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How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost?

$25 - $80 per m2

    How much does laminate flooring cost?

    Laminate flooring is a popular choice. You can achieve the look of hardwood, stone or tile with this synthetic flooring option at a fraction of the cost, making it a good option for budget-conscious homeowners. When setting your budget, note that a laminate flooring installation project costs $25 per square metre.

    While laminate flooring is renowned for its cost-effectiveness, understanding the expenses involved in its installation is crucial for homeowners planning their renovation budgets. In this blog post, we’ll explore laminate flooring costs in Australian homes and provide insights into the price range, factors influencing the overall expense, and everything in between.

    Laminate flooring installation cost per location

    Installation costs for laminate flooring options differ slightly across the country. Here is an overview:

    City Laminate Flooring Installation Cost
    Sydney $25 – $80 per m²
    Melbourne $20 – $80 per m²
    Brisbane $25 – $80 per m²
    Canberra $20 – $80 per m²
    Perth $20 – $80 per m²
    Darwin $20 – $80 per m²
    Hobart $20 – $80 per m²
    Adelaide $20 – $80 per m²

    Installing laminate flooring in new home

    Laminate flooring prices in Australia can vary depending on your location. In metropolitan cities like Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, prices typically range from $20 to $80 per square metre, due to a higher cost of living and labour. Laminate flooring prices in other capital cities, however, prices may be lower. 

    Material availability, local labour costs, and demand can influence these prices. Homeowners must consider their location when budgeting for laminate flooring installation.

    Benefits of laminate flooring

    Affordable, durable, and easy to install, laminate flooring offers many advantages for your home.

    Affordable compared to other types of flooring

    One advantage of laminate flooring is its affordability compared to other materials, such as hardwood or tile. Despite the cost of installing laminate flooring, quality isn’t compromised, and homeowners have various styles and patterns to choose from.

    Durable and resistant

    Even with its budget-friendly nature, laminate floors are engineered to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Thanks to its tough layers, laminate flooring offers excellent resistance to scratches, dents, and stains. This durability means laminate floors can uphold their appearance even in high-traffic areas of the home, such as entryways, kitchens, and living rooms.

    Versatile

    Versatility is another big plus for laminate flooring. It comes in many styles, colours, and patterns, so whether you want your floor to look like wood, stone, or tile, you can find a laminate that matches your style or your home’s aesthetic.

    It’s also versatile in that it can be installed. Laminate can be laid over almost any subfloor, including concrete, plywood, and existing flooring like vinyl or tile. This flexibility makes it suitable for use in any house room, from the living room to the bedroom and even in kitchens and bathrooms.

    Easy to install and maintain

    Most laminate comes with a click-lock or tongue-and-groove system, making it a simple DIY project or an easy task for professionals. You can lay laminate planks over various types of subfloors without needing messy adhesives or specialised tools, saving both time and money on installation costs.

    Once installed, laminate flooring requires minimal upkeep to keep it looking great. Unlike hardwood floors that may need refinishing or sealing, laminate only needs regular sweeping to remove dust and debris. For a more thorough cleaning and polishing, a damp mop with a gentle cleaner is usually enough to bring back its shine.

    Environmentally friendly

    Laminate flooring is a top choice for eco-conscious homeowners because it’s kind to the environment in more ways than one. Many laminate options are crafted from sustainable materials, meaning they’re sourced responsibly to minimise environmental harm.

    Additionally, when it’s time to replace your laminate flooring, you can rest easy knowing that many types are recyclable, reducing waste sent to landfills.

    Factors impacting the cost of laminate flooring

    Laminate type

    Flooring material like wood, stone, or tile can be designed, laminated and cut into planks for a great look. Wood laminate flooring cost per m2 can range from $25 to $80, and the installation cost of engineered timber flooring is $30 to $40 per square metre.

    Hardwood flooring has different quality levels, and $40 to $100 per square metre is the average price for good to high-quality laminate wood flooring. Waterproof laminate floorboards will be more expensive because the process involves adding water-resistant sealant on the top layer for damp areas with standing water. Some companies advertise waterproof laminate flooring but recommend that spills be cleaned up quickly.

    Finally, Parador laminate flooring is a high-quality product with unique design features such as textured finishes, which can contribute to a higher material cost. Parador laminate floors often require specialised installation techniques, like intricate cutting and fitting around corners and edges, resulting in additional labour costs. Expect to pay $30 to $60 per square metre.

    Laminate texture

    Texture refers to how the material feels under your feet. Laminate flooring with a satin finish will feel smooth and is easy to maintain. There will be no rough texture under your feet. Hand-scraped or traditional laminate wood flooring or planks have a realistic look and a slightly rough feel.

    Project size

    The amount of floor space will impact the cost to lay laminate flooring. If more than one room has the same laminate flooring installed, things like door frames and uneven edges will be taken into account. A higher price per square metre can be estimated due to extra measuring, cutting and fitting.

