Wondering how much you should budget to get laminate flooring fitted?

Laminate has become one of the most popular flooring choices in the UK, offering a perfect balance of affordability, aesthetics, and practicality.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about laminate flooring costs — from materials and installation to additional expenses like skirting board refitting and subfloor preparation.

With detailed insights and examples for different room sizes, you’ll have all the information needed to plan your project confidently.

Let’s dive in and explore how much laminate flooring costs to get installed in your home.

How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring?

The overall cost of installing laminate flooring in the UK typically ranges between £25 and £45 per m². The exact cost will depend on the quality of materials you use, the complexity of the installation, and your location in the UK.

This price provides a comprehensive overview of what most homeowners can expect to pay for a standard laminate floor installation. It includes material costs (flooring and underlay), as well as the removal and refitting of the skirting boards.

The table below outlines the average costs per square metre for laminate installation, broken down by budget, midrange, and premium options of laminate floor.

Laminate Quality	Material Cost	Underlay Cost	Labour Cost	Total Cost
Budget	£10 per m²	£5 per m²	£10 per m²	£25 per m²
Midrange	£15 per m²	£7 per m²	£13 per m²	£35 per m²
Premium	£20 per m²	£10 per m²	£15 per m²	£45 per m²

Note: These prices include laminate flooring, underlay, and skirting board removal and refitting.

The total installation cost for a small room (5m² – 8 m²) is typically around £280, making it a manageable investment for smaller spaces. An average-sized room (12m² – 15 m²) generally costs about £525, and a large room (20m² – 25 m²) costs approximately £875. These estimates include the key elements required for a complete, durable laminate flooring installation.

A few important costs are not included in the above:

• If you need to remove existing flooring beforehand, this typically costs about £10 per m². You might also need to hire a skip to dispose of the waste, which costs around £150 to £250.

• Basic subfloor preparation typically costs between £5 and £8 per per m². But if additional work is required to repair subfloor damage, then it can cost more than this.

• Door trimming isn’t a service all laminate flooring installers offer as standard. If it’s not included, expect to pay someone between £20 and £50 per door adjustment that is required.

Understanding the full scope of costs involved when laying laminate flooring ensures that you can budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.

In the rest of this comprehensive guide, we breakdown the individual costs of installing laminate flooring in the UK — including flooring costs, underlay costs, labour costs, and more.

How Much Is Laminate Flooring?

When considering laminate flooring for your home, laminate flooring materials costs can vary significantly based on the quality and design you choose.

Below is a breakdown of the typical price ranges for laminate flooring in the UK:

Laminate Type	Description	Cost
Budget	Affordable options with basic designs. Suitable for low-traffic areas.	£6 – £10 per m²
Midrange	Good quality with a range of designs and average durability.	£10 – £20 per m²
Premium	High-quality finishes, realistic textures, and better durability.	£20 – £40 per m²

Budget laminate is an affordable option, at around £6 to £10 per m², but it is less durable than better-quality laminate materials. This means it’ll scratch, dent, and fade faster — especially if installed in a high-traffic area like a hallway, kitchen, or living room.

Spending slightly more on higher-quality, more durable laminate typically means you won’t need to replace the flooring as often. So even though it costs more upfront to get higher quality materials, it could save you money in the long run.

Most homeowners in the UK opt for standard laminate flooring. This choice offers a balance of cost, durability, and aesthetics, making it ideal for a wide range of homes and lifestyles. Standard laminate flooring costs between £10 and £20 per m².

Here’s a look at how much midrange laminate flooring would cost for rooms of different sizes.

Room Size	Area	Average Cost
Small Room (e.g., bathroom)	5m² – 8m²	£50 – £160
Average Room (e.g., bedroom)	12m² – 15m²	£120 – £300
Large Room (e.g., living room)	20m² – 25m²	£200 – £500

Remember: You should typically purchase an extra 10% to 20% of materials to account for cuts and errors.

What Impacts Laminate Flooring Costs?

