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myReplacing Floorboards Costs
At a Glance
- The average cost of replacement floorboards is around £500.
- Most repairs take between 1 and 2 days, though minor fixes can often be completed in a few hours.
- A complete pricing breakdown which includes cost factors to consider and the prices of different types of floorboard repairs.
- When it makes sense to repair floorboards versus replacing them, along with typical repair times.
- How to find a local floorboard repair company.
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Do you have faulty floorboards?
The most common floorboard issues can be fixed relatively easily. Many homeowners can fix a faulty floorboard as a DIY job.
However, it's a good idea to use a professional to ensure floorboard repairs or replacements are completed to a high standard and to help prevent further problems down the line.
The average cost of repairing or replacing floorboards is around £500.
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£500
Table of Contents
- How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace Floorboards?
- Floorboard Replacement Costs (Supply Only)
- How Much Does It Cost to Replace Floorboards per m²?
- Floorboard Repair Labour Costs and Timescales
- Cost to Replace Floor Joists and Subfloor
- What Impacts the Cost of Replacing Floorboards?
- What's Involved in Repairing Floorboards?
- Floorboard Repair vs Replacement
- Can I Repair a Floor Myself?
- Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Floorboard Repairs
- Checklist: How To Find Local Floorboard Repair Companies in the UK
- FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace Floorboards?
Most floorboard repair jobs cost between £200 and £800, depending on the type of problem and the size of the area.
Very minor fixes such as tightening loose or squeaky boards sit at the lower end of this range, while replacing damaged boards or repairing rotten joists is more expensive.
Tradespeople typically charge £200–£250 per day, so the total cost will vary depending on how long the job takes. Location also plays a role, with prices in London and the South East often higher than elsewhere in the UK.
What is your main reason for replacing floorboards?
Repairing loose or creaking boards
1 votes - 13%13% of votes
Replacing damaged or broken floorboards
2 votes - 25%25% of votes
Fixing or replacing rotten joists
5 votes - 63%63% of votes
Updating the current floor or preparing for carpet/tiles
0 votes - 0%0% of votes
8 votes
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You can expect to pay the following for different types of repairs and replacements:
- Repairing Loose Floorboards Cost - The cost of repairing a loose floorboard is around £200 to £250. Loose floorboards can be fixed easily by simply replacing the nails that hold them in place with screws instead. This should stop any squeaking noises they are making.
- Repairing Damaged Floorboards Cost - The cost of repairing damaged floorboards is around £200 to £250. Split or cracked floorboards can be repaired by putting some strong wood glue in the cracks and splits and then forcing the edges together with wedges in the gaps.
- Replacing Floorboards Cost - The cost for replacing a floorboard is around £400 to £500 on average. If you need more than one floorboard replaced, the cost will increase accordingly. Replacements are usually recommended for severely damaged floorboards.
Is it OK to replace floorboards with chipboard? I think they'll be easier to lay, but is there any reason I shouldn't do this?
"Chipboard is fine if it's the same thickness and doesn't get wet, as chipboard is no good when wet."
Floorboard Repair/Replacement Prices
Below is a table highlighting the costs for the most common floorboard repair jobs:
| Job Description | Duration | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lift the carpet and do a creaky floorboard repair, then lay the carpet again | 1 - 4 hours | £200 - £250 |
| Repair broken floorboards and screw in any loose floorboards | 1 - 2 days | £250 - £300 |
| Replace or repair floor joists and replace split floorboards | 1 - 3 days | £450 - £650 |
| Remove rotten springy boards and joists, fit new joists and floorboards | 1 - 2 days | £500 - £800 |
| Remove all flooring and fit new joists and new chipboard flooring | 2 - 4 days | £1,000 - £1,250 |
| Remove all flooring and fit new joists and new conventional floorboards | 3 - 5 days | £1,500 - £1,800 |
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Floorboard Replacement Costs (Supply Only)
If you are buying floorboards yourself, supply-only prices vary by material. Chipboard sheets are the most affordable and quickest to install, while engineered or solid oak boards cost more but offer a higher-quality finish.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pine floorboards (per m²) | £25–£35 |
| Engineered floorboards (per m²) | £35–£60 |
| Solid oak floorboards (per m²) | £40–£70 |
| Chipboard sheets (per m²) | £12–£18 |
| Plywood sheets (per m²) | £15–£25 |
| Timber lengths (≈4.2 m) | £12–£25 per length |
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Floorboards per m²?
