By Team Beare. Updated August 2026.
The short answer: most Australian vinyl planking projects land between $55 and $110 per square metre supplied and installed (RRP). Subfloor preparation carries more weight in vinyl pricing than in almost any other flooring, and it is the main reason similar-looking quotes can differ.
Vinyl planking has quietly become one of the most practical flooring choices in Australian homes: the timber look, easy care, and comfort underfoot at an accessible price. This guide lays out the typical market ranges, explains what drives the cost of a vinyl planking project, and shows what to look for when quotes arrive. As throughout, these are broad national market ranges observed across the industry, not Beare Flooring prices. The number that fits your home comes from an itemised quote measured in your own space.
Vinyl Planking Cost At A Glance
| Cost component | Typical Australian market range |
|---|---|
| Typical project, supplied and installed | Around $55 to $110 per square metre |
| Floor preparation (where needed) | Commonly $20 to $50 per square metre, though older or damaged subfloors can take this well beyond that |
| Removing and disposing of old flooring | A separate line on most quotes, priced by what is coming up |
What Shapes The Price
- The planks – Wear layer thickness, surface texture and construction separate entry planks from the top of the range. A stronger wear layer keeps the floor looking newer for longer in busy areas, and more realistic embossing costs more to produce. Our vinyl planking range shows the spread.
- Subfloor preparation – This is the heart of vinyl pricing. Because most vinyl planks are glued directly to the subfloor, the finished floor is only ever as smooth as the surface underneath. Grinding, levelling and patching are priced on what the installer finds, and skimping here shows in the floor for years. When two vinyl quotes differ mainly on preparation, ask each provider what they found.
- Removing what is there now – Old glued coverings take real time to lift and dispose of, while carpet comes up quickly. This line varies more between homes than almost any other.
- Layout – Corridors, angles and doorways create more cutting and wastage than open rooms, and most projects allow roughly five to ten percent extra material for cuts.
- Where you live – Freight affects material costs across Australia, particularly beyond the capitals, and it is one reason identical planks can be quoted differently between regions.
What A Whole Project Costs
Applying the typical $55 to $110 installed range to common project sizes:
| Project size | Typical installed total |
|---|---|
| Single room (around 20m2) | Around $1,100 to $2,200 |
| Living and kitchen area (around 50m2) | Around $2,750 to $5,500 |
| Standard home (around 100m2) | Around $5,500 to $11,000 |
| Larger home (around 150m2) | Around $8,250 to $16,500 |
As with all flooring, smaller projects sit higher per square metre and preparation-heavy homes trend towards the upper end. These figures set expectations; they are not quotes.
Supply Only Or Supplied And Installed?
With vinyl planking, the installed price is the only honest measure of a project, because preparation and installation decide how the floor performs. An itemised quote separating planks, preparation, removal and installation lets you compare providers line by line and see exactly what each one intends to do for your subfloor.
Comparing Other Flooring Costs
| Flooring type | Typical installed range (per m2, RRP) |
|---|---|
| Carpet | Around $45 to $110 |
| Vinyl planks | Around $55 to $110 |
| Laminate | Around $55 to $140 |
| Hybrid | Around $80 to $140 |
| Engineered timber | Around $115 to $250 |
Vinyl planking and hybrid are close cousins, and choosing between them is a common crossroads. Our hybrid versus vinyl plank guide compares them properly if you are weighing both.
Getting The Most Value
The smartest money in a vinyl project usually goes into the subfloor, not the plank. A mid-range plank on a beautifully prepared floor outperforms a top-shelf plank on a rough one, every time. Beyond that, match wear layers to traffic: kitchens and hallways reward the stronger options, bedrooms rarely need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is vinyl planking cheaper than hybrid? – Typically yes at the project level. The two share the same easy-care, water-resistant appeal, with hybrid adding a rigid core that suits uneven subfloors and heavier traffic. For many rooms, vinyl planking delivers the same look for less.
- Why does subfloor preparation matter so much for vinyl? – Because glue-down vinyl follows the surface beneath it faithfully. A smooth subfloor gives a flawless floor; bumps and dips telegraph through over time. Preparation is often a bigger share of a vinyl quote than the planks themselves, and it is money well spent.
- What thickness of vinyl plank should I buy? – Thickness alone is not a quality measure. Wear layer, construction and the manufacturer’s warranty tell you more about how a plank will handle your rooms. Matching the product to the traffic is the better guide.
- Can vinyl planks go into bathrooms and laundries? – Vinyl handles moisture well, but suitability depends on the specific product, the installation system and the manufacturer’s requirements for wet areas. Always confirm the product is specified for the space before committing.
- How long does vinyl plank flooring last? – Quality vinyl planking, properly installed on a well-prepared subfloor, commonly serves 10 to 20 years in a family home. Installation quality is the difference between the two ends of that range.
- Does vinyl planking need to acclimatise? – Vinyl is the least demanding floor in this respect. What matters more is the temperature of the room and subfloor on installation day, because planks and adhesives perform best within the manufacturer’s stated range. Your installer confirms conditions on the day rather than leaving product on site beforehand.
The Price That Matters Is Yours
Market ranges are the map; your home is the territory. Our mobile showroom brings vinyl planking samples to your space so you can compare colours in your own light, and your quote is measured, itemised and explained on the spot. Explore the vinyl planking range or book your free in-home measure and quote when you are ready.
Prices in this guide are recommended retail prices per square metre and exclude GST. They are broad national market ranges current as at August 2026, observed across the Australian flooring industry, not Beare Flooring quotes, and no trade discounts are applied. Prices vary with product choice, site conditions and location. Installation requirements vary by state and territory; always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and confirm any building requirements with your local authority or certifier. For exact pricing, book a free in-home measure and quote.