When looking at laminate flooring options, a few key factors significantly impact the price.

Let’s look at those now.

Laminate Floor Thickness

Laminate flooring is available in a range of thicknesses, typically between 6mm and 12mm.

Thicker laminate offers better sound insulation, is more comfortable to walk on, and is more durable. While it comes at a higher cost, it’s worth investing in thicker options for areas with heavy foot traffic or where noise reduction is important.

Laminate Floor Wear Layer

The wear layer is a protective coating on the surface of laminate flooring that determines its durability.

Higher-quality wear layers are more resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them essential for busy households or homes with pets. Wear layers are rated from AC1 (light use) to AC5 (heavy-duty), with higher ratings typically commanding higher prices.

Laminate Floor Design and Finish

Laminate designs range from simple, smooth finishes to highly realistic wood or stone textures.

Premium options may also include embossed finishes or intricate patterns like herringbone or chevron, which can significantly elevate the look of a space. These design features usually increase the cost of laying laminate flooring, but they add a touch of luxury to your home.

Laminate Floor Brand

The brand of laminate flooring can influence both price and quality.

Well-known brands often offer warranties and better manufacturing standards, but they also tend to cost more. Budget-friendly brands may save you money upfront but might not offer the same level of durability.

Cost of Laminate Flooring Underlay

Underlay is a crucial component of getting laminate flooring installed — providing benefits like sound insulation, moisture resistance, and comfort.

Below is a breakdown of the typical costs per square metre for different types of underlay.

Underlay Type	Features	Cost
Basic Foam Underlay	Affordable and suitable for flat, dry subfloors. Most popular option.	£2 – £5 per m²
Moisture-Resistant Underlay	Includes a damp-proof membrane, ideal for ground floors or damp environments.	£5 – £10 per m²
Soundproofing Underlay	Reduces noise, perfect for apartments or upper floors.	£10 – £20 per m²
Thermal Underlay	Provides additional insulation, great for colder homes.	£8 – £15 per m²
Premium Combined Underlay	Offers a combination of soundproofing, thermal insulation, and moisture barriers.	£15 – £25 per m²

Note: Most installers will include fitting the underlay in their labour costs, but it’s always best to confirm this when getting a quote.

A popular choice is a moisture-resistant underlay. This type of underlay provides essential protection against dampness, especially in ground-floor rooms or areas like kitchens where humidity may be a concern. Moisture-resistant underlay strikes a good balance between cost and performance, with prices typically ranging from £5 to £10 per m².

Basic foam underlay is another common option. This is especially so for dry, low-traffic areas such as bedrooms. Its affordability makes it attractive for those on a budget, but it won’t provide the soundproofing or thermal insulation of higher-priced underlay.

On the other end of the spectrum, premium combined underlays are ideal for homeowners seeking maximum comfort and durability. If you’re planning to install laminate flooring in an upstairs room or a flat, these options are worth considering for better soundproofing.

How Much Does Laminate Flooring Installation Cost?

The cost of fitting laminate flooring generally falls between £10 and £15 per m² for labour only. This rate assumes straightforward installation without significant preparation or obstacles, such as uneven subfloors or intricate cutting around fixtures.

The table below shows the estimated costs for installing laminate flooring in different-sized rooms.

Room Size	Area	Average Cost
Small Room (e.g., bathroom)	5m² – 8m²	£50 – £120
Average Room (e.g., bedroom)	12m² – 15m²	£120 – £225
Large Room (e.g., living room)	20m² – 25m²	£200 – £375

Note: This assumes a standard installation and that the subfloor is ready.

For more complex or awkward spaces, laminate flooring fitting costs could be up to £25 per m². You’ll also be quoted higher laminate flooring fitting costs if you want to install a herringbone or chevron design, as they take longer to fit correctly.

You’ll need a professional floor fitter or a carpenter for a laminate flooring installation. These specialists will have the tools and expertise to ensure a clean, professional finish. Some handymen may offer this service, but hiring a flooring specialist is strongly recommended — especially for intricate patterns like herringbone.