If you are replacing a larger area of floorboards, it often makes more sense to think in cost per square metre rather than by individual board.
As a rough guide, the cost to replace floorboards is usually around £70 to £120 per m² including labour and standard replacement materials. Simpler replacements using basic softwood boards sit at the lower end, while higher-end timber, difficult access, or joist and subfloor repairs will increase the total cost.
If the job includes lifting existing coverings, removing damaged boards, and fitting new matching floorboards, most homeowners should expect a total closer to the middle or upper end of this range.
Floorboard Repair Labour Costs and Timescales
The cost you pay for labour will depend on many factors, including your location, the difficulty of the job, and the type of repair.
Typically, a tradesperson will charge around £200 to £250 per day to fix floorboards.
Minor fixes can usually be completed within 1 to 4 hours. More difficult jobs, such as completely replacing the floorboards, could take 1 to 3 days to complete.
With this in mind, you can see how the labour costs for more difficult jobs could increase greatly. Luckily, the most common floorboard fixes can usually be completed within a day. Those based in London can expect to pay around £30 to £70 more on average for labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.
There’s no major seasonal swing for indoor flooring work, though tradesperson availability can improve in late autumn and winter once exterior projects quieten down.
We have rotten floorboards in our back downstairs room and also by the front door. Is replacing by floorboards or concrete the answer? Front room its only a few boards, also possible damp proofing.
"You would need a joiner and just replace rotten floorboards and get too the bottom off the damp problem"
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Cost to Replace Floor Joists and Subfloor
If damaged floorboards are caused by a failing subfloor or rotten joists, repair costs increase sharply because the structure underneath the finished floor also needs to be rebuilt.
Replacing floor joists usually costs from £400 to £900 for a localised repair, while larger jobs involving both joists and subfloor replacement can cost around £1,000 to £2,000+depending on the size of the room and the extent of the damage.
This type of work is most common where there has been long-term damp, a plumbing leak, or ongoing movement in an older suspended timber floor.
Signs that the structure below may need attention include:
- Floors that feel springy or bouncy underfoot.
- Visible dipping or unevenness across the room.
- A musty smell beneath the floor, which can indicate rotten floor joists or damp in the subfloor.
Where damage is limited, a joist can often be repaired rather than fully replaced. If rot has spread, replacing floor joists and any damaged subfloor sections becomes essential.
What Impacts the Cost of Replacing Floorboards?
Several factors can affect the prices you're quoted for this job.
The biggest drivers are the amount of flooring affected, how easy it is to access and lift the covering, and whether any joists or subfloor areas need repair.
Type of Floor
The type of flooring you have will impact the cost of floorboard repair and replacement.
Carpet and underlay are relatively quick to lift and relay. Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring take longer, and tiled floors can be time-consuming to remove and make good. The harder the covering is to uplift and refit, the higher the labour time and cost.
Extent and Type of Damage
The extent of the damage can affect the cost significantly. Small, minor jobs can be completed within a few hours and won't be as expensive as more extreme jobs.
Major jobs such as replacing all of the floorboards could take a few days, which will ramp up the costs for both labour and materials.
How do I get dents out of wooden floorboards? I think they're made of pine.
"Leave a wet cloth on for 10 minutes, and then dry it either naturally or, if the room is cool, use an iron or some portable heater. Repeat the process until good as new. I’ve used this method many times and you’ll be amazed what dents can be removed. Doesn’t work well with scratches across the grain, but any other dents and scratches will go."
Location of Property
The location of your property can also affect the price you can expect to pay.
Those based in London can expect to pay around £30 to £70 more on average for labour than those based in the North or other parts of the UK.
Access and Room Prep
Furniture removal, stairs, and narrow doorways can all increase the difficulty and time of the job, leading to higher labour costs.
Sagging Floor Repair Costs
A sagging floor usually points to a deeper structural issue than a simple loose or squeaky board. In some cases, the cause is weakened joists, movement in the subfloor, or long-term damp damage.
Minor sagging floor repairs may cost around £300 to £500, but if joists need strengthening or replacing, the cost can rise to £800 to £1,500+ depending on the size of the area and how easy it is to access beneath the floor.
