How much does flooring cost per m² in Australia?

What affects the cost of flooring per m²?

The price you pay per square metre depends on the product type, brand, plank thickness, surface finish and the quantity you need. At Wholesale Floors Australia, all products are sold by the full box at online wholesale prices, so the more area you cover, the better value each box becomes. Use the box calculator on any product page — it accounts for a standard waste allowance and rounds up to the nearest whole box so you don't under-order.

Beyond the product itself, your total cost is shaped by underlay choice, the number of doorways and edges needing trims, how far the goods need to travel, and whether you're laying the floor yourself or hiring a trades person. Running through each of these before you budget will prevent surprises at checkout or on installation day.

Supply costs by floor type

Vinyl plank is the most affordable entry point, starting from $20.50/m² — a popular choice for rental properties, laundries and high-traffic areas thanks to its waterproof core. Laminate begins at $24.50/m² and suits dry living areas and bedrooms where a timber look is wanted at a lower price. Hybrid flooring from $26.50/m² combines a rigid core with a waterproof construction, making it one of the most versatile options for open-plan homes.

Engineered oak timber starts from $60.50/m² and delivers the warmth and authenticity of real timber with greater stability than solid hardwood. Porcelain tiles start from $20.50/m² and are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and alfresco areas. Wholesale Floors Australia stocks 800+ products across brands including Clever Choice, Preference Floors, Quick-Step, AST Timbers and Kaiming Tiles, so there are options at every price point.

Underlay, trims and accessories — don't forget these

Underlay is required under most floating floors (laminate, hybrid, engineered timber) to cushion the floor, reduce noise and manage minor subfloor irregularities. Budget roughly $3–$12/m² depending on the thickness and acoustic rating you choose. Some hybrid and laminate products come with underlay pre-attached, so check the product page before buying a separate roll.

Trims and accessories are easy to overlook but add up quickly. Door trims (reducers, end caps, T-bars) typically cost $5–$15 per piece. Scotia beading runs along skirting board joins. For tile installations, allow for tile adhesive, grout and potentially self-levelling compound if your subfloor isn't flat. All of these accessories are available at Wholesale Floors Australia — add them to your cart at the same time to consolidate freight costs.

Freight costs and how delivery works

Wholesale Floors Australia calculates freight live at checkout based on the actual weight of your order. The minimum delivered charge is $97.14 (incl. fuel levy and GST). As a rough guide, around 30 m² of hybrid flooring (approximately 380 kg) costs about $197 delivered. Sydney Metro and Newcastle orders typically arrive in 1–3 business days; Hunter Region and Central Coast 2–4 business days; Southern Highlands and Illawarra 2–4 business days; and interstate orders 4–7 business days.

If you're in the greater Parramatta or Merrylands area, free click-and-collect is available from the depot at 24-27 Crescent Street, Holroyd NSW 2142, Monday to Friday 8am–4pm. Orders are usually ready within about 24 hours. To keep freight costs down, order everything you need — flooring, underlay and accessories — in a single order rather than multiple smaller shipments.

Professional installation costs — what to expect

Wholesale Floors Australia is a supply-only business, so installation is arranged separately with a flooring installer of your choice. As a general market guide, floating floor installation (hybrid, laminate, vinyl plank) typically costs $25–$45/m² depending on your location, subfloor condition and room complexity. Engineered timber installation, which may involve secret nailing or glue-down methods, generally runs $35–$60/m². Tile installation is labour-intensive and commonly quoted at $45–$80/m² or more for large-format or pattern work.

Always get at least two or three quotes from local installers and ask specifically about subfloor preparation costs, as levelling or moisture-proofing a subfloor can add significantly to the bill. Installers will often quote per m² for straightforward rectangular rooms, but charge more for complex layouts, stairs or existing floor removal. Getting your supply cost locked in first with WFA means you can give installers an accurate material spec and get more precise labour quotes.

Common questions