Are you wondering how much laminate flooring costs? This comprehensive guide covers laminate flooring prices from materials to installation. You’ll discover exactly what affects costs across different quality tiers (budget, mid-range, and premium), installation options, and the additional expenses many homeowners overlook.
With practical advice and real pricing examples from recent projects, this guide helps you understand the cost of laminate flooring from materials alone to complete installed solutions. Whether renovating on a budget or seeking premium options, you’ll find the information you need to plan and budget effectively.
Laminate Flooring Overview
Before discussing costs, let’s briefly describe laminate flooring. It was first introduced as a method of reusing timber waste for eco-friendly purposes. It’s a synthetic product that simulates the look of natural materials (primarily timber) through a photographic layer sealed beneath a protective wear layer.
When you examine a cross-section of laminate flooring, you’ll find a clever four-layer construction:
- Wear Layer – The topmost transparent layer made of melamine and aluminium oxide that protects against scratches, stains, fading and daily wear.
- Design Layer – The photographic layer that gives laminate its timber-like appearance.
- Core Layer – The backbone of laminate flooring, typically made from High-Density Fibreboard (HDF).
- Backing Layer – The bottom moisture-resistant layer that protects the core from humidity from below.
This construction method allows fake wood flooring to outperform natural wood in several ways, from scratch resistance to stability in changing temperatures, while maintaining that attractive timber aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.
This article covers all the pros and cons of Laminate flooring, including anatomy and innovations.
Laminate Flooring Cost: Material Prices Per m2
Quality Tiers and Price Ranges
When it comes to fake wood flooring, you genuinely get what you pay for. I’ve categorised laminate wood flooring cost into three distinct quality tiers to help you understand what your money buys:
Budget Range ($25-30/m²)
These entry-level laminates offer the basics:
- Simpler locking systems that may not be as robust
- Thinner wear layers (typically AC3)
- More basic visual designs with less realistic timber appearances
- Shorter warranties (usually 5-10 years)
- Typically, 7 or 8mm thick planks
- Usually, AC3 is rated for residential use
These products are perfectly suitable for rental properties, low-traffic areas like guest bedrooms, or if you plan to renovate again within 5-7 years. Plenty of budget laminates fit their purpose with happy customers who have performed admirably in the correct settings, but don’t expect premium performance or aesthetics. Be realistic about what you pay for.
Mid-Range ($30-45/m²)
This is what I call the “sweet spot” for most family homes:
- Good quality wear resistance (0.3-0.4mm melamine wear layers)
- More realistic wood-look visuals with better detail
- Improved moisture resistance (often with 24-48 hour water resistance)
- More reliable locking systems
- 15-20 year warranties
- Usually 8 to 12mm thick planks
- Typically AC3 or AC4 rated for medium to heavy residential use
This tier offers most Australian homes the best balance of performance and value. You’ll get a floor that can handle the realities of family life without breaking the bank. When clients ask me what I’d put in my own home, this is typically where I point them.
Premium ($45-70/m²)
At the top end, you’ll find laminate flooring prices approaching engineered timber costs, but with distinct advantages:
- Superior construction and stability
- Ultra-realistic finishes with registered embossing (where the texture perfectly matches the grain pattern)
- Thicker wear layers (0.5 mm+ melamine wear layer)
- Enhanced water resistance technology (72 hours or greater water resistance in most cases)
- Extended warranties of 25+ years
- Premium 8 to 12mm thick planks
- AC4 or AC5 commercial-grade abrasion ratings
While premium laminate flooring costs more upfront, it often delivers better long-term value through increased durability and startlingly convincing aesthetics. I’ve had clients struggle to tell the difference between these products and engineered timber floors, which cost twice as much.
What Influences Laminate Pricing
Beyond the quality tier, several factors affect laminate flooring cost:
Abrasion Class (AC) Ratings
This standardised measure indicates a laminate floor’s durability and resistance to wear:
- AC1 – Not recommended in any area due to minimal durability
- AC2 – Only advisable in low-traffic areas like bedrooms
- AC3 – Suitable for all residential areas with moderate traffic. This is the minimum I recommend for family homes.
- AC4 – Suitable for residential areas with heavy traffic and light commercial use. Ideal for busy households with kids, pets, or frequent entertaining.
- AC5 – Suitable for most commercial areas, including shopping centres
- AC6 – Suitable for all areas, including airports and train stations with extremely high traffic
Most residential installations use AC3 or AC4 rated products, costing between $50 and $ 60 per square metre fully installed. At the upper end, AC5 and AC6 options can cost up to $105 per square metre.
