Timber Flooring Tips
Wondering how far back you’ll be set budget wise with new hybrid flooring? The answer is much less than you might guess.
Ready for new floors but not ready to pay the high prices that come with real timber?
Hybrid flooring is a great alternative that can give you the look and feel of wood at a fraction of the cost. These floors have the appearance of timber all due to an artificial top layer, or laminate, that is adhered to a solid core.
While the material types for the cores can vary (to include stone and plastic, naming a few), the exterior layer can give the appearance of nearly any kind of native Australian timber with deep hues, wood grains, and realistic patterning.Just like any new flooring system, there will be costs involved for both the materials and the installation. But what can you expect hybrid flooring to cost?
Let’s take a closer look together.
If you want to learn more about hybrid flooring, check out our other resources:
1. How much does hybrid flooring cost?
2. What are the best hybrid flooring brands?
3. Pros and cons of hybrid flooring
4. Hybrid vs laminate flooring
6. How long does hybrid flooring last?
Different brands are going to charge differently depending on their methods for manufacture. But there are a number of other factors that affect hybrid flooring costs. Let’s take a look at a few that are most likely to affect an estimate for your flooring project.
As a general rule, the more flooring area you need to cover, the more you will pay for materials. An expert installer will measure your space and, keeping in mind the dimensions of the floor boards, place an order that minimises waste. Still, keep in mind that flooring is quoted at a cost per metre squared. So the more square metres you have, the higher the end estimate will be.
We already touched on the fact that there are two different cores for hybrid flooring: SPC and WPC. Overall, you will find that WPC floors have a bit higher price tag, since they are made using recycled wood products. Buyers also tend to prefer these floor cores, driving up demand and thus the price, because they are less dense than their plastic and stone counterparts.
How the hybrid floor is laminated to give a wood look is also going to affect the price. In most cases, the layers that are printed and then sealed tend to be more affordable than those that use vinyl or other materials for the wood grain.
This is a factor of size, in part, as well as in the complexity of your flooring design. More intensive and time-consuming installations will require more man power for longer, thus driving up installation and labour costs.
There are two different line items you will be quoted for when it’s time for you to request a quote from a professional installer: materials and installation.
These are going to vary based on the factors listed above, and keep in mind that everyone’s projects are different. That said, here are some estimates for the average cost for hybrid flooring. To help you with your budgeting and decisions making, we’re lining them up against some other flooring options to demonstrate their affordability.
| Flooring Option | Cost per Square Metre |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Flooring Material | $35-$60 |
| Hybrid Flooring Installation | $25-$30 |
| Tile Flooring Material | $40-$140 |
| Tile Flooring Installation | $50-$130 |
| Timber Flooring Material | $60-$120 |
| Timber Flooring Installation | $40-$60 |
When it comes to repairs, hybrid flooring remains the most affordable option of the bunch, coming in at with affordable replacement fees. You can expect between $600-$1,200 for most repair jobs if you are patching or replacing a few boards. Hybrid floors also have a benefit over timber in their installation method.
Most systems are installed as floating boards, not affixed to the subfloor directly below. This makes it easier to swap out splintered or dented boards for new ones. In comparison, timber floors are often nailed or glued down directly to the subfloor during installation.
Maintenance should be few and far between, however, given how long lasting the materials are. Most hybrid flooring systems last a minimum of 10-15 years depending on the type of wear, or foot traffic, they are subjected to. In many cases you can expect them to last for even longer.
Choosing a flooring system for your home is no small decision, especially with so many options on the market. That’s why it’s important to get an exact quote for your project, using your dimensions, and for the material(s) you have in mind for the job. A professional installer will be able to put firm numbers in place so you know exactly what to expect, since the average range of $35-$60 per square metre is a bit wide.
At Allen Brothers, we treat every customer and project with a custom attitude and satisfaction promise. We’ll come out to your home or business and provide a free onsite quote, usually within 24 hours, so you can have firm numbers to work with. We can also provide consulting as you choose between hybrid flooring options, SPC and WPC, and even wood grains and colour ways to make sure you find the right option for your needs.
We also back all of our work with a five year warranty and leave behind any instructions, as needed, for proper care so your floors will last for decades to come. Learn more about our offerings or request your own free 24-hour quote by calling us on 0407 983 020 today!
