Installing Wood Floor Cost: Wooden Flooring Prices 2024

Trying to find out how much it costs to fit wood flooring?

The average hardwood flooring cost ranges from £500 to £1900, depending on the type of wood floor you choose and the size of the floor. Factors such as professional installation versus DIY can also influence the overall cost.

What does this complete cost guide cover?

In this guide, we look at wood flooring prices for different materials and the cost of hiring a flooring specialist to lay the wood floor. Knowing how much wood flooring costs per square metre makes it easy to calculate an estimate for any room.

Read on below to find out how much it will likely cost you, and if you’re ready, we can get you wood flooring quotes from local carpenters.

How Much is Wooden Flooring?

Let's talk about the average cost for an average-sized room...

For an average-sized room, you’re looking at spending £1300 to have oak wood flooring fitted. The size of the floor and type used can affect the cost.

As for types these include various forms of solid wood flooring like:

• Walnut
• Oak
• Pine
• Hickory

Another category of floorboards, namely that of engineered wood flooring, also varies in price. Typically, the overall engineered wood flooring cost used can be a lot more expensive than other types of wood flooring.

What can affect the overall wood flooring costs?

Additional cost-affecting factors include the type of wood flooring pattern you choose and your location, as where you live in the UK can determine the price of labour.

Wooden Flooring Prices

Below, you can find a table detailing the wooden floor cost per square metre, addressing various pricing tiers for different types of wood flooring:

Supply Costs Only

Let’s now take a look at the cost of wood flooring materials. This is as if you were to purchase from a retailer directly:

Additional Costs

There are many extra jobs which you may want to have undertaken when you install wood flooring:

Replace Kitchen Units Cost

One of the focal points of a kitchen is the units it contains. You can expect to pay between £2000 to £5000 on average.

For more information on the cost of kitchen units, check out our article here.

Carpet Laying Cost

While having floorboards installed, you may wish to have carpet fitted in other rooms.

On average you'll need to budget between £100 to £1100 for laying carpet.

Paint Walls Cost

To have the walls painted in a room is a relatively straightforward task for any painter & decorator and will cost about £300 to £1000.

In addition, it’s the sort of job that can be easily undertaken by a DIY enthusiast, too.

New Lighting Features Cost

There are plenty of lighting fixtures you could have added to the rooms of your home.

Budget for around £50 to £150 per light fitting.

Replace Kitchen Sink Cost

By having a new sink fitted, you can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your kitchen. While it's not too difficult to replace a kitchen sink, it will definitely be worth your while hiring a professional for this job.

To replace a sink, it'll cost you £275 on average.

Labour Costs and Timescales

To have new wood flooring installed can be anywhere from £100 to £400 in labour costs. This is because a carpenter will likely charge around £100 to £200 per day while the work could take 1 to 2 days to complete.

The actual new flooring installation could take anywhere from around 4-5 hours to as much as 16-18 hours, depending on the size of the room and the type of floorboards being used. The full length of the job will also vary based on the design and layout of your room. Fitting new floorboards in an irregularly shaped room, for example, can be more challenging and time-consuming.

Cost Factors of Installing Wood Flooring

There are many aspects of a wood flooring installation that can shape the total cost. In the following subsections, we will break down the details of each factor and how they’ll influence your overall bill.

Type of Wood Floor

As we showed in the supply costs section, there are plenty of wood floor types out there to choose from, each with their own approximate price tag. Popular options include laminate, engineered wood, reclaimed wood, parquet, bamboo and of course solid real wood flooring.

Solid hardwood flooring is entirely made of real wood, offering enhanced durability and the ability to be refinished multiple times, albeit at a higher cost compared to engineered hardwood.

There are also different edging styles available, such as micro-bevelled, bevelled edge and square edge wood flooring. This, too, is a cost-affecting factor, as is the finish and quality of the floorboards.

Location of Property

Contractors charge different rates depending on where you live in the UK. If you’re based in London or the south-east of England in general, you’re likely going to face higher rates than you would elsewhere in the UK.

On the other hand, Scotland and northern England tend to have lower contractor quotes than the national average.

Ease of Access

How accessible is the room and flooring? This is another essential attribute of the overall cost. If you have an irregularly shaped floorboard with difficult to reach elements, the job could take longer, and therefore your total bill will be higher.