The jump from AC3 to AC4 typically adds $5-10/m² to the cost but provides significantly better wear resistance, making it a worthwhile investment for main living room areas.
Water Resistance Capabilities
Modern laminates now specify their water resistance in hours, indicating how long the floor can withstand water exposure before damage occurs:
- Standard laminate: Minimal water resistance (30 minutes to a few hours)
- Water-resistant laminate: 24-48 hours of protection
- Enhanced water-resistant laminate: Up to 72+ hours of protection
Each step in water resistance typically adds $5-8/m² to the base price but provides valuable peace of mind, especially in kitchens or homes with young children or pets.
Be sure to explore our best waterproof flooring options.
Plank Thickness
Plank thickness does not generally affect the price of the flooring too much. A thicker plank is heavier and will sit better on the floor.
However, there are cheaper products, 12mm thick, but higher-end products such as Quick-Step Impressive, 8mm thick, and Quick-Step Majestic, 9.5mm thick. This is due to the quality and density of the core’s composition, as opposed to its thickness alone.
Other Pricing Factors
- Plank size: Oversized planks or unusual formats (like herringbone) typically command premium prices
- Surface finish: Specialised finishes like hand-scraped or matte textures often increase cost
- Brand reputation: Established brands with proven reliability often cost more than newer market entrants
- Technology features: Enhanced locking systems and integrated underlay all add to the price
- Origin of production: European-made laminate (from Belgium or Germany) is typically more expensive than Chinese-manufactured products.
In my experience, wear layer thickness, AC rating, and core composition quality are the best indicators of quality and longevity. I tell clients not to compromise in these areas if the budget allows it.
Laminate vs. Alternative Flooring Options: Cost Comparison
When considering laminate flooring, it’s helpful to understand how it compares financially to other popular flooring options:
Laminate vs. Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring is essentially an alternative to laminate, combining the best features of laminate and vinyl flooring:
- Cost difference: Although costs vary, a better laminate costs $5-10 more per m than a better Hybrid Floor.
- Key advantage: 100% waterproof option with hybrid (not just water-resistant)
- Best for: Bathrooms, laundries, and areas where water exposure is frequent
While hybrid flooring commands a higher price in the lower and middle positions, its complete waterproofing may justify the additional cost in wet areas, potentially saving money on future repairs or replacements. Laminate, however, has far greater scratch, stain and burn resistance.
Laminate vs. Engineered Timber
Engineered timber features a genuine hardwood veneer over a stabilised core:
- Cost difference: Engineered timber typically costs $30-60/m² more than premium laminate ($70-120/m² total)
- Key advantage: Authentic real timber surface that can potentially be refinished multiple times
- Lifespan difference: Timber Flooring can have an indefinite lifespan due to its ability to be refinished, vs 10-25 years for laminate
The significant price jump to engineered timber offers authenticity and a potentially longer lifespan, but modern premium laminates have narrowed the aesthetic gap considerably.
Laminate vs. Vinyl Plank
Vinyl plank flooring is another popular synthetic option:
- Cost comparison: Roughly equivalent at entry-level ($20-30/m²), but premium laminate can exceed premium Vinyl costs
- Key differences: Vinyl is fully waterproof.
- Installation cost: Generally similar, though vinyl will usually be slightly less expensive to install
Each of these alternatives has its place, but laminate offers an impressive balance of aesthetics, performance, and value, making it the perfect choice for many Australian homes.
How Much Does It Cost To Lay Laminate Flooring?
DIY vs. Professional Installation
For many homeowners, installing laminate flooring is a significant part of the budget. Here’s how the numbers break down:
DIY Installation Costs
If you’re handy and confident, DIY installation requires:
- Underlay: $3-10/m²
- Moisture barrier (if needed): $1-2/m²
- Scotia/beading: $3-6 per linear metre
- Tools: If you don’t already own them, budget $100-200 for basics (saw, mallet, spacers, pull bar)
- Your time: Typically 1-2 days for an average room with basic DIY skills
Total potential savings: Approximately $20-40/m² compared to professional installation
Professional Installation Costs
The laminate flooring installation cost currently runs:
- Labour costs: $25-45/m² in most Australian markets (with Sydney statistics showing $30-35/m² for standard installations in 2025)
- Subfloor preparation: May add $15-25/m² if substantial levelling is required
- Removal and disposal of existing flooring: $10-20/m² depending on the type
- Skirting removal/replacement or scotia installation: $5-10 per linear metre
- Additional costs for complex designs: Parquetry layouts or other special patterns will increase installation costs
Knowing your capabilities is essential when embarking on a DIY installation. Choosing to save money on installation if you are not a handy person can be a very expensive exercise! However, I have seen plenty of great DIY installations that have been better than some (certainly not most) professional installers.
