Blog>Cost Guides>What's the cost of installing laminate flooring in 2025?

Last updated: 8 April 2025

What's the cost of installing laminate flooring in 2025?

Considering laminate flooring for your home? Here you'll find what need to know about the cost of installing laminate flooring, including materials, labour, and the extra costs to budget for.

The cost of installing laminate flooring in 2025
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Fast Facts

  • On average, laminate flooring installation costs around £60 per m² (inclusive of materials and labour)

  • Laminate flooring prices vary depending on the type and quality you select

  • Additional costs to budget for often include underlay, subfloor preparation, carpet removal, door trimming, and skirting board installation

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective, versatile, and stylish alternative to carpet, vinyl, and real wood flooring. But what's the average cost of installing laminate flooring in the UK?

This comprehensive guide will help you to understand the typical costs for both materials and labour, the extra costs you may need to budget for, and tips for saving money on this home improvement project.

Average cost of installing laminate flooring

ItemUnitRange - LowRange - HighAverage cost
Laminate flooring (materials only)Per m²£20£60£30
Fitting costPer m²£15£40£30
Fitting costPer day£240£300£270
Fitting costPer room£300£600£450
UnderlayPer m²£5£10£7.50
Last updated: February 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

Types of laminate flooring and their costs

One of the many benefits of laminate flooring is its ability to mimic the look of real wood flooring for less.

When researching laminate flooring, you'll find a wide range of options in terms of texture, colour, and grain effects.

Laminate type (supply and installation)UnitPrice range - LowPrice range - HighAverage UK cost
WalnutPer m²£30£60£45
OakPer m²£30£80£55
MaplePer m²£35£105£70
ElmPer m²£37£125£81
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

The average prices for the supply and installation of wood effect laminate flooring vary:

  • Walnut laminate is roughly £30 - £60 per m²

  • Oak laminate costs around £30 - £80 per m²

  • The cost of installing maple laminate flooring is around £35 - £105 per m²

  • One of the more expensive wood laminate flooring options is elm, which costs in the region of £37 - £125 per m²

The variance in laminate flooring prices is due to the quality of the material you select and the style you choose.

For example, thicker boards with thicker wear layers and an acrylic finish for extra durability will usually cost more. Similarly, high-end laminate with more authentic-looking textures and patterns will sit at the higher end of the spectrum.

How much does laminate flooring cost to install per m²?

There are two main costs to consider when budgeting for laminate flooring installation: the materials and the labour to fit the flooring.

  • The average cost of laminate flooring (materials only) is around £30 per m²

  • The labour cost for laminate flooring installation typically sits around £30 per m²

Tip: To calculate the square meterage of your space, multiply the length of the room by its width (in metres).

Example laminate flooring costs by project type

Here are some estimated average costs of laying laminate, engineered wood, and solid hardwood flooring in a 3-bed, semi-detached house.

These costs are inclusive of materials and labour. They should act as a guide to help you compare your options and make the best choice for your home.

Project typeLaminateEngineered woodSolid hardwood
Living room (19m²)£1,235£1,805£2,470
Open plan downstairs (40m²)£2,600£3,800£5,200
Entire house (90m²)£5,850£8,550£11,700
Last updated: January 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

To buy and install laminate flooring will cost, on average:

  • £1,235 for a living room (19m²)

  • £2,600 for an open plan downstairs area (40m²)

  • £5,850 for an entire 3-bed, semi-detached house (90m²)

Labour cost for laminate flooring installation

Your laminate flooring quote will typically outline a total project price. But as a guide, here's what to expect in terms of labour costs.

Labour costs to install laminate flooring will either be quoted per square metre, per day, or per room:

  • Per square metre: Average costs range from £15 - £40 per m²

  • Per day: Typical day rates are normally between £240 and £300

Per room: Costs can range from £300 for a small 15m² room, up to around £600 for a 40m² room

How long does laminate flooring take to install?

The time it takes to install laminate flooring can vary depending on the size and complexity of the job, but as a guide:

  • A small room could take 1-2 days

  • A 3-bed house might take between 5-7 days

Laminate flooring options

Additional costs for laminate flooring installation

Cost provided itemUnitPrice range - LowPrice range - HighAverage cost
Carpet removalPer m²£6£8£7
Carpet removalPer room£100£150£125
New skirting boardsPer lm£18£26£22
Trimming doorsEa£30
Floor levelling screedPer m²£6£30£15
Last updated: February 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

Beyond materials and labour, there are some other costs to budget for with laminate flooring installation:

  • Carpet removal: Floors will need to be bare before laminate is installed. For carpet removal and disposal budget around £7 per m²

  • Underlay: Ensure the subfloor and underlay are suitable to minimise noise for neighbours or rooms below. The average cost of underlay is about £7.50 per m²

  • Installing new skirting boards: This will cost on average £22 per metre

  • Trimming doors: New flooring can sometimes need a door to be trimmed, at a cost of around £30 each

  • Floor levelling: Levelling the floor with screed costs around £15 per m²

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Factors affecting the cost of installing laminate flooring

Several factors will impact the cost of fitting laminate flooring, including:

  • Room size and shape: Large or irregularly shaped rooms may need more time and materials

  • Quality of laminate: Higher-end laminates are more durable, stronger, and authentic-looking, but come at a higher price

  • Type of laminate: Click laminate is quicker and cheaper to install than glued down, tongue and groove

  • Preparation work: Any prep work needed to remove old floors or level the subfloor will add to the cost

  • Location: Labour rates for laminate flooring installation can vary by region

Get free quotes for your laminate flooring installation

We always recommend getting at least three quotes for your project. That way, you can compare prices to ensure you receive a fair and competitive cost for the work.

