How Much Does New Flooring Cost in Australia in 2026?
Reviewed March 2026 by the RenovationCalculator.AU editorial team
Flooring is one of the biggest visual changes you can make to a home, and one of the most common renovation projects in Australia. Whether you are replacing worn carpet, updating dated tiles or upgrading to timber, the per-square-metre cost varies enormously by material. Here is what each option actually costs in 2026, fully installed.
Flooring cost per square metre by material
All prices below are fully installed: supply, underlay or adhesive, installation labour and basic finishing. They are national base rates before city multiplier adjustment. The regional multiplier is applied to the labour component only (approximately 40% of the total), since material costs are broadly consistent across the country.
| Material | Per m² (installed) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $45–$65/m² | Budget-friendly, rental properties, quick installs. Floating click-lock system. 10–15 year lifespan. Not suitable for wet areas. |
| Vinyl plank (SPC/WPC) | $55–$85/m² | Waterproof, excellent for kitchens, laundries and living areas. Stone polymer core (SPC) is the current standard. Comfortable underfoot. 15–25 year warranty typical. |
| Hybrid (rigid core) | $70–$110/m² | Premium vinyl alternative. Waterproof, more realistic timber look, better acoustic performance. Floating installation. Suits whole-of-home applications. |
| Engineered timber | $90–$140/m² | Real timber veneer on plywood core. More stable than solid timber. Can be glued or floated. Suits most Australian climates. Can be sanded and refinished 1–2 times. |
| Solid hardwood | $120–$180/m² | Premium option. Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Tasmanian Oak. Secret-nailed to joists or battens. Can be sanded multiple times. 30–50+ year lifespan. Highest upfront cost, best long-term value. |
| Tiles (porcelain) | $95–$150/m² | Durable, waterproof, suits high-traffic areas. Higher installation cost due to adhesive, grouting and cutting. Porcelain is harder and less porous than ceramic. |
These per-square-metre rates do not include old floor removal ($8–$25/m² depending on material) or subfloor preparation ($15–$50/m² if the subfloor is uneven, damaged or needs moisture treatment). Both are common add-ons that can increase total cost by 15–30%.
What a whole-home flooring project costs
A typical Australian home has 80–120m² of flooring. Here is what a full replacement looks like at different price points:
| Scenario (100m²) | National base | Sydney (1.28×) |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate throughout | $4,500–$6,500 | $5,300–$7,600 |
| Hybrid throughout | $7,000–$11,000 | $8,100–$12,800 |
| Engineered timber | $9,000–$14,000 | $10,400–$16,200 |
| Solid hardwood | $12,000–$18,000 | $13,900–$20,900 |
Add 10–15% for old floor removal, subfloor prep and waste if replacing existing flooring rather than installing on new construction.
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Subfloor condition
This is the hidden cost that catches most homeowners. Concrete slabs with uneven surfaces need grinding or self-levelling compound. Timber subfloors may need sheet overlay. In severe cases, subfloor preparation can double the labour cost. A good installer will inspect the subfloor before quoting and factor this in.
Pattern and layout
Herringbone, chevron and diagonal patterns cost 15–30% more than straight-lay. They require more cuts, more waste and more skilled labour. If you are on a tight budget, straight-lay with a staggered joint pattern gives a clean modern look at the lowest installation cost.
Transitions and finishing
Where flooring meets tiles, carpet or different rooms, transition strips and finishing profiles are needed. Each transition costs $15–$40 for materials plus installation time. In an average home with 6–10 transitions, this adds $200–$500.
City multiplier
The labour component (roughly 40% of total cost) is adjusted by city. Brisbane at 1.32× adds the most; Adelaide at 1.08× adds the least. Material costs are broadly the same nationally.
Which flooring is best for resale?
For properties being sold, the sweet spot is usually hybrid or engineered timber in a neutral tone. Buyers overwhelmingly prefer the look of timber floors, and hybrid/engineered options deliver that appearance at a mid-range price point. Avoid very dark or very light colours as they polarise buyer preferences.
If budget is extremely tight, a quality SPC vinyl plank in a timber look is the best value-for-money option. Modern SPC products are visually close to real timber at roughly half the installed cost.
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