How Much Does Floating Floorboard Installation Cost? [2024]

Whether you're styling your new home, updating your investment property or looking to give your existing pad a new look, you could quickly lose yourself in all the different flooring options. However, if you’re looking for a popular, durable and cost-effective choice, then floating floorboards might be the perfect fit for your home.

In this article, we touch on everything you need to know about floating floors, including the cost of installing them in your home. 

• What is a floating floor?
• What are the different types of floating floors?
• How much do floating floorboards cost?
• How much does floating floorboard installation cost?
• What factors influence the cost of floating floorboards?
• Why choose floating floorboards?
• How long do floating floorboards last?
• How to hire a floating floorboard installer

What is a floating floor?

Floating floors have become increasingly popular in Aussie homes due to their ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.

Floating floors are designed in singular pieces that join together very specifically without the need for glue or nails. They fit like a jigsaw and they use weight, friction and locking mechanisms to create a system that holds itself together - smart right?

The floating component of the name comes from the fact that it isn’t attached to anything below, meaning that after installation, they technically ‘float’ above the ground with no nails or glue holding them down. Despite this, they’re designed specifically so they don’t shift or move, making them a stable but cost-efficient flooring option. 

What are the different types of floating floors?

While there are many floating floor options in the market, the most popular materials for floating floors include:

• Laminate
• Hybrid
• Bamboo
• Vinyl
• Engineered timber/hardwood
• Solid timber/hardwood

How much do floating floorboards cost?

One of the great things about floating floorboards is that there is an option for almost every style, preference and budget. The most significant factor impacting the price is the material you choose, with total cost varying based on state, quality, style and supplier. 

Floating floors start at about $25/m2 for timber-look laminate floorboards, and can go up to $200/m2  for real hardwood timber. 

Underlay may also cost extra, and you can expect to pay between $5/m2 to $10/m2 for this. 

Read on for more information on all the different types of floating floorboards, and how much you can expect to pay for each (installation labor excluded). 

Laminate floating floors 

• Laminate flooring typically ranges from $25/m2 to $60/m2
• A laminate floating floor has multiple layers with an HDF core (high-density fiberboard)
• Available in many styles, laminate flooring is flexible, durable and water-resistant
• Laminate flooring contains wood components, therefore they aren’t typically suitable for high-moisture areas

Hybrid floating floors 

• Typically ranges from $35/m2 to $80/m2 
• Hybrid floating floors use a combination of laminate and vinyl, comprising of multiple layers
• They’re available in many styles, with all being 100% waterproof and highly hardwearing
• The majority of hybrid flooring has pre-attached backing or underlay, so you may not need to add more

Bamboo floating floors

• Bamboo floating floors generally range from $70/m2 to $120/m2 
• They’re made with single solid pieces of bamboo that can be stained for different colours with distinct striations
• Bamboo is the most eco-friendly and sustainable flooring material, making it a popular option amongst green homeowners
• Hardy and incredibly versatile, it is generally more durable than a timber floor

Vinyl floating floors 

• Vinyl floating floors typically range from $50/m2 to $150/m2
• Vinyl is similar to laminate - being flexible, available in many styles and durable
• They’re composed of multiple layers but use components of PVC and fibreglass instead of traditional wood. For this reason, they’re more water resistant and suitable for high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
• Luxury vinyl flooring options are also available

Engineered timber or engineered hardwood floating floors 

• Engineered floating timber and hardwood flooring typically ranges from $50/m2 to $150/m2

• This is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option if you have an affinity for 'real' wood flooring options
• Engineered timber planks are layered, similar to vinyl and laminate. However, they feature a layer of natural wood This is laid on top of ply or pinewood with a laminate finish for protection
• Extremely durable and long-lasting, and can be refinished just like solid timber flooring

Solid timber floating floors 

• Floating timber floorboards typically cost from $80/m2 to $200/m2
• Floating timber floors are made from single solid pieces of whichever species of tree has been sourced, with each plank being unique
• Timber floating floors are incredibly durable and long-lasting as they can be re-buffed or re-finished over time

Read more: Flooring cost calculator

How much does floating floor installation cost?

The total cost of installing floating floors in your home will combine the cost of your flooring materials with the labour cost from your professional service. On average, labour costs for installing floating floors range from $30/m2 to $35/m2. 

To get a good idea of what your job may cost you, measure out the space and choose your ideal material. Then you work out the cost of your material to the cost of labour to compare against the quotes you get.

What factors impact the cost of floating floorboards?

The unprecedented cost of living increases has impacted the price of most goods and services within Australia over the past few years, including floating floors. Other things that can impact the cost include:

• Location: Floating floors are typically more affordable on the east coast of Australia and within cities where access to materials is faster and more labor is available

• Material supply (especially for timber): Supply shortages due to bushfires, floods and deforestation have all impacted the price of the wood used to make floating timber floors. As a result, as well as domestic shortages, import costs have increased (such as a 35% tariff recently added to 'conflict timber' from Russia and Belarus).

• Labor: Even if you've snagged a great deal on your floating timber floors and underlay, you still need to consider the labour costs. Australia is currently experiencing a widespread labour shortage which is driving up prices

• Underlay: Consider the cost of underlay for your floating floor. Underlay provides insulation for noise and moisture. It will usually add between $5/m2 to $10/m2 to your installation. Using a professional flooring installer underlay will usually cost between $30/m2 to $40/m2

Why choose floating floorboards?

Floating floorboards aren’t for everyone and, like with any option, there are advantages and disadvantages. In general, they’re easy to install and replace but tend to be less long-lasting than other flooring types.

Pros of floating floorboards

• Floating floors are cost-effective (especially compared to solid timber floors)
• Cheaper labour cost for installation
• More durable than carpet and linoleum (especially in high-traffic areas)
• Easy to clean
• Easy to replace
• Lots of styles available
• Can be installed over the existing floor

Cons of floating floorboards

• Noisier to walk on due to the space between the floorboards and the actual ground
• Hybrid, vinyl and laminate options can't be re-finished
• Less durable than glue or nailed-down flooring. This is because it can shift in different temperatures and humidity (depending on the material)

How long do floating floors last?

The lifespan of a floating floor is always a good thing to keep in mind. Some flooring options may be cheaper to install but may not last as long so the costs can even out in the long run. In general, the more expensive options last longer. 

The lifespan of your floating floor will also be dependent on the area's traffic level and the care and maintenance it receives. On average though, you can expect different types of floating floorboards to last: 

• Laminate flooring: 10 – 20 years
• Hybrid flooring: 20 – 30 years
• Bamboo flooring: Up to 25 years
• Vinyl flooring: 20 years 
• Engineered timber: 20 – 30 years
• Timber flooring: 50+ years

How to hire the best floating floor installer?

When searching for an installer for your floating floorboards, make sure you get multiple quotes to make an informed decision and choose the best of the bunch. 

In order for your floating floor installer to give you the most accurate quote they can, it’s important for you to understand the details of your job, and communicate this to them. Details to provide when seeking a quote for your floating floors include:

• Size of the space (a floor plan would be ideal)
• Location
• Project timeline (when do the floating floors need to be installed)
• Desired material of floating floorboards and underlay thickness (or you can ask for advice)
• Removal and disposal of previous flooring or skirting
• Installation of skirting board if required

When seeking someone to lay your floating floors, we recommend asking them a couple of questions to get an understanding of their experience and expertise. Questions to ask include:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long will the project take?
• Can you provide references that I can review and possibly contact?
• Can I see photos of previous projects?
• Can I have an itemised, written quote? (This is important so that you can easily compare quotes)

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.