How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Repair or Replace My Flooring? UK Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Flooring?

Flooring repairs vary massively depending on the material — a scratched hardwood floor can often be sanded back and refinished, while damaged laminate sections are straightforward to replace. The key question is whether the damage is isolated (repair is clearly better) or widespread (replacement may be more cost-effective). Most flooring issues are more repairable than homeowners assume.

Typical UK Flooring Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Hardwood floor sand and refinish (per m²)	£20 – £40 per m²
Laminate plank replacement (per m²)	£30 – £60 per m² fitted
Carpet patch repair	£50 – £150
Tile replacement (ceramic, per tile)	£20 – £50
Squeaky floor repair	£50 – £200
Full hardwood floor (supply + fit, per m²)	£60 – £120 per m²

How Long Should a Flooring Last?

Solid hardwood floors last 50–100 years and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered wood lasts 20–30 years with limited refinishing. Laminate lasts 10–20 years. Carpet typically needs replacing after 10–15 years. Ceramic and porcelain tiles last 50+ years if properly laid.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

Isolated damage — a scratched plank, a cracked tile, a patch of worn carpet — is almost always worth repairing rather than replacing the whole floor. Widespread damage across a large area, or flooring that's past its lifespan, may justify full replacement. For hardwood especially, refinishing is dramatically cheaper than replacement and can make it look brand new.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your flooring and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

Types of Flooring and Repair Considerations

Your flooring material has a major impact on whether repair or replacement makes sense. Solid hardwood is the most repairable floor — it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its 50–100 year lifespan, making it excellent long-term value. Engineered wood has a thin hardwood veneer over plywood and can usually be sanded once or twice, but not as many times as solid. Laminate cannot be sanded at all; damaged planks must be replaced, and matching discontinued patterns can be tricky. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has surged in popularity across UK homes for its durability and water resistance — individual tiles can often be lifted and swapped. Carpet is the hardest to patch invisibly, though a skilled fitter can make small repairs virtually undetectable.

Signs Your Flooring Needs Replacing

Widespread water damage or warping — if boards are cupping, crowning, or buckling across a large area, the subfloor moisture problem needs solving before any new flooring goes down.
Deep scratches or gouges throughout — isolated scratches are easily sanded out on hardwood, but widespread deep damage across the room may justify full refinishing or replacement.
Laminate peeling or delaminating — once the top decorative layer starts peeling away, the board cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Persistent musty smell — a damp, musty odour from your flooring can indicate mould growing on or beneath the boards, which is both a health concern and a sign that replacement is needed.
Carpet worn through to the backing — once carpet pile has worn down to the hessian or rubber backing in high-traffic areas, it cannot be restored and is due for replacement.

Cost of Ownership and Long-Term Value

When comparing flooring costs, it pays to think per-year rather than up-front price. Solid hardwood costs £60–£120 per m² fitted but lasts 50–100 years, working out at just £1–£2 per m² per year. Laminate at £30–£60 per m² lasts 10–20 years — similar annual cost but with no refinishing option. Carpet at £15–£40 per m² fitted lasts 10–15 years and requires professional cleaning every 1–2 years (£50–£150 per room) to maintain appearance. Good-quality underlay (£3–£8 per m²) significantly extends the life of both laminate and carpet. For rooms prone to moisture — kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms — LVT or ceramic tiles are better long-term investments than wood or carpet due to their water resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing a floor?

Yes, for isolated damage. A scratched or damaged section is far cheaper to repair than full replacement. Hardwood floors can be professionally sanded and refinished for £20–£40 per m² — transforming a worn floor without replacement. Carpet patches and tile replacements are also very cost-effective.

How much does floor repair cost in the UK?

Floor repair costs vary by material. Hardwood sanding and refinishing costs £20–£40 per m². Laminate plank replacement runs £30–£60 per m² fitted. Carpet patching £50–£150. Individual tile replacement £20–£50. Full floor replacement costs significantly more.

How long should flooring last?

Solid hardwood lasts 50–100 years (refinishable multiple times). Engineered wood 20–30 years. Laminate 10–20 years. Carpet 10–15 years. Ceramic and porcelain tiles 50+ years.

My laminate floor is lifting or bubbling — can it be repaired?

Lifting or bubbling laminate is usually caused by moisture getting under the boards or insufficient expansion gap. If it's localised, individual boards can often be replaced. If it's widespread, the subfloor moisture issue needs fixing before any replacement is worthwhile.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Repair or Replace My Flooring? UK Calculator?