Full Flooring Cost Estimator
Cost Breakdown
Estimate for mid-range laminate in Midlands. Prices are indicative. Updated February 2026.
UK Flooring Costs Explained — Full Breakdown for 2026
What Affects the Total Cost of Flooring?
The total cost of a flooring project in the UK depends on four main components: the flooring material itself, underlay and accessories, removal of the existing floor, and professional fitting. Each component varies significantly depending on the flooring type, quality tier, and your location within the UK. Understanding these cost components helps you budget accurately and avoid nasty surprises.
Material Costs by Flooring Type
Material prices have been relatively stable in the UK since mid-2025, after the supply chain disruptions of earlier years settled. Here are the typical price ranges you will find at major UK retailers including B&Q, Wickes, Carpetright, Flooring Superstore, and Tapi Carpets in February 2026:
| Flooring Type | Budget/m² | Mid-Range/m² | Premium/m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £8–£12 | £14–£20 | £22–£30 |
| Vinyl / LVT (click) | £14–£18 | £22–£30 | £35–£50 |
| Vinyl Sheet | £8–£12 | £14–£20 | £22–£28 |
| Carpet | £6–£12 | £15–£25 | £30–£50 |
| Engineered Wood | £22–£30 | £32–£42 | £45–£65 |
| Solid Hardwood | £35–£45 | £50–£65 | £70–£100 |
Professional Fitting Costs by Region
Labour costs for flooring installation vary considerably across the UK. London is significantly more expensive due to higher trade rates and operating costs, while the North of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer lower fitting prices. These regional differences apply to fitting only — material costs are broadly similar nationwide when buying from national retailers.
| Region | Laminate/m² | Carpet/m² | LVT/m² | Wood/m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £12–£20 | £6–£13 | £15–£26 | £18–£38 |
| South East | £10–£18 | £5–£11 | £12–£22 | £15–£32 |
| South West | £9–£16 | £4–£10 | £11–£20 | £14–£28 |
| Midlands | £8–£15 | £4–£10 | £10–£20 | £12–£25 |
| North of England | £7–£14 | £4–£9 | £9–£18 | £11–£23 |
| Wales | £7–£14 | £4–£9 | £9–£18 | £11–£23 |
| Scotland | £8–£15 | £4–£10 | £10–£20 | £12–£25 |
| N. Ireland | £7–£14 | £4–£9 | £9–£18 | £11–£23 |
Where to Buy Flooring in the UK
The UK has a competitive flooring retail market with several major chains and online retailers. Each has strengths in different product categories:
- B&Q: Wide range of budget and mid-range laminate (GoodHome brand), basic vinyl, and engineered wood. Competitive prices, especially during sales. Good for DIY buyers. Online and in-store.
- Wickes: Strong mid-range selection of laminate and engineered wood. Often has good promotional pricing. Trade and DIY friendly. Offers a measuring and fitting service.
- Carpetright: The UK’s largest specialist carpet retailer. Extensive carpet and vinyl ranges. Regular free-fitting promotions. Also sells laminate and LVT. Home consultation service available.
- Tapi Carpets: Premium carpet and vinyl specialist with showrooms across England. Known for quality products and service. Free fitting often included.
- Flooring Superstore: Online retailer with competitive prices, especially on laminate and LVT. Brands include Quick-Step, Egger, and Kahrs. Nationwide delivery.
- United Carpets: Value-focused chain with regular “half price” promotions. Good for budget carpet and laminate.
DIY vs Professional Fitting
Fitting flooring yourself can save a significant amount of money, but it is not suitable for all flooring types:
- DIY-friendly: Click-lock laminate and click-lock LVT are specifically designed for DIY installation. With basic tools (tape measure, saw, spacers, and a tapping block), most homeowners can fit a room in a day.
- Moderate difficulty: Carpet can be DIY-fitted in simple rooms, but joins, stairs, and curved areas are best left to professionals. Sheet vinyl requires skill to cut accurately.
- Professional recommended: Solid hardwood (nailed or glued), herringbone and chevron patterns, underfloor heating installations, and any flooring in commercial premises should be professionally fitted.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When budgeting for a flooring project, many homeowners forget about several additional costs that can add £100–300 to the total:
- Door trimming: New flooring may be thicker than the old floor, requiring doors to be trimmed at the bottom. This costs £10–25 per door if done by the fitter, or free if you do it yourself with a saw.
- Threshold strips: Strips that bridge the gap between different flooring types in doorways. £8–25 each, and most rooms need 1–3.
- Skirting boards or beading: Scotia beading (quarter-round trim) covers the expansion gap between the flooring and the skirting board. £1–3 per metre. Alternatively, removing and refitting skirting boards provides a neater finish but costs more.
- Subfloor preparation: If the subfloor is uneven, levelling compound may be needed (£5–15/m²). Replacing damaged floorboards can cost £20–50 per board.
- Skip hire: If removing old carpet, tiles, or a large quantity of waste, a mini skip costs £150–250 for a weekend.
All Flooring Calculators
Main Flooring Calculator
Quick area and cost for any flooring type
Laminate Calculator
Packs, planks, and expansion gaps
Vinyl & LVT Calculator
Sheet vinyl rolls and click-lock tiles
Carpet Calculator
Strips, joins, and gripper rods
Hardwood & Engineered Wood
Board counts and pattern wastage
Underlay Calculator
Rolls, thickness, and moisture barriers
Frequently Asked Questions
For a typical 14 m² room: budget laminate costs £250–450 fitted, mid-range vinyl LVT costs £500–800 fitted, carpet costs £300–700 fitted, and engineered wood costs £700–1,500 fitted. Includes materials, underlay, and fitting.
Carpet: £4–10/m². Laminate: £8–15/m². Vinyl/LVT: £10–20/m². Engineered wood: £12–25/m². Solid hardwood: £18–35/m². London is 20–30% above average. Many carpet retailers offer free fitting.
It depends on the product type. B&Q is competitive on budget laminate. Wickes is strong on mid-range laminate and wood. Carpetright specialises in carpet and vinyl with free-fitting promotions. Always compare the total cost including fitting.
Old carpet: £3–5/m². Laminate/vinyl: £5–8/m². Tiles with adhesive: £8–15/m². Many fitters include removal in their quote if you ask. DIY removal of carpet or laminate is straightforward.
Material costs are similar nationwide, but fitting in London is 25–30% more expensive than the national average. The South East is 10–15% above average. The North, Wales, and Northern Ireland are 5–10% below average.