It may be worth it to be patient and have good handyman knowledge. However, if you are unsure which hammer end to use, it is probably best to engage a professional.
DIY Preparation to Reduce Costs
If you’re looking to save on installation costs without doing the entire installation yourself, consider these preparation steps you can handle:
- Removing old carpet and underlay (saving $4-10/m²)
- Moving and storing furniture
- Taking up skirting boards (if they need to be removed)
- Clearing the work area completely
- Basic subfloor cleaning (though leave levelling to professionals)
You can save $5-20/m² on installation costs by handling these preparation tasks yourself. Some installers may offer a discount if you lay laminate over existing flooring rather than removing it. In general, if the old flooring is floated, it must be removed, but if it is fixed, you are generally good to lay over top. There are exceptions, though.
To avoid confusion, always discuss with your installer exactly what preparation they expect to be done and what’s included in their quote.
What’s Included in Installation Quotes
When comparing quotes, ensure you’re comparing apples with apples by checking if they include:
- Subfloor preparation: Some quotes look cheaper but exclude crucial levelling work
- Underlay: Quality underlay is essential and should be specified by brand and type. Moisture barriers: Critical in ground-floor installations
- Transition strips: Required between rooms or different flooring types
- Skirting boards: Will they be removed and replaced, or is scotia being used?
- Furniture moving: Some installers charge extra for this service
- Old flooring removal: Often quoted separately
I always recommend getting detailed written quotes that specify exactly what’s included. Laying laminate flooring costs can vary dramatically between quotes that seem similar at first glance.
Regional Price Variations
Installation costs vary significantly across Australia:
- Major cities typically run 10-15% higher than regional areas
- Sydney and Melbourne generally have the highest installation rates
- Remote locations may incur travel charges
- Local demand can significantly impact prices; areas with construction booms often see higher rates
If you’re in a higher-cost area, the DIY approach becomes more financially attractive, but the quality considerations remain the same.
Additional Budget Considerations
Removal Cost of Existing Flooring
If you’re replacing existing flooring, factor in these removal and disposal costs:
- Carpet removal and disposal: $5-10/m²
- Vinyl removal: $10-15/m²
- Ceramic tile removal: $20-35/m² (considerably more if the tiles were well-adhered)
- Timber floor removal: $15-25/m²
- Laminate floor removal: $5-15/m²
Environmental disposal fees increase annually, making this an increasingly significant cost component. Some installers may offer discounts if you handle the removal and disposal yourself.
Underlayment Requirements
Underlayment is not an area to cut corners.
A good underlay provides:
- Noise reduction (especially important in multi-level homes)
- Increased comfort underfoot
- Moisture protection (with integrated vapour barrier)
Budget products ($2-5/m²) provide basic cushioning, while premium acoustic underlays ($7-12/m²) deliver significantly better sound dampening and comfort. Always use an integrated moisture barrier underlay or add a separate vapour barrier for concrete slabs.
Trims and Transitions
These finishing details are often overlooked in initial budgeting but can add up quickly:
- End profiles for flooring that meets carpeted areas: $10-15 per linear metre
- Threshold transitions between rooms: $10-20 per linear metre
- Stair nosing (if applicable): $50+ per step
- Scotia or beading if keeping existing skirting: $3-7 per linear metre
- Door bars and other accessories: $5-20 per piece, depending on material and design
For an average 3-bedroom home, these finishing pieces can easily add $300-500 to the overall project cost. While it might be tempting to cut corners, quality transitions and trims are essential for a polished, professional-looking finish and proper protection of your floor edges.
Insider Shopping Tips
After years in this industry, I’ve learned a few insider tricks for finding the best value laminate:
Consider Last Year’s Trends
That “must-have” timber look from 18 months ago is often heavily discounted once new trends emerge. Unless you’re set on the latest design, you can save substantially by choosing a recently superseded style.
Buy During Clearance Periods
End of financial year (June) and pre-Christmas periods often see significant discounting as retailers aim to clear stock and meet annual targets. I’ve seen premium laminates discounted by up to 25% during these periods.
