A floor layer (also called a flooring installer) prepares subfloors and installs a wide range of finished floor coverings. The trade covers both soft flooring (carpet and matting) and hard flooring (hardwood, engineered wood, LVT, laminate, linoleum and resin). A professional floor layer will always assess the subfloor condition before laying - an improperly prepared subfloor is the primary cause of floor failures, including cracked tiles, squeaking boards, and lifting LVT. On building projects, a floor layer typically works at the end of the programme after all other trades have finished and decorated.
What they do
- New floor installation - hardwood, engineered wood, LVT and laminate
- Underfloor heating screed levelling and installation
- Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing
- Carpet fitting and underlay installation
- Subfloor preparation including levelling compound
- Bathroom vinyl and waterproof flooring
- Commercial flooring including safety vinyl and entrance matting
- Floor moisture testing before installation
When you need one
A floor layer is needed at the completion stage of any building or refurbishment project. Always test subfloor moisture levels before specifying the flooring type.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Engineered wood - labour (per sq m) | £15 - £30/sq m |
| LVT/vinyl - labour (per sq m) | £10 - £20/sq m |
| Carpet fitting - labour (per sq m) | £8 - £18/sq m |
| Floor sanding and refinishing (per sq m) | £20 - £40/sq m |
| Subfloor preparation (per sq m) | £8 - £20/sq m |
| Hourly rate | £35 - £60/hr |
Material costs are additional to the above labour rates. Hardwood flooring materials typically add £30-80/sq m. LVT materials add £20-50/sq m. Always allow additional cost for subfloor preparation.
Qualifications to look for
The CFA is the trade association for the UK flooring industry. Member companies must demonstrate competence and adhere to a code of practice. Find a CFA member at cfa.org.uk.
The vocational qualification for floor layers covering all floor types including hard and soft flooring, subfloor preparation and specialist installations.
The CSCS card confirms health and safety competence and trade qualification. Expected on commercial and larger domestic flooring projects.
How to find a reputable floor layer
Frequently asked questions
What subfloor do I need for underfloor heating?
A liquid screed is the most common subfloor for wet underfloor heating - it flows around the pipes and provides good thermal mass for efficient heat transfer. The screed must be fully dried and the UFH system commissioned (run up to temperature and back down) before floor finishes are laid on top.
Can I lay hardwood flooring on concrete?
Yes - engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable than solid wood and can be glued directly to a concrete subfloor. Solid hardwood requires a timber subfloor or secret-nailed battens above the concrete, and the concrete must be sufficiently dry (typically below 75% relative humidity).
How long does a floor last?
Solid and engineered hardwood can last for generations with proper maintenance and periodic sanding and refinishing. LVT and laminate typically last 15-25 years. Carpet lasts 10-15 years depending on foot traffic. All floors last significantly longer when installed on a properly prepared subfloor.