New timber floors: laminate, engineered and solid compared

The board types explained, why the subfloor is the hidden variable, and what a per-metre quote should actually include.

Timber floorboards being laid across a living area

Few upgrades change how a home feels as much as timber floors — warmth underfoot, a surface that ages gracefully, and a look that suits almost any room. The word 'timber' covers a wide field, though, from click-together laminate to solid hardwood sanded and finished on site.

Getting the right floor for your rooms and budget means understanding the board types and the one thing that quietly decides the price: what's underneath.

What laying timber flooring involves

Timber flooring is supplied and installed per square metre, and the board type sets the band. Laminate and hybrid boards are the budget-friendly options — a durable printed or composite surface that clicks together over the subfloor. Engineered timber gives a real-wood top layer at a mid-range price and handles Australian conditions well. Solid hardwood, installed, sanded and finished on site, is the premium choice and the one that can be refinished decades later.

The subfloor is the hidden variable. Uneven concrete needs levelling, old coverings need removal, and any moisture problem must be fixed before boards go down — all of which add to the quoted rate. A quote that ignores the subfloor is quoting an ideal that rarely exists.

Finish and extras add up too: on-site sanding and coating for solid timber, stair nosings, floor vents and door thresholds all sit on top of the base per-metre rate.

How the cost works

Laminate or hybrid in one living area sits at the low end, engineered timber through the main living areas lands in the mid thousands, and solid hardwood installed and finished throughout a home runs well into five figures. These are indicative bands; the estimate on this page adjusts for area, board type and subfloor condition.

Board type is the biggest lever, followed by area — larger jobs earn a better per-metre rate. Subfloor preparation, species and grade, and finishing extras all move the number. A practical tip: hybrid flooring handles wet areas and underfloor heating better than laminate, and the small premium is usually worth it.

Choosing the right installer

Timber flooring installation isn't a licensed trade, so judge on experience with your specific board type and the clarity of the quote. Ask whether trims, door thresholds and old-floor removal are included in the per-metre rate — those are the inclusions that make quotes comparable, and the ones cheap quotes leave out.

A good installer talks about acclimatisation for solid timber — letting the boards sit on site for one to two weeks before laying so they don't gap later — and about moisture testing the subfloor. Someone who wants to lay solid timber the day it's delivered is skipping a step you'll regret.

Mistakes to avoid

Timber floor regrets tend to be quiet ones — nothing fails on day one, but gaps, cupping or wear arrive faster than they should.

Not letting solid timber acclimatise on site before installation, so it gaps later
Comparing per-metre quotes without checking trims, thresholds and old-floor removal are included
Ignoring the subfloor — levelling and moisture problems add real cost if skipped
Choosing laminate for a wet area where hybrid would handle the moisture
Picking a species and grade in store lighting without seeing a sample at home
Assuming on-site sanding and coating for solid timber is included when it's often extra

What does it cost?

$900 – $22,000most jobs land around $5,500

Indicative range only, not a quote — see the full guide for worked scenarios and what moves the price.

Timber Flooring cost guide →Find timber flooring near you