Pattern of Wood Floor

There are also various patterns of wood flooring to choose from. These include straight, diagonal, random, herringbone, chevron, brick and basketweave patterns. Each option comes with their own prices making wood floor patterns another factor in the total cost.

Wooden Flooring Installation Quotes

When it comes to installing wooden flooring, getting quotes from multiple contractors is crucial to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some tips to keep in mind when requesting quotes:

• Provide Detailed Information: Make sure to give contractors detailed information about your project. This includes the type of wood flooring you want, the size of the area, and any specific requirements or challenges. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quote will be.
• Breakdown of Costs: Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs. This should include the cost of materials, labor, and any additional services such as underlayment or finishing. Understanding the cost components will help you compare quotes more effectively.
• Check Certifications: Look for contractors with certifications or accreditations, such as the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) certification. This can be a good indicator of their expertise and professionalism.
• Ask for References: Request references and examples of previous work. This will give you an idea of the contractor’s experience and the quality of their installations.
• Be Wary of Low Quotes: Extremely low quotes can be tempting, but they may indicate a lack of experience or a low-quality installation. It’s better to invest a bit more for a reliable and high-quality service.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you get a fair and accurate quote for your wood flooring installation.

How to Fit Wood Flooring

This job does not require the skills of a professional. While you’re more likely to get the perfect finish, and it will probably be a less stressful experience if you hire a contractor, by undertaking the work DIY, you can save on costs.

But, if you'd like to know how to fit wooden flooring take a look at our how-to guide complete with step-by-step instructions and images.

Choosing Wood Flooring

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of wood flooring types to choose from when it comes to materials. Let’s take a look at each option in more detail. Most wood types are available in solid or ordinary timber flooring while many also have vinyl or engineered wood flooring options.

Engineered hardwood flooring, for instance, consists of layers combining real wood and plywood, making it more durable and cost-effective compared to solid hardwood, which is made entirely of real wood. Additionally, engineered hardwood can be refinished fewer times than solid hardwood but offers better resistance to moisture and temperature changes.

Oak Flooring Costs

Solid oak flooring is one of the most popular and attractive types available. It has a robust, stylish and beautiful appearance. Oak floorboards are available in a variety of different colours ranging from pale white to very dark.

There are also options such as those with a range of lines, knots and bands and others with natural markings that are few and far between. This type of flooring has traditionally been used to signal opulence because of its long-lasting ability as well as its capacity to age well. Oak floorboards cost approximately £35 per square metre.

Pros:

• ✔ Relatively cheap
• ✔ Very durable
• ✔ Range of colours, styles and finishes to choose from

Cons:

• ✖ Not everyone’s cup of tea

Pine Flooring Costs

This type of flooring is a classic option thanks to its affordability, durability and various finishes that are available. It is also known for its environmental benefits and for providing rooms with a homely look and feel.

In regards to the former point, pine trees grow faster than most hardwoods used for flooring like walnut or oak, meaning that pine forests can grow back quicker. While it is a widely popular option, pine isn’t right for everyone or every situation. You’re looking at paying about £45 per square metre to purchase pine wood flooring.

Pros:

• ✔ Not too costly
• ✔ Aesthetically pleasing
• ✔ Also durable
• ✔ Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• ✖ Finishing requirements are not very convenien
• ✖ Does not age as well
• ✖ Needs plenty of maintenance (e.g. must be vacuumed and dusted regularly)
• ✖ Finishing is required after installation

Maple Flooring Costs

Maple hardwood flooring is a beautiful and easy to maintain option for any room. It comes with a warm hue and light colour tone. It can fit with practically any background colour palette. It is an excellent choice if you’d like to add light and warmth to a room.

Maple flooring is also not a difficult type of flooring to look after. The finish will stay fresh if you vacuum or sweep this type of flooring regularly. Such a clean should also involve a decent mopping with the use of water and mild wood soap. One issue with maple flooring is scratching.

Due to having an exceptionally smooth grain, scratches can be noticeable. A rubbing compound wax will be needed to polish out these scratches.

Maple floorboards are also more prone to expansion and contraction in response to changing humidity levels. Further, applying a finish once the installation is complete can be a bit tricky and time-consuming. Maple floorboards cost about £60 per square metre.

