1) Hook + instant value
If you’ve been trying to price a new floor in Ireland, you’ve probably seen the same vague answers everywhere: “€X–€Y per square metre, depending.”
That’s frustrating, and not very useful, when you’re trying to budget a real home with uneven subfloors, doors that need trimming, apartment rules, and furniture that doesn’t magically disappear on fitting day.
I’ve been fitting and surveying floors for over 15 years, based in Dublin, working all over Ireland—apartments, semis, bungalows, rentals, and new builds. I also price jobs daily. I know what actually drives labour costs on Irish sites, not just what looks good on a price list.
This guide is built to do three things clearly:
- Show realistic 2026 labour price bands by flooring type
- Explain what’s included, what’s extra, and why prices move
- Help you estimate properly before you ask for quotes, so you avoid surprises
You won’t find hype here. You will find practical detail: how fitters measure, where labour jumps, what to prep yourself if you want the lower end of the range, and how to compare quotes fairly.
Facts for you to know how we serve the data to you
- Based on hundreds of site surveys and quotations across Ireland
- Reflects 2026 conditions: labour availability, prep standards, time on site
- Prices are labour-focused, not retail marketing numbers
- This is not a binding quote; a site visit always wins, but it will get you close enough to budget confidently
2) 2026 Ireland Flooring Labour Costs
In Ireland in 2026, flooring labour typically ranges from €15–€65 per m², depending on floor type, subfloor condition, and room complexity. Levelling, moisture protection, and trims usually decide the final number.
Typical labour ranges (per m² unless noted)
| Flooring type | Typical labour range |
|---|---|
| Laminate (click) | €15 – €25 |
| Engineered wood (floating) | €20 – €30 |
| Engineered wood (glue-down) | €30 – €45 |
| Solid wood | €40 – €65 |
| LVT click | €18 – €28 |
| LVT glue-down | €35 – €55 |
| Carpet | €6 – €12 |
| Vinyl sheet | €20 – €35 |
| Floor tiles | €40 – €70 |
Typical day rates (when used)
- €180 – €300 per day, usually for:
- Small areas
- Complicated prep
- Repairs or partial jobs
- Apartments with access limits
Key reality:
Your final labour price is usually decided by subfloor prep + room complexity, not the material itself.
3) Definitions (avoid confusion before you price)
Labour-only vs supply-and-fit
- Labour-only: You buy materials; fitter charges for installation only.
- Supply-and-fit: One price covers materials + labour. Easier, but harder to compare.
What “per m²” usually includes
- Laying the floor in a straightforward room
- Standard cuts
- Expansion gaps
- Normal clean-up
What it usually excludes
- Floor levelling
- Moisture barriers
- Removal/disposal
- Skirting or door trimming
- Herringbone/diagonal layouts
Minimum charges
Small rooms (bathrooms, box rooms) often trigger minimum call-outs (€150–€250), because half-days still cost a fitter a day.
VAT note
Not every fitter is VAT-registered.
Always check whether quotes include VAT or not, especially when comparing.
4) How installers actually price a job in Ireland
What a fitter measures on a site visit
- Subfloor type: concrete slab or timber
- Flatness: dips, humps, old adhesive
- Moisture risk: ground floors, extensions, apartments
- Access: stairs, parking, lift booking times
- Furniture: what stays, what moves
- Skirting plan: remove/refit, replace, or scotia
- Doors: trimming required?
- Layout: plank direction, patterns, waste %
- Drying time: leveller/adhesive return visits
If any of these are unclear, labour goes up, not because of greed, but because time goes up.
5) Labour cost breakdown by flooring type
Laminate flooring (click system)
Typical labour: €15–€25 per m²
What’s included
- Underlay install (basic)
- Click assembly
- Expansion gaps
Extra costs
- Levelling compound
- Scotia or skirting work
- Door trimming
Time drivers
- Narrow rooms
- Heavy furniture
- Uneven slabs
Best for
- Rentals
- Quick refurbishments
- Upstairs rooms
Common mistakes
- Cheap underlay in apartments
- Ignoring floor flatness
To stay at the lower end
- Clear rooms fully
- Confirm slab flatness early
Engineered wood flooring
Floating: €20–€30 per m²
Glue-down: €30–€45 per m²
What’s included
- Layout planning
- Expansion control
- Adhesive work (glue-down)
Extras
- Levelling (often required)
- Moisture primers
- Acoustic underlays (apartments)
Best for
- Living spaces
- Medium-term homes
Mistake
- Choosing glue-down without budgeting for prep
Solid wood flooring (less common, more complex)
Typical labour: €40–€65 per m²
Solid wood needs excellent subfloors, acclimatisation time, and expansion control. Labour rises quickly if conditions aren’t perfect.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Click LVT
- €18–€28 per m²
- Faster install
- Slight tolerance for subfloor variation
Glue-down LVT
- €35–€55 per m²
- Subfloor must be near-perfect
- Levelling is almost always extra
Why does glue-down cost more
Because prep time doubles, and prep is labour.
