Costs of laminate flooring
Cost of laminate flooring installation 2026
Having laminate flooring installed costs between €9 per m² for large areas from 80 m² up to €65 for small spaces, depending on the surface area and any finishes such as skirting boards. Laminate installation involves placing laminate planks on a subfloor, providing a durable and aesthetic floor. In this price guide, you can read about the costs and what to look out for when having laminate installed.
How much does laminate flooring installation cost?
The costs for installing laminate range between €9 per m² for large areas from 80 m² to €18 per m² for smaller spaces between 4 and 9 m². For very small areas under 4 m², a fixed price of €65 applies. The rate is calculated via a tiered system: the larger the area, the lower the rate per m².
Laminate installation costs per area
Area | Base rate | Herringbone surcharge |
|---|---|---|
< 4 m² | €65 fixed | - |
4-9 m² | €18/m² | +€14/m² |
10-14 m² | €14/m² | +€13/m² |
15-29 m² | €12/m² | +€12/m² |
30-49 m² | €11/m² | +€11/m² |
50-79 m² | €10/m² | +€10/m² |
≥ 80 m² | €9/m² | +€8/m² |
The base rate applies to standard laminate. If you choose a herringbone pattern, the mentioned surcharges per m² are added.
Subfloor surcharges
Type of subfloor | Surcharge per m² |
|---|---|
Foil | +€1/m² |
Plates | +€1/m² |
Foil + Plates | +€3/m² |
A good subfloor provides sound insulation and a level surface. The surcharge depends on the type of subfloor you have installed.
Skirting board costs
Type of skirting | Price per metre |
|---|---|
Standard skirting | €3/m |
High MDF skirting | €7/m |
Skirting boards finish the floor neatly along the walls. Having skirting boards installed costs €3 to €7 per metre, depending on the chosen type.
Do you have an old floor that needs to be removed first? The affiliated professionals charge €5 per m² for this. Note: the laminate itself is not included in the installation costs. Material costs average €8 to €14 per m², depending on the quality and look you want. All mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour.
Laminate installation costs by area and pattern
The costs for installing laminate vary by area and chosen laying pattern. Herringbone installation costs more due to the additional cutting work and precise alignment. Below you can see all rates per area, including surcharges for herringbone and different subfloor types.
Area | Base rate | Herringbone surcharge | Subfloor foil | Subfloor plates | Subfloor foil+plates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
< 4 m² | €65 fixed | - | - | - | - |
4-9 m² | €18/m² | +€14/m² | +€1/m² | +€1/m² | +€2/m² |
10-14 m² | €14/m² | +€13/m² | +€1/m² | +€1/m² | +€2/m² |
15-29 m² | €12/m² | +€12/m² | +€1/m² | +€1/m² | +€2/m² |
30-49 m² | €11/m² | +€14/m² | +€1/m² | +€1/m² | +€3/m² |
50-79 m² | €10/m² | +€10/m² | +€1/m² | +€1/m² | +€3/m² |
≥ 80 m² | €9/m² | +€10/m² | +€1/m² | +€1/m² | +€3/m² |
Price-determining factors for laminate installation
Several factors influence the costs of installing laminate. Below you can read what determines the total price.
Surface area of the room
The larger the area, the lower the rate per m². For large spaces from 80 m², you pay €9 per m², while small spaces between 4 and 9 m² cost €18 per m². For very small jobs under 4 m², a fixed minimum amount of €65 applies. This tiered system compensates for the fixed time for preparation and finishing, regardless of size.
Chosen laying pattern
A herringbone pattern requires diagonal cuts and precise alignment, which takes more time and craftsmanship. The surcharge varies from €8 to €14 per m². Hungarian point and diagonal laying are similarly complex. Straight laying in length or width is more economical because the planks can simply be laid adjacently without extra cutting work.
Type of subfloor
A subfloor dampens sound, retains heat, and levels out unevenness. Foil is primarily moisture-resistant and suitable for concrete floors and ground floors. Plates insulate better and dampen sound, ideal for upper floors and apartments. Combining foil and plates offers optimal protection but increases costs to €3 per m² instead of €1 for separate layers.
Installing skirting boards
Standard skirting boards from 58 to 70 millimetres high cost €3 per metre and are functional. High MDF skirting boards from 90 to 120 millimetres cost €7 per metre and provide a more luxurious look.
Removing old flooring
Does carpet, vinyl, or old laminate need to be removed first? This adds €5 per m². Removing costs extra time and requires disposal of material.
