Flooring is one of the most important considerations when decorating a room and there are a number of materials available from which to choose, from carpet to laminate and vinyl to hardwood.
As a result of many years of experience, using professional flooring services will provide optimum results. Whether you have moved house and are looking to have new flooring laid or want to replace your current flooring, the average cost of flooring services will depend on a number of factors including flooring type, labour costs and any supplementary materials. For example, if you have chosen to install vinyl flooring, you will also need adhesives and underlay, and for the tiles you will require grout.
When a professional installs flooring, they will measure the floor space, work out the materials required, clear away furniture and remove doors, prepare the base and lay subflooring where needed, clean, level and seal the work area, nail or glue the underlay in place, and install the new flooring.
The cost to lay wooden flooring for a room sized 5m x 5m will cost in the region of £1,600 if you choose hardwood. However, if you are on a budget, wood effect laminate will cost a lot less, at around £400. Of course, it may be you require services to existing flooring, for example sanding or restoration to a wooden floor. To restore wooden floors, expect to pay around £15 per square metre, subject to the type of restoration required. For example, to sand an area of 10 square metres will cost about £140.
For wooden flooring, there are also variations in the type of wood that the flooring is made from, as well as its design. Some wooden flooring uses tongue and groove for assembly whereas others can be made from square-edged floorboards. With such diverse variation between flooring types, costs will also vary depending on the complexities of the job and how familiar the installer is with the type of flooring you have chosen.
Some installers will include the price of labour with the materials but bear in mind that otherwise, the flooring installer will charge around £150 per day for the installation, or about £25 per hour depending on the material.
Although the cost of materials may differ slightly where you live, labour costs are the main factor which will vary. How much you pay will, in part at least, depend on which part of the country you live in. Generally, London and the South East are going to cost more.
This will depend on the type of flooring you are having installed. Many different materials are available.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood floors are a popular type of flooring as they are easy to maintain and hard-wearing. This flooring type is especially useful in kitchens and bathrooms as, unlike solid wood, there is much less expansion and contraction, and it can be placed on top of a concrete floor.
The cost of engineered wooden floors will vary depending on the quality and style of the product. In addition to the cost of the flooring, you can expect an installation to cost in the region of £25 per square metre, depending on your location and complexity of the installation.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors are composed of actual planks to create a solid floor. For this reason, you can choose from many different types of wood including walnut, pine, oak and maple, and each of these materials can have different treatments and finishes. These types of flooring will need maintaining, such as by using varnish or wax, however they will last for decades and can increase a property’s value. A hardwood floor will cost around £40 per square metre.
Tiles
Floor tiles are very popular choices for bathrooms and kitchens as they are water resistant and easy to clean. Tiles are available in a variety of sizes and shapes but if you have a small budget, square tiles will be the most cost-effective. Square tiles also have an advantage in that they are quicker and easier to lay, which will reduce labour costs if you are getting a professional to do the work for you. Tiles cost around £25 per square metre.
Laminate
Laminate is a product which is designed to look like real wood. The main layer is mainly manufactured from fibreboard and melamine resin. The top layer is imprinted to take on the appearance of real wood. Laminate flooring costs in the region of £25 per square metre.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is formed from a number of materials in several layers to create a tough, practical and inexpensive floor covering. Vinyl flooring comes in the form of vinyl roll and vinyl tiles. Both are made from the same materials but the manufacturing process is different in order to produce different effects. For instance, it could take on the appearance of wood or tiles but at a fraction of the cost. Laminate flooring costs about £22 per square metre.
Carpet
A carpet is made from woven fabric and is the most popular floor covering used in domestic living spaces. Carpet is available on a roll, or as carpet tiles which are less expensive. Fitted carpets cost in the region of £40 per square metre whilst carpet tiles cost around £13 per square metre.
Other costs to consider
Other factors will influence the final price of the job, depending on your circumstances. If a carpet requires removal before a new floor is laid, the installer will usually charge for removal and disposal although this is a task you can do yourself. Likewise, the removal of skirting boards is often required to facilitate a neater finish. If you need new skirting boards, this will cost in the region of £8 per metre depending on the material.
| Flooring material | Average cost per m2 |
|---|---|
| Engineered wood | £25 |
| Hardwood | £40 |
| Tiles | £25 |
| Laminate | £16 |
| Vinyl | £22 |
| Carpet | £40 |
Check reviews and recommendations
Ask your friends and family if they have had any work done recently and, if so, whether they can recommend anyone. Read reviews online from a number of different sources. 9 out of 10 people state that online reviews are equally important as recommendations from friends and family.
Request pictures of previous work
How do you know what the final result is going to look like? Take a look at the company’s website or ask them directly for examples of their previous work. Some providers will also be able to use virtual reality to show you what your actual floor is going to look like when it is completed.
Get more than one quote
As there are a number of variables involved when obtaining a quote, such as where you are in the country, you should always obtain more than one quote, preferably 3 or 4, so that you are able to gauge the variety available and which is the most cost-effective, and represents the best value for money.
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