If you’re wondering what vinyl flooring costs in Australia right now, here’s the short answer: expect to pay between $45–$75 per square metre fully installed, with budget options from around $35/sqm and top-end projects hitting $100+/sqm.
That’s for both supply and install, and it’s what makes vinyl such a popular all-rounder. It looks great, it’s easy to clean, and it handles moisture well. But there’s a catch.
The real cost of vinyl flooring isn’t just what you see on the product tag. Subfloor preparation, underlay, installation method, travel charges, and more can significantly impact your budget or save you a fortune.
I’ve seen it all over the years: cheap installs that ended up costing more long-term, and clever jobs that nailed the value-for-money sweet spot. In this guide, I break down the process of purchasing and installing vinyl flooring clearly.
Let’s get into it.
Supply and Install of Vinyl at a Glance
Here’s what to know about vinyl flooring costs in Australia:
- Average installed cost: $32–$75 per m²
- Material only: $16–$67 per m²
- Installation labour: $22–$35 per m²
- Extra costs: Subfloor prep, underlay, trims, removal – $5–$100+ per m²
- Budget tier (rental grade): From $45/m² fully installed
- Mid-range (family homes): $45–$65/m² fully installed
- Premium/commercial: $70–$100+/m² fully installed
- WA typically costs more due to freight and logistics
- Vinyl beats laminate, carpet, and tile in terms of waterproofing and maintenance
- Lifespan: 10–25 years, depending on quality and use
Vinyl Flooring Cost Breakdown (By Quality Level)
| Quality Tier | Total Cost (Installed) | Material Cost | Install Cost | Best For | Typical Thickness | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $25–$55 per m² | $16–$25 per m² | $20–$30 per m² | Rentals, low-traffic, short-term | 2–3mm | 5–10 years (residential) |
| Mid-Range | $55–$80 per m² | $30–$45 per m² | $25–$35 per m² | Family homes, everyday traffic | 3–5mm | 10–15 years (residential) |
| Premium | $85–$100+ per m² | $50–$67 per m² | $35–$52 per m² | High-traffic, luxury/commercial | 4–5mm | 15–25 years |
Note: Vinyl plank flooring sits at the higher end of artificial product prices due to more realistic wood textures and tougher wear layers.
What Drives the Material Cost Up?
- Thickness: 2–3mm (budget), 3–4.5mm (mid-range), 4–5mm (commercial)
- Wear Layer Quality: 0.3mm (light use), 0.5mm (standard), 0.7–1.0mm+ (commercial)
- Design Quality: Photorealistic timber/tile look & registered embossing push price up
- Brand Premium: Known brands = better support & warranty. Budget brands = upfront savings
Vinyl Flooring Installation Costs in Australia
Labour makes up about 30–40% of your total vinyl flooring spend.
Here’s what affects that number:
Average Labour Cost by Area (Per m²)
| Region | Install Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Areas | $25–$35 | A competitive market keeps prices reasonable |
| Regional Areas | $25–$45 | Fewer installers = less choice, not always cheaper |
| Remote Jobs | $35–$65 | Travel, freight, and limited access jack up the price |
| Hourly Work (small/complex jobs) | $30–$60/hr | Quoted where sqm rates aren’t practical |
Installation Methods – What You’re Paying For
Glue-Down Vinyl
- Labour: $30–$45/m²
- Adhesive: Add $3–$8/m²
- Why Choose It? Long-lasting, commercial strength, doesn’t budge
- Downside? Needs prep and a skilled installer
Floating Click-Lock Vinyl
This installation method is no longer recommended or commonly used in Australia for vinyl plank or tile products. Industry standards have moved away from click-lock vinyl due to performance limitations, particularly in our climate and with subfloor variations.
Loose-Lay Vinyl
Loose-lay vinyl is used only in select applications, typically where the room is small, rectangular, and low-traffic, such as powder rooms or small offices.