Pros:

• ✔ Highly durable
• ✔ Low costing
• ✔ Great colour features
• ✔ Easily maintained

Cons:

• ✖ Scratches are not easy to hide
• ✖ Issues with humidity
• ✖ Staining can be challenging

Walnut Flooring Costs

This version of hardwood flooring is a particularly unique option. Its colour ranges from brown heartwood to light sapwood. While walnut is a softer type of hardwood flooring, its colour palette has a good ability to conceal dents. That is despite the material itself being prone to dents and scratches.

Since the natural colours of walnut flooring are so out of the ordinary, staining is not often applied. Its rich and beautiful brown tones make it an attractive option among consumers. Its unique visual characteristics make it difficult to replicate with any other wood species. It can, however, be fairly costly at approximately £70 per square metre.

Pros:

• ✔ Conceals dents
• ✔ Beautiful and unusual look
• ✔ Strong
• ✔ High level of shock resistance

Cons:

• ✖ Susceptible to scratches
• ✖ Softwood type
• ✖ Staining may not be necessary
• ✖ More costly option

Cherry Flooring Costs

Another softwood flooring option is cherry. As with walnut flooring, it too is rarely stained thanks to its natural and beautiful soft colours. With that said, it is also prone to scratches and dents while not having the same ability to hide marks as walnut flooring.

Despite this, it is still a popular choice. Cherry flooring has a unique trait in that it can be installed with a soft pink tone and over the course of a six to twelve-month period, will darken to a rich red.

Two of the most popular grades associated with this type of flooring are prime, which offers a more consistent look and country grade which adds plenty of character to your floorboards with a variety of colours and knots—cherry flooring costs around £45 per square metre.

Pros:

• ✔ Natural and beautiful soft colours
• ✔ Darkens from soft pink to rich red
• ✔ Not very costly

Cons:

• ✖ Vulnerable to scratching

Benefits of Wood Flooring

Hardwearing

One of the critical advantages of wood flooring is its strength and durability. While it can be dented or scratched, it is less vulnerable compared with many flooring types in general. If taken care of correctly, a hardwood surface can survive and age well over several decades. The fact that timber floorboards are long-lasting also means that it will save you money in the long run.

Appearance

One of the biggest appeals of wood flooring is the aesthetic value it offers. It can provide warmth and an elegant touch to any room. Wood floors can even give the illusion that the room is more spacious as well as making a great first impression for any visitors.

Can Repair

These types of floors can be fixed and maintained easily. It’s also possible to refinish wooden flooring instead of simply replacing it when problems arise, as you might have to do with tile or carpet.

Improved Air Quality

Another benefit of wood floors is that they can enhance the quality of indoor air. Hardwood floors do not trap pollen, particulate matter, dust, animal dander or any other run-of-the-mill allergens. If you suffer from allergies, you should strongly consider having a lumber-based floor installed.

What is Engineered Wood Flooring?

This type of wood flooring consists of several layers, hence where the name comes from, and since manufacturers engineer wood flooring into this type. Not only is it less costly than ordinary hardwood flooring, but it is also more resistant to temperature and humidity level variations.

Further, it is still difficult to tell apart from regular wood flooring. To install engineered wood flooring, it is recommended to hire a qualified fitter due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of the installation. The costs associated with engineered wood flooring can range from £17 to £73 per square metre, with additional installation costs varying based on the fitter's expertise and the project's specifics.

Wood Floor Patterns

There are many patterns that wood flooring can be laid in. The cost of each design may vary if the job takes different durations, but this will largely depend on the complexity of the work.

Straight Floor Pattern Cost

This pattern is, by far, the most common. It is a well-known approach to a hardwood floor installation. As you know, this type of flooring simply involves the boards being laid side by side from wall to wall.

The boards may follow the longest wall of a small room in order to give a more spacious look and vice versa. Straight pattern flooring is mainly popular because it is plain, easy and effective.

Pros:

• ✔ Straightforward, traditional and effective
• ✔ Easy and quick installation
• ✔ Can add space to a small room

Cons:

• ✖ May not be considered especially interesting

Random Floor Pattern Cost

As the name suggests, this pattern involves mixing things up. While the width of the blocks for each row can differ, the pattern itself is ultimately consistent. It is the size of the boards that vary.

This can give the impression of a large room. Random pattern floorboards can create a diagonal or straight pattern simultaneously. Ideally, this is best achieved by fitting it parallel with the longest wall in the room.

