COST GUIDES
How much does wooden flooring cost in 2026?
Updated 05/26
Discover the cost of wooden flooring, average installation costs, and how to get the beautiful look of wood flooring for less.
Fast Facts
Solid hardwood flooring costs, on average, £80+ per m²
Engineered wood flooring typically costs around £50 per m²
A floor fitter will charge in the region of £250 per day for installation
Wood flooring adds timeless elegance and value to your home – but costs vary greatly depending on the quality.
Use this comprehensive cost guide to budget with confidence. We've listed all the hidden costs you need to know.
How much does wooden flooring cost in 2026?
Wood flooring is a traditional choice, but there's a wide range of options to suit all styles, budgets, and preferences.
| Type of flooring | Average cost of materials | Average cost of installation |
|---|---|---|
| Solid hardwood flooring | £80+ per m² | £35-£60 per m² |
| Softwood flooring (pine) | £30 per m² | £45 per m² |
| Engineered wood flooring | £50 per m² | £45 per m² |
| Laminate flooring | £30 per m² | £30 per m² |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | £35 per m² | £45 per m² |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Solid hardwood flooring can set you back on average, £80+ per m², while engineered wood flooring costs slightly less at around £50 per m².
Below, you'll find the average wood flooring price per m² for a variety of wood flooring types (material costs).
Bear in mind, that these are averages – for each type of flooring, you'll find price variations based on the quality and finish you select. For example, parquet flooring is often on the higher end of the scale for hardwood flooring.
For an accurate quote for your home, speak to a trusted wooden floor installer near you.
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Costs by floor type
Solid hardwood flooring cost
Real wood flooring is a durable, long-lasting, and luxurious choice. This option can include premium wood, such as oak, or a luxury style such as parquet.
Cost: Solid hardwood flooring averages around £80+ per m²
Pros: Timeless aesthetic, long lifespan, highly durable
Cons: Expensive and sensitive to moisture
Do you have real wood floors that need refinishing? Read our wood floor restoration guide for detailed cost information.
Softwood flooring cost
Softwood flooring, such as pine, is a more affordable alternative to hardwood flooring and has a more rustic charm.
Cost: Softwood flooring costs in the region of £30 per m²
Pros: Cost-effective and has a warm, cosy appearance
Cons: It has a softer surface compared to hardwood, making it more prone to scratches and dents and less durable overall
Engineered wood flooring cost
Engineered wooden flooring is made from several layers of wood rather than individual solid pieces. It's typically cheaper than solid wood but is just as versatile and robust.
Cost: Engineered wood flooring costs, on average, £50 per m²
Pros: Budget-friendly, less sensitive to moisture, versatile
Cons: Limited refinishing potential compared with hardwood
Laminate flooring cost
Laminate is a budget-conscious option that replicates the look of wood (or tile) for less. It's synthetic, made with wood fibres, and usually laid in planks similar to solid wooden flooring.
Cost: Laminate, wood-effect flooring costs in the region of £30 per m²
Pros: A more affordable wood flooring option, easy to maintain, and possible to install yourself
Cons: Not as durable as real wood or engineered wood, and can't be refinished
LVT flooring cost
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) mimics the appearance of wood or tile but with exceptional moisture resistance. It's a little more expensive than standard laminate.
Cost: LVT flooring normally sits around £35 per m²
Pros: Waterproof, durable, and a huge range of design options
Cons: It has a less authentic feel
Hardwood vs engineered wood flooring cost
Hardwood and engineered wood are two popular flooring options. While both offer a beautiful finish and lasting durability, they have distinct differences.
Hardwood flooring
Made from: Solid planks of wood that are cut and processed
Quality: Oak is a popular hardwood flooring option, which is more expensive than other types of hardwoods like maple or cherry
Durability: Known for long-lasting durability
Cost: On average, hardwood flooring costs around £80+ per m²
Installation: Often more difficult to install because it requires specialised equipment and a skilled wooden floor fitter
Engineered wood flooring
Made from: Layers of wood veneers, glued together to create a stable and durable product. A thin layer of real wood is then glued on top to give the look and feel of solid wood, at a cheaper price point
Quality: The price of engineered wood is influenced by the quality of the wood veneer and the thickness of the plywood base
Durability: A durable option, particularly with a thick veneer layer. More resistant to moisture and humidity than solid wood flooring
Cost: Engineered wood flooring tends to cost around £50 per m²
Installation: Easier to install than solid wood flooring
Is it worth investing in hardwood flooring?
Ultimately, choosing between hardwood or engineered wood flooring will depend on various factors, including personal preference, budget, and your specific needs.
If your budget allows, hardwood floors offer a durable, authentic option that can be refinished several times, making them an incredibly long-lasting investment in your home.
Factors affecting the cost of a wooden floor
Several factors affect the cost of wooden flooring, including:
Type of wood: Solid wood is more expensive than engineered wood, but if you'd love the look of wood for less, consider wood-effect laminate
Quality: Every type of wood flooring has a broad range of prices, depending on the quality and the finish you select
Project complexity: Non-standard shaped rooms, working around stairs, or installing a more complicated pattern, such as herringbone flooring, can increase costs
Additional prep and labour costs: As outlined above, additional work will push your quote up, e.g. floor levelling, trimming doors, and adding skirting boards
Installation: Wooden floor fitters will charge in the region of £250 per day for installation, on top of the cost of materials. More on this next.