- Labour Cost: $20–$35/m²
- Benefits: Quickest installation, no adhesives or locking mechanisms required
- Limitations: Not suitable for larger or high-traffic areas; product selection is limited
Extra Costs That Catch People Out
1. Subfloor Prep
This is the one that bites hardest if you skip it.
| Issue | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Minor levelling | $5–$30/m² | Quick fixes with compound or ply overlay |
| Major levelling | $20–$80/m² | Deep dips, slopes, rough concrete or flood coating |
| Structural repairs | $60–$120/m² | Joist rot, slab cracks, or termite damage |
“The slab has more dips than a BMX track”—you’ll regret skipping levelling.
2. Moisture Protection
- Moisture Barrier: $3–$8/m² – A must on ground floors or over concrete
- Waterproof Membrane: $8–$15/m² – For bathrooms, laundries, or basements
- Ventilation Fixes: $200–$800/room – For high humidity zones
3. Removal & Disposal
| Floor Type | Removal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | $3–$8/m² | Cheapest to remove, adhesive residue adds |
| Tiles and directly stuck timber | $30–$80/m² | Hard yakka—special tools and floor grinding needed |
| Floating Floors | $10–$15/m² | Time-consuming, may damage the subfloor |
| Disposal Fees | $2–$5/m² | Charged by volume/weight, varies by council |
Underlay & Finishing Materials – Where You Can Save Smart
Vinyl flooring is one of the few options where you might not need much in the way of underlay or trims, and that can mean significant savings if you know what to skip.
Underlay? Most vinyl plank and tile floors go straight onto the slab; no foam underlay needed. Unless you’re using a rigid board (like Masonite) or need to deal with sound transfer or cold floors, you can likely skip it.
Skirting & Scotia? Not essential. Vinyl can often be installed right up to existing skirting, so you don’t need to remove or replace trim, unless it’s damaged or you want a fresh look.
Savings Snapshot
| Item | Typical Cost | Can You Skip It? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Underlay | $2–$5/m² | Usually not needed for LVT or glue-down vinyl |
| Acoustic Underlay | $5–$12/m² | Only for upstairs/apartments if required by strata |
| Thermal Underlay | $4–$10/m² | Optional for cold climates or slab-on-ground |
| Transition Strips | $15–$40/linear metre | Needed only between vinyl and other floor types |
| Skirting / Scotia | $8–$25/linear metre | Often avoidable; install flush to the existing skirting |
Hidden Costs At-A-Glance
| Cost Category | Typical Price Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Subfloor Levelling | $15–$80 per m² | Fixes uneven slabs or timber – can’t lay without it |
| Structural Repairs | $60–$120 per m² | Joists, rot, or moisture damage = major $$$ |
| Moisture Barriers | $3–$8 per m² | Essential on concrete slabs or humid zones |
| Waterproof Membranes | $8–$15 per m² | Bathrooms, laundries, or basements |
| Ventilation Fixes | $200–$800 per room | Poor airflow = mould risk under vinyl |
| Flooring Removal | $3–$80 per m² | Depends on what’s down already – tiles are hardest |
| Disposal Fees | $2–$5 per m² | Waste removal isn’t always included |
| Underlay (Basic) | $2–$5 per m² | Cushioning, noise, and moisture control |
| Underlay (Acoustic) | $5–$12 per m² | Great for apartments or upstairs |
| Transition Strips | $15–$40 / lin.m | Joins vinyl to tile, carpet, etc. |
| Skirting / Scotia | $8–$25 / lin.m | Hides gaps and finishes edges cleanly |
Vinyl Flooring Cost by Location (Australia-Wide)
Here’s what you’re likely to pay in each state or region:
| Location | Total Cost (Supply + Install) | Why the Difference? |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney (NSW) | $40–$90 per m² | High demand, great variety, pricier labour |
| Melbourne (VIC) | $35–$85 per m² | Balanced pricing, competitive installers |
| Brisbane/Gold Coast (QLD) | $32–$80 per m² | Humid = more moisture control, but still good value |
| Perth (WA) | $45–$95 per m² | Logistics bump up costs, especially for premium stock |
| Adelaide (SA) | $30–$70 per m² | Cheaper labour, decent stock range |
| Regional Areas | $35–$90 per m² | Travel charges + limited installer choice |
Expert Insights From Raquel Billett
Interior Décor Expert
WA is often the most expensive due to freight. Regional installs cost more per m² on small jobs due to travel.
