Flooring Cost Australia 2026
From leaky taps to full bathroom rough-ins, plumbing is one of the most common — and most variable — home service costs in Australia.
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National Pricing Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet (supply + install) | $45/sqm | $70 | $110 |
| Vinyl plank (supply + install) | $50/sqm | $75 | $100 |
| Hybrid / SPC (supply + install) | $55/sqm | $80 | $120 |
| Laminate (supply + install) | $40/sqm | $65 | $100 |
| Engineered timber (supply + install) | $90/sqm | $140 | $200 |
| Solid hardwood (supply + install) | $120/sqm | $180 | $280 |
| Floor tiles (supply + install) | $80/sqm | $130 | $200 |
| Bamboo flooring (supply + install) | $70/sqm | $100 | $150 |
| Subfloor levelling / prep | $30/sqm | $55 | $90 |
| Old floor removal & disposal | $8/sqm | $15 | $25 |
| Skirting boards (supply + install) | $10/m | $18 | $30 |
| Timber floor sanding & polishing | $30/sqm | $45 | $70 |
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Plumbing costs in Australia depend on the type of job, your location, and whether it's an emergency. A simple tap repair might cost $120–$250, while a full bathroom rough-in can run $3,000–$8,000. Most floorings charge an hourly rate plus a call-out fee, though many offer fixed-price quotes for common jobs like blocked drains or toilet installations.
Hourly rates typically range from $80 to $200 per hour during business hours, with the national average sitting around $120/hr. After-hours and emergency work usually attracts a 50–100% surcharge. Material costs are almost always charged separately.
What Affects Flooring Costs
Job type & complexity
A simple washer replacement takes 15 minutes. Replacing a hot water system or re-plumbing a bathroom takes a full day or more. Complexity is the biggest cost driver.
Time of day
After-hours work (evenings, weekends, public holidays) typically adds 50–100% to the standard hourly rate. Non-urgent jobs should always be booked during business hours.
Materials & parts
Labour is only half the equation. Parts range from a few dollars for a tap washer to $2,000+ for a hot water unit. Always ask if quotes include materials.
Your location
Sydney and Darwin tend to be most expensive, while Adelaide and Hobart are generally more affordable. Inner-city jobs also attract premiums for parking and access.
Emergency vs scheduled
A burst pipe at 2am will cost significantly more than the same repair booked for Tuesday morning. If it can wait, it should.
Licence & experience
Master floorings with decades of experience charge more, but often work faster and diagnose problems more accurately. Both they and newer floorings carry the same licence requirements.
How to Save Money on Flooring Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Guide
Our flooring cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.