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myReplacing Floorboards Costs
At a Glance
- The average cost of replacement floorboards is around £500.
- The job will take approximately 2 days to repair or replace your floorboards.
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes cost factors to consider and the prices of different types of floorboard repairs.
- How to replace floorboards, as well as how long it should take, and what other renovation jobs you could consider at the same time.
- How to find a local floorboard repair company.
Do you have faulty floorboards?
The most common floorboard issues can be fixed relatively easily. Many homeowners can fix a faulty floorboard as a DIY job.
However, it's a good idea to look to a professional to ensure floorboard repair or replacing floorboards is completed to a high standard while also preventing further work down the line.
The cost to fix a floor in this manner would cost you around £500 on average.
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£500
Table of Contents
- How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace Floorboards?
- Floorboard Replacement Costs (Supply Only)
- Additional Floorboard Repair Costs
- Floorboard Repair Labour Costs and Timescales
- What Impacts the Cost of Replacing Floorboards?
- What's Involved in Repairing Floorboards?
- Can I Repair a Floor Myself?
- Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Floorboard Repairs
- Types of Floorboard Repairs
- Checklist: How To Find Local Floorboard Repair Companies in the UK
- FAQs
- Sources
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace Floorboards?
The price you pay for fixing floorboard issues will depend on the severity of the problem, the time it takes to repair, and your location in the UK.
Typically, a tradesperson would charge around £200 to £250 for most floorboard repair jobs.
If your floorboards need to be replaced, this could take a lot longer than other jobs and will end up being more expensive.
Similarly, if the repair job is minor, this will take less time and will end up costing less.
In general, how long does it take to have damaged floorboards repaired?
"It all depends on how many damaged floorboards need replacing."
Floorboard Repair/Replacement Prices
Below is a table highlighting the costs for the most common floorboard repair jobs:
| Job Description | Duration | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lift the carpet and do a creaky floorboard repair, then lay the carpet again | 1 - 4 hours | £200 - £250 |
| Repair broken floorboards and screw in any loose floorboards | 1 - 2 days | £250 - £300 |
| Replace or repair floor joists and replace split floorboards | 1 - 3 days | £400 - £500 |
| Remove rotten springy boards and joists, fit new joists and floorboards | 1 - 2 days | £300 - £400 |
| Remove all flooring and fit new joists and new chipboard flooring | 2 - 4 days | £1,000 - £1,250 |
| Remove all flooring and fit new joists and new conventional floorboards | 3 - 5 days | £1,500 - £,1800 |
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Floorboard Replacement Costs (Supply Only)
Below is a list of the supply costs for repairing floorboards:
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Timber 4.2m length | £8 - £20 |
| 150mm floorboards | £25 - £30 per m² |
| Chipboard sheets | £8 - £10 per m² |
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Additional Floorboard Repair Costs
There are several additional costs that you may want to think about when you have your floorboards repaired. Below is a list of these additional costs:
Underfloor Heating Costs
If you have been thinking about having underfloor heating installed anyway, then this may be the perfect time to do it.
While your floorboards are being repaired, your carpet or flooring will need to be lifted anyway, so it's a great opportunity to add underfloor heating to the room.
The cost to have underfloor heating installed is around £700 to £900 on average. This may differ depending on the size of the room or the type of underfloor heating that you're installing.
Skirting Board Heating Costs
Similarly, you may want to install skirting board heating. This is a simpler job and acts in the same way as underfloor heating.
The price to install skirting board heating is usually around £400 to £600 on average. The actual price you pay will depend on the room's size and the difficulty of the job.
Installing Floor Insulation Costs
Having your floorboards repaired or replaced is a great time to add in some new floor insulation. The cost of floor insulation is around £800, but exact figures depend on the type of insulation material you choose, as well as the size of your floor.
Installing New Carpet Costs
While you're getting your floorboards fixed, it's also a great time to get a new carpet fitted – especially if you've been thinking about doing it for a while anyway.
The cost of installing a new carpet will depend on the size of the room and the type of carpet. However, the average cost of installing a new carpet is around £400 to £800.
Install Laminate Flooring
Similarly, if you have been thinking about getting a new laminate floor fitted, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get this done.
The cost of installing laminate flooring will differ depending on the room's size and the type of laminate flooring that is being installed.
The average cost of installing laminate flooring is around £500 to £1,000.
We have rotten floorboards in our back downstairs room, and also by the front door. Is replacing the floorboards or concrete the answer?
"Find out where the water is coming from, and fix that problem - then replace floorboards."
