Offer finance for flooring installations

Why flooring finance belongs in your toolkit

The UK floor and wall covering market is resilient and growing, with industry revenue estimated at £4.4 billion in 2025 and steady expansion expected over the coming years. Residential demand leads the way, driven by new builds, loft conversions, and renovation cycles. In England in particular, momentum is strong as homeowners prioritise upgrades that add comfort and value.

For consumers, flooring is a high-impact purchase. Choices like laminate, engineered wood, LVT, and tiling are increasingly design-led. Herringbone patterns are back at the top of wish lists and underfloor heating compatibility is rising. The catch is cost. Skilled installs and complex patterns extend timelines, add waste, and push up labour prices. Even carpet fitting for large rooms starts around £200 to £350 before underlay, grippers, and disposal are considered.

At the same time, inflation and material price volatility can make people delay non-essential projects. That creates a gap between aspiration and action. Finance closes that gap. By spreading costs in clear, affordable instalments, you help customers move ahead without compromising on quality or specification. Installers who offer finance convert more quotes, increase average order values, and keep projects moving during uncertain periods.

Think of it as a tool that turns interest into commitment. Laminate and LVT - prized for durability, design variety, and value - already account for a large share of demand, and the wood and laminate segment alone is expected to grow steadily towards 2035. Finance can be the bridge that unlocks premium finishes today while aligning payments with household budgets.

Understanding APR is not just about percentages - it is about clarity on total cost, timing, and whether the investment makes sense for the home.

A measured, transparent finance offer builds trust. Done well, it reassures homeowners that the numbers stack up, the timeline is clear, and the upgrade will deliver everyday value.

Who benefits most

If you supply or install flooring in the UK - from independent fitters to regional contractors and showrooms - offering finance can help you win more residential work. Homeowners planning full-room renovations, hallway or kitchen makeovers, or premium pattern upgrades often face higher upfront costs due to skilled labour and extended fitting times. Finance turns a quote into a plan they can say yes to.

It is also ideal for budget-conscious renovations where laminate or LVT provides a practical, stylish finish. In cities and fast-growing areas, where design-led specifications and underfloor heating are common, finance gives clients a way to select the look they want without cutting corners on materials or fit.

Finance choices you can offer

1. 0% finance over short terms - for promotional campaigns and smaller baskets.

2. Interest-bearing fixed instalments - predictable monthly payments over 12 to 60 months.

3. Buy now, pay later with deferred start - begin paying after completion or a set grace period.

4. Hire purchase - own the flooring at the end after fixed repayments.

5. Revolving credit limits - flexible spend for staged or multi-room projects.

6. Larger secured loans for whole-home refurbishments - typically longer terms and lower rates.

Remember to present total cost, representative APR, and term clearly. Simple beats clever.

Cost, impact, returns, risks

Who qualifies and what lenders look for

Eligibility is straightforward when criteria are clear. Lenders typically assess the customer’s identity, UK address history, income stability, and credit profile. For smaller baskets, automated affordability checks may be sufficient; larger loans can require additional documentation. A good finance journey sets expectations upfront - what information is needed, how long a decision will take, and when funds are released.

If you choose Kandoo, you tap a UK-based retail finance broker that connects your customer to a panel of lenders. That increases the chance of a suitable outcome, whether the project is a simple carpet refresh or a full herringbone installation with underfloor heating. Applications are online, decisions are usually quick, and funds can be paid to you directly once the customer is approved and ready to proceed.

Clear signposting helps. Display representative examples, total repayable, and any fees. Avoid jargon. The goal is to make affordability checks feel routine, not intrusive, while ensuring the customer only takes on what they can comfortably repay.

From quote to completion - the simple path

1. Discuss the project scope and preferred materials.

2. Provide a detailed quote with itemised labour and waste.

3. Present finance options alongside cash price.

4. Share a representative example and total repayable.

5. Complete a quick online application with the customer.

6. Receive a decision and confirm the installation timeline.

7. Arrange delivery, fitting, and staged payments as agreed.

8. Handover care guidance and warranties on completion.

Weighing it up

Read this before you proceed

Finance works best when presented as a budgeting tool, not a hard sell. Lead with the project outcome - a durable, well-fitted floor - then explain how payments align with monthly budgets. Be explicit about fitting complexity. Herringbone and intricate tiling can increase waste and time, which affects the final price. Set expectations on delivery slots, subfloor preparation, and any additional works like skirting removal or door trimming. With inflation still affecting materials, build a validity period into quotes and confirm what happens if prices change before installation. Finally, keep the customer journey calm and transparent. Clarity earns trust - and trust wins referrals.

Alternatives if finance is not the fit

1. Staged invoicing - deposit, mid-project milestone, and completion balance.

2. Phased room-by-room installation to spread costs naturally.

3. Lower-cost materials - switch from engineered wood to quality laminate.

4. Scope adjustments - simplify patterns to reduce waste and labour time.

5. Savings-based plan - reserve dates ahead while the customer saves.

FAQs

Q: Will offering finance slow down my sales process? A: No. With streamlined online applications and instant decisions in many cases, finance typically speeds up commitment and reduces quote-to-install gaps.

Q: Do I need FCA authorisation to offer finance? A: Some finance activities are regulated. Working with a broker that is authorised and works with regulated lenders helps ensure compliance and clear disclosures.

Q: Does finance only suit large projects? A: It suits baskets of many sizes. Even modest carpet renewals benefit, especially when adding quality underlay, trims, and disposal services.

Q: What about customers with weaker credit? A: A multi-lender panel can improve acceptance rates. Where finance is not suitable, consider alternatives like staged invoicing or phased installs.

Q: Are 0% offers worth the subsidy? A: Often yes. They boost conversion and average order values. Track uplift against cost to verify your return over a few months.

Q: Can I offer finance for underfloor heating with LVT or engineered wood? A: Yes, provided materials and installation meet manufacturer specifications. Finance can cover the full system and fitting.

What Kandoo brings to your business

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker that helps your customers access lenders suited to their project size and budget. You get quick decisions, clear disclosures, and funding that keeps your installation schedule busy. Add finance to your quotes and signage, and let customers choose a payment path that fits their home and their wallet.

Important information

All finance is subject to status, affordability, and lender criteria. Terms, APRs, and offers can change. Make sure customers review total repayable, fees, and cancellation rights. Always verify that the installation specification matches manufacturer guidance and building regulations.

Next step: Add a finance message to your quotes this week and measure conversion uplift over 30 days.