Flooring is one of those purchases where the advertised price per m² tells roughly half the story. By the time you've added underlay, fitting, removal of old flooring, threshold strips, and disposal, your real per-m² cost can be nearly double the sticker price. Here's how to budget properly from the start.
Step 1: Measure Accurately
Length × width at the longest points. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles and sum the areas. Our area calculator handles L-shapes and bay windows cleanly. Then apply your waste allowance before ordering. Use our flooring calculator to determine quantities with waste included.
Waste Allowances
- Carpet: 10-15% | Laminate (straight): 10% | Laminate (diagonal): 15%
- Engineered hardwood: 10-15% | LVT/vinyl planks: 10% | Tiles: 10-20%
Hidden Costs to Budget For
- Underlay: essential for laminate, hardwood and carpet. Budget £3-£8/m² for good quality.
- Fitting: £8-£20/m² for most types. Carpet fitting often included in retailer quotes — confirm explicitly.
- Threshold strips: required where flooring meets a different surface. £10-£30 each.
- Adhesive: for glue-down LVT and wood: £2-£4/m².
- Old flooring removal: £2-£5/m² if fitters are removing it. Plus skip hire if volume is significant.
Flooring Type Comparison
- Carpet: warm, sound-absorbing. £10-£40/m² fitted. Lifespan 8-15 years.
- Laminate: durable, affordable. £15-£35/m² fitted. Lifespan 10-25 years. Not for wet areas.
- Engineered hardwood: real wood veneer. £30-£80/m². Lifespan 25-50+ years with refinishing.
- LVT: waterproof, realistic wood/stone look. £20-£50/m² fitted. Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Build the Full Budget
Material + waste + underlay + fitting + threshold strips + removal = true cost. Example: 20 m² living room, mid-range laminate: 22 m² at £18 = £396 + underlay £110 + fitting £240 + threshold £40 = £786 total (£39/m² vs the headline £18/m²). Always calculate the full figure.
Further reading: The British Flooring Association provides guidance on standards and finding accredited installers. Visit the British Flooring Association.