Floorboard Repair Labour Costs and Timescales
The cost you pay for labour will depend on many factors, including your location, the difficulty of the job, and the type of repair.
Typically, a tradesperson will charge around £200 to £250 per day to fix floorboards.
Minor fixes can usually be completed within 1 to 4 hours. More difficult jobs, such as completely replacing the floorboards, could take 1 to 3 days to complete.
With this in mind, you can see how the labour costs for more difficult jobs could increase greatly. Luckily, the most common floorboard fixes can usually be completed within a day. Those based in London can expect to pay around £30 to £70 more on average for labour than those based in the north or other parts of the UK.
Unlike some outdoor renovation jobs, there's no seasonal variation in labour fees for floorboard repairs. However, you may find better availability in autumn and winter periods as most homeowners tend to undertake home renovation jobs in the spring and summer to get their properties ready for winter.
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What Impacts the Cost of Replacing Floorboards?
Several factors can affect the cost of your floorboard repair job. Below is a list of the main factors that can make a difference to the overall cost:
Type of Floor
The type of floor you have can affect the cost. Carpets are relatively easy to lift and remove. However, more difficult flooring, such as tiles, could increase the time it takes to complete the job.
The longer the job takes, the more you can expect to pay in labour costs. So, it is important to note the type of flooring you have and how difficult it's going to be to remove before the work and re-install after the work.
Extent of Damage
The extent of the damage can affect the cost greatly. Small, minor jobs can be completed within a few hours and won't be as expensive as more extreme jobs.
Major jobs such as replacing all of the floorboards could take a few days, which will ramp up the costs for both labour and materials.
How do I get dents out of wooden floorboards? I think they're made of pine.
"Leave a wet cloth on for 10 minutes, and then dry it either naturally or, if the room is cool, use an iron or some portable heater. Repeat the process until good as new. I’ve used this method many times and you’ll be amazed what dents can be removed. Doesn’t work well with scratches across the grain, but any other dents and scratches will go."
Location of Property
The location of your property can also affect the price you can expect to pay. Those based in London can expect to pay around £30 to £70 more on average for labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.
What's Involved in Repairing Floorboards?
There are several methods for repairing floorboards, as each floorboard issue will require a different fixing method.
Below, we will go over the two most common fixes for floorboards, including a step-by-step guide on how to complete each fixing method:
Fixing Creaking Floorboards
Floorboards can become creaky when the fixing nails are loose and the board isn't firmly attached anymore. Below is a guide on how to fix creaking floorboards:
- Find the creak: Walk around the room to pinpoint the exact location of the creaking floorboards - this is where you need to focus your efforts.
- Look between the joist and subfloor: Use a torch to look beneath your floor, detecting any gaps between the joist and subfloor. If there's a gap, you've found the cause of your creaking floor.
- Plug the gap: Find a small piece of wood and, using carpenter's glue, insert it into the gap you've found to silence the creak. For larger gaps, fill these with construction adhesive.
Replacing a Section of Floorboard
If a small area of your floorboard is damaged, you can replace part of the board rather than having to replace the whole board:
- Prop up the damaged section of floor: Carefully lift up the damaged section of floorboard, and insert a piece of wood beneath it to hold it up.
- Cut out the damaged section: Mark your cutting lines, and start to take the damaged floorboard section out, avoiding the boards you want to keep.
- Find a replacement floorboard: Measure the damaged section and find a suitable replacement.
- Insert the replacement floorboard: Secure the new section in place with ring shank nails or cut floor brads, then drill pilot holes and affix with nails or screws to stop the board from moving.
Can I Repair a Floor Myself?
Many minor floorboard repair jobs are quite simple and could be fixed easily by a novice DIY enthusiast.
We have created the guides above to help with fixing the most common floorboard repair issues.
However, if you are unsure at all or if the job is quite extensive, you would be better off reaching out to a professional to complete the work for you.
A floorboard repair specialist will know exactly what to do to fix your particular issue while completing the job safely and efficiently, and the work will be to a high standard.
Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Floorboard Repairs
Some floorboard repair jobs may be subject to certain building regulation rules. When floors are replaced, they must meet certain requirements for "renovation of a thermal element".
This means that if you are working on more than 50% of the floor, it needs to be entirely renovated to include insulation and improve thermal efficiency.
If you are replacing timber floorboards or concrete ground floors, this is also a requirement.
Some floorboard repair jobs will require additional insulation work. For some ground floor work, you won't need to worry about insulation work.
