Did you know that your choice of flooring can greatly affect how your home looks and feels? For example, hardwood floors look beautiful, while carpet is comfortable to walk on. But if you don’t know the cost, you may end up overspending or compromising on the quality.
We’ll walk you through the flooring costs of different materials and discuss the cost differences in hiring a professional vs. doing it yourself to help you get the best deal and avoid hidden costs.
What Is the Average Cost of Purchasing New and Replacing Flooring?
You can expect to pay £500 to £3,000, depending on the type of flooring. Here are other factors you should consider:
- Size of the room
- Amount of flooring required
- Quality of flooring
What Are Numerous Types of Flooring, and How Much Do They Cost?
There are many types of flooring available, with prices ranging from affordable laminate and vinyl to high-end wood and stone. Knowing your options and their costs will allow you to find the best material within your budget.
Laminate
This flooring has several thin layers of material and is resistant to scratches and dents, making it a good choice if you have kids or pets at home. It’s also suitable for businesses experiencing heavy traffic, like offices, retail stores, and restaurants.
And if you want to install laminate on your property, you can expect to pay anywhere from £5 to £30 per square metre, depending on the following factors:
- Thickness: Thicker laminate can withstand more wear and tear in high-traffic areas and will last you longer than thin material but at a greater cost.
- Design: Since laminate is made to look like natural material, complex designs with a lot of detail will cost you more than simpler ones.
- Quality: Higher-quality laminate will cost more than lower-quality material because it lasts longer and looks more authentic when installed.
- Brand: Every laminate brand offers its products at different prices, with the more popular ones charging you more for the material.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a plastic made by mixing ethylene and chlorine to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The material is mostly used in kitchens and bathrooms because it’s water-resistant and easy to clean whenever you make a mess. And since it resembles wood, it creates a beautiful environment for businesses like offices and hotels on a budget.
Vinyl flooring costs £10 to £45 per square metre, but before you buy, consider the following factors affecting its price:
- Type of Vinyl: There are two main types of vinyl available, sheet and tile. Sheet vinyl is a cheaper option than tile, which offers better performance.
- Design: You’ll pay more for more realistic and intricate designs than simpler designs.
- Brand: More established brands will charge you higher prices for their products than less popular manufacturers.
- Thickness: If you want thicker and more durable vinyl material, you should be ready to pay more for your flooring.
Carpet
Carpets are made of wool, nylon, polypropylene, or olefin and are common in bedrooms as they insulate the room, making it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They also reduce noise levels in any space, creating a peaceful and tranquil environment.
When it comes to commercial spaces, the material creates an inviting and comfortable floor for guests and protects your floors from wear and tear.
You can expect to pay £5 – £50 per square metre for a new carpet depending on these factors:
- Material: Wool carpets will cost you more than nylon because the material is naturally stain-resistant and durable, but nylon is more durable.
- Backing: Latex backing is more expensive than foam because it lasts longer and can withstand more wear and tear in heavy traffic.
- Size: If you want a bigger carpet, you’ll have to pay more for the extra material.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)
LVT is made by mixing vinyl, resins, and other materials to create durable and versatile flooring in different styles and colours. It’s popular in high-end properties because it accurately mimics natural materials like wood, stone, and tile and needs less effort to clean. LVT costs £15 – £65 depending on the following factors:
- Brand: Different companies produce special LVT that costs you more to install, especially if you’re dealing with a popular brand.
- Style: More complex LVT patterns and designs are expensive because they look and feel authentic compared to normal vinyl flooring.
- Quality: Higher quality LVT flooring is made from thicker vinyl and comes with a more realistic finish, costing you more to install.
- Installation: LVT has different installation methods, each with benefits and varying costs.
Lino
Lino is made by mixing natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, pigments, and jute backing. The flooring is a sustainable and renewable option for eco-conscious individuals and is a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms because it’s easy to clean and non-toxic. You should expect to pay £10 to £30 per square metre depending on these factors:
- Material Quality: Lino flooring made from natural material is more expensive than the synthetic option.
- Size of the Area: If you need to cover a larger area, you may have to pay a higher price.
- Cost of Installation: There are different installation methods for lino installation, each with its price tag.
Wood
If you want a classic and timeless material that never goes out of style, you can never go wrong with wood flooring. Made from solid or engineered wood, this flooring will make your floors look beautiful, especially with the different species that come in different shades to match any decor. You may pay £25 to £120 per square metre, but before buying, consider the following factors:
- Type of Wood: There are many wood species, each with distinct features and different prices, with oak and mahogany being the most expensive options.
- Wood Quality: Hardwood costs more than softwood because it lasts longer and requires more investment in maintenance.
- Type of Finish: You can apply different finishes to your wooden floors to get a special shade that matches your interior design, and each option has a specific price.
- Installation Method: There are many ways to install your wooden planks, and the prices vary depending on your preferred option.
Stone
Stone floors are a luxurious and timeless addition to your home, with a wide variety of options, such as marble, granite, and limestone. They’re known for being durable and water-resistant, making them a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and patios. The flooring costs £30 to £500, depending on the type of stone you want.
Before installing stone floors, consider these factors:
- Type of Stone: There are many different stones available, such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertine. Each option has a different cost, so you have to pick one based on your budget.
- Finish: You can have your stone floors finished with different shades to match your walls or decor, but you should expect different prices for each option.
- Tile Size: If you need large tiles, you’ll have to pay more than buying small tiles.
