Flooring specialist rates vary based on the type of flooring you want them to lay, where you live and how difficult the job is. While you’ll commonly be charged a fixed rate for flooring jobs, many fitters will give you a day rate or an hourly rate for labour when they give you a quote.

At HaMuch, our database of hourly and daily rates for flooring specialists all over the UK allows us to give you an estimate of how much they will charge you. Here are the latest average flooring specialist rates across the country.

Flooring specialist hourly rates

The average hourly labour rate for a flooring specialist is £30 per hour. Your flooring specialist is more likely to charge you by the hour for jobs such as small repairs to wooden floorboards or sanding and restoration. 

Flooring specialist day rates

For projects like carpet fitting, laminate flooring or LVT flooring in large rooms, your fitter will probably charge you a day rate. The average day rate for flooring specialists is £240. 

For very large jobs, such as if you would like flooring laid in multiple rooms, the flooring specialist may charge you a fixed rate. This helps you understand the cost up front and can help keep costs down if the job takes longer than expected. However, if your floor fitter finishes sooner, you’re more likely to have paid a higher hourly rate.

Take a look at our UK flooring specialist rates table to get a more accurate idea of hourly and daily rates in your area. Our members show their rates so you can see how much they charge before you contact them. 

Rates for common flooring jobs

Lay wooden flooring

Average rate: £250 per day

Average time: 1-3 days

Average material cost: £55 per m²

It costs around £250 per day to have wooden flooring installed, and it can take between 1 to 3 days depending on the size of your room. Wooden flooring itself varies in price, with softwoods available from around £30 per square metre up to engineered wood that can cost £80 or more. 

Carpet fitting

Average rate: £22 per hour

Average time: 3 hours

Average material cost: £67 per m2

Carpet fitters charge an average of £22 per hour, or £150 per day. How much you pay for materials will depend on the type of carpet and underlay you choose, but expect to pay around £67 per square metre. Carpets range hugely from £6 to more than £60 per square metre, but more luxurious carpets will usually last longer.

Fit laminate flooring

Average rate: £240 per day

Average time: 1-3 days

Average material cost: £40 per m2

Flooring specialists tend to charge £240 per day to fit laminate flooring, and it can take 1-3 days depending on how much preparation work is needed. If you need your floor to be levelled beforehand, expect it to take 3 days or more depending on how big your room is. Laminate flooring is usually cheaper than wooden options, with the average cost being £40 per square metre - but it usually won’t last as long.

How to find and compare flooring fitting costs

1. Think about what you want

Before inviting a flooring specialist to provide a quote, it’s essential to have a clear idea of what you want. Are you looking to install new carpet, wood, vinyl or laminate? How many rooms do you need to be fitted, and are there any specific patterns or styles you’re aiming for? The more details you can provide about your preferences and requirements, the more accurate the quote will be.

2. Consider self-employed flooring specialists

Self-employed flooring specialists often bring a wealth of experience and skill, sometimes even more than larger companies. Because they have lower overhead costs, they can typically offer more competitive rates without compromising on quality.

Plus, working directly with a self-employed specialist means you’ll have a direct line of communication, making it easier to discuss your project, resolve any issues and ensure that the work meets your expectations.

3. Get a range of quotes and look at reviews

It’s a good idea to obtain at least 3 quotes from different flooring specialists to get a sense of the market rate and the variety of services offered. When comparing quotes, don’t just focus on the price - look at what each specialist includes in their service. 

Checking online reviews is also crucial. Many flooring specialists, including self-employed ones, will have profiles on review platforms where previous clients have shared their experiences. You can also ask the specialists for references or examples of their previous work, especially for large projects like installing intricate tile patterns or fitting an entire house with hardwood flooring.

4. Discuss payment terms

Understanding the payment terms upfront is key to avoiding misunderstandings later. Most flooring specialists accept various payment methods, including bank transfers and card payments, in addition to cash. If a specialist only accepts cash, be sure to obtain a receipt for the transaction. 

It’s also important to clarify whether the quote includes VAT, particularly if the specialist is VAT-registered. This ensures you won’t be surprised by any additional charges once the job is complete.

5. Get a written quote

Always request an itemised written quote so you know exactly what is included in the price. Discuss whether the quote covers all necessary materials or if there are items you’ll need to purchase separately. For example, standard materials like underlay, adhesive or basic tiles may be provided by the specialist, but more premium options like high-end hardwood, custom carpets or designer tiles might be something you’ll need to source yourself. Knowing this in advance allows you to budget appropriately and ensures there are no hidden costs.

6. Check qualifications, insurance and experience

Choosing a qualified and experienced flooring specialist is crucial to ensure that your flooring is installed safely and correctly. Ask how many years they have been working in the industry and about their specific qualifications. In the UK, while formal qualifications for flooring specialists can vary, many will have completed apprenticeships or specialised courses related to flooring installation. It’s also important to verify that the specialist has adequate insurance, including public liability insurance, to cover any potential damages or issues that might arise during the project.

How to prepare for your flooring specialist’s visit

• Clear Access: Ensure that the areas where the flooring will be installed are easily accessible. If you’re having carpet or tiles fitted, move any furniture out of the rooms beforehand. If you’re planning to have flooring installed in hard-to-reach areas like lofts or basements, provide easy access or let the specialist know if they’ll need specific equipment like ladders.
• Organise Parking: Arrange parking for your flooring specialist, especially if your home is in an area with limited parking. If a permit is required, make sure to provide one or let them know in advance so they can make arrangements.
• Be Ready with Details: If you’re replacing old flooring, let the specialist know about any issues you’ve had, such as dampness, uneven floors, or previous repairs. This information will help them assess what’s needed to prepare the subfloor or any additional work that might be required.

Ready to find a flooring specialist for your project? Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with reliable professionals in your area.