Need block and beam floor costs? Get a quote here!

What Impacts the Cost Per Square Metre for Block and Beam Flooring?

As we’ve mentioned, the average UK price is £200 to £250 per m2, so the primary cost driver will be the size of the flooring or property you are working on.

This flooring type is commonly used on upper storeys to construct suspended floors and on residential and commercial build projects.

However, the costs will vary and can be influenced by several factors.

• The span of the floor – this will impact the volume of flooring you need but also the labour requirements. If your project spans a large area, you may need additional sleeper walls or intermediate support to ensure the finished flooring is stable.
• Location – in the southeast and London, prices tend to be around 5-10% higher than in other regions. This accounts for the higher costs to businesses, such as insurance and logistics charges, to transport materials throughout emissions zones.
• Design of the floor – there are multiple ways to design your flooring, which will impact the block and beam floor cost per m2.

For example, higher-performance insulation will require a 100 mm density, whereas a lower-grade option will need to be at least 200 to 300 mm to reach the required performance.

More significant constructions require thicker concrete bases. That will increase the cost in terms of materials and labour charges and additional time for thicker concrete to set correctly.

The screed on the flooring will also be impacted by the design of the structure. You will need an equivalent screed to the space – so if there is an external doorway or entrance, the screed will need to match those dimensions to ensure the floor is perfectly level.

What are the Other Considerations When Budgeting for Block and Beam Floors?

One of the key advantages is that you can lay a block and beam floor at any time of the year and in any weather conditions. Unlike other flooring types, you won’t need to wait for dry weather to proceed with your construction work, which can be a big positive if you are working under time constraints.

Another cost-saving is that block and beam flooring lasts significantly longer than a traditional timber floor and isn’t prone to damp. Therefore, the block and beam will require very little maintenance.

The final cost factor to think about when working out your block and beam floor cost per m2 is the depth of the excavations required. This element will also have a knock-on impact on waste disposal requirements and how much hardcore you need.

Usually, block and beam floors require minimal excavation, and so you won’t need to excavate as ample a space as you would for another flooring type.

In most cases, a new block and beam floor will be selected as the option of choice for a new development or to build a suspended floor. If your project includes a conversion or extension, you’ll also need to think about costs such as:

Moving Radiators to ensure your new spaces are well heated.
Servicing Heat Pumps to make sure there is even distribution.
Hiring an Electrician to carry out any wiring or rewiring works.

Breaking Down a Block and Beam Floor Quotation

Given the variables, you’ll need to request a precise quote to get a good idea about the total cost for your block and beam floor.

Here we’ll run through the main cost elements and the average cost per square metre – you can extrapolate those averages to get a rough indication about what to budget:

It’s essential to consider those as estimates, given that the price might change substantially depending on what sort of floor finishes you choose and how many sleeper walls are required for the dimensions of the space.

What are the Advantages of Choosing Block and Beam Flooring?

There are lots of reasons why block and beam has become more popular than standard concrete slab. One of the most important is that the block and beam floor cost per m2 works out much cheaper because the concrete slab needs plenty of time to lay and then dry out.

This extra time means that labour costs are often higher, and therefore even though the concrete slab itself is a lower-cost material, the project will typically cost more. Hence laying concrete slab on compacted hardcore is now considered a long-winded option, dependent on having the right weather conditions.

Block and beam floors use inverted T-beams made from pre-stressed concrete, cut to the required length. The beams are laid at a right angle to the blockwork walls, with rails resting on damp proofing, covering the blockwork’s width.

Beams are then filled with aircrete, expanded polystyrene blocks or aggregate blocks for enhanced thermal properties. Blocks sit underneath the concrete T-beams and can be insulated before concrete or screed is laid over the top.

All of this means that block and beam flooring:

• Is faster to install, with very little ground preparation required.
• Cheaper in terms of labour costs.
• Improves acoustic performance and sound insulation.
• Has a higher thermal mass for improved energy-efficiency.
• Provides better fire resistance.
• Is resistant to insect infestations, damp and rot.

A professional installer can always recommend the best options for your construction project – such as whether you require thicker insulation for floating floors, ensuring that the finished flooring sits flush with skirting and entranceways.

Block and Beam Flooring

Let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions about block and beam floors to determine if this is the right solution for your project.

Do I Need a Contractor to Install a Block and Beam Floor?

It’s recommended, yes. You could install a block and beam floor yourself if you have experience in flooring installation.

However, the work must be completed correctly and to a high degree of accuracy. If you haven’t installed flooring before, there are significant potential hazards, so it is wise to contract a professional.

Is There a Limit on the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Block and Beam Floor?

For suspended beam and block floors, you will need to have architectural drawings to dictate what beam sizes are required so that the base is sufficiently strong.

Commercial block and beam floors are typically built with 170 mm wide beams for heavy-duty usage, whereas residential properties usually have 120 mm wide beams for a standard span project.

This aspect is one of the reasons it is essential to use a professional contractor to install a block and beam floor. They will calculate the density of the infill material used, the right beam thickness for the floor span, and a suitable screed to provide the required compressive strength.

How Long Does it Take to Install a Block and Beam Floor?

The duration of the work will very much depend on the size of the project.

The flooring itself can be laid in as little as two days on smaller projects, but you will also need to factor in time for the excavation works if required, as well as allowing time for the screed or concrete finish to set.

Do I Need Building Regulations Approval?

Yes, you will need to ensure that flooring has been laid correctly and adheres to UK building regulations. For example:

• Flooring must provide adequate structural support for the intended use of the property, as well as for the weight of the flooring itself.
• Ground floors must be resistant to ground moisture and heat loss – both of which are achieved through the materials used in block and beam flooring.

Your contractor will usually organise any approvals for you. Still, if you lay flooring yourself, you may need to schedule an inspector to visit your property to confirm that it meets with regulations.

Is Block and Beam Flooring Cheaper Than Using Concrete Slab?

Usually, yes, a block and beam floor works out as cheaper, given that the time it takes to lay and finish is substantially faster than concrete.

The materials cost slightly more, but labour costs are reduced since you don’t need to wait any extra time for the concrete to dry out, and the block and beam is quicker to lay.