Planning new flooring for your home? One of the first things you’ll want to know is how much the project will cost.
While flooring prices are usually advertised per square metre, the total cost of a flooring renovation depends on more than just the boards.
Installation, removing existing flooring, subfloor preparation and finishing work can all affect your final budget.
At Flooring Focus, we recently helped a Gold Coast homeowner find a more cost-effective solution for an 80m² flooring renovation, with a reported overall saving of more than $2,000 compared with previous quotes.
Here’s what to consider when budgeting for your new floors.
What’s Included in Your Flooring Renovation Budget?
A flooring quote may contain several different cost components.
1. Flooring materials
The cost of the flooring boards themselves, including any additional quantity required for cutting and wastage.
2. Professional installation
Labour costs depend on the size and layout of your home, the flooring system and the complexity of the work.
3. Existing flooring removal
Removing old carpet, tiles or other flooring materials may add to the project cost. In some situations, installing over an existing suitable surface may be possible.
4. Subfloor preparation
Uneven concrete, damaged surfaces or unsuitable existing flooring may require grinding, patching or levelling before installation.
5. Finishing work
Skirting boards, scotia, transition strips, door adjustments and other finishing details may also need to be included.
These factors explain why properties with the same floor area can receive very different flooring quotes.
Real Gold Coast Renovation: Over $2,000 Saved on an 80m² Project
One of our customers wanted to replace approximately 80m² of existing tiled flooring with a modern timber-look finish.
Before approaching Flooring Focus, the homeowner had obtained quotes from two other local flooring companies.
Both companies recommended vinyl flooring and extensive self-levelling to prepare the existing surface.
The complete quotes exceeded $13,000, including materials, installation and floor preparation.
The levelling component alone was more than $3,500 including GST.
Finding a Better-Fitting Flooring Solution
After reviewing the project, our team recommended a suitable 10mm hybrid flooring product instead.
The selected product’s installation requirements permitted greater subfloor variation than the vinyl products originally proposed.
This made it possible to take a more targeted approach to preparing the existing surface rather than carrying out all the levelling work included in the earlier quotes.
The resulting floor preparation cost was $2,500 including GST.
The Cost Difference
| Project Comparison | Amount |
| Previous complete renovation quotes | Over $13,000 |
| Previous levelling quotes | Over $3,500 incl. GST |
| Flooring Focus preparation cost | $2,500 incl. GST |
| Saving on preparation alone | Over $1,000 |
| Reported overall renovation saving | Over $2,000 |
The homeowner’s reported overall saving was more than $2,000 when comparing the complete flooring solutions.
The key wasn’t simply choosing a cheaper flooring product. It was finding a suitable solution that reduced unnecessary work while still addressing the preparation required for installation.
*The overall saving is subject to verification against the complete final quotation and equivalent scope of work.
How to Compare Flooring Quotes Properly
When shopping for flooring, you’ll often see three types of prices.
Material-Only Price
This covers the flooring boards without installation.
A low advertised price can be attractive, but it doesn’t represent your complete renovation budget.
Supply and Installation Price
This usually combines flooring materials and standard installation labour.
However, services such as existing floor removal, subfloor levelling and finishing work may be charged separately.
Complete Renovation Quote
A more comprehensive quote identifies the work needed to complete the project, including any agreed removal, preparation, installation and finishing services.
When comparing quotes, make sure the scope is consistent and GST treatment is clear.
For example, a quote including extensive levelling shouldn’t be compared directly with one that excludes all preparation.
The important question is:
What will the entire flooring renovation cost, from preparation to completion?
How Can You Keep Your Flooring Renovation Within Budget?
There are several ways to manage costs without compromising on essential workmanship.
Choose flooring that suits your home. A product with a higher material price may sometimes reduce other project expenses, while a more affordable option may be suitable when the existing subfloor is already in good condition.
Check whether your existing flooring needs removal. Some existing tiled surfaces may be suitable for a new flooring installation, subject to the selected product’s requirements.
Understand preparation costs early. Subfloor levelling can be a significant expense, so identifying the necessary work before installation helps avoid unexpected costs.
Compare complete quotes. Look beyond the price per square metre and consider everything needed to finish the job.
Ask about current promotions. Selected flooring ranges and seasonal offers may provide additional opportunities to save.
Why Choose Flooring Focus?
Based in Arundel, Flooring Focus helps Gold Coast homeowners choose flooring that suits their lifestyle, property and budget.
As a direct importer of ECO+LUXURY Hybrid Flooring, we offer competitive product pricing alongside professional flooring supply and installation services.
Our team can help with product selection, free on-site measurements, subfloor assessment, preparation and installation.
We believe the best flooring solution is one that looks great, performs well and delivers value across the entire project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hybrid flooring installation cost?
The total installation cost depends on your floor area, room layout, selected product and preparation requirements. An on-site measure and quote can provide a more accurate estimate.
Can I install hybrid flooring over existing tiles?
Sometimes. Existing tiles must be stable and meet the selected flooring manufacturer’s installation requirements. Some surfaces will still need preparation.
Is floor levelling always necessary?
No. Some floors need only minor preparation, while others require more extensive work. A professional assessment can determine what is necessary.
Planning New Flooring on the Gold Coast?
The right flooring choice can make a significant difference to your renovation budget.
Before committing to a quote, speak with a flooring specialist who can help you understand the complete project requirements.
At Flooring Focus, we’re here to help you find flooring that suits your home and budget, with professional installation from an experienced local team.
Request Your FREE Measure & Quote
Flooring Focus
Unit 1/38 Kendor Street, Arundel QLD 4214
Phone: (07) 5537 9196
