How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
Why choose laminate flooring Laminate is the perfect choice for floors if you want to update your home with a new modern look for a fraction of the price of real wood or tile. When renovating your entire family home or just one room, one of the most asked questions is, How much does laminate flooring cost to lay?
From the cost of the product, to labour, underlay, trims, and how it compares to premium alternatives such as parquet engineered wood flooring, this guide covers everything you need to know. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or using a professional floor fitter, we’re here to support you in getting to the bottom of how much laminate flooring installation costs in the UK. How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
What is Laminate Flooring?
Before we get into the costs of laminate, a quick aside about what it is. Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that consists of several layers that are sealed together during the lamination process. It consists of:
Wear Layer – provides scratch and water resistance
Optical layer – It’s an image, usually of wood, stone, tile etc.
Centre layer – Typical material is high density fiberboard (HDF)
Backing layer – Stabilises the plank and provides moisture resistance
And with today’s printing methods, laminate can sight and even feel like traditional materials such as hardwood, the top quality such as parquet engineered wood flooring, for a fraction of the cost.
Average Cost to Lay Laminate Flooring in the UK
1. Material Costs (Per Square Metre)
| Quality Level | Cost Range (per m²) |
| Budget Laminate | £7 – £12 |
| Mid-Range Laminate | £13 – £20 |
| High-End Laminate | £21 – £35 |
While laminate flooring costs vary based on thickness, AC rating (durability), and finish (e.g. herringbone effect), even premium laminate remains cheaper than parquet engineered wood flooring, which typically starts around £40/m².
2. Installation Costs
Professional laminate floor fitting costs typically range from £10 to £20 per square metre, depending on:
- Room complexity
- Location in the UK
- Removal of old flooring
- Subfloor preparation needs
Example:
For a 20m² room, professional installation may cost anywhere between £200 to £400, excluding materials.
3. Underlay and Accessories
Don’t forget underlay, which is essential for soundproofing and moisture protection:
- Foam Underlay: £2 – £5/m²
- Acoustic/Specialist Underlay: £5 – £10/m²
Additional costs may include:
- Skirting boards: £5 – £8 per metre
- Threshold bars/trims: £10 – £20 each
Total Estimated Cost to Lay Laminate Flooring (All-Inclusive)
Let’s put everything together for an average 20m² room:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Laminate flooring (mid-range) | £300 – £400 |
| Underlay | £60 – £120 |
| Fitting (labour) | £200 – £400 |
| Trims & Accessories | £60 – £120 |
| Total Estimated Cost | £620 – £1040 |
Keep in mind that these are ballpark figures. Final costs depend on your choice of materials, whether you’re hiring a professional or DIY-ing, and any prep work needed. How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
Comparing Laminate Flooring with Parquet Engineered Wood Flooring
Many customers weighing up how much to lay laminate flooring also consider whether parquet engineered wood flooring is worth the extra investment. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Laminate Flooring | Parquet Engineered Wood Flooring |
| Look & Feel | Realistic, but synthetic | Genuine wood surface |
| Price Range (per m²) | £7 – £35 | £40 – £80+ |
| Durability | Highly scratch-resistant | Can be sanded & refinished |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Requires more care |
| Installation | Easier, click-lock system | May require glue/nail-down |
| Longevity | 10–20 years | 20–40+ years |
While parquet engineered wood flooring offers timeless elegance and longer lifespan, laminate delivers a practical, cost-effective solution that’s perfect for high-traffic areas and budget renovations.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Laying Laminate Flooring
Several variables influence how much you’ll end up paying:
Room Size and Shape
The larger and more complicated the room (al coves or walls at an angle) the more cutting and the more work there is.
Type of Laminate
On the upper end,boards that are thicker (10mm–12mm) will cost more but will also be more durable, a plus in households that are more active. How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
Subfloor Condition
Irregular or damp subfloors might also need screeding, plywood boarding or damp-proof membrane at £5-£15/m² on top.
Old Flooring Removal
Disposing of old carpet or laminate is between £1 and £3/m².
DIY vs. Professional Fitting
DIY doesn’t involve labour costs, but it demands accuracy, time and the right tools. Installation impacts appearance and long-lasting quality. How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
Can Parquet Engineered Wood Flooring Be Laid Over Laminate?
Technically, yes — but it’s often not advisable. If your parquet engineered wood floors are uneven, squeaky, or significantly affected by moisture, you should remove it or address those issues before cleaning. Otherwise, you will end up with an unstable laminate floor that can seem unattractive or prematurely worn. How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
Is It Worth Investing in Professional Installation?
And here’s why professional floor fitting is usually worth the additional expense:
Precision: Geometry with more complicated patterns (herringbone)
Efficiency: Quick turnaround with minimal mess
Guarantee: Most floorers offer installation guarantees
Protection: Prevent costly DIY mistakes that can void warranty
This can be particularly true when laying top-quality laminate or parquet engineered wood flooring, and the more experienced hands you have working on the job the better.
DIY Tips to Save Money on Laminate Flooring Installation
If you’re handy with tools and measurements, going the DIY route could cut your costs substantially. Here are a few tips:
- Measure twice before cutting
- Durable and comfortable – good underlay will help to ensure that your new carpet stays looking newer for longer
- Purchase 10% more laminate for waste and to prepare for future repairs
- Invest in a laminate cutter or jigsaw for nice cuts
- Watch tutorials for your pattern (herringbone, chevron, etc.) and not just video in general.
Long-Term Value: Laminate vs. Engineered Wood
Laminate flooring is less expensive to install, but parquet engineered wood flooring may be more valuable at resale and last longer. It’s worth considering if:
You’re remodeling for a luxury home
You want a floor that can be refinished down the road
You’re attracted to natural textures and grain patterns
But if practicality, cost, and low maintenance are your priorities, laminate flooring is definitely a contender. How Much to Lay Laminate Flooring
Conclusion
So just how much does it cost to lay laminate flooring in the UK? The actual cost is very much dependant on the above, but in general terms, you can expect to pay between £620 and £1,040 for a mid-range 20m² installation including materials, labour and trim.
You will find perfect long lasting and durable engineered laminate floor for your home – it’s a great solution for the dining room, lounge areas, bedrooms, offices and in fact, most rooms in the home. And although pyramid inlays or other parquet patterns are undeniably special, especially for luxury installations, laminate engineered wood flooring still trumps them in popularity for very good reasons.
Whatever type of floor you decide to lay — timber, carpet, laminate, vinyl, or tile — it is the planning that ensures an attractive, functional, durable surface that compliments the decorating of your home.
Expert Flooring Fitters UK?
We’re experts in laminate, parquet and engineered wood flooring installations – with reasonable prices, excellent service and beautiful end results. Call now to get a free estimate!