What's included in a wooden flooring quote?
You can usually expect your quote for new wooden flooring to include the costs of:
Your chosen materials
Labour to install the floor
Subfloor preparation, underlay, and adhesives or fixings
Removal of the old floor
Cleanup and disposal
Average cost of wood flooring installation
In addition to the cost of materials outlined in the previous section, you'll also need to budget for the cost of installation.
Some types of flooring, such as laminate or 'click-lock' engineered wood flooring, can be tackled as a DIY project, helping to make them more affordable wood flooring options.
However, only attempt this if you're confident to do so. Mistakes with flooring installation can lead to uneven, squeaky, or unstable floorboards with gaps, warping, and moisture issues. That's why it's always best to hire an experienced floor fitter for a quality, long-lasting finish.
On average, a floor fitter will normally charge:
£35-£60 per m² to install solid hardwood flooring
£45 per m² to install softwood flooring
£45 per m² to install engineered wood flooring
£30 per m² to install laminate flooring
£45 per m² to install LVT flooring
Labour cost for wooden flooring installation
Some professional floor fitters calculate wooden flooring installation costs based on a day rate. In this case, expect to pay around £250 per day.
How long does flooring installation take?
Installation timescales will 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
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.
Additional installation costs – Hidden costs to consider
The cost of installing your wood flooring could include additional labour and prep work, such as levelling the floor, installing skirting boards, or trimming doors. Your floor fitter should include all costs in your quote, but here's a breakdown so you know what to expect.
| Additional item | Average cost | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet removal and disposal | £7 | per m² |
| Skirting installation | £22 | per metre |
| Beading | £6.50 | per metre |
| Door trimming (per door) | £30 | |
| Floorboard replacement (labour + materials) | £45 | per m² |
| Floor levelling (labour + screeding material) | 2mm concrete floor £6 per m². 50mm screed £30 per m² (poor condition floor) | per m² |
| Furniture relocation (per hour) | £25- £30 | - |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Get a quote for your wood flooring installation
To get an accurate quote for your project, add a few details to our request a quote form and our approved floor fitters will be in touch directly.
Alternatively, browse local tradespeople for your wooden flooring project using our free directory below.
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Cost of hiring a flooring company vs DIY
If you're considering tackling a wooden flooring project yourself, below are two handy ways to estimate how much your wooden flooring project will cost you to hire a flooring company versus DIY.
Example wood flooring costs by project type:
As a guide, we've estimated the average cost of flooring a three-bedroom, semi-detached house for three different scenarios. These costs include materials and labour.
| Project type | Laminate | Engineered wood | Solid 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: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
Average-sized living room (19m²)
Laminate: £1,235
Engineered wood: £1,805
Solid hardwood: £2,470
Open-plan downstairs (40m²)
Laminate: £2,600
Engineered wood: £3,800
Solid hardwood: £5,200
Entire house (90m²)
Laminate: £5,850
Engineered wood: £8,550
Solid hardwood: £11,700
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Wooden flooring cost calculator
Use our job estimate cost calculator below to estimate the cost of your new flooring. Just type in a few details about your home and what kind of floor you want, and the calculator will use Checkatrade data to help you get a rough idea of the overall price to expect.
Job Estimate Calculator
Wooden flooring cost checklist
Laminate is a budget-conscious option, costing in the region of £30 per m². However, it's less durable and will need replacing sooner
Solid hardwood flooring is the most expensive but also the longest-lasting option, costing roughly £80+ per m²
Remember to factor in additional costs for installation, door trimming, and adding skirting boards. This can all add up!
The installation is as important as the materials. A poor finish can cause uneven, squeaky, or unstable floorboards with gaps, warping, and moisture issues
Unless you're a confident DIY-er and have the tools for the job, it's always best to hire a trusted wooden floor installer
Find trusted wood floor fitters near you
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All our tradespeople are checked and approved, passing up to 12 checks to work alongside our trusted tick. Search your postcode below to book a trusted local floor fitter in your local area.
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FAQs
Wood flooring prices start at around £30 per m² for wood-effect laminate flooring and go up to around £80+ per m² for solid hardwood flooring. Installation costs tend to sit around £250 per day.
A small room may take 1-2 days, while a 3-bed house could take up to a week.
Laminate flooring is the most affordable wood flooring option - giving you the look of wood flooring for a fraction of the cost of the real thing.
It's tough. Some types of wood flooring can be installed as a DIY project, but only if you have the necessary skills and experience. Mistakes with flooring installation can lead to uneven, squeaky, or unstable floorboards with gaps, warping, and moisture issues.
Your best bet is to hire an experienced floor fitter for a quality, long-lasting finish.
Hardwood is more expensive upfront. However, due to its durability and potential to increase the value of your property, it may be a better long-term investment.
On the other hand, engineered wood offers a similar aesthetic at a lower cost, making it a great option for those on a tighter budget.
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