Cushion Flooring Guide: UK Costs & Installation
Cushion flooring is soft vinyl sheet flooring with foam backing, offering comfort underfoot and sound insulation.
Cushion flooring is vinyl sheet with foam backing (typically 2–3mm thick). Softer underfoot than standard vinyl, better sound insulation, hides minor subfloor imperfections. Costs £8–18 per m² in UK. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms.
What is cushion flooring?
Cushion flooring (also called cushioned vinyl) is sheet vinyl with an integrated foam backing layer. The foam gives slight cushion when you walk on it, making it more comfortable than hard vinyl or tile.
Total thickness: 2–3.5mm (vinyl layer + foam backing). Sold in rolls 2m or 4m wide.
Cushion vinyl vs standard vinyl sheet
Cushion vinyl: Foam backing, softer underfoot, better sound insulation, hides minor subfloor bumps. £8–18 per m².
Standard vinyl sheet: No foam backing, harder surface, cheaper. £6–12 per m².
Cushion vinyl is more comfortable in kitchens where you stand for long periods.
Installation
Can be loose-laid (held by weight alone) in small rooms, or glued down for permanent installation. Cut to size with craft knife, leave 3–5mm gap at walls for expansion.
DIY-able in 2–3 hours for typical bathroom. Professional fitting costs £8–12 per m².
Cost UK
Budget cushion vinyl: £8–12 per m². Mid-range: £12–16 per m². Premium: £16–22 per m².
A 10m² kitchen costs £80–160 for materials.
Lifespan
10–15 years in kitchens/bathrooms. Foam backing compresses over time in high-traffic areas (hallways), reducing cushion effect.