Flooring FAQs

1. How much does new flooring cost per square metre in the UK?

Prices vary significantly by material. Carpet ranges from £15-£100+/m² supplied and fitted. Laminate costs £20-£65/m². Engineered hardwood runs £40-£150+/m², while solid hardwood costs £50-£200+/m². LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is £25-£100/m². Porcelain tiles cost £30-£150+/m², and natural stone £60-£300+/m². These prices include professional fitting but typically exclude subfloor preparation (add £5-£15/m²), underlay (£3-£8/m² for carpet and laminate), and removal of existing flooring (£5-£10/m²). For an average-sized living room of 20m², total costs range from £500-£1,000 for budget carpet to £3,000-£6,000 for premium hardwood. Get multiple quotes from verified companies on HouseJester.

2. What is the best flooring for kitchens?

Porcelain tiles, LVT, and engineered hardwood are the top choices for kitchens. Porcelain is waterproof, extremely durable, heat-resistant, and available in finishes that replicate wood, stone, or concrete. LVT is waterproof, warm and comfortable underfoot, quiet, and easy to clean — it has become the most popular kitchen flooring choice in UK homes. Engineered hardwood brings natural warmth and beauty but needs prompt attention to spills and is not suitable for areas prone to standing water. Avoid solid hardwood and laminate in kitchens — solid wood is vulnerable to moisture warping, and most laminate swells if water penetrates the joints. Whichever material you choose, anti-slip properties are important in a kitchen environment.

3. How long does flooring last before it needs replacing?

Longevity depends on the material, installation quality, and maintenance. Solid and engineered hardwood can last 50-100+ years with periodic sanding and refinishing. Porcelain and natural stone tiles are similarly long-lived (50+ years). Quality LVT lasts 20-30 years in residential settings. Good-quality laminate lasts 15-25 years but cannot be refinished. Carpet typically lasts 5-15 years depending on fibre type and foot traffic — wool carpet outlasts synthetic by several years. Vinyl sheet flooring lasts 10-20 years. The subfloor condition and quality of installation have as much impact on longevity as the material itself, so never skimp on professional fitting.

4. Should I choose click-lock or glue-down installation?

Click-lock (floating) installation is faster, cleaner, and allows the floor to be lifted and relaid — ideal for rental properties or rooms where you might want to change flooring in future. It works well for laminate, LVT, and engineered hardwood. Glue-down installation creates a more solid, permanent bond with the subfloor, reduces hollow sounds underfoot, and is required for underfloor heating applications (better heat transfer). It is the preferred method for LVT and engineered hardwood in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic commercial settings. Your fitter should recommend the appropriate method based on your subfloor type, room use, and whether underfloor heating is present.

5. Is LVT (luxury vinyl tile) a good alternative to real wood?

LVT has become one of the most popular flooring choices in UK homes, and for good reason. Modern LVT replicates the appearance and texture of real wood, stone, and ceramic with remarkable accuracy, including embossed grain patterns and realistic colour variation. It is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for every room including kitchens and bathrooms. It is warm and quiet underfoot, easy to maintain, and extremely durable (typically rated for 20-30 years residential use). However, it does not add property value in the way real hardwood does, and some premium LVT can cost as much as entry-level engineered hardwood. For practicality and versatility, LVT is hard to beat.

6. Do I need underlay for my new flooring?

For carpet, underlay is essential — it extends carpet life by up to 40%, improves comfort, and provides sound and thermal insulation. Quality underlay costs £3-£8/m² and is worth investing in. For laminate and click-lock engineered hardwood, a thin foam or rubber underlay provides cushioning, acoustic dampening, and a moisture barrier. For glue-down flooring (LVT, glue-down engineered wood), underlay is not used — the flooring is bonded directly to the subfloor. For tile flooring, an uncoupling membrane (such as Schluter DITRA) serves a similar function, preventing cracks from subfloor movement transmitting through the tiles.

7. How do I choose between carpet and hard flooring for bedrooms?

Carpet remains the most popular bedroom flooring in the UK, and for good reason: it is warm, quiet, comfortable underfoot on cold mornings, and creates a cosy atmosphere. Wool-blend carpet in a neutral tone is a classic choice. However, hard flooring with rugs is gaining popularity — it suits allergy sufferers (easier to clean, no dust-mite habitat), works better with underfloor heating, and creates a more contemporary look. Engineered hardwood or high-quality LVT with a large rug offers the best of both worlds. Consider your lifestyle: if you prefer the softness of carpet, choose it without hesitation. If you value easy maintenance and a modern aesthetic, hard flooring with rugs is excellent.

8. Can flooring be installed over underfloor heating?

Yes, but material selection is critical. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most efficient choice — their high thermal conductivity means heat transfers quickly and evenly. Engineered hardwood (up to 15mm thick) and LVT are also compatible, though heat transfer is slightly less efficient. Solid hardwood, thick laminate (over 12mm), and carpet with heavy underlay should be avoided as they insulate the floor and reduce heating efficiency. Always check the flooring manufacturer's maximum surface temperature rating (typically 27°C) and use a compatible adhesive. Electric underfloor heating mats are the easiest system to retrofit under new flooring — they add just 3-4mm to the floor build-up.

9. How do I maintain and care for hardwood floors?

Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove grit and dust that can scratch the surface. Mop with a damp (not wet) microfibre mop using a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner — never use excessive water, steam mops, or harsh chemicals. Place felt pads under furniture legs and use mats at entrances to catch dirt and moisture. Wipe up spills immediately. Oiled floors need periodic re-oiling (every 1-2 years in high-traffic areas). Lacquered floors are lower maintenance but will eventually need sanding and re-lacquering (typically every 8-12 years). Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor and keep indoor humidity between 40-60% to prevent excessive expansion or contraction.

10. Is sustainable flooring really more expensive?

Not necessarily. Many sustainable flooring options are competitively priced. Cork flooring (£30-£60/m² fitted) is naturally renewable, warm, and acoustically excellent. Bamboo (£35-£55/m² fitted) is a rapidly renewable grass that rivals hardwood for durability. Wool carpet is a natural, biodegradable option that performs as well as or better than synthetic alternatives at a similar price point. FSC-certified hardwood carries only a small premium over non-certified timber. Reclaimed wood flooring can be more expensive due to sourcing and preparation costs but has unique character. LVT manufacturers are increasingly using recycled content without price increases. The main cost consideration is usually the adhesive — low-VOC, water-based adhesives may cost slightly more than solvent-based alternatives.