Flooring Cost Australia 2026
Flooring costs vary widely by material — from budget carpet to premium hardwood. Installation complexity and subfloor condition also affect the final price.
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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 |
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Typical total: a 3-bed house (~100–130m²) typically runs about $5,000–$10,000 installed for mainstream flooring – budget carpet a little less, premium timber and hardwood higher.
Flooring in Australia costs anywhere from $45/sqm for carpet up to $280/sqm for solid hardwood, supply and installation included. The most popular mid-range options — vinyl plank and hybrid flooring — sit around $75–$80/sqm, offering good durability and water resistance.
We've compiled pricing from flooring specialists across Australia, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026. All prices include supply, installation, and GST.
Flooring Costs by Material
The material you choose drives both the cost and longevity of your new floors. Here's how the main flooring options compare for Australian homes:
| Material | Supply per m² | Install per m² | Total per m² | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet (mid-range) | $30–$60 | $8–$15 | $38–$75 | 8–12 years |
| Vinyl plank (SPC/LVP) | $25–$60 | $15–$30 | $40–$90 | 15–25 years |
| Laminate | $20–$50 | $15–$30 | $35–$80 | 10–20 years |
| Engineered timber | $50–$120 | $25–$45 | $75–$165 | 20–30 years |
| Solid hardwood | $60–$150 | $30–$55 | $90–$205 | 30–50+ years |
| Hybrid flooring | $30–$65 | $15–$30 | $45–$95 | 15–25 years |
| Polished concrete | $0 (existing slab) | $50–$100 | $50–$100 | 50+ years |
| Tiles (porcelain) | $30–$80 | $40–$70 | $70–$150 | 30+ years |
| Bamboo | $40–$80 | $25–$40 | $65–$120 | 20–25 years |
Vinyl plank (SPC/LVP) has become the most popular flooring choice in Australian renovations — it's waterproof, durable, looks like timber, and installs quickly as a floating floor. For a typical 3-bedroom house (100–130m² of flooring), vinyl plank costs $4,000–$11,700 all-in vs $9,000–$26,650 for solid hardwood.
Flooring Costs for a Whole House
Here's what it costs to floor a typical Australian home, broken down by house size and material:
| Home Size | Area (approx) | Carpet | Vinyl Plank | Engineered Timber | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed unit | 60–90m² | $4,200–$6,300 | $4,500–$6,750 | $8,400–$12,600 | $10,800–$16,200 |
| 3-bed house | 100–130m² | $7,000–$9,100 | $7,500–$9,750 | $14,000–$18,200 | $18,000–$23,400 |
| 4-bed house | 140–180m² | $9,800–$12,600 | $10,500–$13,500 | $19,600–$25,200 | $25,200–$32,400 |
These figures use each material's typical installed rate across the size range shown — budget products land below them and premium lines above. Removing old flooring adds $8–$25 per m², and subfloor levelling runs $30–$90 per m² where it's needed. For the full breakdown — every material, removal and prep costs, and worked examples — see the whole-house flooring cost guide.
What Affects Flooring Costs in Australia
Material choice
Carpet ($45–$110/sqm in Australia) is the most budget-friendly. Vinyl plank and hybrid ($50–$120/sqm) offer a mid-range sweet spot. Engineered timber and solid hardwood ($90–$280/sqm) are premium.
Room size & layout
Larger rooms in Australia homes are cheaper per sqm. Lots of cuts around doorframes, corners, and obstacles increase labour time and waste.
Subfloor condition
If your Australia subfloor is uneven, levelling adds $30–$90/sqm. Concrete slabs often need grinding; timber subfloors may need sheeting. This is a common hidden cost.
Old flooring removal
Removing existing flooring in Australia adds $8–$25/sqm. Carpet is cheap to remove; tiles and glued-down vinyl are more labour-intensive.
Underlay & accessories
Quality underlay adds $5–$15/sqm and significantly affects comfort, noise, and lifespan. Skirting boards, transitions, and thresholds are often quoted separately.
Stairs & multiple levels
Stairs in Australia homes are priced per step ($30–$80 each) and are labour-intensive. Multi-level homes with different flooring types across levels cost more to coordinate.
How to Save Money on Flooring in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Guide
Our flooring cost guides cover 14 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated monthly — last reviewed July 2026.