The hourly rate for a professional floor fitter or carpenter in the UK ranges between £20 and £35. In London and the South East, rates tend to be higher, often closer to £30 to £35 per hour. In other parts of the UK, rates usually fall between £20 and £30 per hour.

How Long Does Laminate Flooring Take to Install?

The time required to install laminate flooring depends on the room size and any additional complexities.

On average, a professional fitter can install 10m² – 15m² of laminate flooring in a single day. However, this assumes that it’s a standard room and that the subfloor is ready.

Here’s an estimated timeline for different-sized rooms:

Room Size	Area	Estimated Time
Small Room (e.g., bathroom)	5m² – 8m²	3 – 5 hours
Average Room (e.g., bedroom)	12m² – 15m²	6 – 8 hours
Large Room (e.g., living room)	20m² – 25m²	1 – 1.5 days

Standard rectangular rooms are quicker to work on, while irregular layouts with alcoves or multiple corners may require more time for precise cuts and fitting.

While standard click-lock laminate systems are designed for fast installation, more intricate designs like herringbone will take more time to fit — typically around 30% to 50% longer.

Additional Laminate Flooring Fitting Costs

Old Flooring Removal Cost

Removing old flooring is often necessary before installing new laminate floors, as a clean and level subfloor is essential for a proper installation.

While some types of flooring can occasionally be installed over existing materials, laminate generally requires the subfloor to be in excellent condition to get the best long-term results.

The cost of removing old flooring varies depending on the material, as some are easier to detach than others. UK homeowners can typically expect to pay between £5 and £15 per m² for flooring removal, depending on the type of material being removed.

Flooring Type	Average Flooring Removal Cost
Carpet	£5 – £8 per m²
Tiles	£10 – £15 per m²
Laminate	£7 – £12 per m²
Hardwood	£10 – £15 per m²
Vinyl	£5 – £12 per m²

These costs generally cover the labour required to lift the old flooring and clear the debris from the area. However, waste disposal is often not included. If waste clearance isn’t part of your installer’s service, hiring a skip is a common solution. Depending on the skip size and where you’re located in the UK, the skip hire costs between £150 and £250.

Subfloor Preparation Cost

Most laminate flooring installations require some degree of subfloor preparation to ensure a smooth, stable base. It’s a critical step, as even minor imperfections can lead to uneven planks, noise, or reduced durability over time.

For UK homeowners, basic subfloor preparation typically costs between £5 and £8 per m². However, costs can rise if additional work is needed to bring the subfloor up to the required standard.

Preparation Type	Average Cost
Basic Levelling	£5 – £8 per m²
Crack Filling / Repairs	£6 – £10 per m²
Self-Levelling Compound	£10 – £15 per m²
Moisture Barrier	£3 – £5 per m²

Some tradespeople may offer basic levelling as part of a package deal, particularly if it involves minor adjustments, like sanding or filling small cracks. However, it’s important to confirm this upfront — as anything beyond minimal preparation (e.g., significant levelling or moisture barrier application) will likely incur additional charges.

Skirting Board Removal and Refitting Cost

When fitting laminate flooring, skirting board removal and refitting are often necessary to achieve a professional and seamless finish.

Skirting boards help to cover the expansion gap required for laminate flooring, ensuring the floor can expand and contract without causing issues. While beading can be used to cover this gap, many homeowners prefer to remove and refit skirting boards for a more polished appearance.

Here’s a table estimating the cost of removing and refitting existing skirting boards (labour only) for different room sizes.

Room Size	Linear Metres of Skirting Board	Cost of Reusing Skirting Boards
Small Room (e.g., bathroom)	10 – 15 metres	£100 – £300
Average Room (e.g., bedroom)	15 – 20 metres	£150 – £400
Large Room (e.g., living room)	20 – 25 metres	£200 – £500

The cost of skirting board removal and refitting varies based on the size of the room and the number of linear metres involved. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £5 and £10 per linear metre for removal and refitting.

