Calculating the price of raised access flooring
Raised access flooring creates a hidden void beneath your walking surface for cables, electrics, plumbing, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. It’s a practical way to keep your space tidy and easy to maintain while allowing future layout changes with minimal disruptions.
These systems are popular in offices, data centres, retail stores and modern commercial buildings. The benefits of raised access flooring include flexibility, fast access to essential services and a sleek, level finish.
The cost of raised access flooring in the UK varies depending on the materials, finishes, system height and installation conditions. So by exploring how much different options cost, you can effectively estimate the price of your raised access flooring project.
This guide explains the main factors affecting price and offers example projects to help you assign an appropriate budget.
For an accurate figure tailored to your site, request a free no-obligation quote from CCL Interiors today.
Key factors affecting raised access flooring cost in the UK
A few core factors have the biggest impact on the price of raised access flooring:
- The material and system type you choose
- The height of the floor void and type of pedestal supports needed
- Load-bearing and fire safety performance
- The chosen surface finish
- Site conditions, access and installation complexity
Understanding these variables and working with a raised access flooring specialist helps you plan your project accurately and select a system that balances cost, appearance and performance.
Raised access flooring materials
Material choice determines most of the overall raised access flooring cost. Each option performs differently in terms of strength, durability, fire resistance and appearance.
Here are the most common systems, ordered from the most affordable to the most premium.
Chipboard or wood core panels
This is the most economical type of raised flooring. Panels are made from high-density chipboard encased in steel or foil, offering moderate strength and stability. They’re lightweight, easy to install and perfectly suited to offices or areas with standard foot traffic.
- Choose when: You want a reliable, low-cost flooring system
- Popular for: Offices, retail units, education buildings
- Typical cost: £25–£45 per m²
Cementitious steel panels
These panels consist of a steel shell filled with lightweight cement, offering greater strength and humidity resistance than chipboard systems. They’re durable and dimensionally stable, making them ideal for long-term use in moderate- to high-demand settings.
- Choose when: You need a strong, mid-range system that lasts
- Popular for: Offices, call centres, computer rooms
- Typical cost: £40–£70 per m²
Calcium sulphate panels
Manufactured from gypsum-based material, calcium sulphate panels are known for their fire resistance and dimensional stability. They’re non-combustible, moisture resistant and able to handle heavier loads than standard chipboard systems.
- Choose when: Fire safety and long-term performance are key
- Popular for: Hospitals, data centres, high-spec offices
- Typical cost: £60–£100 per m²
Aluminium panels
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminium raised flooring systems offer a balance of strength and longevity in humid or coastal environments. They’re often used where moisture resistance and weight reduction are more important than high load capacity.
- Choose when: You need a durable system that resists corrosion in damp or marine settings
- Popular for: Laboratories, coastal offices, pharmaceutical environments
- Typical cost: £70–£110 per m²
Perforated steel ventilation panels
These panels are designed to work alongside standard raised access systems to improve airflow from underfloor HVAC systems. They’re usually interchangeable with other panels, allowing you to direct air precisely where it’s needed without compromising strength.
- Choose when: Air distribution and cooling efficiency are key considerations
- Popular for: Data centres, server rooms, temperature-controlled facilities
- Typical cost: £70–£110 per m²
Steel panels
Fully steel systems deliver exceptional load capacity and durability. They’re suitable for high-traffic or high-load areas where longevity matters most. With corrosion resistance and minimal deflection, they offer consistent performance for decades.
- Choose when: You need maximum strength and minimal maintenance
- Popular for: Airports, control rooms, industrial facilities
- Typical cost: £80–£130 per m²
Stone or marble finish systems
These high-end raised floor systems combine full access functionality with architectural design. The surface panels are finished in natural stone or marble, giving the space a premium appearance while maintaining accessibility underneath.
- Choose when: You want an elegant finish that complements a high-end interior
- Popular for: Executive suites, lobbies, premium retail spaces
- Typical cost: £150–£250 per m²
Installation complexity
Installation costs vary depending on the nature of the space.
A straightforward open-plan floor with an even subfloor is simple and quick to complete.
But projects become more complex when:
- Subfloors are uneven and need levelling
- The system height is higher than average
- You need to integrate HVAC, electrical or underfloor heating systems
Occupied buildings add another layer of challenge.