Research and Compare Multiple Suppliers
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Different suppliers may have significantly different pricing for similar products. I’ve seen price variations of up to 20% between retailers for the same laminate flooring. Take the time to research other brands, styles, and suppliers to find the best deals available. Remember, however, that with premium Brands, you are also paying for after-sales service, which may not exist with lesser-known brands.
Request Bulk Discounts
If asked, many suppliers will offer per-square-metre discounts for larger areas (80m²+). Don’t be shy, simply asking “Is there any room to move on the price for this quantity?” can save hundreds on a whole-house installation.
Check Warranty Details
Sometimes, two similarly priced products have vastly different warranty coverages. This often indicates fundamental differences in quality and manufacturer confidence. A longer, more comprehensive warranty typically signals a better-made product.
Accurate Measurement: The Foundation of Good Budgeting
Before finalising your budget, measuring the floor space where laminate flooring will be installed accurately is essential. This seems obvious, but I’ve seen countless customers make costly mistakes by:
- Failing to account for irregularly shaped rooms
- Not allowing for wastage (typically 5-10% depending on layout complexity)
- Overlooking areas like wardrobes or under fixed cabinetry
For a proper measurement:
- Divide complex rooms into simple rectangles and add their measurements together
- Add 5% for simple rectangular rooms and 10% for complex layouts and smaller areas
- Measure each room twice to verify dimensions
This extra care at the measuring stage can prevent expensive over-ordering or the frustration of running short during installation.
Laminate Flooring Cost Per m2: Total Project Examples
To give you a clearer picture of the price of laminate flooring for a complete project, here are some real-world examples based on recent projects:
Budget Scenario: 70m² Home
Product: Airstep Keeta Laminate
- Budget laminate flooring prices: $27.90/m² × 70m² = $2023
- Basic underlay: $3/m² × 70m² = $210
- DIY installation with existing tools = $0
- Scotia for finishing: $5/m × 50m = $250
Total approximate cost: $2,413 ($34.47/m²)
Mid-Range Scenario: 70m² Home
Product: Airstep Eucalyptus Steps XL Laminate Flooring
- Mid-range laminate flooring cost: $40.95/m² × 70m² = $2,866.5
- Quality underlay with moisture barrier: $7/m² × 70m² = $490
- Professional installation: $35/m² × 70m² = $2,450
- Removal of old carpet: $7/m² × 70m² = $490
- Transitions and trims: $400
Total approximate cost: $6,669.50 ($95.66/m²)
Premium Scenario: 70m² Home
Product: Eclipse Aqua Schild Laminate Flooring
- Premium laminate flooring cost per m2: $62.95/m² × 70m² = $4406.5
- Premium acoustic underlay: No cost as it is integrated into the product!
- Professional installation with comprehensive subfloor prep: $45/m² × 70m² = $3,150
- Custom transitions and new skirting boards: $700
Total approximate cost: $8256.50 ($117.95/m²)
These examples demonstrate how the different quality tiers and installation options affect the total laminate flooring cost for an average Australian home.
Planning for Contingencies
In my experience, setting aside a contingency budget of approximately 10-15% for unexpected expenses is wise.
These might include:
- Subfloor preparation issues that only become apparent once existing flooring is removed
- Additional moisture barriers for areas with unexpected dampness
- Replacement of damaged skirting boards discovered during installation
- Additional transition pieces for level changes not initially identified
This buffer ensures your project doesn’t stall midway due to budget constraints when unexpected issues arise.
Conclusion on The Cost of Laminate Flooring
To sum up, laminate flooring is a very cost-effective option for consumers who are looking to bring a timber-look and feel flooring to their home without breaking the bank. These planks are a low-maintenance, technologically advanced solution, with laminate flooring prices generally ranging from $40 to $95 per square metre fully installed.
Understanding the cost of laminate flooring involves more than just the price per square metre of the planks themselves. When budgeting for your project, consider the full picture: material quality, installation method, underlay, removal and disposal of existing flooring, and finishing details.
While laminate remains one of the best affordable and cheap flooring options, you can maximise value and performance with proper planning and product selection. The good news is that even premium laminate typically costs less than mid-range engineered timber or solid hardwood, while offering excellent durability and increasingly convincing timber aesthetics.
Whatever your budget, laminate flooring will likely work for your home. The key is making informed choices about where to invest and where to save without compromising quality where it matters most.
