How much does a kitchen floor cost? The price ranges you should know
The kitchen floor is one of the surfaces in our homes that needs to be sturdy and durable. If you’ve recently moved into a new home or your flooring is looking a bit worn, you may be wondering how much it costs to replace your kitchen floor.
When it comes to Kitchen floor ideas You want to make sure it’s both durable and aesthetically pleasing, so we spoke to several experts to find out what you should expect to pay and what features affect the cost.
“The prices for different kitchen floors vary,” explains Phil Probert, head of the flooring department at B&Q. “Laminate flooring costs on average around £15/m², tiles average £25/m² and natural flooring starts at around £42/m² for the most basic option, with average prices ranging between £70 and £80/m².”
Besides cost, there are a few other things to consider when choosing your kitchen flooring. “It’s important to choose a practical, reliable option that can withstand spills and stains,” advises Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore. “The best kitchen floor should not only look good, but also be durable, easy to clean and moisture resistant so you don’t have to worry.”
How much does a kitchen floor cost depending on the material?
To help you decide which type of flooring is best for you, we’ve broken down some of the most common materials so you can see how much different kitchen flooring options cost.
LVT (luxury vinyl tiles)
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) is a popular choice for kitchen flooring because it is waterproof and more durable than other materials.
“Luxury vinyl tiles cost on average around £20-£50 per square metre,” explains Molly. “They are a versatile and durable flooring option that can replicate the look of wood, stone or tile at a lower cost and with ease of installation.”
Stone
If you want a stone floor in your kitchen, prices can vary because there are so many different types and qualities.
“Natural stone tiles can cost anywhere from £35 to over £100 per square metre, depending on the material,” explains Isabel Fernandez of Quorn Stone. “Marble and French limestone are at the higher end of the price range, while limestone tiles are a popular choice for kitchen floors and cost around £50-60 per square metre on average.”
In addition to the cost of the stone, also consider whether you have the time for regular care.
“There are many different types of natural stone, and each has its own unique properties, but all require sealing and ongoing maintenance to fully protect them,” adds Molly.
(Image credit: Quorn Stone)
Porcelain stoneware tiles
When you choose porcelain tiles, you have a wide choice in terms of design, as you can find everything from terrazzo to stone, wood and marble effects. This allows you to achieve the look of a luxury material but with a more durable finish.
“Porcelain tiles cost between £20 and £80 per square metre,” explains Molly. “They are one of the most popular flooring options for kitchens due to their durability and ease of cleaning, and they can withstand spills, stains and scratches.”
Laminate
Laminate is a popular material because it is one of the more cost-effective options for kitchen flooring.
“The cost of installing laminate flooring varies depending on a number of factors,” explains Johanna Constantinou, flooring expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors. “These include room size, laminate type, underlay and selected accessories. At Tapi, we offer a wide range of laminate flooring to suit every budget. Our cheapest laminate is £21.99/m² and the cheapest underlay is £7.99/m².”
vinyl
Vinyl is one of the cheapest kitchen flooring options and a great choice if you’re looking to update on a budget. “One benefit of vinyl is that it doesn’t require an underlay as it already has a built-in sponge-like layer that makes it soft underfoot,” explains Johanna. “Our cheapest vinyl is £19.99 per square metre.”
Neel Bradham, CEO of a global flooring brand, Parador also believes that vinyl is a great choice for kitchen flooring because of its versatility. “It is known for its moisture and weather resistance, making it a great choice for the kitchen. It offers the patterns, colors and textures of wood while being suitable for areas that are frequently exposed to excess moisture and spills.”
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Wood material
Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice for kitchen floors, especially if you want a more traditional, homely feel, but costs can vary widely.
“Depending on the quality of the product you choose, engineered wood flooring can cost between £40 and £250 per square metre, including delivery and installation,” explains Ian Tomlinson, managing director of Chaunceys Timber Flooring. “More bespoke wood flooring options such as additional textures and more complex bespoke colours incur additional costs.”