When a team needs to work around active offices or restricted access areas, projects may require phased or out-of-hours installation.
You can expect typical labour rates to range from £20–£40 per m² depending on site complexity.
Additional considerations that impact cost
Material and labour make up most of the budget. But other details also influence the final cost of raised access flooring.
Finishes
Finishes are one of the biggest cost variables.
Bare panels are the cheapest. But adding carpet tiles, vinyl, laminate or stone surfaces raises the total price.
While these options cost more, they also improve durability, appearance and acoustic comfort.
- Standard finishes (bare or foil-laminated): Minimal cost impact
- Carpet or vinyl finishes: +£10–£25 per m²
- Laminate or stone finishes: +£30–£60 per m²
Load and performance requirements
Systems designed to support heavy loads or high concentrations of equipment are more expensive.
Reinforced pedestals or thicker panels add material cost. But they improve long-term reliability.
It’s important to specify the correct load class early to avoid retrofitting costs later.
Fire and acoustic performance
Many projects require fire-rated or acoustic-rated systems for compliance and comfort.
Upgrading to rated panels and pedestals typically adds 10–25% to the total project cost. But it provides critical safety and performance benefits.
Typical costs and price breakdown
Looking only at per-square-metre prices doesn’t always show what a project costs in full.
The examples below highlight typical raised access flooring budgets for different projects in the UK.
Small office fit-out
- Venue: 10-person office in a commercial building
- Typical size: 30 m²
- Recommended materials: Chipboard or wood core panels
- Why these materials: This system provides a simple, affordable way to conceal cables while keeping your workspace clean and flexible. The lightweight panels make installation quick and disruption minimal, which helps your business stay operational during the fit-out
- Cost estimate:
- Materials: £25–£45 per m² → £750–£1,350
- Finishes: Carpet tiles → £300–£600
- Installation: £20–£30 per m² → £600–£900
- Total cost: £1,650–£2,850
Mid-size commercial office
- Venue: 50-person open-plan office
- Typical size: 80 m²
- Recommended materials: Cementitious steel panels with vinyl finish
- Why these materials: These panels deliver the right balance between durability and appearance for high-traffic environments. Their strength ensures long-term stability, while the vinyl surface offers a professional, low-maintenance finish.
- Cost estimate:
- Materials: £40–£70 per m² → £3,200–£5,600
- Finishes: Vinyl → £1,000–£1,600
- Installation: £25–£35 per m² → £2,000–£2,800
- Total cost: £6,200–£10,000
Data centre installation
- Venue: Data centre with underfloor cooling
- Typical size: 100 m²
- Recommended materials: Calcium sulphate panels with anti-static finish
- Why these materials: The panels handle heavy static loads and maintain dimensional stability under constant use. Their anti-static and fire-resistant properties make them ideal for protecting sensitive data and electrical systems.
- Cost estimate:
- Materials: £60–£100 per m² → £6,000–£10,000
- Finishes: Anti-static coating → £800–£1,200
- Installation: £30–£40 per m² → £3,000–£4,000
- Total cost: £9,800–£15,200
Executive suite or lobby
- Venue: High-end corporate reception or boardroom
- Typical size: 60 m²
- Recommended materials: Stone-finish steel panels
- Why these materials: A stone-finished system provides the sophistication expected in high-profile settings. It offers the same practical cable access as standard raised flooring but with a refined look that enhances the interior design.
- Cost estimate:
- Materials: £150–£250 per m² → £9,000–£15,000
- Finishes: Polished stone surface (included above)
- Installation: £35–£45 per m² → £2,100–£2,700
- Total cost: £11,100–£17,700
Get an accurate quote for raised access flooring cost in the UK
The cost of raised access flooring depends on the system you choose, the finish you prefer and the complexity of installation.
The examples above provide a helpful guide. But only a site survey can confirm the exact price for your project.
With more than 50 years of experience, CCL Interiors delivers raised access flooring and full fit-out services across the UK and Ireland. Our team works across sectors including commercial, healthcare, education and data infrastructure, always combining expert workmanship with competitive pricing.
Get a free no-obligation quote today to find out exactly how much your raised access flooring project will cost.