Flooring in Dubai costs AED 55–160/sqm for luxury vinyl plank, AED 75–280/sqm for porcelain tile, AED 115–360/sqm for engineered timber, and AED 230–950/sqm for marble — all including installation. Old tile removal adds AED 30–60/sqm. LVP is the only option that installs over existing tiles without demolition.
Flooring Types — Cost Comparison for Dubai
Porcelain Tile
The dominant flooring choice for Dubai apartments — durable, water-resistant, and available in every format from 60x60cm to large-slab 120x240cm. Large-format tiles in a greige, cream, or concrete-look finish are the current standard in new Dubai builds and renovation projects. Grout lines are a critical detail — wide grey grout on light tiles is a dated look; match grout to tile for a seamless appearance.
Material supply
AED 35 – 200 per sqm
Installation
AED 40 – 80 per sqm
Total per sqm
AED 75 – 280 per sqm
Pros
Waterproof, durable, cool underfoot, low maintenance
Cons
Hard underfoot, cold in AC, grout needs sealing, expensive to remove
Best for
Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms throughout apartment
Engineered Timber
The premium choice for Dubai bedrooms and living rooms where homeowners want warmth and natural material without solid timber's sensitivity to humidity. Engineered timber has a real wood veneer top layer over a plywood core — it handles Dubai's humidity fluctuations far better than solid timber and can be installed over most subfloors. Blonde oak and warm walnut are the most popular finishes in current Dubai interiors.
Material supply
AED 80 – 300 per sqm
Installation
AED 35 – 60 per sqm
Total per sqm
AED 115 – 360 per sqm
Pros
Natural warmth, premium look, good sound insulation, can be refinished once
Cons
Cannot be used in wet areas, requires proper moisture barrier, higher cost
Best for
Master bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, dining rooms
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
The fastest-growing flooring option in Dubai renovation projects over the past 3 years. LVP is 100% waterproof, highly durable, installs as a floating floor over existing tiles (no demolition required), and comes in very convincing wood or stone looks. For investors renovating rental apartments, LVP is often the most practical choice — it can be laid over existing tiles in 1–2 days, saving both demolition cost and time.
Material supply
AED 35 – 120 per sqm
Installation
AED 20 – 40 per sqm
Total per sqm
AED 55 – 160 per sqm
Pros
100% waterproof, fast install, no demolition over existing tiles, budget-friendly
Cons
Cannot be refinished, less premium feel than timber, hollow sound underfoot
Best for
Rental apartments, quick renovations, bathrooms, children's rooms
Marble
The most luxurious flooring option in Dubai villas and penthouses. Marble floors are a significant investment — both in material cost and installation skill. Polished marble requires sealing on installation and annually thereafter; honed marble is more practical for Dubai villa floors as it hides surface scratches better. Marble is cool underfoot — a genuine advantage in Dubai's summer months.
Material supply
AED 150 – 800 per sqm
Installation
AED 80 – 150 per sqm
Total per sqm
AED 230 – 950 per sqm
Pros
Premium aesthetic, cool underfoot, adds value, unique natural pattern
Cons
Expensive, requires regular sealing, etches from acidic cleaners, heavy
Best for
Villa entrance halls, living rooms, master bathrooms, penthouse units
Carpet
Increasingly rare in Dubai renovation projects due to maintenance concerns in a dusty climate, but still the preferred choice for bedrooms in villa projects where acoustic comfort and warmth underfoot matter. Wool or wool-blend carpets are significantly better than synthetic for Dubai's climate — they resist static electricity from AC use and look better for longer. Avoid fitted carpet in any area accessible from outside.
Material supply
AED 50 – 300 per sqm
Installation
AED 20 – 40 per sqm
Total per sqm
AED 70 – 340 per sqm
Pros
Warm underfoot, acoustically absorbing, comfortable for children
Cons
Collects Dubai dust, difficult to deep clean, shows wear in high traffic
Best for
Villa master bedrooms, children's bedrooms, home cinema rooms
Additional Costs to Budget For
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Existing tile removal | AED 30–60 per sqm | Includes breaking up, removal, and disposal; cost increases for thick or well-bonded tiles |
| Screed levelling | AED 25–50 per sqm | Required when floor height changes or surface is uneven after removal |
| Moisture barrier | AED 8–20 per sqm | Required under engineered timber and LVP if installed over concrete slab |
| Skirting boards (new) | AED 30–80 per linear metre | MDF painted skirting; marble or natural stone skirting costs more |
| Threshold strips | AED 50–150 each | Transition strips between different flooring materials or rooms |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does flooring cost in Dubai?
Flooring costs in Dubai range from AED 55–160 per sqm for luxury vinyl plank (the most budget-friendly option), AED 75–280 per sqm for porcelain tile, AED 115–360 per sqm for engineered timber, and AED 230–950 per sqm for marble. These prices include both material supply and professional installation. Old floor removal adds AED 30–60 per sqm to the total if existing tiles need to be broken up.
What is the most popular flooring in Dubai apartments?
Large-format porcelain tile (90x90cm or 120x60cm) in a greige, cream, or concrete look is by far the most common flooring in Dubai apartment renovations. It combines durability, water resistance, and a contemporary aesthetic. Engineered timber is the premium upgrade choice for bedrooms. Luxury vinyl plank is growing rapidly for investor renovations due to its speed of installation over existing floors.
Can I install new flooring over existing tiles in Dubai?
Yes — luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can be installed as a floating floor directly over existing well-bonded tiles without removal. This saves AED 30–60 per sqm in demolition cost and avoids 1–2 days of noisy tile removal work. Engineered timber can also sometimes be floated over existing tiles if the height difference is acceptable. Porcelain tile and marble cannot be installed over existing tiles without removal.
How long does flooring installation take in Dubai?
LVP installation over existing tiles takes 1–2 days for a standard Dubai apartment. Porcelain tile installation (including adhesive curing time) takes 3–5 days for a 2-bedroom apartment. Engineered timber takes 2–3 days for installation plus 24–48 hours for the adhesive to set. Marble installation takes the longest due to precise cutting and setting requirements — typically 5–10 days for a full villa ground floor.
Does Renovel handle flooring as part of a full renovation?
Yes — flooring is a standard component of all Renovel apartment and villa renovations. We handle tile, engineered timber, marble, and LVP supply and installation. We can advise on the best flooring choice for your property type, use case, and budget. Contact us for a flooring quote.