Laminate material choice
The AC value (wear class) determines durability. AC3 is suitable for bedrooms, AC4 for living rooms with intensive use, and AC5 for commercial use. Higher AC values mean a higher price but a longer lifespan. Plank thickness, V-grooves, and synchronized wood structures also increase the price.
Water resistance
Modern laminate variants offer improved moisture resistance. Waterproof laminate is necessary for bathrooms or kitchens. Regular laminate in damp rooms can swell or warp.
Extra work
Levelling (removing unevenness with self-levelling screed), milling thresholds, sealing edges in damp rooms, and shortening doors if the new floor raises the level. These tasks take extra time and material.
Complexity of the space
Rectangular spaces without obstacles are faster than spaces with many corners, pipes, or pillars that need to be cut to size.
Timely execution
Addressing small problems early is more cost-effective than repairing major damage. An uneven subfloor can lead to creaking floors and damaged click connections.
Local availability
Local professionals can be on-site faster, preventing delays and extra costs.
Preparation and accessibility
Ensure the workspace is clear. Empty the room and let the laminate acclimatise for 48 hours in the room where it will be laid.
Transparent price agreements
At Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without surprises. No call-out charges, no deposits.
Additional costs and surcharges for laminate installation
Costs may increase due to extra work. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
Removing old floor costs €5 per m²
Laying subfloor: €1 per m² for foil, €1 per m² for plates, €3 per m² for the combination
Mounting skirting boards: €3 per metre for standard, €7 per metre for high MDF
Herringbone installation carries a surcharge of €8 to €14 per m²
Extra work such as levelling or shortening doors is quoted in advance
The laminate itself is not included and costs average €8 to €14 per m²
How does the professional proceed with laminate installation?
The professional follows a fixed method to ensure a sleek and durable finish.
Assessment of the subfloor: The professional checks if the subfloor is level and dry. Levelling is necessary for differences greater than 3 millimetres per metre.
Rolling out subfloor: The chosen subfloor is laid out for moisture, heat, and sound insulation.
Aligning the first row: The first row of planks is placed along the wall with expansion joints of approximately 8 to 10 millimetres.
Clicking planks together: With click laminate, the planks are clicked together using the floating method.
Cutting around obstacles: Around pipes, pillars, and corners, planks are cut to size for a neat finish.
Mounting skirting boards: The professional installs skirting boards that cover the expansion joints. A professional can lay average 40 to 50 square metres per day.
How can you save on laminate installation?
Plan multiple rooms at once: The larger the total area, the lower the rate per m². At 80 m² or more, you pay €9 per m² instead of €18 per m² for small rooms.
Choose one laying pattern: Switching between straight and herringbone takes extra time.
Prepare the space: Empty the floor and remove old floor covering yourself. This saves €5 per m² in removal costs.
Use a standard subfloor: Choose foil or plates if heavy sound insulation is not necessary.
Choose AC3 for low-traffic rooms: Only invest in AC4 or AC5 for intensive use areas.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges. You only pay after completion.
Find the best professional for laminate installation
A professional ensures a neat finish and prevents costly mistakes.
DIY or hire a professional: DIY can make sense with experience and simple rooms. A professional is the better choice for complex patterns like herringbone or when you want a guarantee.
No call-out charges: You only pay for the work itself.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are.
Quick booking: Book a professional in a few clicks without waiting for quotes.
Payment via QR code after completion: You pay only when the job is done and you are satisfied.
Reliable, checked professionals: All affiliated professionals are screened, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.
Workmanship guarantee: Zoofy provides security through our rating system and screened professionals.
Frequently asked questions about laminate installation
What does it cost to lay 50 square metres of laminate?
At 50-79 m², a base rate of €10 per m² applies, so 50 m² costs €500 excluding subfloor and skirting boards.
How long does it take to lay laminate per room?
A professional lays an average of 40 to 50 m² per day. A 25 m² living room is usually finished within half a day.
Can laminate be used in the bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, but choose waterproof laminate to prevent swelling or warping.
Do I need to provide materials myself?
Yes, the laminate itself is not included. Count on €8 to €14 per m² depending on quality.
Is laminate suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, provided the thermal resistance is not too high. Discuss this with the professional beforehand.
Why is herringbone more expensive than straight laying?
Herringbone requires diagonal cuts and precise alignment, requiring more time and skill.
Should my laminate acclimatise before laying?
Yes, let the laminate stay in the room for 48 hours in its closed packaging.
Book a professional for laminate installation
Ready to have your laminate floor installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, checked professional. You only pay when the work is finished.