Vinyl vs Other Flooring Costs (Comparison Table)
| Flooring Type | Installed Price Range (m²) | Waterproof? | Comfort Underfoot | Long-Term Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Flooring | $32–$100+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Soft + warm | Excellent if quality |
| Laminate | $45–$110 | ❌ Mostly no | ❌ No underlay = cold | Great if a dry area only |
| Carpet | $40–$100+ | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Costly to maintain |
| Tiles (Ceramic/Porcelain) | $80–$250+ | ✅ Yes | ❌ Cold, hard | High-end value |
Australian Price Case Study Examples
Expert Insights From Clem Sturgess
20+ years' experience in hard flooring
The prices shown below are based on actual Online Flooring Store projects and reflect what we typically charge, not inflated market averages. These are real jobs, with real materials and real installation conditions across Australia.
Eclipse Nature’s Own Vinyl Planks Seelie
Budget Family Renovation in Brisbane
- Product used: Eclipse Nature’s Own Vinyl Planks – Seelie
- Area: 120m² (living, kitchen, three bedrooms)
- Product Cost: $35/m² average (mid-range vinyl plank)
- Total Cost (excl. underlay): $9,600 — includes professional install, trims, and minor levelling
- Result: “Saved 25% vs full-premium quote. Kids can spill, I don’t stress.”
Terra Mater Floors Resiplank Vinyl Planks Valencia
High-End Apartment in Sydney
- Product used: Terra Mater Resiplank Ardore LVT
- Area: 85m² (open plan + two bedrooms)
- Product Cost: $53/m² (premium luxury vinyl tile)
- Total Cost (excl. underlay): $12,500 — includes intricate layout install and slab levelling
- Result: “Looks like engineered timber but waterproof—buyers loved it.”
Commercial Office Fitout in Melbourne CBD
- Product used: Interface Textured Stone Commercial Vinyl
- Area: 300m² (open workspace + reception)
- Product Cost: Commercial-grade specification
- Total Cost (excl. underlay): $35,400 — includes install, finishing, and compliance work
- Result: “Met all building regs. Smooth process, minimal downtime.”
Is Vinyl Flooring Worth the Cost?
Absolutely; if you choose the right product for the right space and don’t skimp on prep.
Vinyl has come a long way. These days, you can get timber-look floors that are fully waterproof, easy to clean, and tough enough for kids, pets, and rental tenants. Installed properly, quality vinyl can last 15–25 years, and it’ll look good doing it.
Just be careful of the hidden costs. I’ve seen people blown away by a $25/sqm price tag, then hit with $40/sqm in extras because the subfloor wasn’t up to scratch. Please don’t make my mistake. Budget realistically and ask for a full quote upfront.
Need Help Choosing the Right Vinyl Floor?
At Online Flooring Store, we’ve helped thousands of Aussie homeowners pick the perfect vinyl and avoid the dodgy installs. We’ll talk you through:
- What’s worth paying for
- How to spot “too cheap” quotes
- And which products stand up to real Aussie living
FAQ
Vinyl flooring in Australia typically costs between $45–$75 per m² fully installed, but that can climb past $100/m² for premium jobs. Entry-level options start from around $35/m², but it’s the subfloor prep and extras that often catch people off guard—budget for the whole job, not just the product tag.
Usually, no. Most vinyl planks and tiles go straight onto the slab; no foam underlay required. The exception? If you’re dealing with noise transfer (like in apartments) or cold slabs, you might use an acoustic or thermal layer. But in most homes, skipping underlay is a genuine saving.
Only in certain situations. Loose-lay vinyl is quick to install and doesn’t need glue or clicking systems, but it’s only suitable for small, simple rooms with low foot traffic. Think powder rooms or quiet offices. For bigger spaces, glue-down is still the better bet.
