G’day, Parjam from FloorMarket again. If there’s one question that every single person asks when they walk through my showroom doors, it’s this: “Right, mate… what’s the damage? How much is this actually going to cost me?”

And it’s a fair question! Renovating can be a minefield of hidden costs. You see a ticket price for a product, but that’s rarely the final figure you pay. As someone who not only sells the planks but also quotes and handles the installation, I believe in being completely upfront about the total investment.

Forget the vague estimates. This guide breaks down every single cost factor involved in a new laminate floor in 2025, from the boards themselves to the crucial elements people often forget.

Summary of Key Costs

  • The Boards: Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to over $60 per square metre (m²) for the laminate itself, depending on quality.
  • Underlay: A good acoustic underlay will add $5 – $10 per m². Don’t skip this.
  • Installation: Professional installation typically ranges from $25 – $40 per m² for standard jobs.
  • The “Extras”: Subfloor preparation, removing old flooring, and trims can add to the final bill.
  • Total Project Cost: For a fully installed, quality laminate floor, a realistic budget is $60 – $110+ per square metre.

The Straight Answer: Laminate Cost Per Square Metre

First, let’s talk about the price of the actual product. When you see a price per square metre on a laminate sample, you’re looking at the cost of the boards alone. I generally group them into three categories.

1. Budget-Friendly Laminate (~$25 – $35 per m²)

These are your entry-level options. They’re great for sprucing up a rental property or for low-traffic areas like a spare bedroom. They usually have a basic AC3 durability rating and a simpler, flatter print design. They do the job, but they lack the premium look and feel of the higher-end options.

2. The Sweet Spot: Mid-Range Laminate (~$35 – $50 per m²)

This is where most of my customers land, and for good reason. In this price bracket, you get fantastic value. You’re looking at AC4-rated boards (tough enough for any Aussie family), much more realistic textures, and often some level of water resistance. This is the perfect blend of durability, style, and price for main living areas.

3. Premium & Designer Laminate (~$50 – $60+ per m²)

When you want the best of the best, this is it. These floors are often indistinguishable from real timber. They boast AC5 durability ratings, advanced water-resistance technology (sometimes guaranteed for up to 72 hours), and incredible “embossed-in-register” textures where the grain you feel matches the grain you see. This range also includes popular patterns like Herringbone and Chevron, which have a higher price tag due to the complexity of manufacturing and installation.

Ready to see the options? Browse our full Laminate Flooring range here. see our waterproof laminate here

Beyond the Boards: The Other Essential Costs

laminate flooring cost

Alright, you’ve chosen your beautiful new floor. But the price of the planks is just the start of the equation. Here’s what else you need to factor in for a professional job.

The Underlay ($5 – $10 per m²)

I can’t stress this enough: do not cheap out on underlay. A quality acoustic underlay is the secret to a great-feeling floor. It absorbs sound (goodbye, “click-clack” noise!), provides cushioning underfoot, and helps smooth over tiny subfloor imperfections. A cheap, flimsy underlay will make even a premium floor feel second-rate.

Installation Labour ($25 – $40 per m²)

This is the cost for a professional to lay the floor. A straightforward, empty rectangular room will be at the lower end of that scale. The price can increase if the job is more complex:

  • Stairs: Installing on stairs is intricate work and is usually charged per step.
  • Tricky Layouts: Lots of small hallways, closets, or oddly shaped rooms require more cutting and time.
  • Patterned Floors: Herringbone and Chevron patterns demand meticulous attention to detail and take significantly longer to install, which is reflected in the labour cost.

The “Hidden” Costs (That I’ll Make Sure You Know About)

This is where my experience as an installer comes in handy. I always check for these things before giving a final quote, so there are no nasty surprises.

  • Subfloor Preparation: Is your subfloor level? If not, it needs to be. Levelling a concrete slab or sanding down high spots on floorboards costs extra but is vital for the longevity of your new floor.
  • Removal and Disposal of Old Flooring: Need us to rip up that old carpet or those dated tiles? We can do it, but it takes time and has a disposal fee, usually charged per square metre.
  • Trims and Scotia: You’ll need scotia (beading) to cover the expansion gap between the floor and your skirting boards for a neat finish. This is a per-lineal-metre cost.

Let’s Put It All Together: A Real-World Example

Let’s imagine you want to re-floor a 20 square metre living room with a good quality, mid-range laminate. Here’s a sample breakdown:

  • Laminate Boards: 20m² @ $45/m² = $900
  • Acoustic Underlay: 20m² @ $8/m² = $160
  • Installation Labour: 20m² @ $30/m² = $600
  • Estimated Total = $1,660

This comes out to $83 per square metre, fully installed. This is a realistic, all-inclusive figure you can use for budgeting.

Get a Quote You Can Trust

Navigating quotes can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way to know the true cost for your space is to get an expert on-site. I can measure the area accurately, assess your subfloor, and give you a single, all-inclusive price with no hidden extras.

Our professional installation service guarantees a perfect finish that will last for decades.

Tired of guesswork? Give me a call directly on 0475575575 for a free, no-obligation measure and quote!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it cheaper to install laminate flooring myself? A: The upfront cost will be lower, as you save on labour. However, you need to factor in the cost of tools you might need to buy or hire. A poor installation can lead to gaps, peaking, and damage to the locking system, which can cost you more in the long run. For a professional finish and peace of mind, I always recommend a pro. For laminate installation service in Sydney call us.

Q: Why does herringbone laminate cost more to install? A: Herringbone installation is a much slower, more mathematical process. Each piece has to be placed individually to create the ‘V’ shape, resulting in significantly more cuts and precision work compared to a standard plank layout. The labour can often be double that of a regular installation.

Q: Does the AC durability rating affect the price? A: Yes, generally it does. A higher AC rating (e.g., AC5 vs. AC3) means a more durable, scratch-resistant wear layer and often a denser core, which costs more to manufacture. This is a key component in the product’s overall price and quality.

Q: Do you offer a free measure and quote? A: Absolutely. I believe you should know the exact final price before you commit. You can call me to arrange a time, and I’ll come to your home, measure your rooms, show you some samples, and provide a detailed, fixed quote with no obligation.