Flooring Prices – What You’ll Pay for Different Types
Thinking about new floors but worried about the price? You’re not alone. The cost of flooring can jump around a lot depending on the material, the size of the room and whether you hire a pro or DIY. Below you’ll get the most common price ranges and the real factors that push the number up or down.
How Different Flooring Types Compare in Price
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) sits in the middle of the market. In Australia you’ll pay roughly $30‑$55 per square metre for the material alone. Add about $20‑$35 per metre for installation and you’re looking at $50‑$90 total per sqm. LVP is popular because it’s water‑proof, looks like wood, and the price stays steady even if you go for a premium brand.
Laminate flooring is usually the cheapest hard floor option. Basic laminate can be as low as $15‑$25 per sqm, while higher‑end styles with a realistic wood finish might reach $35‑$45. Installation is quicker than LVP, so the labour cost can drop to $15‑$25 per sqm, giving you a total of $30‑$70 per sqm.
Tile (ceramic or porcelain) can vary a lot. Simple ceramic tiles start around $20‑$30 per sqm, but designer porcelain or natural stone can climb to $60‑$120. Tiles also need a level subfloor and grout work, so installation can run $30‑$50 per sqm. Expect a total of $50‑$170 per sqm depending on the style you pick.
Engineered wood offers a real wood look without the full price of solid hardwood. Materials run $40‑$80 per sqm, and installers usually charge $30‑$45 per sqm. That puts the overall cost at $70‑$125 per sqm. If you’re after a premium species like walnut, the price can push past $150 per sqm.
Remember, these numbers are for the floor surface only. You might need underlay, moisture barriers or skirting boards, which add $5‑$15 per sqm each.
Tips to Keep Flooring Costs Low
Buy in bulk: ordering all the planks or tiles for the whole job often gives you a discount of 5‑10%.
Shop local suppliers: they sometimes have clearance stock that’s perfect for DIY projects.
Do part of the work yourself: laying LVP or laminate is doable with a basic toolkit, and you’ll save on labour.
Measure twice, order once: extra cuts or waste can add $100‑$200 to the bill.
Consider recycled or reclaimed materials: they can be cheaper and add character to the room.
By looking at the price per square metre, adding installation costs and watching for hidden extras, you can set a realistic budget and avoid nasty surprises. Whether you choose LVP for its water‑proof advantage, laminate for the lowest price, tile for durability, or engineered wood for a warm feel, you now have a clear picture of what you’ll actually pay.
