Tired of your old, worn-out flooring? Perhaps you’ve outgrown your current floor or simply want to swap it out for something more modern. Regardless of where you stand, one of the first questions that crossed your mind is probably, “How much is this actually going to set me back?”
And that’s a fair question.
When it comes to hybrid flooring costs in Melbourne, the price you see on a product page is rarely the final amount you’ll pay. The old carpet or tiles might need to come out. The subfloor may need levelling. Skirting boards might even need to be removed and reinstalled. And if you’re renovating an apartment, there may be additional building requirements to consider.
So, before you set your budget, here’s what you need to know about the real cost of hybrid flooring.
How Much Does Hybrid Flooring Cost Per Square Metre?
Hybrid flooring materials may cost you anywhere between $35–$48 per square metre, depending on whether you choose a budget, mid-range or premium product. And that’s not including the hybrid floor installation costs.
But don’t treat this as a fixed price. Your actual hybrid floor costs can be higher or lower depending on the flooring you select and how much preparation your home needs.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
1. The Flooring
The first and most obvious hybrid flooring cost is the flooring itself. Hybrid floors come in different thicknesses, colours, plank sizes, patterns and construction types. Budget products can cost considerably less than premium ranges.
2. Installation
Professional hybrid flooring installation can cost you anywhere between $18–$30 per square metre, although actual quotes vary depending on location and the complexity of the project.
Hybrid flooring installation costs can increase when the job involves complicated layouts, additional preparation, patterns such as herringbone or other finishing work. This is why getting a quote based purely on the size of your home can be misleading.
3. Existing Floor Removal
If you’re replacing your old flooring, you’ll need to factor in removal in your total hybrid flooring costs. Carpet removal typically involves removing and disposing of the existing carpet, underlay, gripper strips and other materials before the new floor can be installed.
If you have existing laminate, bamboo, tiles or another floor covering, the installer may need to remove it before starting the hybrid flooring installation. In some cases, hybrid flooring can be installed over an existing suitable floor.
Keep in mind that the total hybrid flooring cost depends on the amount of flooring being removed and the condition of what’s underneath.
4. Floor Levelling
This is one of the hybrid flooring costs homeowners sometimes overlook. If your existing subfloor is uneven, damaged or has noticeable variations, it may require preparation or levelling before the hybrid planks can be installed. After all, imperfections can affect the finished floor.
And here’s something worth remembering: spending a little more on proper preparation can be far better than trying to save money and ending up with an installation problem later.
5. Skirting Boards
Skirting can also affect the final hybrid flooring price. That’s because they may need to be removed and then reinstalled afterwards depending on the room. And in some cases, new skirting or finishing trims may be required.
This is especially important if you’re changing the finished floor height.
6. Underlay
Whether you need underlay depends on the specific hybrid flooring product. Some hybrid flooring may come with an integrated backing while others may require a separate underlay depending on the product and installation conditions.
Quick tip: don’t automatically buy underlay before speaking with your installer. Some hybrid products already have underlay attached, meaning an additional layer may not be required.
7. Herringbone Or Special Patterns
Want something a little more interesting than standard straight planks? Herringbone hybrid flooring can create a much more distinctive look, but the installation may require additional time and precision.
So, if you’re comparing a straightforward plank installation with herringbone, don’t assume the labour component will be identical.
Why Apartment Flooring Can Cost More
Apartment renovations can come with another layer of complexity. Before starting, you may need to check your owner’s corporation or building requirements.
There can be rules around working hours, access, waste removal, lift protection and acoustic performance.
Some apartment buildings also have requirements concerning impact sound and underlay systems. If you’re replacing flooring in a Melbourne CBD apartment, don’t order the flooring before checking what’s required by the building. The cheapest flooring product isn’t much of a bargain if it doesn’t meet your building’s renovation requirements.
Smart Ways To Keep Your Hybrid Flooring Budget Under Control
You don’t necessarily need to choose the cheapest flooring to reduce hybrid flooring costs. Instead, look at the entire project.
1. Get The Subfloor Assessed
Finding preparation issues early means you can budget for them properly.
2. Compare Flooring Specifications
Don’t compare hybrid flooring product costs based solely on colour or thickness. Look at the wear layer, warranty, core, backing and installation requirements.
3. Ask For An Itemised Quote
A good quote should make it clear what’s included in the total hybrid flooring costs.
- Clarify removal costs
- Ask whether existing carpet, tiles or flooring need to be removed
- Ask whether disposal is included.
4. Check Skirting Requirements
Find out whether skirting boards need to come off and whether they’re being reused.
5. Confirm GST
Some product listings display prices excluding GST, so make sure you’re comparing like with like.
What Should A Melbourne Flooring Quote Include?
One installer may appear cheaper simply because several services have been left out of the initial figure. So, before accepting a quote, ask for a clear breakdown covering:
- Flooring product and quantity
- Wastage allowance
- Installation
- Existing flooring removal
- Carpet removal
- Floor preparation
- Levelling
- Underlay, if required
- Skirting removal and reinstallation
- Trims and transition pieces
- Waste disposal
- Delivery
- GST
- Any apartment specific requirements
To Conclude
The biggest mistake when estimating hybrid flooring costs is budgeting only for the planks. Remember carpet removal, existing flooring removal, floor levelling, skirting, underlay, trims, waste disposal and apartment requirements when working out your final budget.
If you’re planning a flooring upgrade, you can browse Timber Flooring Melbourne’s hybrid flooring range or request a free quote with a full breakdown of how much your project will cost you.
