If you're a builder, decorator or refurbishment contractor, protecting 100m² of flooring can cost considerably less than you might expect. But the cost depends on the type of protection you choose, the amount of cutting required and the risks involved in your project.
For example, at Trades International's advertised starting prices, 100m² of TI-Pro 260gsm protective cardboard has a nominal material cost of £43.20 when purchased as two 50m² rolls. Using TI-Pro 2mm Correx boards at an illustrative £1.75 per sheet, the theoretical cost for 35 full-size sheets would be £61.25. Actual ordering costs may be higher because Correx is sold in specified pack quantities.
The important question isn't simply how much protection costs. It's whether you're buying the right protection for the job.
How Much Does 100m² of Floor Protection Cost?
For an initial comparison, let's look at two products available from Trades International.
| Protection material | Coverage per unit | Starting unit price | Theoretical cost for 100m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| TI-Pro 260gsm cardboard | 50m² per roll | £21.60 | £43.20 for two rolls |
| TI-Pro 2mm Correx | 2.88m² per sheet | £1.75 | £61.25 for 35 sheets |
*Prices are illustrative, excluding VAT, and based on advertised starting prices rather than a confirmed checkout quotation. Cutting, overlaps, delivery conditions and pack quantities may increase the actual cost.
The comparison shows why looking at the cost per square metre is useful. However, cardboard and Correx aren't identical protection materials. The cheapest option is only good value when it is suitable for the floor and site conditions.
How Much Protective Cardboard Do I Need for 100m²?
TI-Pro cardboard floor protection is available in rolls covering 50m². Two rolls therefore provide 100m² of nominal coverage.
On a perfectly rectangular floor with no waste, two rolls may be enough. Real projects rarely work that neatly. You'll have doorways, corners, corridors, kitchen units and awkward edges to cut around. Depending on the layout and installation method, you may need additional material.
For a project requiring a 10% cutting allowance, the planning requirement becomes 110m². If you're buying 50m² rolls, that means ordering three rolls, giving you 150m² of material and an illustrative cost of £64.80.
The remaining material may be useful on the next job, provided it is stored appropriately.
How Much Correx Do I Need for 100m²?
A standard TI-Pro Correx sheet measures 2400 × 1200mm and covers 2.88m².
For a 100m² floor, the basic calculation is:
100 ÷ 2.88 = 34.72
You therefore need at least 35 full-size sheets before cutting waste.
Allowing 10% extra material increases the estimate to 39 sheets. At an illustrative £1.75 per sheet, that's £68.25 in theoretical material cost. Your actual order cost depends on the available pack quantities and applicable prices.
For larger or more demanding projects, Correx may offer useful advantages over lighter protection materials, particularly where water resistance and a more substantial physical barrier are important. However, Correx should not be assumed to protect against every impact or heavy load.
Explore our TI-Pro Correx protection boards, or read our detailed guide to Correx versus protective cardboard.
Which Floor Protection Is Cheapest for Painting and Decorating?
For many ordinary decorating jobs, protective cardboard is worth considering first.
A decorator working in an established, dry residential property may primarily need to protect the floor from dust, minor paint splashes, footwear and everyday movement. In those circumstances, a suitable protective cardboard product can provide a practical balance between cost, coverage and protection.
TI-Pro 260gsm cardboard is designed for temporary floor protection and uses Spillux Technology, intended to resist everyday spills while allowing moisture vapour to escape.
However, if the project involves heavier site activity, repeated movement of equipment or more demanding spill conditions, it may be sensible to consider Correx or another protection system.
For more information, see our guide to choosing floor protection by GSM.
Is Floor Protection Film Cheaper Than Cardboard?
Film can be a useful option for compatible carpets and established hard floors, but comparing film prices requires care.
A roll costing £6 may cover a completely different area from a £20 roll. Carpet film and hard-floor film also have different adhesive specifications and aren't interchangeable.
To calculate the real cost, divide the roll price by its stated coverage in square metres, then account for overlaps and any material lost during installation.
The surface also matters. Self-adhesive film shouldn't be applied to newly finished floors unless the flooring and film manufacturers confirm compatibility.
Read our hard-floor protection film guide before choosing an adhesive product.
How Can Contractors Reduce Floor Protection Costs?
One of the easiest ways to reduce material costs is to stop buying protection based on the roll price alone. Calculate the total area, allow for waste and compare products by their actual coverage.
The next step is to consider what is likely to happen on the floor. A short decorating job and a six-week refurbishment don't necessarily need the same material. Paying for protection properties you don't need increases costs, while buying inadequate protection can lead to expensive damage and remedial work.
It also pays to think about your ordering quantities. Contractors working on several properties may benefit from purchasing enough material for multiple jobs, provided storage and delivery arrangements make sense.
Finally, check your protection regularly. Dirt or grit trapped beneath a covering, damaged joints and unsecured edges can undermine the protection regardless of what the material originally cost.
What Is the Best Value Floor Protection for 100m²?
For straightforward decorating and light refurbishment, TI-Pro cardboard may provide an economical solution. For projects requiring a different physical barrier, Correx may be more appropriate.
The best value comes from matching the material to the floor, the work and the duration of the job.
At Trades International, we supply both options so contractors can make that decision based on their actual requirements.
Explore the TI-Pro protection range, compare our cardboard floor protection prices, or browse our Correx boards.
Pricing note: Figures are illustrative and based on advertised starting prices. Verify current product prices, VAT, pack sizes and delivery conditions before publishing or ordering.