Choosing wood floors in Dubai is a practical design decision: you balance visible cost per square metre against long-term performance in a hot, coastal climate. Below you’ll find current AED/m² ranges, installation norms, the usual extras that inflate invoices, and a simple estimator you can use now — plus where Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC can help with samples and specification support.
What you’ll pay per m² today — laminate, engineered, hardwood, SPC and vinyl
Laminate (AED 20–100/m²)
Material: Basic laminate panels sit at the low end (≈ AED 20–50/m²) and thinner formats; higher‑quality, thicker boards and textured finishes push up toward AED 80–100/m². What you buy at each price point is primarily thickness, wear layer and surface treatment.
Installation: Laminate is almost always a floating, click‑system install. Labour typically runs AED 20–40/m² on straightforward jobs; complex layouts or heavy subfloor prep add more.
Suitability for Dubai: Good for rental units and conditioned living rooms. Laminate is vulnerable to prolonged humidity and direct water exposure — avoid bathrooms and unshaded terraces.
Engineered wood (AED 40–300/m²)
Material: Engineered planks vary widely: entry products start under AED 100/m²; solid‑sawn oak veneers and better factory finishes sit in the AED 135–250/m² band; bespoke premium ranges reach towards AED 300/m².
Installation: Options include floating, glue‑down or secret‑nailed. Installation commonly falls between AED 50–150/m² depending on method, adhesives and whether site finishing is required.
Suitability for Dubai: The best compromise for the UAE — engineered construction gives dimensional stability in changing humidity and thermal conditions. Specify a stable core and a proven species for conditioned interiors. For more detailed guidance on specification and installation methods, see Engineered Wood Flooring in Dubai: Choose, Budget, Install, Thermowood.ae.
Solid hardwood (AED 50–600/m²)
Material: A broad category. Basic hardwoods can be found at lower prices; premium species such as teak or walnut commonly sit between AED 300–600/m².
Installation: Nailing, gluing and on‑site sanding/finishing are typical. Labour and finishing can add AED 100–250/m² or more depending on pattern and site work.
Suitability for Dubai: Solid hardwood is best reserved for fully air‑conditioned, stable interiors. Expect greater movement risk in poorly conditioned buildings; budget for longer acclimatisation and careful detailing.
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) — limited public pricing
Material: Public, consistent price data for SPC in Dubai is sparse. SPC is a rigid, mineral‑filled core product; pricing depends on core thickness and wear layer and can overlap with higher‑end vinyl and premium laminate.
Installation: Most SPC is click‑fit and quick to install; labour rates are similar to high‑end laminate or LVT — commonly in the AED 30–80/m² range depending on site prep.
Suitability for Dubai: Very stable against moisture and temperature swings — a sensible choice for coastal, high‑humidity or wet‑area applications where a wood look is required.
Vinyl / LVT (AED 45–250/m²)
Material: LVT spans budget to premium — entry 45–100 AED/m², mid 95–150 AED/m², premium constructions up to AED 250/m² for thick, embossed planks with robust wear layers.
Installation: Glue‑down or loose‑lay systems are common; labour typically AED 30–80/m² depending on adhesive and substrate work.
Suitability for Dubai: Excellent moisture performance and easy maintenance; a pragmatic choice for kitchens, bathrooms and mixed‑use areas where true wood appearance is secondary to durability. For a concise overview of LVT benefits and considerations in the UAE market, refer to this LVT flooring guide in Dubai.
If you want one rule: budget laminate or mid‑range engineered for most Dubai homes; reserve solid hardwood for fully conditioned, high‑end interiors.
Installation, underlayment and the hidden extras that push the final bill
Invoices often show surprising line items. Common extras and published local ranges are: old‑floor removal AED 25–35/m², subfloor levelling AED 50–60/m², moisture testing or membrane work (site tests ≈ AED 200–400 flat; barriers vary), underlayment/insulation (variable), skirting and thresholds (per linear metre or bundled), delivery/mobilisation ≈ AED 300 flat and 5% VAT.
Use this formula to estimate quickly:
(material AED/m² + installation AED/m² + underlay/accessories AED/m² + prep AED/m²) × area + fixed fees + VAT = total
Published local price references can help validate quotes — see compiled cost guidance such as the cost for wood flooring in Dubai guide when comparing supplier estimates.
Worked example — 50 m², mid‑range engineered (illustrative)
Assume material AED 180/m²; installation AED 60/m² (floating or glue option); underlay & trims AED 20/m²; modest prep (removal/levelling) AED 60/m².
Per m² subtotal = 180 + 60 + 20 + 60 = AED 320
50 m² subtotal = 320 × 50 = AED 16,000
Add delivery AED 300 → AED 16,300. VAT 5% = AED 815. Final total ≈ AED 17,115.
Note: material + installation (here AED 240/m²) is often only the start — expect 20–50% uplift from prep, underlay and fixed fees on typical jobs. Complex subfloors, wet areas or decorative patterns commonly require an on‑site quote.
Dubai’s climate matters — acclimatisation, moisture control and specification choices
Thermal extremes, air‑conditioning dryness and coastal humidity spikes all drive movement in timber: gaps, cupping or warping if poorly specified. That reality changes which products and installation methods succeed here.
