Flooring Types at a Glance — Comparison Table
Choosing the right flooring for each room requires balancing cost, durability, water resistance, maintenance, and aesthetics. The table below summarises the key properties of the most popular flooring types available in the UK in 2026.
| Flooring Type | Cost/m² | Durability | Water Resistance | UFH Compatible | DIY Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £8–£30 | Good (AC3-AC4) | Low (swells when wet) | Yes (check rating) | Excellent |
| Vinyl / LVT | £12–£50 | Very Good | Excellent (100% waterproof) | Yes | Excellent |
| Carpet | £5–£50 | Moderate (5–15 yrs) | Poor | Not recommended | Moderate (fitting needed) |
| Engineered Hardwood | £30–£80 | Excellent (20–30 yrs) | Moderate (not wet areas) | Yes (≤18mm thick) | Good (floating fit) |
| Solid Hardwood | £50–£120 | Outstanding (50+ yrs) | Low (avoid damp areas) | No | Moderate (nailing required) |
| Ceramic / Porcelain Tiles | £10–£80 | Outstanding | Excellent | Yes (best conductor) | Moderate (grout/adhesive) |
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product that simulates the appearance of wood or stone. It consists of a moisture-resistant backing board, a dense HDF (high-density fibreboard) core, a photographic design layer, and a transparent wear surface. It has been a UK bestseller for over two decades and remains one of the most practical choices for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
Pros
- Very cost-effective — budget options from around £8/m²
- Wide range of realistic wood and stone designs
- Click-and-lock fitting system makes it excellent for DIY installation
- Scratch-resistant surface (AC3 and above) handles everyday wear well
- Easy to maintain — sweep and occasional damp mop
- Can be laid over most existing floors
Cons
- Not waterproof — the HDF core swells when water penetrates joints. Not suitable for bathrooms or anywhere prone to standing water
- Cannot be sanded or refinished — once worn, it must be replaced
- Can sound hollow underfoot without good quality underlay
- Thinner boards (6-7mm) may feel less substantial
UK Costs 2026
Budget laminate: £8–£12/m² (B&Q, Wickes own brands). Mid-range: £14–£22/m² (Pergo, Kaindl, Elka). Premium: £24–£30/m² (Quick-Step, Egger). Add £20–£30 per room for underlay. Fitting by a professional costs around £12–£20/m².
Vinyl Flooring & Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
Vinyl has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. The old thin sheet vinyl of the 1980s has been replaced by luxury vinyl tile (LVT) — a rigid or semi-rigid plank or tile product that is genuinely waterproof throughout its entire thickness. LVT is now one of the fastest-growing flooring categories in the UK, and for good reason: it is the only flooring type that can realistically be used in any room in the house, including bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms.
Vinyl Sheet vs LVT — What Is the Difference?
Vinyl sheet (also called cushion floor or lino in common usage) is a continuous roll of vinyl, typically 2-4m wide. It is glued or loose-laid. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile or Luxury Vinyl Plank — LVP) mimics the appearance and format of individual tiles or planks and clicks together like laminate. LVT is generally thicker, more realistic-looking, and more expensive than vinyl sheet.
Rigid Core LVT vs Flexible LVT
- Rigid Core LVT (SPC — Stone Plastic Composite): Has a stone-composite core that is completely rigid and dimensionally stable. Excellent for installation over uneven subfloors. Can be used over underfloor heating. The premium standard for UK homes.
- Flexible LVT: Thinner, more pliable product. Lower cost but requires a very flat subfloor. May show imperfections in the subfloor over time.
Pros
- 100% waterproof — suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms
- Warm and comfortable underfoot compared to tiles
- Quiet underfoot — reduces sound transmission
- Click-and-lock fitting — good DIY project
- Compatible with underfloor heating
- Highly realistic wood and stone appearance
- Low maintenance — sweep and mop
Cons
- Mid to premium LVT has a higher upfront cost than laminate
- Cannot be sanded or refinished
- Some cheap LVT can fade in strong direct sunlight over time
- The rigid core versions can be damaged by point impacts (dropped heavy objects)
UK Costs 2026
Vinyl sheet: £6–£18/m². Budget LVT: £12–£20/m². Mid-range LVT: £22–£35/m². Premium SPC/LVT: £38–£55/m² (Karndean, Amtico, Polyflor). Professional fitting: £15–£25/m².
Carpet
Despite the growth of hard flooring, carpet remains the flooring of choice for UK bedrooms and a significant proportion of living rooms. It provides unmatched warmth, acoustic insulation, and softness underfoot. The carpet market in 2026 offers a vast range of styles from budget polypropylene tufted carpet to luxurious hand-tufted wool Axminster and Wilton weaves.
