When planning a timber flooring project in Melbourne, understanding the costs involved is essential, whether you’re installing flooring in a single room or throughout your home.
There are two main types of timber flooring: engineered timber and solid timber.
Engineered Timber is a composite made of layers of wood veneer with a thin top layer of hardwood over a plywood or MDF core. This construction makes it more stable and moisture-resistant than solid timber. It typically costs between $3 to $10 per square metre, making it more affordable. Engineered timber is ideal for moisture-prone areas but has a thinner hardwood layer, meaning it can only be sanded and refinished a few times.
Solid Timber is known for its durability and premium look, with prices ranging from $10 to $16 per square metre. Exotic timbers can exceed $20 per square metre. While solid timber is more expensive, it can be refinished more times than engineered timber.
In addition to material costs, labour typically ranges from $3 to $8 per square metre, depending on the complexity of the installation, including subfloor preparation and underlay, which can affect the final price.
Room Size Considerations
The size of your room plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of your timber flooring project. By accurately measuring the room’s square footage, you can plan and budget more efficiently.
Small Rooms (Up to 150 sq ft)
Small rooms are typically more affordable, requiring less material and labour. These smaller spaces usually cost $500 to $1,500, depending on flooring choice and installation complexity.
Some small rooms include:
- Closets: Walk-in or reach-in closets
- Powder Rooms: Small guest bathrooms
- Hallways/Entryways: Narrow hallways
- Small Offices: Compact home office or guest room
Medium Rooms (250-300 sq ft)
Medium rooms are larger but still manageable for flooring installation. Costs generally range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Rooms include:
- Bedrooms: Most standard bedrooms
- Living Rooms: Smaller, non-open-plan living rooms
- Dining Rooms: Formal dining rooms or smaller family areas
- Kitchens: Compact, non-open-plan kitchens
- Home Offices: Larger offices or multi-purpose rooms
Large Rooms (350+ sq ft)
Large rooms require more flooring material and are typically more expensive, costing $2,500 to $4,000 or more.
These rooms may include:
- Open-Plan Living Areas: Combining living, dining, and sometimes kitchen areas
- Kitchens: Larger kitchens with islands or extra counter space
- Master Bedrooms with Sitting Areas: Spacious master suites with lounge space
Calculating Square Footage
Accurate measurements are essential to estimate the amount of timber flooring you’ll need and to help with your budget planning. Here’s how to calculate your room’s square footage:
- Measure the Length and Width
Use a tape measure to find the length and width of the room. Measure in feet, from wall to wall. - Multiply the Length and Width
Multiply the length of the room by the width to get the total square footage.
Example: If your room is 12 feet long and 15 feet wide, you’d calculate:
12 feet (length) x 15 feet (width) = 180 sq ft. - For Irregularly Shaped Rooms
If the room isn’t a simple rectangle, break it down into smaller sections. Measure each section’s length and width and calculate the square footage for each part, then add them together.
Example: A room with a rectangular section of 10 ft by 12 ft and an adjacent area of 5 ft by 6 ft:
Section 1: 10 x 12 = 120 sq ft
Section 2: 5 x 6 = 30 sq ft
Total square footage = 120 + 30 = 150 sq ft
Floor Preparation: A Key to Longevity
Proper floor preparation ensures the longevity of your timber flooring. Costs for subfloor preparation (leveling, sanding, sealing) range from $0.30 to $0.60 per square metre, depending on the subfloor type.
Preparing your floor ensures a stable, even surface, allowing your flooring to perform optimally for years to come. Skipping this step can result in uneven floors, which may compromise both the look and durability of the flooring.
Expert Guidance
At Fine Cut Floors, we specialise in providing high-quality timber flooring solutions across Melbourne at competitive prices. Whether you’re updating a single room or renovating your entire home, our team can guide you through the process to ensure your flooring project stays within budget while achieving the desired look and durability.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help transform your space with premium timber flooring that fits your budget.
