How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost in the UK?
Buying laminate flooring for your DIY project is a great idea. It’s cheap, comes in many designs, and is easy to maintain. But how much does it cost as per your room? Getting too much or too little can be an issue if you are unsure. Plus, do you plan to install it yourself or get professional help?
When you are budgeting to fit laminate flooring, you need to count in the underlay and floor preparation. Maybe even the subfloor if it needs to be revamped and installation materials for each room. Read on to find out how much laminate flooring costs in the UK with a look at every variable.
How Much Is Laminate Flooring Per Square Metre?
Basic laminate can be relatively inexpensive. But higher specification products come with thicker boards and more detailed finishes. They also have improved joint systems or enhanced water resistance that can cost more. In general laminates cost between £10 to £40+ per m², depending on the product and range.
Now you need to consider the amount of packs you need as per your floor. Make sure you always take an upper round-off as you can’t buy half a pack. Say your room has 20m² of flooring and the laminate costs £20 per m². Then you will get 20m² × £20 = £400. Apart from this, you need to count the waste you cut off and the underlay.
How Much Does It Cost to Professionally Lay Laminate Flooring?
If you pay a professional to lay laminate flooring, fitting is charged separately from the flooring. A laminate fitting price can be around £15 to £30 per m². But this varies by location, installer and the complexity of the job.
A simple, empty rectangular room with a suitable subfloor will be more straightforward to fit than a room with lots of corners. The job gets more complex with doorways, awkward areas or preparation work. A fitting quote may cover the basic laying of the flooring, but additional work can include:
- Removing and disposing of existing flooring
- Preparing or levelling the subfloor
- Installing underlay
- Fitting door bars or thresholds
- Cutting around door frames and other obstacles
- Moving furniture
- Removing and refitting skirting boards
- Installing new skirting or finishing trims
Ask your installer what is included before agreeing to a price. Two quotes can look very different. One might cover preparation and finishing work while the other only covers laying the laminate.
What Else Do You Need to Budget For?
The laminate itself and fitting are not always the only costs involved.
Underlay
Many laminate floors require a suitable underlay. This is unless an integrated underlay is already part of the product. The type of underlay required depends on the flooring, subfloor and installation conditions. Concrete or screed subfloors may also require suitable moisture protection. Check the flooring and underlay specifications before buying.
Floor Preparation
The subfloor needs to meet the manufacturer's requirements. If it is uneven, damaged, damp or otherwise unsuitable, preparation may add to the project cost. This could include minor repairs, levelling or moisture treatment. Do not assume that floor preparation is included in a standard fitting price.
Trims and Thresholds
You may need thresholds or transition profiles where the laminate meets another floor covering. You may also need skirting boards, scotia or other finishing products. All this depends on how the room is finished.
Removing Existing Flooring
If an installer needs to remove carpet, old laminate or another existing floor covering, this may be charged separately. Disposal can also add to the total cost.
What Affects the Cost of Laminate Flooring?
Several factors can change the final price.
Laminate specification: Products with higher thickness and finishes change the price. They also have better locking systems and moisture resistance.
Room size: Larger rooms require more flooring, but not necessarily more fitting cost.
Room shape: Simple rooms are easier to calculate and fit. Rooms with corners, alcoves and fitted units need more cutting and installation time.
Subfloor condition: There is more cost for subfloors that need repair or levelling.
Existing flooring: Removing and disposing of an old floor costs more.
Location: Professional fitting rates vary across the UK.
Installation pattern: Complex layouts need additional planning, cutting and waste.
How Can You Keep Laminate Flooring Costs Down?
You do not necessarily need the cheapest laminate to keep the overall project cost under control. Start by choosing a product that is appropriate for the room and its expected use. Buying a specification that is unnecessarily high for the application can increase the material cost without providing a useful benefit.
Measure carefully so you do not buy significantly more flooring than necessary, but always allow enough for cutting and waste. You can also compare fitting quotes, but make sure you are comparing like for like. A cheaper quote may exclude preparation, removal, trims or other work that another installer has included.
For example:
Cost |
Example |
|---|---|
22m² laminate at £20/m² |
£440 |
20m² professional fitting at £20/m² |
£400 |
Underlay |
£60 |
Trims/thresholds |
£40 |
Example total |
£940 |
This is an illustration rather than a standard UK price. Your cost will depend on the flooring you choose and the work your room requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does laminate flooring cost?
Laminate flooring can range from around £10 to £40+ per m². The total project cost depends on the fitting and underlay along with the finishing materials.
How much does it cost to fit laminate flooring?
Professional laminate fitting can cost around £15–£30 per m². But the rates vary depending on location, installer and the complexity of the work.
Is laminate flooring cheaper than other flooring?
Laminate is available across a wide range of prices. You need to compare it to the specific flooring you want like wood or stone finish.
Can I lay laminate flooring myself?
Many click-lock laminate floors are suitable for DIY installation. But this is only if the subfloor and underlay are properly prepared. DIY can reduce labour costs, but you still need to budget for materials, tools and preparation.
What is the cheapest way to install laminate flooring?
Installing the flooring yourself can remove professional labour costs. Comparing material prices and fitting quotes can also help control the overall project cost.
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