Specification guidance: favour engineered constructions with a well‑designed core; choose species and veneers known for stability; where possible glue‑down to a compatible substrate in areas prone to humidity swings. Leave expansion gaps appropriate to plank width (commonly 8–15 mm) and sequence install work so HVAC is operating at normal conditions.
Acclimatisation and testing: keep boxes on site to acclimatise — minimum 48–72 hours for many boards, 5–7 days recommended for larger deliveries or tighter tolerances; solids often need longer. Moisture testing, specialised adhesives or vapour barriers add both cost and time: tests are often a few hundred dirhams, and spec adhesives or membranes add material and labour cost per m². For details on selecting dry, stable material stock, consult the Kiln-Dried Wood in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to Quality and Durability.
Royal Grand Star practical note: they supply product data and technical guidance for UAE projects and can advise which product families have proven performance in Dubai’s conditions.
Value, lifespan and maintenance — choose by cost‑per‑year, not only by AED/m²
Typical overall price bands (material + install as a planning figure): budget AED 100–200/m²; mid AED 150–300/m²; premium 300+/m². Expected lifespans: laminate 5–15 years; engineered 15–30 years; solid hardwood 30+ years; SPC/LVT commonly 10–25 years depending on grade.
Simple lifecycle math: (Upfront cost including install ÷ expected years of service) = annualised cost. Example: laminate at AED 150/m² with 10 years life → AED 15/m²/yr. Engineered at AED 250/m² with 25 years life → AED 10/m²/yr. Higher upfront outlay can be justified by lower annual cost, better durability in high‑traffic areas and improved resale value.
Choose a higher grade if you expect heavy use, long ownership or want low maintenance. Choose budget options for short leases, temporary fit‑outs or rooms where durability is not a priority. For further reading on engineered wood benefits and installation considerations relevant to Dubai projects, see this engineered wood flooring overview.
Choose the grade that optimises your annualised cost — often mid‑range engineered gives the best lifecycle value in conditioned homes. For additional supplier and product comparisons, you can also review market roundups such as Engineered Wood Flooring in Dubai: Choose, Budget, Install, Thermowood.ae.
Where to buy and how to read supplier quotes (what to ask for)
Channels: branded showrooms give hands‑on comparison; specialist distributors offer specification support and traceability; nationwide fit‑out contractors can bundle supply + install (convenient but check line items); online sellers may be cheaper but harder to vet.
- Material grade and origin (species, veneer thickness, core construction)
- Board dimensions, thickness and factory finish (coating type, wear layer)
- Installation method and specific labour rates; adhesives and fixings specified
- Detailed line items for removal, levelling, moisture control, skirtings, thresholds
- Lead time, delivery terms and fixed charges
- Warranty terms, what is excluded, and certificate/traceability (origin)
Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC is an established UAE/GCC distributor of specification‑grade thermally modified and hardwood products (Lunawood Thermowood, Novawood). For architects and contractors they provide sample boards, technical specification support and project references. Ask them for sample boards and an itemised quote, and confirm certificate/origin documentation before you commit. For a broader list of trusted local suppliers and typical pricing, see Dubai’s Best Wood Flooring: Trusted Suppliers & Prices, Thermowood.ae.
Quick vetting tips: view samples in your own light, request a written warranty, confirm origin and certificates, and insist on an itemised final invoice that matches the quote.
For additional local cost context when comparing supplier quotes, this market cost summary is useful: cost for wood flooring in Dubai. Also consider supplier technical pages for product construction and installation notes—see Dubai’s Best Wood Flooring: Trusted Suppliers & Prices, Thermowood.ae for supplier references.
Quick estimator and next steps — measure, brief, get 3 quotes
Estimator template you can copy:
Measure area (m²) × chosen material AED/m² = material subtotal. Add installation AED/m². Add 25–40% of (material+install) for prep/underlay/extras. Add fixed fees (delivery ≈ AED 300) and VAT 5% = approximate total.
Two short scenarios (rounded estimates):
50 m² apartment — mid‑range engineered: material AED 200 + install AED 60 = AED 260/m². Add 30% extras ≈ AED 78 → AED 338/m². 50 m² total ≈ AED 16,900; delivery + VAT → ≈ AED 18,000.
100 m² villa living/dining — budget laminate vs premium solid: laminate (material AED 80 + install 30, 25% extras) ≈ AED 137/m² → total ≈ AED 14,750. Premium solid (material AED 450 + install 120, 25% extras) ≈ AED 71,250 → total with VAT ≈ AED 75,000. For practical laminate installation cost references, consult a local laminate installation cost guide.
Action steps: measure and photograph the area, note subfloor type and any wet zones, decide finish preference and budget band, request itemised quotes (minimum three) and sample boards, and schedule installation with acclimatisation time factored into the programme.
If you want accurate specification support, sample boards and an itemised supply quote for your project, contact Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC — they can provide technical data, product provenance and sample packs to help you make a defensible decision for floors that perform in Dubai’s climate. For further independent background on LVT versus wood options, this LVT comparison is helpful: what is LVT flooring in Dubai.
Short summary: budget figures are useful but always add 25–40% for prep and extras; choose engineered for most conditioned Dubai homes; ask for itemised quotes and samples before you commit.
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