The Best Cheap Flooring Types in Australia—Pros, Cons, and Prices

TL;DR: Affordable flooring options in Australia often include vinyl plank, laminate, and peel-and-stick vinyl tiles because they are budget-friendly, durable, and easy to install. Some homeowners also save money by sourcing reclaimed or second-hand hardwood from local marketplaces. The best choice usually depends on the room, moisture levels, and how much daily foot traffic the floor needs to handle.

It can be difficult to find cheap flooring in Australia if you are trying to build or fix up a house on a budget. You desire a stylish flooring option that is both affordable and long-lasting. This guide will help you choose the most inexpensive flooring for your home. It tells you how much each type of flooring costs per square meter and what the advantages and cons are.

1. Vinyl flooring is cheap, looks excellent, and doesn’t need any care.

The cost per square meter ranges from $20 to $60, excluding installation costs if you choose not to manage it yourself.

Why you should choose it:

Vinyl flooring is popular in Australia because it looks excellent and is affordable. It doesn’t get damaged by water, lasts a long time, and comes in a giant range of colors and styles, including one that looks like hardwood or tile.

Pros:

• It doesn’t get wet easily and is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Long-lasting and simple to clean
• There are many different designs and colors available.
• Not as hard as tiles when walking on them

Cons:

• Vinyl floors can get scratched easily in homes with a lot of foot traffic or pets.
• Could fade in direct sunlight
• Cheap vinyl records may decrease the resale value later.

Tip: If you live in a busy home, pick vinyl flooring with a thick wear layer to make it last longer.

2. Laminate floors look like hardwood but don’t cost as much.

Laminate flooring typically ranges in price from $20 to $50 per square meter. 

Why you should pick it:

If you want hardwood floors but don’t want to spend a lot of money, laminate flooring is a fantastic option in Australia. This laminate is long-lasting and can be used in living rooms, bathrooms, and home offices.

Pros:

• Stylish and cheap.
• They are not easily broken or stained.
• Simple to set up (great for do-it-yourselfers)
• Realistic designs of wood grain.

Cons:

• The plastic isn’t waterproof, so don’t use it in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
• Laminate that receives a lot of use may be scratch-prone.
• It is louder than wood or rugs.

Tip: To use laminate in the kitchen, look for pieces with finishes that don’t let water through.

3. Carpet Tiles—Soft, Warm & replaceable.

Price Range: $25–$55 per square meter

Why you should pick it:

In Australia, carpet tiles are a cheap way to cover the floor in bedrooms, playrooms, and home offices. It’s easy to put them in and get new ones if they get broken.

Pros:

• The carpet tiles are nice and soft to walk on, and they provide warmth in the winter.
• It’s easy to put down carpet tiles without help from a pro.
• One broken part at a time can be changed.

Cons:

• Carpets aren’t good for places with a lot of foot traffic and spills.
• More work is needed to keep it clean.
• Can become flat in busy places

Tip: If you have pets, choose carpet tiles with fibers that don’t get stained easily.

4. Engineered Timber—Premium Looks for Less

Price Range: $40–$100 per square meter

Why you should pick it:

It is possible to get synthetic timber flooring in Australia if you want the warmth and beauty of real wood without having to pay the full price. It has a strong core and a layer of natural wood on top.

Pros:

• Genuine wood finish
• Makes your home worth more
• More stable than solid wood in damp places

Cons:

• It costs more than vinyl or plywood.
• It is not suitable for areas that are frequently exposed to moisture.
• If you do not maintain it properly, it may become scratched.
• If you want to protect your rug, put it somewhere that many people will walk on.

Flooring Prices & Installation Costs in Australia

To start, the price of flooring per square meter is a favorable one. However, it is important to also consider the cost of installation.

• Installing vinyl typically costs $20 to $40 per square meter.
• Putting down laminate costs between $25 and $50 per m³.
• It takes $15 to $35 per square meter to put down carpet tiles.
• It costs $40 to $60 per square meter to put down engineered wood.
• You can save money by putting things together yourself, but a pro will make sure the work lasts.

How to Pick the Best Flooring for Your Needs

If you’re looking for cheap flooring, keep these things in mind:

• Type of room: Floors that can handle water are needed in rooms with moisture.
• Foot traffic: Floors in homes with a lot of foot activity need to be strong.
• Choose alternatives that are simple to clean and won’t scratch from kids and dogs.
• Resale value: Better finishes like engineered wood can increase appeal.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to acquire flooring that looks good and operates well. There is a cheap flooring option for every taste and need. You can choose from long-lasting vinyl flooring, cheap laminate flooring, easy-to-install carpet tiles, or engineered wood flooring.

You can find a floor you love without spending too much by comparing prices per square meter, weighing pros and cons, and making sure the product fits your lifestyle. If you need help choosing the right option, Contact Doors and Floors for expert advice and affordable flooring solutions.

FAQs

What is the most affordable type of flooring​?

The flooring options are usually laminate, sheet vinyl and vinyl planks. These are pretty affordable.

What type of flooring is best and cheapest?

Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are good and cheap. They are affordable and last long. They are also easy to put in.

What is the cheapest thing to use for flooring?

Sheet vinyl and peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are often the cheapest. They do not cost much. Are easy to install.