Comparing the Cost of Timber Flooring

Compare the finished floor, not just the board

Two flooring quotes can look very different because they include different work. One may cover boards only; another may include installation but leave out removal, levelling or the finishing trims. Start by asking each supplier and installer to price the same area and scope.

Separate your budget into timber supply, preparation, installation and finishing details. That makes it easier to see where the money goes and whether a lower headline price really produces a lower project total.

How the flooring options differ

Engineered timber has a real timber surface bonded to a supporting core. Its cost reflects the species, grade, board dimensions, veneer, finish and construction. A thicker board is not automatically a better buy: compare the complete specification and the requirements of your room.

Solid timber is wood throughout the board. For an unfinished product, allow for the installation method plus on-site sanding and coating. Pre-finished options have a different cost structure. Ask what is included before comparing them with factory-finished engineered boards.

Unlike timber-look surfaces, Milton Lane engineered oak has genuine timber grain and texture. Its appeal is the real wood you see and feel, combined with a choice of finishes and board sizes to complement your home.

Avoid choosing from broad price ranges alone. A quote for an entry-level product is not a like-for-like comparison with a premium oak floor. Compare actual samples, product specifications and written inclusions.

• Understand engineered timber construction

Allow for installation and preparation

Floating and direct-stick installation are different systems, not simply two prices for the same job. Floating boards sit over a suitable underlay; direct-stick boards are bonded to the prepared substrate. Your product and site must suit the selected method.

Check the existing floor before settling your budget. Removal of tiles or carpet, disposal, moisture management and subfloor repairs can change the total. Uneven surfaces may need grinding or levelling. These costs should be assessed rather than assumed to be included.

Also allow for skirting or trims, door clearances, stairs, furniture movement and delivery access. With unfinished timber, include finishing materials, labour and the time needed before the room can be used.

• Compare floating and direct-stick installation

What could a 100m² project cost?

The example below uses Milton Lane’s published display rates and a 100m² plank installation. It includes 10% extra timber for cutting and wastage, so the material allowance is 110m². Installation is calculated on the 100m² laid area for this illustration; confirm how your installer measures the job.

The subtotal is a planning aid, not an all-inclusive package. Ask for an itemised quote for your location, substrate and chosen product. Actual box quantities must be rounded up to the pack size.

Plank or herringbone changes the budget

Herringbone involves more set-out and cutting than a straightforward plank layout. Get a pattern-specific installation quote rather than applying a plank labour rate. Small rooms, angled walls and transitions can also affect the time involved.

Measure accurately before ordering. A sensible allowance helps the installer work through cuts, but unnecessary extra boxes add to the initial cost. Returns for over-ordering are subject to approval and conditions; do not treat unused flooring as automatically refundable.

• Read measuring and return conditions
• View the herringbone range

Indicative supplier comparison

August 2026: indicative pricing. The figures below are the previously published comparison increased by 35% and rounded to whole dollars. They are not newly verified supplier quotes and should not be used as a current market survey.

Company names remain anonymised. Specifications, grades and supply regions differ. These figures provide background context, not full installed project prices. For Milton Lane flooring, use our product pages and the project example above to start your budget.

Choose value you can see and verify

Look beyond the lowest price to the colour, grade and finish you will live with. View samples in your own light and check the brochure for the exact product. A room photograph helps with overall appearance; a sample helps you judge texture and tone.

Our product brochures, installation instructions and care guide bring the key information together in one place. Regular cleaning and simple furniture protection help preserve the finish over time.

For a useful quote, send your measured area, postcode, preferred product, existing floor surface and installation preference. Add photos of doorways, stairs and any damaged or uneven areas. That information helps identify costs before work starts.

• Browse wide plank flooring
• Read the care guide