Cost of New Skirting Boards

If new skirting boards are required, the material cost depends on the type of skirting chosen.

Below is a breakdown of typical material costs for different options:

Skirting Board Type	Material Cost Per Metre	Features
MDF	£2 – £5	Affordable and easy to paint, it is popular for modern and budget-friendly renovations.
Softwood	£4 – £8	Slightly more expensive, it can be painted or stained for a natural look.
Hardwood	£8 – £15	Durable and premium finish, ideal for high-end projects but costly.

UK homeowners often choose MDF skirting boards for standard installations as they are budget-friendly and easy to customise. Softwood and hardwood options are more expensive but offer a premium finish, making them better suited for traditional or high-end homes.

Below are the estimated costs for installing new skirting boards, including labour and material for skirting boards in different-sized rooms.

Room Size	Skirting Type	Total Cost
Small Room (5m² – 8m²)	MDF	£120 – £350
	Softwood	£140 – £380
	Hardwood	£180 – £450
Average Room (12m² – 15m²)	MDF	£190 – £480
	Softwood	£210 – £520
	Hardwood	£250 – £600
Large Room (20m² – 25m²)	MDF	£250 – £600
	Softwood	£280 – £660
	Hardwood	£360 – £800

Beading Costs

Beading is a thin strip of material installed along the edge of the flooring to cover the expansion gap between the laminate and the skirting board. This option is often used when homeowners prefer not to remove and refit skirting boards, making it a quicker and more budget-friendly solution.

The cost of beading typically ranges from £2 to £5 per metre, with installation costs adding £5 to £10 per metre, depending on the tradesperson.

Here’s how the cost of laminate flooring beading looks for different-sized rooms:

Room Size	Linear Metres of Beading	Cost of Beading
Small Room	10 – 15 metres	£70 – £225
Average Room	15 – 20 metres	£105 – £300
Large Room	20 – 25 metres	£140 – £375

While beading is a cost effective alternative to refitting or getting new skirting boards, it may not achieve the seamless finish that some homeowners prefer. It’s a practical choice for those on a budget who want to save money, or if you're working on a tight timeline.

Door Trimming Costs

When installing laminate flooring, the increased floor height may require doors to be trimmed to ensure they open and close smoothly. This adjustment is a common finishing step, particularly when using thicker laminate flooring or underlay.

Professional door trimming costs between £20 and £50 per door in the UK, depending on the complexity and the type of door. Solid wood doors are generally more expensive to trim than hollow-core or lightweight doors, as they require more effort and specialised tools.

Some flooring installers include basic door trimming as part of their installation service, especially if only minor adjustments are needed — but you should check when getting a quote.

Many flooring professionals can handle straightforward trims, but others might just not offer it as one of their services. This means you may need to hire a separate carpenter or handyman once the laminate flooring installation is complete.

Laminate Flooring Maintenance and Cleaning

Laminate is a durable and low-maintenance option, but following a regular cleaning routine and addressing any issues that arise promptly can keep your laminate flooring looking its best for as long as possible.

Clean Laminate Flooring Regularly

A consistent cleaning routine is key to maintaining your laminate flooring.

Daily sweeping or vacuuming removes dust, dirt, and debris that can cause scratches over time. To avoid damaging the surface, use a vacuum with a hard floor setting or a soft-bristle broom.

A damp mop can be used for a deeper clean, but it’s crucial to avoid excessive water. Laminate flooring is not waterproof, and standing water can seep into the seams, causing warping or swelling. A microfiber mop lightly dampened with water or a laminate-specific cleaner is ideal for removing stubborn dirt and stains.

Protect Against Wear and Tear

You can minimise wear and tear on laminate flooring by taking a few precautions — which helps keep your laminate flooring looking great for years to come.

Placing mats or rugs at entryways helps trap dirt and grit before they can scratch the laminate. Adding felt pads under furniture legs provides further protection, especially when moving heavier items.

