Flooring Calculators

Flooring work in UK construction spans from structural floor joist installation to decorative finishes like laminate, tiles, and carpet. Getting the subfloor preparation right is critical to the longevity of any finish, and our calculators cover every stage from screeding and levelling through to final floor covering quantities.

Sand and cement screed remains the most common method for levelling concrete floors in UK properties. A typical mix ratio is 1:3 to 1:4.5 (cement to sharp sand by volume), applied at a minimum depth of 25mm bonded or 65mm unbonded. Our screed calculator works out the exact quantities of cement and sand needed based on your floor area and depth. For smaller areas or where a very flat finish is required, self-levelling compound (from brands like Ardex, Mapei, or Setcrete) is used instead, typically applied at 2–10mm depth.

Floor tiles in the UK are available in a vast range of sizes, from 300mm × 300mm up to large format 600mm × 600mm and 600mm × 1200mm porcelain tiles. Our floor tile calculator accounts for tile size, grout joint width, and a configurable wastage allowance (typically 10% for standard layouts, 15% for diagonal patterns). Tile adhesive coverage varies by trowel notch size and substrate, with flexible rapid-set adhesives (such as BAL Rapid Flex or Weber Set SPF) being popular choices for UK floor tiling.

Laminate and engineered wood flooring are sold in packs covering a stated area (typically 1.5–2.5 m² per pack). Popular UK brands include Quick-Step, Kahrs, Amtico, and Karndean. When calculating quantities, always add a wastage allowance: 10% for straight laying patterns and 15% for herringbone or diagonal patterns. Our laminate flooring calculator rounds up to complete packs, since partial packs cannot be purchased.

UK Building Regulations affect flooring in several ways. Approved Document E sets acoustic performance standards for floors in flats and conversions, requiring impact and airborne sound insulation. Approved Document L governs the thermal performance of ground floors, typically requiring a U-value of 0.25 W/m²K or better for new-build ground floors. Approved Document M covers level thresholds for accessibility. Floor joist sizing must comply with structural requirements, with span tables available in Approved Document A and timber manufacturers' design guides.