    Design complexity

    Some laminate floors have impressive designs, such as in a foyer. An installer with artistic abilities must design and create such a design. Expect to pay more than $100 per square metre for such specialties.

    Removal cost of laminate flooring

    Removing existing flooring to add new laminate can result in more fees. The cost to remove laminate flooring will depend on the time it takes. You should expect an installer to take 1 to 3 days for this job. The laminate flooring labour cost will then be based on the complexity of the project and any design work required. Expect to pay $75 per square metre to remove and replace laminate flooring.

    Tips for hiring a laminate flooring installer

    Man installing new laminated wooden floor

    While the cost of laminate flooring installation may seem relatively consistent across different providers, homeowners should know that not all installers are the same skill-wise. Even though the price may be similar, the quality of workmanship, attention to detail, and overall professionalism can vary significantly from one installer to another. 

    Therefore, if homeowners hire a professional installer instead of doing it themselves, it’s crucial to research and select a reputable and experienced installer.

    Check for their licensing and qualifications

    Before you settle with an installer, ask about their licence and qualifications. A good option is one with the relevant certifications or training needed for laminate flooring installation. This means they can complete the job with the highest standards possible.

    Ask for their portfolio or past works

    Asking for a portfolio of past work, complete with pictures, allows you to assess the quality of the installer’s craftsmanship and the range of projects they’ve undertaken. This gives you confidence in their abilities and helps you visualise how your own project will turn out.

    Clarify what’s included in the quote

    Once you’ve secured your installer, it’s important to ask them whether the removal of existing flooring materials is included in the installation quote. Some installers may charge extra for this service, so confirming upfront can prevent unexpected costs down the line.

    Provide detailed and accurate room measurements

    Give your installer accurate room measurements they’ll be working with, and also provide information unique to your home. For example, mention any structural defects or irregularities so your installer can plan accordingly and provide a more accurate laminate floor quote. Doing this at the beginning can also reduce the chance of surprises throughout the project. 

    Understand the industry pricing structure

    Inquire about how the pricing is calculated—whether it’s based on an hourly rate or per square metre. Understanding the pricing structure allows you to compare quotes more effectively and ensures transparency in the billing process.

    Confirm debris disposal

    Enquire whether debris disposal, such as removing old flooring and packaging, is included in the laminate flooring installation cost. Some installers offer this service, while others may charge extra. Knowing if the installer handles debris removal can save you the hassle of organising disposal yourself.

    Verify their liability insurance

    Check if your laminate installer has liability insurance to protect both parties in case of accidents or damages during installation. Ensuring that the installer is adequately insured mitigates the risk of financial liabilities and potential legal complications.

     

    Laminate flooring, your budget-friendly option

    Laminate flooring is an affordable and practical way to transform the look and feel of any space. With its wide range of styles and designs, including realistic wood, stone and tile patterns, laminate offers versatility without compromising quality.

    However, when considering laminate flooring, it is crucial to assess your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. Seeking professional flooring installers for accurate cost estimates and installation advice ensures a seamless transition to beautiful, budget-friendly floors that perfectly complement your home.

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    FAQs on laminate flooring

    How much does laminate flooring cost with 1,000 sq ft of space?

    In Australia, the cost of laminating 1,000 square feet of flooring can vary based on factors such as quality, brand and installation costs. Material prices can range from $30 to up to $250 per square metre and installation costs can vary considerably. 

    What is the downside to laminate flooring?

    While laminate flooring presents a cost-effective and versatile option for homeowners, it has some drawbacks. Its susceptibility to moisture damage, limited repair options, the potential for hollow sound underfoot, and lack of environmental friendliness due to VOC emissions may deter some buyers. 

    Additionally, its shorter lifespan than hardwood or tile flooring may require more frequent replacement.

    Can I lay laminate over floorboards?

    Yes, you can lay laminate flooring over floorboards, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure the floorboards are in good condition, flat and level. Any imperfections or damage to the floorboards can impact the stability and appearance of the laminate flooring.

    Secondly, it’s recommended that a moisture barrier or underlayment be installed between the laminate floorboards and the flooring. This helps prevent moisture from the subfloor from reaching the laminate planks, which can cause damage over time.

    Real Oneflare Customer Quotes

    Adriana's Flooring Job

    Location PinMelbourne CBD, VIC
    Job type

    Laminate installation

    Brand

    Wood Effects

    Amount of planks

    35m2

    $1000inc. gst

    Quoted by Tommy Hawkins Flooring

    Jacob's Flooring Job

    Location PinNorth West Perth, WA
    Job type

    Laminate installation

    Rooms

    Bedroom and walk-in-robe

    Amount of planks

    17m2

    $460inc. gst

    Quoted by Alpha Flooring Perth

    Ash's Flooring Job

    Location PinParramata, NSW
    Job type

    Carpet removal and laminate installation

    Laminate type

    Vinyl hybrid

    Other

    Dispose of carpet

    $55inc. gst

    Quoted by The Flooring Guys Pty Ltd

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