It’s also important to avoid walking on laminate flooring with high heels, as the concentrated pressure can dent the surface. Similarly, dragging sharp or heavy objects across the floor can cause scratches or gouges.

Maintain the Finish

Over time, laminate flooring can lose its shine due to regular wear and foot traffic.

While traditional polishing products are not suitable for laminate flooring, using a laminate-specific cleaner can help refresh its appearance and bring back its natural finish. These cleaners are designed to remove dirt and dulling residues without harming the surface.

Important: Avoid waxes or oil-based cleaners, as they can leave a sticky residue, reduce traction, and potentially damage the protective layer of the laminate.

Manage Stains and Spills

Laminate flooring is resistant to most stains, but spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent long-term damage.

For liquids, use a dry or slightly damp cloth to blot the area rather than scrubbing, which can spread the spill. Tougher stains, like ink or grease, can usually be removed with a small amount of acetone or a laminate-safe cleaner.

Remember: Always test cleaning products on a small, out-of-the-way area to ensure it isn’t damaging the finish.

Laminate Flooring Repair Cost

While laminate flooring is durable and designed to last, occasional repairs may be needed due to damage from scratches, dents, or water exposure.

The repair cost depends on the damage's extent and the type of fix required — ranging from small touch-ups to replacing damaged planks.

Let’s take a look at the typical labour cost of laminate flooring repairs.

Type of Repair	Description	Labour Cost
Minor Scratch Repair	Using a laminate repair kit to fill scratches or chips.	£20 – £50 (DIY kit)
Replacing Damaged Planks	Removing and replacing one or more damaged planks.	£30 – £60 per plank
Water Damage Repair	Replacing sections affected by warping or swelling.	£100 – £300 per area
Full Section Replacement	Replacing multiple planks across a section of the floor.	£20 – £50 per m²

For small scratches and chips, laminate repair kits are a cost-effective solution, priced between £20 and £50 (ideal for DIY fixes).

If individual planks are cracked or damaged, they can be replaced, with labour costs typically ranging from £30 to £60 per laminate plank. More significant issues, such as water damage, often require replacing sections of flooring — which can cost between £100 and £300. For larger-scale repairs, such as replacing a full section of the floor, labour costs range from £20 to £50 per m².

Keep in mind that these costs are only for labour, and assume that you are supplying the replacement laminate flooring. (This is a good reason to keep some spare materials around!)

Laminate Flooring Removal Cost

Laminate flooring removal costs generally range from £5 to £15 per m².

The cost depends on the method of installation (e.g., glued or floating floors) and the condition of the laminate. Glued laminate requires more effort to remove and is often at the higher end of the price range, while floating floors are quicker and cheaper to lift.

Room Size	Area	Cost
Small Room (e.g., bathroom)	5m² – 8m²	£50 – £100
Average Room (e.g., bedroom)	12m² – 15m²	£120 – £150
Large Room (e.g., living room)	20m² – 25m²	£200 – £250

In many cases, this rate does not include waste disposal of the removed flooring.

This means you may need to arrange this separately when getting rid of laminate flooring. Some tradespeople may offer disposal for an additional fee, typically £50 to £100 — but this will depend on the volume of waste.

Alternatively, skip hire is a common solution, with costs ranging from £150 to £250, depending on the size of the skip and location.

Checklist for Hiring a Laminate Flooring Installer

Finding the right installer is essential to ensure your laminate flooring is professionally fitted and lasts for years.

Here are some key steps to follow when selecting a tradesperson:

• Obtain quotes from at least three installers. This is important for comparing costs, services, and timelines. Ensure the quotes include all necessary details, such as labour, underlay installation, and any additional costs like skirting board removal or door trimming.

• Find an installer with experience in laminate flooring fitting. Hiring someone with relevant experience is especially important for complex designs like herringbone or rooms with intricate layouts.

• Confirm what’s included. Ensure that you’re clear whether services such as underlay installation, subfloor preparation, door trimming, or waste disposal are included in the quoted price. Clarify any potential additional costs upfront.

