Flooring planning guide
Flooring Types Cost Comparison UK
Compare the cost of different flooring types in the UK. See real prices for hardwood, laminate, LVT, ceramic tile and carpet, including fitting.
Typical fitted range
£700–£6,000+
Main cost drivers
Material, prep, underlay, removal
Best use
Comparing finishes before buying
Flooring example
The visible finish matters — but the fitted cost often hinges on prep work and the room conditions underneath.
Flooring guide snapshot
Cheap product prices can hide expensive fitted totals
Underlay, subfloor correction, trimming and disposal can make a bargain material much less of a bargain in practice.
Remember
Flooring choices should be judged on fitted cost and room suitability, not just the shelf price per square metre.
Good next step
Use the flooring calculator once you have narrowed the material type and rough area.
Flooring Cost Comparison Table
| Flooring Type | Supply Cost per m² | Fitting Cost per m² | Total per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet | £15–£80 | £4–£12 | £19–£92 |
| Laminate | £15–£70 | £12–£25 | £27–£95 |
| LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) | £25–£120 | £15–£35 | £40–£155 |
| Ceramic Tile | £20–£150 | £30–£70 | £50–£220 |
| Porcelain Tile | £35–£200 | £30–£70 | £65–£270 |
| Solid Wood | £40–£150 | £25–£50 | £65–£200 |
| Engineered Wood | £35–£150 | £25–£50 | £60–£200 |
| Polished Concrete | £80–£200 | £40–£100 | £120–£300 |
Which Room Is Which
Different flooring suits different rooms:
- Kitchen — LVT, ceramic tile, or polished concrete. Water-resistant and easy to clean.
- Bathroom — LVT or ceramic tile. Never use solid wood in a bathroom.
- Living room — Engineered wood, laminate, LVT, or carpet. Depends on budget and feel.
- Hallway — LVT, ceramic tile, or hard wood. High-traffic area needs durability.
- Bedroom — Carpet or engineered wood. Warmth and comfort matter here.
- Stairs — Carpet or solid wood. Carpet is safer on stairs; wood looks premium.
Key Things That Affect Total Cost
- Subfloor preparation — if concrete is uneven or wood floor needs strengthening, factor in £15–£40/m² for levelling compound or ply boarding
- Uplift and disposal — removing old flooring and disposing responsibly adds £5–£15/m²
- Pattern and wastage — diagonal tile layouts and rooms with many corners increase wastage by 10–15%
- Underlay — required for laminate and carpet. Quality underlay adds £3–£12/m² but significantly improves finish and longevity
- Threshold strips and accessories — between rooms, £15–£60 each depending on material
Estimate your flooring cost
Use our calculator to budget for flooring across multiple rooms.
Open Flooring Cost Calculator →