Wood flooring is an increasingly popular choice for homes. Crafted and installed correctly, it can enhance any property style, from modern to traditional. It’s a luxurious finish, low carbon (when sourced from sustainably-managed forests), durable and can be sanded and refinished many times over to last decades. However, it is a costlier option than carpet and laminate flooring.
The price of real wood floors is often a significant investment, which can make homeowners wary about committing to one. To help, we’ve compiled this handy guide to the costs of different types of wood floor and all of the cost-affecting factors that can influence them.
Depending on the type of wood and installation method, prices for wooden flooring can vary greatly. Generally speaking, you should expect to spend PS40-PS60 per m2 for your timber flooring supply and installation. However, this figure is subject to change depending on the complexity of the room shape and whether there are any other elements that might affect the final cost. For example, complex room shapes and hallways with lots of doors could add to the overall cost. Likewise, the amount of labour required to install your wood floor can increase the overall price – laying herringbone or short stave block patterns tends to take longer than a plain plank floor.
Solid Wood flooring in London can be supplied as a pre-finished or unfinished product, which has a direct impact on the overall price. To give you a rough idea, pine floors start at around PS26 per m2, while oak and walnut flooring is significantly more expensive.
The exact species of wood you choose will also have a significant effect on the cost. For instance, elm was once popular in England but the ravages of Dutch Elm disease have made it harder to find and therefore more expensive.
The thickness of your wood flooring is another factor that can affect the price – thicker planks will be more durable but they will also require more care and maintenance. You can also choose a number of finishes for your wood flooring including lacquered and oiled. Lacquered offers a smooth protective coating while oiled adds to the natural beauty of your wood floor. Alternatively, a stained finish can provide a richer colour and allow you to easily change the shade of your floor when you redecorate your home.