The question "how much does flooring cost?" gets a truthful answer of "it depends" — which is genuinely unhelpful when you're trying to plan a renovation budget. Here are the market rates in Australia in 2026, the variables that move those rates significantly, and what a realistic total project budget looks like for different home scenarios.
Supply costs by product type (per m²)
The following supply costs reflect the competitive end of the Australian market for quality products — not the cheapest imports and not the premium designer end:
Laminate — $20–$38/m² for quality AC4-rated residential product. The lower end of the cost spectrum. Limited to appropriate climates and use cases.
Entry hybrid SPC — $32–$52/m² for 0.3–0.5mm wear layer residential product. The most accessible quality option for most Australian homes.
Premium hybrid SPC — $50–$78/m² for 0.5–0.7mm wear layer, quality construction. The right product for most households with pets, children or active use.
UFH-rated hybrid SPC — $56–$88/m² for underfloor heating compatible product. Premium for the thermal rating and expanded warranties.
Engineered hardwood — $85–$160/m² for quality product with 3mm+ veneer. Entry-level engineered starts lower but is not refinishable. Premium wide-format boards can exceed $200/m².
Installation costs by product type (per m²)
Laminate (floating) — $16–$26/m²
Hybrid SPC (floating) — $26–$38/m²
Engineered hardwood (floating) — $35–$48/m²
Engineered hardwood (secret nail) — $38–$52/m²
These rates are for standard residential installation. Complex layouts (herringbone, diagonal, large format), high-rise apartments, or jobs with access constraints typically attract 15–25% premium.
Subfloor preparation costs
Preparation is the most variable component of any flooring quote. Common preparation items and their typical costs:
- Carpet removal and disposal: $4–$8/m²
- Vinyl/lino removal: $6–$12/m²
- Tile removal: $15–$35/m² (significant variation based on adhesive and slab condition)
- Grinding high spots: $8–$20/m² for affected areas
- Self-levelling compound: $15–$40/m² depending on depth
- Moisture barrier installation: $5–$12/m²
Stair costs
Stairs are charged per step (stair tread plus riser), typically $40–$90 per step depending on material and installation method. A standard staircase of 13 steps adds $520–$1,170 to a project. This is frequently omitted from whole-house estimates — always ask specifically about stairs.
Typical total project costs for common scenarios
80m² apartment, hybrid SPC over flat slab, carpet removal: $7,500–$12,000
120m² house, hybrid SPC, carpet removal, flat slab: $10,000–$16,000
120m² house, engineered hardwood, floating over slab: $14,000–$22,000
120m² pre-1980 home, engineered hardwood, secret nail, subfloor prep: $16,000–$26,000
These ranges are planning figures at the competitive end of the market. Retailer quotes vary — some will come in below the lower end with good scope control, others above the upper end for premium finishes or complex conditions.
How to get an accurate budget figure
Use our Floor Finder — it builds a cost estimate specific to your floor area, home type, existing floor and subfloor conditions. It's the most accurate planning tool available before you speak to a retailer. Then use the Quote Checker to verify any quotes you receive.