Rotten Floorboards and Hidden Damage
Rotten floorboards are more expensive to deal with because the visible damage is often only part of the problem. Once the boards are lifted, there may also be damp, decayed joists, or damage to the subfloor underneath.
Repairing a few rotten boards may cost around £250 to £400, but if the rot has spread into the joists or subfloor, the final bill can increase significantly.
Replacing Floorboards in an Old House
Replacing floorboards in an old house can cost more because boards may be uneven sizes, harder to match, or fixed with older methods that take longer to remove. It is also more common to uncover hidden issues such as damp, rot, or failing joists once the boards are lifted.
Where possible, homeowners often try to repair and restore original boards in period properties, especially if they will remain visible as part of the finished floor.
What's Involved in Repairing Floorboards?
There are several methods for repairing floorboards, as each floorboard issue will require a different fixing method.
Below, we will go over the two most common fixes for floorboards, including a step-by-step guide on how to complete each fixing method:
Fixing Creaking Floorboards
Floorboards can become creaky when the fixing nails are loose and the board isn't firmly attached anymore. Below is a guide on how to fix creaking floorboards:
- Find the creak — Walk around the room to pinpoint the exact location of the creaking floorboards - this is where you need to focus your efforts.
- Look between the joist and subfloor — Use a torch to look beneath your floor, detecting any gaps between the joist and subfloor. If there's a gap, you've found the cause of your creaking floor.
- Plug the gap — Find a small piece of wood and, using carpenter's glue, insert it into the gap you've found to silence the creak. For larger gaps, fill these with construction adhesive.
Replacing a Section of Floorboard
If a small area of your floorboard is damaged, you can replace part of the board rather than having to replace the whole board:
- Prop up the damaged section of floor — Carefully lift up the damaged section of floorboard, and insert a piece of wood beneath it to hold it up.
- Cut out the damaged section — Mark your cutting lines, and start to take the damaged floorboard section out, avoiding the boards you want to keep.
- Find a replacement floorboard — Measure the damaged section and find a suitable replacement.
- Insert the replacement floorboard — Secure the new section in place with ring shank nails or cut floor brads, then drill pilot holes and affix with nails or screws to stop the board from moving.
Floorboard Repair vs Replacement
Whether to repair or replace your floorboards depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the structure beneath.
Repair when:
- Damage is local, such as a few split or loose floorboards.
- The subfloor and joists are sound.
- Boards are creaking but otherwise intact.
Replace when:
- Boards are badly damaged, warped, or water-stained.
- You need to match levels across the floor.
- Rotten floorboards are present or joist movement is found.
I'm guessing that a carpenter is the best person to call for squeaky floorboard repairs, but is this work that a handyman or some other trade could do for cheaper?
"The best person to fix a squeaky wooden floor is a professional carpenter or flooring specialist. They can identify the real cause of the noise and repair it safely and permanently.
If the problem is minor, a skilled handyman might handle it at a lower cost, but for reliable and long-lasting results, a carpenter is the best choice."
Can I Repair a Floor Myself?
While floorboard repairs are best done by a professional for a safe, durable result, some minor fixes are suitable for confident DIYers. This includes simple creaks or replacing a small section of a board. Use the steps above as a guide, work slowly, and always check for hidden services before drilling or cutting.
- Generally safe to DIY — tightening loose or squeaky boards, shimming minor gaps, replacing a small patch like-for-like, re-fixing lifted thresholds.
- Basic prep — isolate nearby electrics, use a pipe/cable detector, clear the room, and wear eye/hand protection.
- Call a professional if — you suspect rot, damp, or movement in the joists; multiple boards are damaged; the floor feels springy; or you need to lift and refit finished floors (tile/engineered/solid wood).
- Why it helps — a specialist can diagnose causes (e.g., moisture or subfloor defects), match materials, and complete repairs safely to a high standard.
If you’re unsure at any point, it’s sensible to get quotes from floorboard repair companies near you and compare options — it’s quick, free, and there’s no obligation.
Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Floorboard Repairs
Small patch repairs (tightening fixings, replacing a short section) don’t usually need Building Regulations approval or planning permission. Larger works can trigger rules under energy efficiency (Part L) or heritage protections.
| Scenario | What it means |
|---|---|
| Small patch repairs | Usually no approval or planning permission. |
| Replace over 50% of a floor, or add a new layer | Treated as a “renovation of a thermal element” (Part L). Building Control approval is normally required and you’ll be asked to upgrade insulation where it’s practical and good value. |
| Listed buildings / conservation areas | Planning permission or consent may be needed even for internal work—check first if your home is protected. |
| Ground‐floor upgrades (insulation / DPM) | May need to meet minimum insulation/moisture standards set out in the Approved Documents. |
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Who to contact: your council’s Building Control team or a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) can confirm what applies to your job and provide sign-off where needed.
Checklist: How To Find Local Floorboard Repair Companies in the UK
Use this quick checklist to compare quotes and choose a reliable specialist for your floorboard repair.
- Itemised written quote — Labour, materials, uplift/relay of coverings, trims/thresholds, finishing, waste removal, and VAT clearly shown.
- Scope and exclusions — Confirm what happens if hidden issues appear (e.g., rot, joist repairs, extra noggins) and how variations are priced.
- Experience & examples — Get information on recent, similar repairs (loose/creaking boards, patch replacements, joist work) with photos or references.
- Guarantees/warranty — Ask what’s covered (e.g., squeak-free period) and for how long, in writing.
- Insurance & compliance — Confirm public liability cover and agreement to follow relevant Building Regulations if large areas are replaced.
- Method & dust control — Check how they’ll protect your home (sheeting, extraction) and manage noise and access.
- Who does what — Clarify if they move furniture, uplift/relay carpet/laminate, and make good skirtings/thresholds.
- Waste & disposal — Confirm removal/recycling and any skip or parking costs.
- Timings & payment terms — Find out the start date, duration, working hours, deposit/staged payments, and accepted payment methods.
FAQs
How Do You Repair Rotten Wooden Bathroom Floor?
Begin by turning off the water, then use a crowbar to lift the old flooring and remove the subfloor. Inspect the joists underneath for damage, as you may need to hire someone to replace those, too. Clean the area of dust and debris, install a new subfloor if needed, and then lay your new chosen floor.
How Do You Repair Floor Joists That Are Water Damaged?
Put on safety gear and set up a work light before accessing the subfloor area through the crawl space. Measure the rotten joist from end to end and from the lower edge to the upper edge, then exit the crawl space and cut a piece of framing lumber to size.
Position the new joist on its edge alongside the rotten one with one end on the sill plate, then hit the other end with a hammer to fit it into place. Connect each end to the sill plate with nails, then cut the rotten joist vertically near each end and remove the damaged part.
Position the new joist on its edge alongside the rotten one with one end on the sill plate, then hit the other end with a hammer to fit it into place. Connect each end to the sill plate with nails, then cut the rotten joist vertically near each end and remove the damaged part.
Why Are My Floorboards Creaking?
Most squeaks come from movement between a board and the joist or from loose fixings. Simple repairs include adding screws into the joist and shimming minor gaps. If the noise is widespread or the floor feels springy, have a specialist check for subfloor or joist issues.
How Long Do Floorboard Repairs Last?
If the cause of the board movement is resolved, then screw-fixing and sectional replacements are long-lasting (often decades). If you continue to have issues after a floorboard repair or replacement, then it's a signal that there's a hidden issue that needs your attention.
Who Fixes Floorboards?
Floorboards are usually repaired or replaced by carpenters, joiners, flooring specialists, or general builders with timber floor repair experience. If the problem involves rotten joists, damp, or structural movement, you may need a specialist who can also assess and repair the subfloor beneath.
Are My Floorboards Ruined After a Leak?
Floorboards exposed to a leak should be dried out as quickly as possible to prevent permanent damage. Swelling and warping can settle once dry, but the bigger risk is rotten floorboards or damage to the joists beneath.
Can You Put New Floorboards Over Old Floorboards?
New boards can be laid on top of existing ones if the structure beneath is sound, though this raises the floor height slightly and can cause issues with doors and skirting boards. Replacing floorboards fully is the better option if there's any doubt about the condition of the joists below.
How Often Do Floorboards Need Replacing?
Well-maintained floorboards can last for decades and rarely need replacing solely on structural grounds. The most common reasons for early replacement are rotten floorboards caused by damp or a leak, or boards that have become too damaged or uneven to repair.
