Why Cheap Flooring Quotes Often Become Expensive Projects
- Imperial Flooring Australia
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"How much per square metre for timber flooring?"
While the question seems straightforward, the reality is that no two flooring projects are the same.
Many homeowners compare flooring quotes purely on the supply and installation cost of the boards themselves.
What is often overlooked is the condition of the subfloor underneath. In many cases, the preparation work required before installation can have a bigger impact on the final result than the flooring product itself.
The Floor You Don't See Matters Most
Whether you're installing engineered oak, herringbone flooring, hybrid flooring, or laminate flooring, the finished result is only as good as the surface beneath it.
An uneven or poorly prepared subfloor can lead to:
Lipping between boards
Hollow sounding floors
Movement and squeaking
Premature wear
Installation failures
Manufacturer warranty issues
No premium flooring product can compensate for a poor foundation.
Why Square Metre Rates Can Be Misleading
Many flooring advertisements promote a simple "$XX per square metre supplied and installed" price.
What these figures often don't account for includes:
Existing floor covering removal
Tile removal
Grinding and scarifying
Moisture mitigation
Floor levelling compounds
Skirting board removal and reinstatement
Furniture moving
Site access challenges
Finishing trims and details
Stair Installation
Without inspecting the property, it is impossible to determine the true scope of works required.
A Recent Project Example
Recently, our team completed a large floor preparation project in Wollongong before installing a custom herringbone floor with a border feature.
The existing substrate required extensive preparation to achieve the tolerances necessary for a premium herringbone installation.
The solution involved:
Mechanical surface preparation
Priming the substrate
Installation of a premium 40MPa self-levelling compound
Laser checks across the floor
Final preparation ready for timber installation
The result was a perfectly flat surface capable of delivering the high-end finish our client expected.
Why Herringbone Flooring Demands Greater Accuracy
Straight plank flooring can often disguise minor imperfections in a subfloor.
Herringbone flooring is far less forgiving.
Because every board interlocks at precise angles, even small variations in floor levels can become highly visible once installed.
This is why professional floor preparation is particularly important when installing:
Herringbone flooring
Chevron flooring
Large format engineered timber
Feature border flooring designs
Preparation Is An Investment, Not An Extra Cost
Some homeowners initially view floor preparation as an unexpected additional expense.
In reality, it is one of the most important investments in the entire project.
A properly prepared subfloor helps ensure:
Better appearance
Longer lifespan
Improved stability
Manufacturer compliance
Greater long-term value
The flooring itself may be what you see every day, but the preparation underneath is what allows it to perform for decades.
Choosing The Right Flooring Contractor
When comparing flooring quotations, don't simply ask what flooring product is being supplied.
Ask:
Has the subfloor been assessed?
What preparation is included?
Are floor levelling works allowed for?
What happens if the existing floor is not within tolerance?
A professional flooring contractor will assess the entire project, not just the flooring material being installed.
Get Expert Flooring Advice
At Imperial Flooring Australia, we believe every successful flooring project starts with proper preparation. From subfloor assessments and levelling through to premium engineered timber and herringbone installations, our team delivers flooring solutions designed to last.
Contact us today to arrange an onsite measure and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't flooring be quoted accurately over the phone?
Every property is different. Factors such as the existing floor coverings, subfloor condition, moisture levels, access requirements, and preparation work needed can significantly affect the overall cost. An onsite inspection allows for an accurate assessment and quotation.
What is subfloor preparation?
Subfloor preparation involves getting the existing surface ready for new flooring installation. This may include grinding, moisture testing, crack repairs, priming, self-levelling compounds, and ensuring the floor meets the flatness tolerances required by Australian Standards and flooring manufacturers.
Do all floors need levelling before installation?
Not always. However, many homes and apartments have subfloors that fall outside acceptable tolerances. A professional assessment will determine whether levelling or additional preparation is required before installation can proceed.
Why is floor levelling important?
A flat subfloor helps prevent issues such as lipping, movement, hollow sounds, excessive wear, and installation failures. Proper floor levelling also helps maintain manufacturer warranties and ensures the best possible finish.
Is floor preparation included in a square metre rate?
Not necessarily. Many advertised square metre rates only include the flooring product and installation of the boards. Additional works such as floor removal, grinding, moisture mitigation, levelling compounds, skirting work, and furniture relocation may be quoted separately depending on the project.
Does herringbone flooring require more preparation?
Yes. Herringbone flooring requires a much higher level of accuracy than standard straight plank installations. Even small imperfections in the subfloor can become visible once installed, making proper preparation essential for a premium result.
Can you install engineered timber flooring over tiles?
In many cases, yes. However, the existing tiled surface must first be assessed for adhesion, flatness, and suitability. Often, grinding and levelling work may be required before installation.
How do I know if my subfloor is suitable for new flooring?
The best way is to arrange an onsite measure and quote. A flooring professional can assess the condition of the subfloor, identify any preparation requirements, and recommend the most suitable flooring solution for your home.
What happens if subfloor preparation is skipped?
Skipping preparation can lead to visible imperfections, floor movement, hollow sounds, premature wear, and in some cases, complete installation failure. Investing in proper preparation helps protect your flooring investment and ensures long-term performance.
How long does subfloor preparation take?
The timeframe depends on the condition of the existing substrate and the extent of preparation required. Simple grinding may take a few hours, while larger levelling projects may require additional curing time before flooring installation can commence.
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