Contact floor fitters we've checked and approved in your area via our easy-to-use request a quote form.

Wood laminate flooring installation cost

Laminate vs hardwood flooring

If you're weighing up whether to invest in laminate flooring or hardwood flooring, here's a summary of the pros, cons, and costs.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is engineered to look like wood and consists of mainly fibreboard, with the top layer having a printed surface that resembles real wood grain. Laminate boards are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

  • Pros: Laminate is easy to install, affordable, and has a lifespan of approximately 10 years. It's also easy to clean and maintain

  • Cons: Not as durable as hardwood and can't be refinished

Characteristics of solid hardwood flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is often thought to be the superior choice when it comes to wood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring is exactly as the name suggests - pieces of real wood that are approximately 3/4 inch thick.

  • Pros: Long lifespan, highly durable, timeless, and often adds value to a property

  • Cons: A more expensive flooring option, sensitive to moisture, and requires ongoing care and attention

Hardwood vs laminate prices

  • Solid hardwood flooring averages around £80+ per m² for materials and £35-£60 per m² for installation

  • Laminate flooring averages around £30 per m² for materials and £30 per m² for installation

Flooring buying guide: Choosing the best flooring for your home

Flooring buying guide: Choosing the best flooring for your home

This comprehensive guide helps you to select the perfect flooring for every room, taking into account style, maintenance, suitability, and cost.

Learn more
Repair damaged laminate floor

DIY vs professional installation

DIY laminate installation will save you money on labour costs, but in turn, you will probably spend more time working on the project yourself.

Mistakes with flooring installation can lead to uneven, squeaky, or unstable floorboards, affecting both durability and aesthetics.

An experienced floor fitter has the skills, precision, and tools to ensure top-quality, efficient laminate installation.

Laminate floor fitting involves:

  • Taking measurements - Straightforward for square rooms, slightly more tricky for unusual layouts or alcoves

  • Preparing the subfloor - Ensuring it's smooth and level. Sometimes skirting boards are removed at this stage

  • Fitting the underlay - There are several types of underlay available - a laminate flooring expert can advise you on the best options for your home

  • Installing the laminate flooring - With a good subfloor and optimal underlay on top, it’s time to install the laminate flooring - you just need to decide which direction you want the floor to be laid

Search your postcode to browse floor fitters that work in your local area and have passed up to 12 checks to be included on Checkatrade.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Tips to save money on laminate flooring installation

To reduce the cost of laminate flooring installation, follow these simple tips:

  • Prepare the area yourself: Clear furniture so there's a blank canvas for your floor fitter to work with

  • Opt for a simple design: The flooring will be easier (and quicker) to install

  • Choose budget-friendly laminates: Mid-range laminates offer good durability at reasonable prices

  • Shop around: Get multiple quotes from local floor fitters to make sure you receive a fair and competitive price and/or look for sales and discounts on materials

Laminate flooring installation cost

Laminate flooring checklist

  • Take exact measurements: Include the entire room or space where you’ll be laying laminate flooring – including any alcoves or details of unusual floor layouts

  • Compare laminate types and quality: To select the best option for your home and budget

  • Account for additional costs: Such as underlay or subfloor enhancement

  • Shop around for quotes: Shop around for several quotes from laminate flooring experts to ensure fair and competitive prices

  • Hire right: Ask to see examples of a tradesperson's work, and if they have a warranty

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

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FAQs

What are the benefits of laminate flooring?

The joy of laminate is that it can be laid on top of nearly any surface – providing it’s dry, firm, and level. It’s not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms, as the damp in those rooms can cause the laminate to warp and become damaged over time.

Can laminate increase home value?

While laminate flooring may not add as much value as hardwood, it will still make your home look smart and appealing, making it more marketable if you are considering selling.

Can I use laminate flooring in a bathroom?

Laminate flooring isn't recommended for a bathroom due to moisture issues. Choose a moisture-resistant type of laminate if installing it in a kitchen.

Is laminate flooring waterproof?

Most laminates are water-resistant, but not waterproof. For this reason, do your research when selecting the best laminate flooring for a kitchen and consider vinyl (which is waterproof) for moisture-prone areas such as a bathroom.

What's the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

Laminate flooring is made of compressed wood fibres, giving a more natural appearance and greater durability. Vinyl flooring is more synthetic, waterproof, and more suitable for moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms.

How long does laminate flooring last?

With proper care and maintenance, laminate flooring can last 10 years or more, depending on its quality and usage.

How do I maintain laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is easy to maintain. Sweep or vacuum regularly, clean spills immediately to avoid warping or damage, and use a slightly damp (not wet) mop with laminate-friendly cleaners for routine cleaning.

What's the best underlay for noise reduction?

Foam underlay or premium rubber underlay are among the best underlay options for laminate flooring where sound insulation is a priority.

Do I need underlay for laminate flooring?

Underlay is essential for insulation, soundproofing, and ensuring the laminate sits evenly on the subfloor. Refer to Part E of UK building regulations to ensure compliance in this respect.

How much does it cost to install laminate flooring per square metre?

On average, the cost of laminate flooring installation is around £60 per m² (inclusive of materials and labour). Prices vary depending on laminate type and quality and local labour rates.

How much does it cost to remove carpet and install laminate flooring?

Expect to pay around £7 per m² for carpet removal and around £60 per m² for laminate flooring supply and installation.

Can I save money by installing laminate flooring myself?

Yes, DIY installation can save labour costs, but ensure you have the tools, time, and precision skills to achieve a good quality, long-lasting finish.

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