Concrete
Concrete flooring is made by mixing cement, water, sand, and gravel to create a durable material that can withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear. The material is popular in commercial spaces like warehouses and factories because it’s low-maintenance and fire- and chemical-resistant.
Concrete flooring will cost you £50 to £150 per square metre, depending on the following factors:
- Design Complexity: If you want concrete floors with special design patterns, you’ll have to pay more than simple designs.
- Size of the Room: If your room is huge, you’ll pay more for extra materials.
- Location: Depending on your location, the labour cost varies between contractors.
Resin
Resin flooring is made by mixing resin and hardener in specific proportions, creating either epoxy or polyurethane resin. The material is durable, customisable, and chemical-resistant, making it the perfect solution for industrial and commercial spaces like warehouses, factories, workshops, and garages.
It may cost you £20 to £150 per square metre, depending on the type of resin used. Consider the following factors affecting the price of this material:
- Type of Resin: Epoxy resin is more expensive than polyurethane because it’s more durable and scratch-resistant.
- Size of the Space: If you’re installing resin floors on a large commercial floor like a warehouse, you’ll pay more than if it were a small retail store.
- Complexity of Installation: Since installing resin requires professional services, complex installation processes will cost you more because it requires a lot of time, labour, and material.
How Much Does It Cost to Install New Flooring?
This process will cost you £400 to £10,000, depending on the following factors:
- Type of Flooring: Solid hardwood floors will cost you more to install than laminate, which is one of the most affordable options.
- Size of the Room: If your room is large, you’ll need more flooring, making it more expensive than a small space.
- Complexity: If your floors need special equipment to install, you’ll end up paying more than a simple installation.
How Much Does Flooring Maintenance Cost?
It’s important to maintain your flooring, old or new. It’ll cost you from £2.50 to £10 per square metre, depending on the type of flooring. Here are other factors you should consider:
- Size of the floor
- Condition of the flooring
- Access to the floor
- Frequency of maintenance activities
How Much Does Flooring Cleaning Cost?
You’ll need £100 to £500 to clean your flooring, depending on the following:
- Size of the floor
- Type of flooring material
- Level of cleaning required
How Much Does Flooring Repair Cost?
It’ll cost you about £200 to £8,000 to repair your flooring. This will depend on these factors:
- Type of flooring material
- Size of the floor
- Severity of the damage
- Cost of labour in your area
How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Flooring?
Only need refinishing? Prepare yourself to pay anywhere from £18 to £35 per square metre, depending on the following factors:
- Type of flooring material
- Condition of the floor
- Complexity of the job
- Type of finish
How Much Does Flooring Renovation Cost?
Renovating your floor will cost you about £100 to £10,000, depending on these factors:
- Type of flooring
- Size of floor
- Cost of labour in your area
- Complexity of the project
Are There Any Extra Costs Associated With Flooring?
Yes, you should expect extra costs depending on the type of flooring, the installation process, and the project’s location. For instance, if you’re replacing your existing flooring, you’ll need to pay more to remove and dispose of it properly. You may also need to pay to level your subfloor or buy accessories like underlayment and transition strips.
Underlay
This is a layer of material placed between your subfloor and flooring to provide support in heavy traffic, insulate heat in cold climates, and minimise noise in your home. It usually costs £2 to £10 per square metre, depending on your material, thickness, and brand.
Removing Old Flooring
This process involves removing your existing flooring before installing a new one. It may cost £1 to £20 per square metre, depending on your flooring and the amount of material you need to remove.
Getting Rid of Old Flooring
This means disposing of your old flooring in the right way without breaking local disposal regulations or standards. It may cost £2 to £20 per square metre, depending on your floor and the amount of material you have to get rid of.
Is There a Cost Difference Between Different Brands of Flooring?
Yes, some brands have a bigger legacy and reputation in the flooring industry, so you’ll pay more for their products. Other companies use high-quality materials and offer special features like a longer warranty, adding to the flooring costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional vs. Do It Yourself?
It depends on the type of flooring you want, your floor size, and the labour cost in your area. Here’s a table showing the expected cost differences between hiring a pro and doing it yourself:
| Cost Factors | Hiring a Professional | Do It Yourself |
| Labour | Higher cost | Lower cost |
| Materials | Typically included | Purchased |
| Tools and Equipment | Not required | May need to buy/rent |
| Skills and Experience | Professional expertise | DIY knowledge required |
| Time | Faster installation | Longer timeline |
| Quality and Warranty | Professional guarantee | Self-accountability |
| Potential Mistakes | Reduced risk | Learning curve challenges |
| Disruption | Less disruption | More disruption to daily life |
| Additional Expenses | Possible unexpected costs | Better control over expenses |
Is There a Cost Difference Between Commercial and Residential Flooring?
Yes, commercial flooring needs to be more durable and easier to maintain than residential, meaning you’ll have to use more expensive materials and labour. For instance, a square metre of commercial-grade vinyl may cost up to £45, while a square metre of residential-grade vinyl costs as little as £10. And since commercial floors need specialised skills and equipment, you’ll spend more hiring professional labour for the project.
Conclusion
Flooring is a big investment, so it’s important to research your options and understand the costs to avoid disappointment and frustration. And if you’re unhappy with the price, don’t hesitate to negotiate because you may get a discount that saves you a lot of money.
Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you get the best deals on your flooring material. We’ll also give you a free quote to get you started on your next big flooring project.