• Ensure the installer is insured and provides a guarantee. Tradespeople should have public liability insurance and provide a guarantee for their work, giving you peace of mind if any issues arise after installation.

• Confirm who is supplying the materials. If the installer supplies materials, ensure you confirm the quality and type of laminate, underlay, and other components you want before hiring them.

Taking these steps helps ensure you hire a professional who can deliver a high-quality laminate flooring installation.

FAQs

Can I Install Laminate Flooring Myself?

Yes, laminate flooring can be installed as a DIY project, especially if it uses a click-lock system. This method allows planks to snap together easily without the need for glue or nails.

However, precision is required to ensure a professional finish, particularly around edges, doorways, and corners.

DIY installation can save on labour costs but may take longer if you’re inexperienced. Mistakes during installation, such as uneven joints or poorly cut planks, can also mean you need to buy more materials or have costly repairs done in the future.

How Soon Can You Walk on Laminate Flooring After Installation?

You can usually walk on laminate flooring immediately after it has been installed, especially with modern click-lock systems.

However, if adhesive was used for certain areas, it’s best to wait 24 hours to allow the glue to cure fully. During this time, avoid placing heavy furniture or rugs on the floor to ensure the planks settle properly.

If you’re unsure, ask the installer and always follow their recommendations for best results.

Does It Matter Which Direction Laminate Flooring Is Laid?

Yes, the direction in which laminate flooring is laid matters.

It’s typically recommended to lay laminate planks parallel to the longest wall or in the direction of the main light source in the room. This creates a visually appealing flow and makes the space feel larger.

However, the layout may vary depending on room shape, furniture placement, and personal preference.

Do You Have to Remove Old Flooring Before Installing Laminate?

Old flooring should be removed before installing laminate in the majority of cases. This ensures a clean, level subfloor, which is essential for the laminate to fit properly and last longer.

Some existing floors, such as flat vinyl or tile, may be left in place if they’re in good condition, but high or uneven surfaces like carpet must be removed.

Does Laminate Need Underlay?

Yes, underlay is essential for laminate flooring. It provides cushioning, sound insulation, and a moisture barrier, helping to protect the laminate and extend its lifespan.

The type of underlay needed depends on the subfloor and the location, such as moisture-resistant underlay for ground floors or soundproofing underlay for apartments.

What Is the Downside of Laminate?

The main downside of laminate is its sensitivity to water and moisture. While it is resistant to spills, prolonged exposure to water can cause warping or swelling.

On top of this, laminate cannot be refinished like hardwood and may show wear over time in high-traffic areas. It can also feel less warm or luxurious compared to other flooring options like carpet or wood.

Can Laminate Flooring Be Installed in Bathrooms?

Laminate flooring can be installed in bathrooms, but it’s not ideal for wet environments due to its sensitivity to water.

If you choose to install it in a bathroom, opt for water-resistant laminate and ensure the edges are sealed to prevent moisture from seeping underneath.

Alternatively, consider vinyl flooring for bathrooms — as this is fully waterproof when installed correctly.

How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

Laminate flooring typically lasts 10 to 20 years. However, this will depend on its quality, installation, and how well it’s maintained.

Premium laminate with a thick wear layer which is properly cared for can last closer to the upper end of this range, while cheaper options in high-traffic areas may need replacement sooner.

Is Carpet or Laminate Cheaper?

Carpet is generally cheaper upfront, with basic carpet costing less than budget laminate. However, laminate is more durable and easier to clean, making it a more cost-effective long-term option for areas with heavy foot traffic (or where spills are common).

How Do You Calculate Laminate Flooring Cost for an Entire House?

To calculate the cost of installing laminate flooring in your entire house, measure the square footage of each room and multiply it by the per m² cost of laminate, including materials, underlay, and labour that we’ve included in this guide.

Add any additional costs for subfloor preparation, skirting board work, or waste disposal that you expect to incur. For example, if a house has 100m² of flooring and the all-inclusive cost using midrange materials is £35 per m², the total cost would be £3,500.