Renovating a kitchen can breathe new life into your home, and one of the most impactful upgrades is changing the kitchen flooring. The type of flooring you choose not only affects the look of your space but also impacts its value and durability.
Before starting the project, it’s essential to consider your budget and the variety of flooring materials available. Kitchen flooring comes in various materials, each with its pros and cons.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ll break down the costs of various options, from affordable choices like vinyl and laminate to premium materials such as hardwood and natural stone.
Let’s get straight to the point.
The cost to redo kitchen flooring depends on factors such as material, installation, and the size of your kitchen. Basic options like vinyl and laminate are budget-friendly, with costs ranging from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,400 for an 18.5 square metre kitchen, while premium materials like hardwood or natural stone can cost up to AUD 6,500 or more.
Tile flooring (ceramic, porcelain, or stone) offers mid-range prices. Additional costs include removing the old floor, dealing with asbestos, and repairing uneven subfloors.
Flooring choice impacts durability, aesthetics, and long-term value, making it essential to choose wisely based on your budget and needs.
Detailed Cost Breakdown For Specific Flooring Types
Let’s dive into the specific costs associated with different types of kitchen flooring. Whether you’re after the affordability of vinyl or the elegance of hardwood, here’s what you can expect to pay:
1. Hardwood Flooring
While hardwood is one of the pricier flooring options, it offers long-lasting beauty and can add significant value to your home. The average cost of oak hardwood flooring, including installation and subfloor preparation, is around AUD 6,500 for an 18.5 square metre kitchen.
- Solid timber: If your home already has solid timber floors, it can be more cost-effective to refinish them rather than replace them. Sanding, polishing, and applying polyurethane will cost around AUD 75 per square metre, and repairs to framing joists or bearers could add between AUD 40 and AUD 75 per square metre.
- New solid timber: For brand-new solid timber floors, expect to pay more than AUD 135 per square metre, not including installation. However, once installed, these floors won’t require additional polishing, making them a low-maintenance premium choice.
2. Tile Flooring
Tile is a popular option for kitchen flooring due to its versatility, durability, and easy maintenance. Whether you choose ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, tile flooring can range from affordable to premium, depending on the material and design.
- Ceramic tiles: Ceramic is one of the most cost-effective tile options, starting at around AUD 50 per square metre. With materials and installation, the average cost for an 18.5 square metre kitchen is approximately AUD 2,400.
- Porcelain tiles: Porcelain is more refined and durable than ceramic, with prices ranging from AUD 50 to AUD 150 per square metre. An 18.5 square metre kitchen will typically cost about AUD 3,300 for materials and installation.
- Natural stone tiles: Stone tiles like quartz, slate, or travertine offer a luxurious, high-end look. Depending on the type of stone, prices can range from AUD 100 to AUD 375 per square metre. For a kitchen measuring 18.5 square metres, this can amount to around AUD 4,200, including installation.
3. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is affordable and versatile, perfect for those who want a budget-friendly kitchen floor without sacrificing style. It’s water-resistant, easy to clean, and has many designs, from classic wood looks to modern patterns.
- Vinyl plank or sheet: Vinyl flooring comes in either plank or sheet form, with prices ranging from AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,600 for an 18.5-square-metre kitchen. Vinyl is low-maintenance and an excellent choice for homes with children or pets due to its durability and ease of cleaning.
- Vinyl & Engineered Timber Costs: Both vinyl and engineered timber offer a low-cost, stylish flooring solution. These products typically range between AUD 100 and AUD 180 per square metre, making them an appealing option for many homeowners.
4. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood and works well in the kitchen due to its durability. Laminate can mimic the appearance of real wood, giving your kitchen a high-end look at a fraction of the cost.
Depending on the quality of the laminate, prices range from AUD 15 to AUD 75 per square metre. Installation typically costs between AUD 30 and AUD 120 per square metre.
However, remember that laminate is prone to water damage, so extra precautions may be needed if you choose this material for your kitchen.
5. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is an eco-friendly, durable flooring option that has become increasingly popular recently. It’s a great alternative to traditional hardwood, offering similar aesthetics at a lower cost.
The cost of bamboo flooring can range from AUD 15 to AUD 120 per square metre, with the total price for an 18.5 square metre kitchen coming to around AUD 2,200. Bamboo is strong, long-lasting, and sustainable, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
6. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is an underappreciated option in kitchen flooring. It’s naturally insulating, water-resistant, and comfortable to walk on. However, it’s more susceptible to damage than other materials.
Cork flooring costs between AUD 50 and AUD 120 per square metre, making it an affordable and low-maintenance option. While cork flooring can be easily damaged, its affordability and unique aesthetic appeal make it a great option for some kitchens.
7. Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is known for its durability, and its long lifespan makes it a cost-effective investment. While linoleum may have a higher initial cost than vinyl, it can outlast many other flooring options, making it a smart long-term choice.
Often called the “40-year floor,” linoleum flooring is highly durable, costing between AUD 50 and AUD 120 per square metre. Its resistance to dents and scratches makes it a good choice for high-traffic kitchens.
8. Stained Concrete
For homes with concrete slabs, stained concrete offers a stylish, industrial look that is durable and easy to maintain. It is often cost-effective and requires little upkeep, making it a great choice for modern kitchens.
The cost of staining concrete varies depending on the complexity of the finish, but it remains an affordable kitchen flooring option that provides a unique, custom look.
Cost Considerations For Kitchen Flooring
Before embarking on any kitchen renovation project, it’s essential to determine your budget. The kitchen flooring cost is influenced by several factors, including material costs, installation fees, and the material’s lifespan.
While certain flooring types like vinyl and laminate may seem more affordable upfront, they may not last as long or add as much value to your home as more premium options like hardwood or tile.
When budgeting for your kitchen flooring, consider the following:
- Material: Prices vary widely depending on the type of flooring. For example, synthetic carpet starts at AUD 80 per square metre, while premium materials like genuine wood flooring can exceed AUD 300 per square metre.
- Installation: Some flooring materials require professional installation, which increases overall costs. DIY-friendly options like laminate can help reduce labour expenses, while materials like tile or hardwood may require expert installers.
- Lifespan: Cheaper materials might seem attractive in the short term, but consider the long-term costs. Materials like wood or stone are durable and likely last much longer than more affordable options, saving you money.
Your kitchen size also plays a significant role in determining the overall cost. The average kitchen ranges from 9.5 to 22 square metres, but for this guide, we will calculate the costs for an 18.5 square metre kitchen.
Additional Costs And Considerations
When budgeting for new kitchen flooring, additional factors should be considered beyond material and installation costs. These can significantly impact your final expenses, so it’s important to account for them when planning your project:
- Removing the old floor: This will add to the cost of your existing kitchen floor, which needs to be removed. Some installers include this service in their pricing, while others charge separately.
- Furniture removal: Your installer may charge extra if they need to move heavy appliances or furniture to access the floor.
- Asbestos removal: Homes built before the 1980s may have asbestos in old flooring materials. Asbestos must be removed professionally, which can be an expensive process.
- Irregularities in the floor: Uneven or damaged subfloors may require repair before installing new flooring, adding to your overall costs.
- Complex floor plans: If your kitchen has complicated angles or corners, installation may take longer, increasing labour costs.
Conclusion
Redoing your kitchen flooring can significantly transform the look and feel of your space while adding value to your home. The total cost of this renovation largely depends on the material you choose, installation fees, and any additional factors such as floor removal or repairs.
Whether you opt for affordable options like vinyl or laminate or more premium materials such as hardwood or natural stone, it’s essential to balance your budget with the longevity and durability of the flooring. By carefully considering all the costs and benefits, you can select the perfect flooring option that meets both your aesthetic preferences and practical needs.
FAQs
What Is The Easiest Kitchen Floor To Maintain?
For kitchen flooring, durability and ease of cleaning are top criteria. Good choices are linoleum, ceramic tile–both very common–and wood. Linoleum is inexpensive and provides an easy-to-clean surface and comes in countless designs. Ceramic tiles are even better.
What Is The Most Hard Wearing Flooring For Kitchens?
In terms of practicality, modern porcelain tiles tend to be the most hard-wearing choice for kitchen flooring, as they are waterproof, stain resistant and scratch-proof, as well as easy to clean. Natural stone will last a lifetime if properly installed and treated, but it’s porous and must be sealed.
Should Flooring Go Under Kitchen Cabinets?
Installing flooring before your cabinets is the best choice for most hardwood floors. When professionals install floors then cabinets, it’s easier to get everything to standard heights. It’s also a safer installation process for your cabinets since you won’t risk any damage to them as professionals install the floors.
Should Kitchen Floor Be Darker Than Cabinets?
It is not necessary for your kitchen floor to be darker than the base cabinets or wall cabinets. The color of your kitchen floor can actually be a little lighter or darker than the cabinets. This creates a proper balance in the room.
Do You Install Laminate Flooring Under Cabinets?
Do you install laminate flooring under cabinets? It is better not to install laminate flooring under cabinets. Like vinyl, it can become damaged by water, so if one of your appliances, like your dishwasher, began to leak, it could be difficult to reach the damaged flooring.
