Planning new flooring for your home? Understanding flooring costs doesn’t have to be complicated. At Kent Flooring, we’ve helped customers across Kent, London, and the South East for over 20 years. This guide explains everything about budget-friendly flooring options and costs.
How Flooring Costs Work
When you buy new flooring, you pay for two things: the materials and the fitting. Most flooring materials cost £15-£150 per square metre. Installation adds another £10-£30 per square metre.
Several things affect your final price. Bigger rooms often get better rates. Removing old flooring costs extra. Uneven floors need levelling work. Rooms with lots of corners or obstacles take longer to fit, which increases costs.
Budget Options (£15-£35 per Square Metre)
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is the most popular budget choice. Good quality laminate costs £15-£30 per square metre for materials. Installation adds £10-£20 per square metre.
Modern laminate looks like real wood but costs much less. It handles family life well – pets, children, and everyday spills won’t damage it. Most rooms can be fitted in one or two days.
At Kent Flooring, we use trusted brands like Quick Step, EGGER, and Balterio. Our laminate flooring gives you the wood look without the high price.
Good for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways. Avoid in: Bathrooms and wet areas
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
LVT costs around £25-£35 per square metre. It looks like wood or stone but performs much better in difficult areas.
LVT is completely waterproof. It’s perfect for kitchens and bathrooms where real wood would get damaged. The material is softer than ceramic tiles, making it comfortable to stand on.
We stock premium brands like Amtico, Karndean, and Moduleo – names known for quality that lasts.
Good for: Kitchens, bathrooms, busy areas Benefits: Waterproof, easy to clean, warm underfoot
Mid-Range Options (£35-£75 per Square Metre)
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood costs around £40-£70 per square metre. It has real wood on top with stable backing underneath. This makes it better than solid wood in some ways.
Engineered wood works with underfloor heating. The real wood surface can be sanded if it gets scratched. With good care, these floors last 20-30 years.
We offer engineered wood from Kahrs, V4 Flooring, and Havwoods in oak, walnut, and ash.
Good for: Most rooms, especially with underfloor heating. Benefits: Real wood look, stable, long-lasting
Quality Carpet
Good carpet costs £20-£50 per square metre plus £10-£15 for fitting. Modern carpets are much better than old ones – they resist stains and last longer.
Carpet keeps rooms warm and quiet. It’s still the best choice for bedrooms and cosy living areas. Proper underlay is important – it makes carpet last longer and feel better.
Our carpet range includes Cormar, Ulster, and Cavalier – trusted names that make quality carpets.
Good for: Bedrooms, living rooms, stairs. Benefits: Warm, comfortable, reduces noise
Premium Choices (£75-£150 per Square Metre)
Solid Wood Flooring
Real wood costs £60-£120 per square metre for materials. Solid hardwood is expensive, but it’s an investment that can last over 100 years.
Real wood can be sanded and refinished many times. It adds real value to your home – estate agents say wooden floors help sell properties faster and for more money.
Solid wood takes longer to install than other options. The wood needs time to adjust to your home before fitting starts.
Good for: Reception rooms, dining areas, period homes. Benefits: Lifetime investment, adds property value
Natural Stone
Natural stone costs £40-£150 per square metre, depending on the type. Sandstone starts at the lower end, whilst marble and granite cost much more.
Stone floors last forever if looked after properly. They’re perfect for kitchens because they handle heat and spills easily. However, stone is heavy and needs strong floors underneath.
Good for: Kitchens, hallways, luxury areas. Benefits: Extremely durable, heat-resistant
Extra Costs You Need to Know About
Budget-friendly flooring projects need more than just materials and basic fitting costs:
Removing Old Floors: £1-£20 per square metre, depending on what you have. Carpet is the cheapest to remove. Tiles and glued floors cost more.
Floor Preparation: £10-£20 per square metre if your floor isn’t level. This work is essential for good results.
Underlay and Extras: £4-£19 per square metre for underlay. Door trims, skirting, and transition strips add £200-£400 to most homes.
Door Changes: New floors change heights. Doors often need trimming at £20-£30 each.
Flooring Cost Comparison
| Flooring Type | Total Cost per m² | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £25-£50 | Living areas, bedrooms |
| LVT | £35-£70 | Kitchens, bathrooms |
| Engineered Wood | £55-£95 | Most rooms |
| Carpet | £30-£65 | Bedrooms, living rooms |
| Solid Wood | £80-£150 | Reception rooms |
| Natural Stone | £65-£200 | Luxury areas |
Getting Better Value
Smart choices help any budget work harder. Mix different flooring types – use waterproof LVT in kitchens and bathrooms, then choose laminate for living areas. This gives you the right floor for each room without overspending.
Timing matters too. Quieter periods often mean better prices. Planning ahead also lets you catch seasonal sales.
Think long-term when choosing. Spending a bit more on quality saves money later. Good materials need less replacing and look better for longer.
Professional Fitting vs DIY
Professional fitting usually gives better value than DIY. Experienced installers work faster and handle problems properly. They also provide warranties.
DIY mistakes can be expensive to fix. Complex floors like stone or real wood always need professional fitting. Even simple floors like laminate benefit from expert installation.
Regional Costs
Living in Kent, London, or the South East affects prices. Labour costs more here than in northern areas. However, material costs are often lower because we’re closer to suppliers.
The competitive market in our area means lots of choice for quality installers. This competition helps keep prices fair.
Planning Your Project
Measure rooms carefully. Order 5-10% extra material for cuts and future repairs. This extra material also helps if the colours change between batches.
Consider timing if you’re doing multiple rooms. Fitting everything together costs less than separate visits.
Check if you need building permissions. Simple flooring changes usually don’t need approval. The Planning Portal explains when rules apply.
Making Your Choice
The right floor balances cost, looks, and how you use each room. Busy families need different floors than couples or elderly residents.
Think about each room separately. Hallways need tough flooring. Bedrooms can have softer options. Kitchens need waterproof materials.
Remember that flooring lasts for years. Choosing quality materials and professional fitting creates floors you’ll love living with. Whether you pick budget laminate or luxury hardwood, proper installation ensures great results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should I budget for a 25 square metre living room?
A: Budget £750-£3,750 depending on your choice. Laminate costs around £750-£1,250 fitted. Engineered wood ranges from £1,375-£2,375. Solid wood can reach £2,000-£3,750 including all work.
Q: Do I need to remove my old flooring first?
A: Sometimes. Thin vinyl can go over sound hard floors. But carpet, damaged floors, or uneven surfaces need to be removed first. We check your existing floor and advise the best approach during consultation.
Q: How long does fitting take?
A: Single rooms take 1-2 days usually. Bigger projects or complex patterns take 3-4 days. Time also depends on the preparation work needed. We give realistic timelines and keep you updated.
Q: Which flooring gives the best long-term value?
A: Engineered wood offers excellent long-term value. It combines real wood beauty with practical benefits. Quality laminate also gives great value in family areas. The best choice depends on your rooms, usage, and budget.
