How long does laminate flooring last?

Quality laminate flooring lasts 15 to 25 years. AC4 and AC5 rated laminates are durable even in high-traffic areas. AC3 is suitable for low-traffic rooms such as bedrooms.

Can laminate flooring be laid in kitchens and bathrooms?

Standard laminate is not suitable for wet areas. However, waterproof laminate models can be used in kitchens and near bathroom entrances. For areas with direct water contact, tiles or vinyl are recommended.

Can I put a rug on top of laminate flooring?

Yes, there is no problem placing a rug on laminate flooring. However, using a non-slip underlay pad beneath the rug will keep it in place and prevent the laminate from being scratched.

Can laminate be laid over an existing floor?

Laminate can be laid directly over an existing floor as long as it is flat and solid. If the existing floor is damaged, uneven or damp, repairs must be carried out first. It is also possible to lay laminate over tiles.

Laminate Flooring Costs 2026: Installation Guide

How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost?

Laminate flooring costs in 2026 range from around £8 to £30 per square metre for materials, and £8 to £15 per square metre for installation labour. The total cost for a standard three-bedroom house (approximately 60 m2 of flooring) typically falls between £1,000 and £2,700.

Flooring is one of the most impactful elements of any home renovation. Laminate flooring is one of the UK's most popular flooring choices, thanks to its easy maintenance, wide range of styles and affordable price. However, prices vary significantly depending on AC rating, thickness and design. In this guide you will find up-to-date 2026 laminate flooring prices and the criteria for choosing the right product.

Laminate Flooring Class and Price Comparison

Laminate flooring durability and price vary by AC rating:

Class / Thickness	Price per m2	Durability	Suitable For
AC3 (7 mm)	£8 - £14	Moderate	Bedrooms, guest rooms
AC3 (8 mm)	£10 - £18	Moderate-Good	Bedrooms, home offices
AC4 (8 mm)	£14 - £22	Good	Living rooms, hallways, offices
AC4 (10 mm)	£18 - £28	Very good	Living rooms, entrances, high traffic
AC5 (10 mm)	£20 - £30	Excellent	Commercial spaces, shops
AC5 (12 mm)	£25 - £40	Excellent	Heavy commercial use

Installation labour costs between £8 and £15 per square metre. Skirting boards, transition strips and acoustic underlay are additional costs that should be factored into your budget.

Laminate vs Engineered Wood vs Vinyl

When choosing flooring, it is useful to compare the three main alternatives:

Laminate flooring: The best value for money. Resistant to scratching and staining, low maintenance. However, it is sensitive to moisture and cannot be repaired once damaged.
Engineered wood flooring: Natural warm appearance, can be sanded and refinished. However, it costs 3 to 5 times more than laminate and requires more upkeep.
LVT/SPC vinyl: Waterproof, quiet underfoot, and its thin profile means it can be easily laid over existing floors. Priced similarly to laminate but superior in durability.

Using laminate throughout the home and vinyl or tiles in wet areas is the most practical combination.

The Laminate Flooring Installation Process

A professional installation follows these steps:

Subfloor inspection: The existing floor is checked for flatness and moisture levels.
Underlay installation: An underlay material that provides sound insulation and acts as a moisture barrier is laid down.
Laying the planks: Laminate planks are laid using the floating floor technique, clicking together via a tongue-and-groove system.
Cutting: Precise cuts are made along walls and around corners.
Expansion gap: An 8 to 10 mm gap is left around the perimeter to allow for expansion.
Skirting board fitting: Finally, skirting boards and transition profiles are fitted along the wall edges.

A standard room can be completed in one day, while a full three-bedroom house typically takes 2 to 3 days.

What to Look for When Choosing Laminate Flooring

Choosing the right laminate is the key to long-term satisfaction:

AC rating: For high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways, choose at least AC4.
Thickness: Laminate under 8 mm feels thin and hollow. For living rooms, choose 8 mm or above.
Sound insulation: Models with integrated underlay reduce the need for additional acoustic insulation.
Style and colour: Light colours and wide planks make a room look larger. Narrow planks work better in small rooms.
Water resistance: For kitchen thresholds and similar risk areas, look for V-groove sealed edges that prevent water ingress.

To integrate your flooring into a wider renovation plan, have a look at our home renovation guide article. Flooring should be laid after painting, so calculate your painting budget using our house painting costs guide.

Conclusion

Laminate flooring costs in 2026 range from £8 to £40 per square metre depending on the AC rating and thickness. Choosing the right AC class for your intended use, keeping the thickness at a minimum of 8 mm and opting for professional installation will ensure you enjoy your laminate flooring for many years. If you are also refreshing your living room decor, our living room decoration costs guide will help with your budget planning.

At builderquote.co.uk you can compare current prices on flooring products to find the best deal.