How much does new flooring cost in Australia?

Tile, carpet, solid wood, laminate, and even luxury vinyl tiles (LVT); with so many options it can be hard to decide which ones to go with when you’re renovating your home. Deciding on the look you want to achieve and establishing your budget will help narrow down your choices and simplify the selection process. In this article, we've broken down the costs associated with some popular flooring materials to give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend.
Please note, although the information provided in this article is as accurate as possible, it is important to be aware that COVID-19 has contributed to supply chain disruptions and, in some instances, limited availability of stock. Current inflation is also causing price increases.  

Flooring Considerations

There are many variables to consider when estimating the cost of new flooring. Are your subfloors in good condition? Will the area need to be levelled before installing the new flooring? How about waterproofing? 
Below we’ve looked at the cost of a range of different flooring materials, but these figures represent materials only and don’t include any additional costs, such as installation. However, they will still act as a helpful guide for determining your overall budget. To further assist your budgeting efforts, we’ve supplied costs in three different ranges: basic, mid-range, and high-end. 
For a more accurate estimate, get in touch with your local Refresh Renovation Consultant who can provide you with detailed information, at current prices, for your specific project.  

Installation

Before getting into materials, let’s discuss installation. This is an additional cost and will vary between flooring installers. Our Renovation Consultants have their own networks of industry professionals and will know exactly who to call to get the job done well. Flooring installations can cost anywhere from $6,500 to upwards of $15,000*. 

Tile

Tile flooring is often used in wet areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Therefore, waterproofing is essential and must be undertaken by a certified waterproofer. Many tilers are qualified to do this work. 
If you plan to install tile over existing wooden floors, an underlay will be necessary so the tiles will have an inflexible foundation to adhere to. This process involves fastening a substrate material, such as fibre-cement, with glue and screws to the existing wood flooring and incurs an additional cost. When selecting your tiles, remember that complicated spaces and intricate installation patterns will also drive up the cost. So, if you’re keen on tile flooring but want to be budget-conscious, opt for a simple pattern. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay for materials:

Basic Tile Flooring: $1,300*
Mid-range Tile Flooring: $4,550* 
High-end Tile Flooring: $7,800+* 

Carpet

Carpet is king when it comes to creating a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, and there’s plenty to choose from. The two main materials are: synthetic and natural fibres. Refresh Porirua’s Jeff Clark says: “Synthetic based carpet is more cost-effective pound for pound than wool. That said, if you like things natural then there's only one choice and wool wins.”
Apart from textile selection, an often overlooked aspect that contributes heavily to the comfort factor is what’s under the carpet. For that warm plush feeling, Jeff suggests investing in a high-grade underlay: “If you really want to have that lovely underfoot quality feeling then you're much better off spending your money on a good quality underlay.”
Loop pile, cut pile, wool, nylon, specialist European import, and a range of colours — with so much to choose from, there’s a carpet selection available for every budget.  

Here’s what you can expect to pay for materials:

Basic Carpet Flooring: $1,560*
Mid-range Carpet Flooring: $2,665*
High-end Carpet Flooring: $3,788+*

Laminate and LVT

Laminate and LVT have come a long way since your grandparents’ flooring. They’re excellent options that can give you a high-end look with a budget-friendly price tag. However, there are limitations to where laminate can be used. With a wood-cased core, most laminates are susceptible to water damage. 
LVT on the other hand is made from waterproof material and, when applied with the click-lock technique, is ideal for high-traffic and wet areas. Both laminate and LVT are great selections for the budget-conscious renovator.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for materials:

Basic Laminate and LVT Flooring: $780*
Mid-range Laminate and LVT Flooring: $2,080*
High-end Laminate and LVT Flooring: $3,614+*

Solid Timber Floors

With so many flooring possibilities, you can’t forget about the timeless favourite: solid timber. It’s eye-catching and often looks better with a bit of wear. Although a timber floor is one of the more costly floor options, its durability makes the initial investment worthwhile.
There are engineered alternatives to solid timber that look just as beautiful at a fraction of the cost. But, if you can afford it, there’s really no replacement for the real thing.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for materials:

Basic Solid Timber Flooring: $4,316* 
Mid-range Solid Timber Flooring: $8,658*
High-end Solid Timber Flooring: $13,000+*

Looking for flooring inspiration? Check out what flooring styles our past customers opted for.

Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your project

If you would like to discuss options and ideas for renovation project, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.

*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist. All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.

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