Flooring InstallersUpdated March 2026 · 2 min read

How to Quote Flooring Installation in Australia

Guide for flooring installers on quoting timber, vinyl, laminate, and carpet jobs. Covers per-sqm pricing, underlay, transitions, and subfloor preparation.

What to Include in a Flooring Quote

A flooring quote should cover: flooring product (brand, range, colour), underlay (type and thickness), subfloor preparation (levelling, moisture barrier), transition strips between rooms, scotia or quarter-round around perimeters, removal of existing flooring (if applicable), and furniture moving (if offered). Always specify the total area including waste.

Flooring Costs Per Square Metre in 2026

Hybrid vinyl plank (supply and install): $60–$120/sqm. Engineered timber: $80–$160/sqm. Solid hardwood: $100–$200/sqm. Laminate: $40–$80/sqm. Carpet (supply and install): $50–$120/sqm. Subfloor levelling: $20–$50/sqm additional. These prices include underlay where required.

Subfloor Preparation

Subfloor condition is the most overlooked cost in flooring quotes. Check for: levelness (3mm deviation over 1m is the maximum for most products), moisture (test concrete slabs with a moisture meter), cracks and damage, and existing floor coverings that need removal. Self-levelling compound costs $20–$50/sqm and can make or break a job.

Waste Calculations

Standard installation in rectangular rooms: add 10% waste. Rooms with many angles or hallways: add 12–15%. Diagonal or herringbone patterns: add 15–20%. Always explain the waste factor to the client — they often question why you're ordering more than the measured area. Include this in the quote notes.

Quoting Tips

1. Measure every room yourself — don't trust builder or customer measurements. 2. Check subfloor moisture on concrete slabs. 3. Always include transitions between flooring types. 4. Quote furniture moving as an optional extra. 5. Include a lead time for product ordering — popular colours can take 2–4 weeks.