Carpet fitting
Typical labour: €6–€12 per m²
Extras include:
- Gripper replacement
- Furniture moving
- Staircases (priced per step)
Vinyl sheet
Typical labour: €20–€35 per m²
Labour increases with:
- Pattern matching
- Irregular kitchens
- Poor subfloors
Floor tiling
Typical labour: €40–€70 per m²
Cost drivers:
- Tile size
- Cuts
- Levelling
- Adhesives/grout systems
6) The Extras That Move Your Quote the Most (Ireland 2026)
Removal & disposal
- Carpet/laminate: €3–€6 per m²
- Tiles: €8–€15 per m²
(skip included unless stated)
Floor levelling
- €8–€15 per m² (light)
- €15–€25 per m² (heavy)
Plywood overlay (timber floors)
- €10–€20 per m²
Moisture barriers / DPM systems
- €6–€12 per m²
- Critical on ground floors and apartments
Acoustic underlay (apartments)
- Often mandatory
- Labour extra if complex
Skirting & trims
- Scotia bead: €3–€6 per linear metre
- New skirting: priced per room
Door trimming
- €15–€30 per door
Stairs
- Carpet stairs: €60–€120 per flight
- Timber/LVT stairs: bespoke pricing
Patterns (herringbone/diagonal)
- Expect +30–50% labour
7) Cost scenarios (realistic Irish examples)
Example 1: 20 m² living room, Dublin semi-D, laminate
- Labour: €300–€500
- Extras: scotia, door trim
Example 2: 35 m² open-plan, engineered floating
- Labour: €900–€1,200
- Extras: underlay, trims
Example 3: 25 m² apartment, glue-down LVT
- Labour: €1,200–€1,600
- Extras: levelling, DPM, acoustic rules
Example 4: 12 m² bedroom, carpet
- Labour: €120–€180
- Minimum charge may apply
Example 5: 8 m² kitchen, vinyl sheet
- Labour: €200–€300
- Extra prep likely
Example 6: 10 m² tiled hallway
- Labour: €450–€700
- Removal + levelling common
8) DIY estimating calculator (simple method)
Total labour =
(m² × base labour rate)
- prep allowance
- trims & doors
- removal/disposal
- access factor
Example allowance
- Prep: €10/m²
- Doors: €20 each
- Apartment factor: +10–20%
9) How to get accurate quotes?
Message you can send
Hi, I’m looking for a labour quote for installing flooring.
Area: ___ m²
Flooring type: ___
Subfloor: concrete/timber
Location & access: ___
Removal needed? Yes/No
Skirting/doors? ___
When could you survey?
Photos to send
- Subfloor close-up
- Door clearance
- Skirting detail
- Room overview
- Access route
Contact us at FBS Flooring if you want a reliable service with extremely convenient costs.
10) How to compare quotes fairly
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levelling included? | |||
| Moisture system? | |||
| Trims/doors | |||
| Disposal | |||
| Timeline | |||
| Payment terms |
11) How long does fitting take (Ireland)
- Laminate/LVT click: 20–40 m²/day
- Engineered: 15–30 m²/day
- Glue-down systems: slower (prep + curing)
- Tiling: often multi-day due to drying
12) FAQ
What is the average labour cost per m² for laminate fitting in Ireland in 2026?
Typically €15–€25 per m², excluding levelling and trims.
Is it cheaper to pay per m² or by day rate?
Per m² suits clear, simple rooms. Day rates work better for small or complex jobs.
How much extra does floor levelling add?
Usually €8–€25 per m², depending on depth and drying time.
Do fitters remove skirting boards or fit scotia?
Most fit scotia unless skirting removal is agreed in advance.
Should I replace skirting when changing floors?
It looks better, but costs more in labour and materials.
Does underlay installation cost extra?
Basic underlay is often included; acoustic systems are usually extra.
Why is glue-down LVT more expensive?
Because subfloor prep must be perfect, and labour time increases.
How much does it cost to remove old flooring?
Anywhere from €3–€15 per m², depending on material.
How much does it cost to fit flooring in an apartment?
Expect 10–20% higher labour due to access, rules, and acoustic prep.
How long does it take to fit 50 m² of flooring?
Typically 2–4 days, depending on prep and material.
Can I supply materials and pay labour only?
Yes, but you’re responsible if the materials are unsuitable.
What should be in a professional quote?
Prep detail, inclusions/exclusions, timeline, and payment terms.