The best way to understand which building regulations need to be followed is to contact your local authority, who will advise you on what is needed.
Types of Floorboard Repairs
Repairing Loose Floorboards Cost
Loose floorboards can be fixed easily by simply replacing the nails that hold them in place with screws instead.
Loose floorboards tend to be creaky and squeaky, so completing this simple repair can help to stop these annoying sounds from occurring every time you step on the loose floorboard.
The cost of repairing a loose floorboard is around £200 to £250 if you choose to hire a professional.
Is it OK to replace floorboards with chipboard? I think they'll be easier to lay, but is there any reason I shouldn't do this?
"Chipboard is fine if it's the same thickness and doesn't get wet, as chipboard is no good when wet."
Repairing Damaged Floorboards Cost
Split or cracked floorboards can be repaired by putting some strong wood glue in the cracks and splits and then forcing the edges together with wedges in the gaps.
The cost of repairing damaged floorboards is around £200 to £250 if you choose to hire a professional to complete the work for you.
Replacing Floorboards Cost
Floorboards that are more severely damaged can be replaced. This is the best way to ensure that the floorboard won't worsen and is the best fix for extremely damaged floorboards.
The cost for replacing a floorboard is around £400 to £500 on average. If you need more than one floorboard replaced, the cost will increase accordingly.
Checklist: How To Find Local Floorboard Repair Companies in the UK
There are a few things you will need to consider before hiring someone to repair floorboards. Below is a list of some of the main things that you should consider when looking for the right contractor for the job:
- Does the contractor offer any guarantees with their work?
- How much is the work to complete? – Ask for a breakdown of costs so you can ensure you are paying a good price for each element of the job.
- What type of floorboard repairs does the company offer?
- Do you need to supply any materials yourself, or is it all included in the job's overall price?
- Is the contractor experienced in the type of floorboard repair that you need?
- How many years of experience does the contractor have in repairing floorboards?
- Will the contractor fix any issues that may arise?
- Will the contractor take care of any relevant waste removal?
- Will the contractor follow all appropriate building regulations?
FAQs
How Do You Repair Rotten Wooden Bathroom Floor?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to repair a rotten bathroom floor:
- Begin by turning the water off.
- Use a crowbar to pull up the old flooring.
- Remove the subfloor.
- Inspect the joists underneath for damage, as you may need to hire someone to replace those too.
- Clean the area of dust and debris.
- Install subfloor if needed.
- You can now lay your new chosen floor.
How Do You Repair Floor Joists That Are Water Damaged?
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to repair water damaged floor joists:
- Put on safety gear and set up a work light.
- Access the subfloor area through the crawl space and go to the area under the water damage.
- Measure the distance from the points where the rotten joists attach on either end.
- Measure the side of the joist from the lower edge to the upper edge, so you know the measurements for the replacement.
- Exit the crawl space and obtain a piece of framing lumber to use as a replacement joist.
- Measure and mark the replacement piece and cut it to size.
- Position the new joist on its edge alongside the rotten joist with one end on the sill plate.
- Hit the side of the joist at the other end with a hammer to fit that end against the rotten joist.
- Connect each end of the new joist to the sill plate with nails.
- Cut the rotten joist vertically near each end and remove the rotten part.
Why Is My Floorboard Creaking?
Creaky floorboards are usually due to loose nails or screws. This can be rectified by simply inserting new nails or tightening the screws. Squeaky floorboard repairs will only usually take a matter of hours.
How Do I Know if My Floorboard Needs to Be Replaced or Repaired?
Look out for split, cracked, or damaged floorboards and check for damp or rot. If you have a carpet, then check for springy or saggy floors. All of these will indicate that your floorboards need to be repaired or replaced.
Can I Replace Floorboards Myself?
If you are on a tight budget and looking to save money, you can replace floorboards as a DIY job. However, if you aren't confident in what you're doing or if the work is very extensive, it is best to call in a professional to do the work for you.
Are There Any Grants Available for Flooring Upgrades in the UK?
In the UK, the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) offer reduced cost, or in some cases free, underfloor insulation in line with the Net Zero target. You should check directly with the schemes to see if you're eligible, but here are the general criteria for free underfloor insulation:
- You must be a homeowner or a renter from a private landlord.
- Your income must be less than £31,000 combined.
- You must be in council tax bands A to D in England, and A to E in Scotland and Wales.
- Your home's energy performance certificate (EPC) rating must be below D.
Sources
https://www.diy-extra.co.uk/repairing-and-replacing-floorboards.html
