- Low-grade timber can cost around $50 per square metre
- Parquetry flooring can cost up to $150 per sqm
- This type of flooring can last for up to 100 years, but does need to be taken care of
There are dozens of types of timber that end up as hardwood flooring. This type of flooring is visually appealing; it is warm and inviting, can significantly increase the value of a house and is environmentally friendly.
However, the cost of hardwood flooring can vary significantly across Australia.
In this guide, we will use various sources to better explain the cost and other factors involved with installing hardwood timber flooring.
How much does hardwood timber flooring cost in 2023?
Homeowners can expect to pay around $50 per square metre for low-grade timber and as much as $100 to $150 per square metre for timber with few defects.
However, many factors can influence this price.
Given that not all types of species are in stock, special orderings will attract a higher price tag.
Hardwood is more costly than softwood as it is more durable. The grain fibres are closer together, which delivers the harder surface. You can get the look of softwood species by using laminate – which is far cheaper to purchase and install.
What types of hardwood flooring are there?
Solid hardwood flooring is priced according to the species and grade of the wood.
Blackbutt, which is readily available across Australia, is the least expensive type of flooring.
These are the costs for Blackbutt and other types of hardwood flooring.
- Blackbutt costs around $60 per square metre
- Jarrah costs around $70 per square metre
- Ironbark costs around $90 per square metre
- Bamboo costs around $100 per square metre
- Parquetry costs around $150 per square metre
Hardwood timber floors are ranked by a hardness rating, which is called Janka.
Ironbark is rated at 14, given it is extremely dense and hard. Blackbutt is rated at 9 – mid range – while the relatively soft Tasmanian Oak is rated at 5.
Hardwoods come in a range of colours from reds (Jarrah) to browns (Ironwood) to lighter tones such as bamboo.
What are the pros and cons of hardwood timber flooring?
If you aren’t sure whether hardwood timber flooring is right for you, we have come up with several pros and cons.
Pros of hardwood flooring
- It has a natural feel and look; it has a warm character, very homely
- There are a variety of options, different timber species
- It is timeless; it has never gone out of fashion, and your floor will look great as it ages
- Long lasting; when it is taken care of, it can last for a century
Cons of hardwood flooring
- It is expensive, with hardwood timber flooring costing way more than laminate or vinyl
- It is vulnerable, timber is prone to termites, fire and water related damage
- Noisy; hardwood is a great sound insulator, but over time the flooring may start to creak
- High level of maintenance: you will need to sand and polish flooring periodically in order to keep it at its best
How to hire a hardwood flooring installer
It can be a challenge to find a hardwood flooring installer.
Ideally, you should seek out three companies to compare.
A skilled installer will come to your home to take measurements. You should therefore NEVER accept a quotation without a home visit.
When receiving an estimate, you should ask for the following.
- Will the baseboard be handled for a professional look?
- Will sawdust be contained or will cutting be done outside?
- What type of supplies will be used, such as glue, nails or staples?
- How many crew members will be working on the job?
- Also, ask for a timeline – especially vital given ongoing material and labour shortages
In terms of the installer themselves, ask for a portfolio of previous work. However, don’t rely on this; ask for other documents such as
- Liability insurance
- Licencing (depending on the state or territory you are in)
- Membership to construction industry bodies and organizations
- Letters of referrals from past clients
Although it is not compulsory, being a member of an organisation such as the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) shows the installer cares about the industry and is aware of changes in the sector.
How to save money when hiring a hardwood flooring installer
These are five main tips to help you save money when hiring a hardwood flooring installer.
- Be weary of a quote that seems too good….end result might be needing to get another company to do the job right.
- Prepare the floor beforehand. If replacing carpet, remove the carpet beforehand.
- Listen to the advice of the installer in terms of material suggestions. They most likely know which hardwood flooring company carry the best products, and also the best warranties.
- Get the kids and pets our of the house if possible – the job requires skill and concentration.
- If you can, keep an area in adjoining room clear as a work area.
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For other building guides, check out our articles on building a house, how much concreting and fencing costs, along with how much a skylight costs.
