Flooring in the UK
The right floor depends on the room, the traffic and the subfloor underneath as much as the look. Here is how the main options really compare, and what drives the cost.
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Choosing flooring is mostly about matching the material to the room and to the subfloor underneath, rather than picking on looks alone. Engineered wood suits living spaces and copes with underfloor heating better than solid wood; luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is hard-wearing and water-resistant for kitchens, bathrooms and busy family areas; ceramic and porcelain tiles last longest in wet and high-traffic rooms but are cold and hard underfoot; laminate is the budget option; and carpet still wins for warmth in bedrooms. The cost is driven as much by subfloor preparation, underlay and fitting as by the material itself, so a like-for-like quote needs to include preparation, not just the price per square metre.
What good looks like
The things worth getting right on a flooring project, whoever does the work.
- A material matched to the room: water-resistant floors in kitchens and bathrooms, warmth in bedrooms.
- A properly prepared, level and dry subfloor before anything is laid.
- The right underlay or adhesive for the material and whether there is underfloor heating.
- Expansion gaps and thresholds detailed correctly so floors do not lift or gap over time.
- A quote that includes preparation, underlay, fitting and trims, not just the cost per square metre.
What it costs
These are broad, indicative guide ranges per square metre to help you compare options, not quotes. Subfloor preparation and fitting can add as much as the material. Always get an itemised quote for your room.
Supplied and fitted. Good for bedrooms and lower-traffic rooms or a short-term refresh; least durable underfoot.
Supplied and fitted. Hard-wearing, water-resistant options that suit most living spaces, kitchens and family homes.
Supplied and fitted. Longest lasting in wet and high-traffic rooms, or wide-board real-wood finishes; higher fitting cost.
Indicative UK ranges for 2026, drawn from published cost guides (HomeOwners Alliance, Checkatrade, Which? and MyJobQuote) and rounded for budgeting, not quotes. Real costs vary by region, specification and condition, and London typically runs higher (see costs by region). The only way to know your cost is an itemised quote for your project. Last reviewed June 2026.
How to brief it well
Get this right and your quotes become comparable, and your project runs more smoothly.
- Note the room, the traffic it gets, and whether it needs to cope with water or pets.
- Check what the subfloor is (concrete or timber) and whether there is underfloor heating.
- Measure the area and add roughly ten percent for cutting and waste when comparing prices.
- Decide on thresholds and how the floor meets other rooms and existing levels.
- Ask each quote to separate material, underlay, subfloor preparation and fitting.
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Find a vetted flooring specialistFlooring: common questions
What is the most hard-wearing flooring for a busy family home?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and porcelain tile are among the most durable and water-resistant choices for kitchens, hallways and family rooms. Engineered wood is a good middle ground where you want a real-wood look with more resilience than solid timber.
Can I put wood or laminate flooring over underfloor heating?
Engineered wood and many LVT and laminate products are compatible with underfloor heating, but solid wood generally is not. Always check the manufacturer rating and follow their fitting guidance, as getting it wrong can cause gapping or damage.
Why are flooring quotes so different for the same material?
Usually because of what is included. One quote may cover only the material while another includes subfloor preparation, underlay, fitting and trims. Ask for an itemised breakdown so you are comparing the whole job.
How much extra flooring should I order?
Allow roughly ten percent more than the room area for cutting, waste and future repairs, and a little more for diagonal or patterned layouts. Your fitter can confirm the exact allowance for your room.
Related guides
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