How much does flooring cost?

Many variables have to be considered when getting a cost for flooring. The type of material used, the skill of the installer and the region where you live all play a part when getting a flooring estimate. Basic wool carpet laying costs per square metre can begin at $60, while genuine timber flooring costs can run about $30 per square metre.

Simple laminate flooring cost is pretty consistent from city to city. Timber flooring is a little different in some areas, as the chart below shows. 

City	Laminate flooring Average cost/m2	Timber flooring Average cost/m2
Sydney	$25	$50
Melbourne	$25	$50
Brisbane	$25	$50
Canberra	$20	$50

It can be challenging to compare pricing for new flooring with so many different types of material on the market. Each one takes skill and time to deliver a professional job. 

Flooring type

The quality of the material used determines how much the flooring costs.  Inexpensive nylon carpeting can be as low as $30 per square metre (m2) while wool carpeting starts at about $60-$65m2.  

Linoleum and vinyl flooring costs may be separated into product and installation. Better quality linoleum and vinyl may have several layers of protective material for reducing sound and for improved wear. 

Tile flooring cost varies due to the wide range of materials that can be used. Only professional tilers should be considered for installing tile flooring. Because of the complexity of the job, floor tiling costs per m2 start at $35m2 for a simple job and up to $120m2 for a complex job.

Each specific type of flooring has pros and cons that can affect the final price.

Flooring material

There are several flooring materials on the market today. Some are made for comfort while others strive to present a natural look and have few chemicals in the manufacturing process.

For example, a quality nylon/wool blend carpet starts at $125-$150m2. This is a maximum-comfort carpet. Natural stone floor tiles, on the other hand, range between $80 and $120 m2.

Room shape

Not all rooms are square or rectangular. Working around architectural details can add a substantial cost to flooring material and installation. Hardwood flooring prices will be higher when custom work has to be done with cutting and fitting. The area size may have a bearing on the total cost. If the area is straight and has proper subflooring, the price will be less than one with uneven spots and less than straight walls.

Bearer size

The choice of bearers for flooring depends on load requirements and joist spacing. Generally, 140x45mm bearers are suitable for most residential flooring applications, while 90x90mm bearers might be necessary in cases of heavier loads or larger spans. Bearer size can impact the materials and labour required for the flooring project.

Project complexity

When a flooring project is challenging, it requires a skilled installer. Polished concrete floors are becoming popular. Still, the concrete flooring cost can be more than $5,000 due to the knowledge needed for concrete and other factors.

When getting a price estimate for different flooring types, make sure you match material to material. Various grades of carpet, tile and vinyl can make a vast difference in price and wearability. 

Carpet

There are different types of carpets, as well as textures and colours.

Low pile nylon carpeting can be found for under $30 per square metre (m2). It will be noticeably cheaper than a plush pile nylon carpeting with more tightly woven fibres. Plush can run over $60m2.

Laminate/Floating

Laminate flooring installation costs vary per location and floor space, among other factors. The type of installation (i.e., click-lock flooring, glued and pre-glued laminate) also determines the final cost. 

A floating floorboard price will increase the project substantially. Depending on why floating floorboards are requested, they can adjust to temperature changes and resolve uneven surfaces. Floating floor installation can range from $18-$100 per square metre.

Timber/Hardwood

Timber or hardwood flooring cost depends on the species and quality of wood. Blackbutt or Tasmanian Oak is a lower grade of timber than bamboo or parquetry. This is why there is a price difference of $65 as opposed to $100 per square metre. A parquetry wooden flooring cost can run much higher because of the scarcity of the material. Hardwood timber flooring also requires more skill than many other floors covering types.

Vinyl

Vinyl is an economical way to make a floor look close to a more expensive material. PVC is the material used to make it resilient, easy to repair and stain-resistant. The supply and installation of vinyl flooring costs between $30 and $100 per square metre, depending on the material. 

Tile

Ceramic tile floors are fashionable and more expensive than vinyl flooring. This is due to the time-staking application of placing each tile in perfect alignment. A tile’s price tag is affected by the design, the type of tile, durability, and availability. The average cost to lay ceramic floor tiles is $50 per m2, while natural stone floor tiles per m2 can run as high as $86.

Engineered

Engineered hardwood flooring prices can be extreme when using quality hardwood. Engineered laminate timber flooring, however, can be long-lasting and give your decor an upscale look. Engineered timber costs are $65 to $125 per square metre, depending on the material. Solid timber starts at $495 per square metre.

These are just a few of the choices you have in today’s flooring. Other types include bamboo, rubber, slate, resin, and cork. A cork flooring cost can be a little tricky to figure. Some different thicknesses and coatings are available with cork. A professional installer should be hired to work with cork material that can cost $125 for a carton of cork tiles.

The cost per square metre for flooring differs according to the material. Here are some examples:

Material	Average costs/m2
Bamboo	$50
Carpet	$65
Concrete	$60
Cork	$80
Tile	$80
Linoleum	$50

Concrete

Concrete flooring can be basic or decorative. It can also vary in price from state to state. For example, New South Wales has the most affordable concrete flooring services at around $50/m2. Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory charge $60/m2 and $65/m2. Epoxy floor coating puts a robust and shiny layer of resin and hardener over a concrete floor. It costs $30-$35 per square metre for two coats over a prepared concrete surface to $80-$100 per square metre for a decorative finish.

Timber

Timber flooring prices are higher than other types of flooring materials. Oak is one species that is readily available, but the price can vary according to quality. Knotty oak wood floorboard prices will run less than smooth, unblemished timber. The difference can be $65 to $100 in material costs. Parquetry flooring costs can be even higher because it is harder to find. 

Marble

Marble is a type of tile that can be used for flooring, walls or countertops. It can be costly, ranging from $800 to $2,200 per square metre. 

• Check out references and reputation in the community
• Ask for a copy of liability insurance
• Request a signed guarantee for a specific amount of time

Spending the money to improve your home’s appearance and add resale value is a significant investment. However, there are some steps that you can take to ease the cost of installation. If a previous floor covering needs removed, do it yourself. Also, research the price of materials. Sometimes you can get good deals on closeouts or seasonal sales.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources