre. Also, some manufacturers offer a recycling program and can pick up old flooring from your home.
You can rent a 6 or an 8-yard skip since it’s large enough for most home renovation projects. This will cost between £200 to £400.
Yes, different flooring brands offer various price points due to the reputation they’ve built over the years, the wide range of flooring colours, patterns, and styles, and the technology used during production.
The table below shows the cost implication of hiring a professional vs. DIY.
| Factors | Professional Installation | DIY |
| Tools and Equipment | Pros have special tools and equipment for various flooring jobs, which assures precision | You’ll have to buy or rent the tools required, which increases your upfront costs |
| Expertise | Pros have the right skill set for the job, which reduces the time of installation. They also offer a warranty in case something goes wrong later. | DIY can result in several mistakes that’ll lead to waste of materials, increase the time spent on the project, and may even void the flooring manufacturer’s warranty |
| Cost of Supplies | The cost of flooring materials is the same for both professionals and DIYers | DIYers may not have access to trade discounts |
| Labour | Pros charge as high as twice the cost of the flooring material, depending on their skills and level of experience | You won’t pay a dime for labour but your time and efforts are factored into the overall costs |
Yes, commercial flooring and residential flooring are quite different in terms of material strength, quality, and design, which heavily impact the cost. When comparing the costs, you’ll realise that commercial flooring is made for high foot traffic and requires special maintenance, while residential flooring prioritises aesthetics and needs low maintenance.
Additionally, the cost of installing commercial flooring is higher than residential flooring since the layout could be large and complex. There are also strict building regulations for commercial buildings which influences the overall cost.
When considering the cost of a residential or commercial flooring project, you should keep in mind factors like the size of your space, type of flooring, brand, labour, and more. You also shouldn’t only look at the upfront costs because many variables can influence the total cost in the long run.
You can contact us now to help you choose a flooring option that fits within your budget.