Which kitchen floor covering is the cheapest to install?
Overall, it’s hard to find a more affordable kitchen flooring option than vinyl, making it one of the most sought-after options for budget-conscious shoppers.
“Vinyl is the cheapest kitchen flooring option as it is inexpensive, easy to install and low maintenance,” explains Johanna. “Vinyl is competitively priced, often starting from around £19.99/m², making it affordable for budget-conscious homeowners.”
“Unlike other flooring options, vinyl does not require an underlayment, which reduces both material and labor costs. Additionally, the ease of installation allows for DIY projects, which further reduces costs,” she adds.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Which kitchen floor covering is the most expensive to install?
Natural materials such as wood or stone tend to be the most expensive and also require the most maintenance, as they often need to be sealed or refinished on a regular basis.
“Engineered wood flooring and natural stone tiles are generally more expensive as kitchen flooring, but the quality and beauty of these durable natural materials have a huge impact on the aesthetics of a kitchen and are worth the investment,” explains Ian.
(Photo credit: Claire Totman Designs, photography by Robin Quarrelle)
How much does it cost to lay a kitchen floor?
The cost of installation often depends on the complexity of the job, so keep in mind that if you want to have your kitchen floor installed in a specific design, it may be more expensive as the process is more time-consuming.
“Labour costs can range from £15-£200 per square metre depending on the complexity of the job and the material being used,” explains Molly. “Some installers charge a daily rate, usually between £150-£350. However, prices can vary considerably depending on location, specific project details and installer prices. It is always advisable to obtain multiple quotes from local flooring specialists to get a more accurate estimate for your specific requirements.”
What additional costs should you expect?
You’ll also need to consider the cost of things like the underlay and construction of your flooring (if you go for a more complex design, it will take longer to install) and whether your subfloor will also need work.
Uneven floors
One of the most important things to check before laying a floor is that the surface is level and in good condition.
“If the floor is uneven, the subfloor may need to be leveled,” explains Natalie Mudd, co-founder and creative director at Knot & Grain. “This task should not be skipped, as most floors require a perfectly flat and smooth subfloor to prolong life and prevent cracking.”
Design of the floor covering
If you are using wood flooring, the installation style you choose can impact the overall cost.
“The additional flooring required for a zigzag style such as herringbone is greater than other styles,” explains Natalie. “The intricate pattern requires laying rectangular planks to create the design, which requires precise cuts and careful planning. It can result in leftover material, while the longer installation time can also increase labor time.”
So if you like the idea of a wood floor but want to cut costs, consider a straight floor pattern instead of a more complicated design.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Rachael Smith)
Additional materials
In addition to the flooring, you’ll also need to budget for fixings, especially if you’re using tiles. Tile adhesive and grout can add up if you need to use them over a large area. Also, check with your flooring supplier to see if there are any delivery costs.
“If you have a large floor area to lay, you may also need to consider delivery costs. Natural stone and porcelain floor tiles are considered heavy goods and are usually packed and delivered in boxes or pallets, so it’s worth factoring delivery costs into your budget,” explains Isabel.
FAQ
Which floor covering is best for a kitchen?
“In my opinion, durable and waterproof options are the best choice,” advises Yarl Christie, founder and CEO of Stories Flooring. “I believe luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and ceramic tile offer the best value for money as they are easy to clean and maintain in high traffic areas. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that focuses on style and durability and is offered at an affordable price, I would choose laminate flooring.”
What is the cheapest way to get a new kitchen floor?
“The most affordable way to get a new kitchen floor is to make small, thoughtful decisions, from choosing inexpensive materials to doing the installation yourself,” advises Molly. “If you’re looking for a cost-effective option and are relatively flexible in your preferences, be sure to check out the seasonal sale and clearance sections, where you can often find big discounts on high-quality, discontinued products.”
Before you take the plunge, take the time to run the numbers and decide what your space needs are to ensure you’re making the best investment for your home.
