Laminate flooring is one of the most affordable ways to get a real timber look in your home, which is a big part of why it's so popular. But "how much does laminate flooring cost" doesn't have a single answer — the price ranges more widely than almost any other floor, from budget boards to premium 12mm planks. This guide explains what you're actually paying for so you can budget with your eyes open.

How laminate flooring is priced

Laminate is sold by the box, with each box covering a set number of square metres. The fairest way to compare two floors is the price per square metre (per m²), because it strips out box size and lets you compare like for like. Measure each room's length by its width to get your square metres, add the rooms together, then add a little extra for offcuts. That total is what every quote should be built around.

What makes one laminate floor cost more than another

Laminate's wide price range comes down to a handful of things:

  • Thickness — a solid 12mm board feels and sounds better underfoot than a thin budget plank, and costs more. Our range is 12mm.
  • AC rating — the wear rating. A tougher surface (like AC4) handles more traffic and scratching, and you pay a little more for it.
  • Water resistance — boards engineered for 72-hour waterproof spill protection sit above basic laminate.
  • Finish and texture — realistic embossing, bevelled edges and wider planks lift both the look and the price.
  • Warranty — a longer warranty usually signals a board built to last.

Be a little wary of the very cheapest laminate going. A thin board with a low wear rating can be a false economy if it scratches through or peaks within a few years.

The costs beyond the planks

A finished floor is more than the boards, so budget for the whole job:

  • Underlay — laminate needs a separate underlay underneath it for moisture protection and acoustics. It's sold separately, so always factor it in.
  • Accessories — scotia, skirting, stair nosing and the trims that bridge doorways.
  • Delivery — flooring is heavy, so freight is by weight and distance.
  • Installation — your own time if you DIY, or a fitter's labour if not.

DIY versus professional installation

Installation is the biggest single lever on the total cost. Laminate is a click-lock floating floor designed to go down without glue or nails, which makes it one of the most DIY-friendly floors there is — and doing it yourself is the easiest way to bring the job down. The one variable is the subfloor: laminate needs a flat, level base, so if yours needs levelling first, that adds to the job either way. Our step-by-step laminate install guide shows exactly what's involved.

How to budget without overpaying

  • Add 5–10% for waste — you'll lose some to offcuts.
  • Order underlay and accessories together — it avoids a second delivery holding up the finish.
  • Match the AC rating to the room — don't overspend on a commercial rating for a quiet bedroom, or underspec a busy hallway.
  • Get samples first — replacing a floor because the colour wasn't right is the most expensive mistake of all.

For most homes, laminate is excellent value — a convincing timber look and a tough, scratch-resistant surface for less than timber or hybrid. Just match the thickness and wear rating to how you actually live.

Keep reading

See the colours in your own home before you buy — order free samples — or browse the full laminate flooring range.