Carpet Types
- Tufted carpet: The most common type — yarn is stitched into a backing. Available in cut pile (soft, plush), loop pile (durable, textured), and cut-loop (patterned). Suitable for all rooms.
- Axminster: Woven carpet, highly durable, traditionally patterned. Excellent quality and longevity. Used in hallways and stairs.
- Wilton: Woven carpet with a continuous pile. Luxurious, very durable, expensive. Available in plain or subtle patterns.
- Polypropylene: Synthetic fibre — stain-resistant, budget-friendly, less luxurious feel. Good for family rooms and hallways.
- Wool / wool blend: Natural fibre. Warm, resilient, durable. Premium cost. Excellent for living rooms and bedrooms.
Pros
- Warm and comfortable underfoot — ideal for bedrooms
- Excellent acoustic insulation — reduces sound transmission between floors
- Wide range of colours, textures, and price points
- Safer underfoot — reduces slip risk and cushions falls
- Budget options provide good value for bedrooms
Cons
- Not waterproof — stains can be permanent if not treated quickly
- Can harbour dust mites and allergens — not ideal for allergy sufferers
- Requires professional fitting in most cases — adds to cost
- Not suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or utility rooms
- Shorter lifespan than hard flooring — typically 8-15 years
UK Costs 2026
Budget polypropylene: £5–£10/m². Mid-range tufted: £12–£25/m². Wool / premium: £28–£50+/m². Underlay (required): £3–£8/m². Professional fitting: £4–£8/m² for standard rooms. Use our carpet calculator to estimate quantities.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is a multi-layer product consisting of a real hardwood veneer (typically 2-6mm thick) bonded to multiple layers of high-quality plywood. The result looks and feels identical to solid hardwood from the surface, but the plywood construction makes it more dimensionally stable — it expands and contracts less with changes in humidity and temperature, making it suitable for use with underfloor heating and in rooms where solid hardwood would be problematic.
Pros
- Genuine real wood appearance and feel — indistinguishable from solid hardwood
- More stable than solid hardwood — suitable for use over underfloor heating
- Can be sanded and refinished 2-4 times depending on veneer thickness
- Available in floating (click-lock) or glued installations
- Wide range of species, colours, and finishes
- Premium aesthetic that adds value to the property
Cons
- Significantly higher cost than laminate or LVT
- Not suitable for bathrooms or areas with frequent water exposure
- Requires careful maintenance — specialist wood floor cleaner, not steam mopping
- Can show scratches and dents (although these add character over time)
- Some finishes require periodic oiling or re-lacquering
Wood Species and Appearances
The most popular hardwood species for engineered flooring in the UK in 2026 are oak (by far the most common — light, versatile, widely available), walnut (dark, rich, premium), ash (pale, contemporary), and maple (pale, fine grain). Engineered oak is available in a huge range of surface treatments: natural lacquer, matt oiled, UV-oiled, white-oiled, smoked, brushed, and hand-scraped textures.
UK Costs 2026
Budget engineered hardwood (oak, thin veneer): £30–£45/m². Mid-range (oak, 3-4mm veneer): £50–£70/m². Premium (wide plank, thick veneer, handcrafted finish): £75–£120+/m². Professional fitting: £20–£30/m². Use our hardwood flooring calculator for quantities.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is exactly what it sounds like — planks milled from a single piece of real hardwood, typically 18-22mm thick. It is the most traditional, premium, and long-lasting flooring option available. A well-maintained solid hardwood floor can last for generations, being sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. It is, however, the most expensive option and the most sensitive to environmental conditions.
Pros
- Outstanding longevity — 50-100+ years with proper care
- Can be sanded and refinished 5-8 times, completely renewing the surface
- Genuine natural product — each plank is unique
- Increases property value
- Improves with age, developing a natural patina
Cons
- High initial cost
- Very sensitive to moisture and temperature changes — will expand, contract, gap, or cup
- Not suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, or ground floor concrete slabs without a DPM
- Not compatible with underfloor heating
- Requires secret nailing — harder DIY project, often needs professional fitting
- Must acclimatise in the room for 7-14 days before installation
UK Costs 2026
Budget solid hardwood (thin oak boards): £50–£65/m². Mid-range (standard oak, 18-20mm): £70–£90/m². Premium (wide plank, exotic species, hand-finished): £100–£150+/m². Professional fitting: £25–£40/m².
Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles
Tiles are the flooring of choice for kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories, and utility rooms in UK homes. Modern porcelain tiles are incredibly hard-wearing, completely waterproof, and available in formats and designs that convincingly replicate natural stone, concrete, and even wood. The current trend is toward large-format tiles (600×600mm and 600×1200mm) in both floor and wall applications.
Ceramic vs Porcelain — What Is the Difference?
- Ceramic tiles: Made from clay fired at lower temperatures. Slightly porous, lighter, and easier to cut. More suitable for wall applications and light-use floors. Less expensive than porcelain.
- Porcelain tiles: Made from refined clay fired at higher temperatures. Very dense, non-porous, extremely hard-wearing. Suitable for all applications including outdoor use. The preferred choice for floor tiles in the UK.
Pros
- Completely waterproof — the only flooring fully suitable for showers and bathrooms
- Excellent durability — tiles in high-traffic commercial settings last decades
- Best conductor of heat — ideal for underfloor heating
- Hygienic — easy to clean, does not harbour bacteria
- Huge range of designs, sizes, and effects
- Fireproof and heat-resistant
Cons
- Hard and cold underfoot — uncomfortable for prolonged standing without underfloor heating or anti-fatigue matting
- Installation requires skill — surface preparation, setting out, and grouting all require care
- Heavy — may require structural assessment for upper floors
- Cracked tiles are difficult to replace without visible variation from surrounding tiles
- Grout joints can stain and discolour over time without regular sealing
UK Costs 2026
Budget ceramic floor tiles: £10–£18/m². Mid-range porcelain: £22–£45/m². Premium large-format porcelain: £50–£90/m². Natural stone (slate, travertine, marble): £35–£100+/m². Tile adhesive: £8–£15 per 20kg bag (covers 4-5m²). Professional fitting: £30–£55/m² including materials.
How to Choose the Right Flooring for Each Room
Kitchen
The kitchen demands a waterproof, easy-to-clean, and durable surface. LVT / vinyl is the top recommendation for most UK kitchens — it is warm underfoot, 100% waterproof, comfortable when standing for long periods, and easy to fit. Porcelain tiles are the premium choice, especially over underfloor heating. Avoid laminate (not waterproof) and carpet (unhygienic).
Bathroom
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are the traditional choice for UK bathroom floors and walls, providing a waterproof, hygienic surface. LVT is an increasingly popular alternative for bathroom floors, offering warmth and comfort that tiles cannot match without underfloor heating. Avoid laminate, solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood in bathrooms.
Living Room
The living room has the widest choice of any room. Engineered hardwood offers premium aesthetics and excellent durability. Laminate provides a very similar look at lower cost. LVT adds waterproofing. Carpet provides warmth and acoustic insulation — still the most comfortable choice for family living rooms.
Bedroom
Carpet remains the most popular choice for UK bedrooms — warm, soft, quiet, and comfortable underfoot first thing in the morning. For allergy sufferers or those preferring a cleaner aesthetic, laminate or engineered hardwood with a bedside rug works well.
Hallway
Hallways take the highest footfall in any home. Durability and ease of cleaning are paramount. Tiles or LVT are the most practical choices. Engineered hardwood makes a strong visual statement in an entrance hall. Laminate rated AC4 or above handles heavy traffic well. Avoid thin-pile carpet which shows wear quickly in hallways.
Conservatory
Conservatories experience extreme temperature fluctuations — very hot in summer, cold in winter. This rules out solid hardwood (which would expand and contract excessively) and standard laminate. Porcelain tiles are the most resilient. Rigid-core LVT (SPC) handles temperature changes well and is a popular modern choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carpet remains the most widely installed flooring type in UK homes overall, particularly in bedrooms and living rooms. However, for kitchens, hallways, and open-plan living areas, LVT and laminate flooring have overtaken carpet in popularity due to their durability and ease of cleaning.
Budget laminate is typically the cheapest option at £8–12 per m², followed by budget vinyl sheet at £6–10/m². Both can be fitted by a competent DIYer without professional fitting costs. Budget carpet starts lower but requires underlay and professional fitting which increases the total cost.
LVT or vinyl sheet flooring is generally considered the best choice for UK kitchens. It is 100% waterproof, comfortable underfoot, easy to clean, and looks very realistic. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are also excellent for kitchens if you prefer a harder surface, especially with underfloor heating.
Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood and suitable for underfloor heating. Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished more times, giving a potentially longer lifespan, but engineered hardwood is the better practical choice for most UK homes due to its greater versatility and stability.
The best flooring types for underfloor heating are ceramic or porcelain tiles (best heat conductor), LVT, and engineered hardwood up to 18mm thick. Never use solid hardwood over UFH. Thick carpet insulates against heat and is not recommended.