Pros:

• ✔ Provides a room with a unique look
• ✔ Possible in diagonal or straight patterns too

Cons:

• ✖ Trickier to install
• ✖ Not for everyone

Diagonal Floor Pattern Cost

Unlike a straight pattern, this approach involves covering the floor from corner to corner.

This is a more challenging pattern to achieve for sure and is not something you should undertake DIY unless you are highly skilled with plenty of experience. It requires a lot of precision to execute correctly.

Pros:

• ✔ Gives an interesting appearance

Cons:

• ✖ More challenging installation
• ✖ May cost more to install

Herringbone Floor Pattern Cost

This modern option has gained in popularity. However, it is not very well suited to small spaces. With that said, it provides a high level of dimensional stability since each block is pressed against each other to limit its movements.

It may be installed parallel or diagonal to the walls. As an interesting fact, this pattern was used for ancient Roman roads; hence it really has stood the test of time.

Pros:

• ✔ Provides a unique aesthetic
• ✔ Becoming more popular
• ✔ High level of dimensional stability

Cons:

• ✖ Not easy to fit
• ✖ Not well suited to small areas

Parquet Floor Pattern Cost

This pattern is a geometric collection of wooden pieces. The pieces of timber are arranged to create a very fancy and decorative effect—parquet patterns to be highly geometrical and angular although in some cases they may feature curves.

Herringbone, as mentioned above, is a type of parquet flooring pattern which in itself is a broader collection of ‘sub-patterns’.

Pros:

• ✔ Fancy appearance
• ✔ Geometric

Cons:

• ✖ Installation can be time-consuming
• ✖ May cost more to have installed

Alternatives to Wood Flooring

If you'd like an alternative to laminate, you could use the following flooring instead:

• Laminate flooring
• Carpet
• Tile flooring

Check out th relevant cost guys for a more detailed breakdown of the costs for each alternative.

Cost of Removing Wood Flooring

You may wish to have wooden floorboards removed because you’d prefer to have an alternative installed to repair existing floorboards or to access the pipes or other underground features for another construction or repair project.

Based on the average hourly rates of carpenters in the UK and assuming a job that takes 2-6 hours, you’re looking at paying anywhere from £25 to £75 for the labour costs. This will be on top of any waste removal costs, which will likely end up between £50 and £150.

Wood Flooring Maintenance and Care

To keep your wooden flooring looking its best, regular maintenance and care are essential. Here are some tips to help you maintain your wood floors:

• Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your wood floors regularly to remove dirt and debris. This prevents scratches and keeps the floor looking clean.
• Immediate Spill Management: Clean spills immediately to prevent damage to the finish or wood. Use a soft cloth to blot the spill and avoid rubbing it into the floor.
• Use Rugs: Place rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear. This can help protect the wood and extend the life of your flooring.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish or wood. Instead, use a wood floor cleaner specifically designed for your type of flooring.
• Apply Finish or Sealant: Consider applying a wood floor finish or sealant to protect the wood and make cleaning easier. This can also enhance the appearance of your floors.
• Control Temperature and Humidity: Avoid exposing your wood floors to extreme temperatures or humidity levels. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a stable environment.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your wood floors looking beautiful and ensure they last for years to come.

Hiring Someone to Install Wood Flooring Checklist

So what should you be looking for in a carpenter before hiring them?

• Do they have plenty of experience?
• What kind of carpentry jobs have they done before?
• Are past customers happy with the contractor’s work?

As for qualifications and accreditation, while these aren’t necessary, they are a plus. However, most contractors develop their skills and knowledge through practical work. Ultimately, you want to find an experienced and skilled professional to do the job!

In conclusion, wooden flooring is a popular and durable option for homeowners, offering a range of benefits, including aesthetic appeal, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, the cost of wooden flooring can vary greatly depending on the type of wood, quality, and installation method.

By understanding the factors that affect the cost of wooden flooring and taking the time to research and compare quotes, you can find the perfect flooring solution for your home and budget. Remember also to consider the maintenance and care requirements of your wood floors to ensure they last for years to come.

By following the advice in this guide, you can make an informed decision about your wooden flooring project and enjoy the timeless beauty and durability of wood floors.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.esbflooring.com/blog/edging-styles-wood-flooring-square-edge-micro-bevelled-or-bevelled-edge
https://storiesflooring.co.uk/pages/how-to-install-solid-wood-flooring