Menu

Bamboo Flooring Installation Cost

Install Wood Flooring

Table of Contents

Looking to install affordable and eco-friendly bamboo floors? With pricing depending on materials, labour and extras, determining true installation costs is vital. This comprehensive guide explores every cost factor – from bamboo types and quantities to hidden fees and contractor rates. Gain insights into budgeting wisely, price negotiating tactics and financing options for your project.

Cost of Bamboo Flooring Material

When looking to install bamboo floors in your home, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the actual bamboo flooring materials. There are several elements that impact the overall price you will pay, including the specific type of bamboo flooring, the quantity you require and any specials on offer.

Types of Bamboo Flooring

There are a few main varieties of bamboo flooring available on the Australian market, each with their own price points. Solid bamboo flooring consists of strips of bamboo glued together to create planks. This type provides a very natural, distinctive look but is also the most expensive option. Expect to pay $80-100 per m2 for premium quality solid bamboo.

Engineered bamboo flooring is made up of multiple layers, with a bamboo veneer on top and a plywood or high-density fibreboard base. This makes it more stable than solid bamboo while retaining the attractive surface texture. Engineered bamboo can cost $50-70 per m2 for a good quality product.

Strand woven bamboo flooring takes the pieces of bamboo and reconstitutes them into new planks using adhesives. The end result has an extremely durable, contemporary appearance. Strand woven bamboo is marginally cheaper than solid bamboo at around $70-90 per m2.

When deciding on which type of bamboo to purchase, factors like the intended use of the floor, subfloor type, aesthetic preferences and budget will inform your decision. Those wanting an eco-friendly floor with pronounced bamboo markings may lean towards solid boards, while engineered bamboo offers greater versatility for installing over concrete subfloors. Strand woven bamboo gives you stylish fine grain patterns for medium density fibreboard stability.

Cost Per Square Metre

On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per m2 for good quality bamboo flooring in Australia. However, prices can range lower or higher depending on the variables. Entry-level products begin around $30 per m2 while premium solid bamboo boards can be $130+ per m2. When quoted m2 rates for bamboo flooring, make sure to clarify exactly what is included. Some rates will just cover the flooring while others will encompass materials like underlay and installation accessories.

Naturally, the type of bamboo flooring makes a major difference to cost. As outlined earlier, solid bamboo commands the highest prices due to its pure constitution and artisanal production. Strand woven and engineered bamboo cost marginally less with their more contemporary manufacturing processes. The thickness of the boards also impacts m2 pricing, with thicker stock costing more.

Your supplier choice gives cost variation too. Online bamboo flooring outlets can offer discounted rates by cutting out bricks-and-mortar overhead costs. However, buying through a physical store allows you to inspect samples first-hand before purchasing. For big jobs, negotiating with suppliers for bulk discounts can significantly reduce your per m2 rate.

Quantity Cost Effect

One of the best ways to optimise the cost per m2 for your bamboo flooring is by buying in bulk. Purchasing large quantities gives buyers the power to bargain for discounted rates from both online and in-store suppliers. The more flooring you plan to use, the lower your overall material price is likely to be.

As an example, if you were quoted $65 per m2 for a specific strand woven bamboo product by a store, they may drop the rate to $60 per m2 if you commit to 50+ square metres. The extra bargaining power that comes with buying big volumes gives you savings. Most suppliers are willing to strike a better deal to win your large-scale business.

The quantity cost effect is even more pronounced when dealing directly with manufacturers and wholesalers. Expect sizeable reductions on bulk bamboo flooring orders direct from the source. However, you need to be installing very big areas to make this option viable, as manufacturers enforce minimum order quantities. Still, if tiling 100m2+ spaces, the potential cost savings from bulk wholesale bamboo can be considerable.

A quantity discount arrangement requires trust and commitment between the buyer and seller. Make sure any agreed discounted rates based on bulk orders are provided in writing before paying deposits. Be wary of vague verbal promises that could later result in unexpected price hikes after you’ve already paid some money. Receiving formalised quotes gives you legal recourse if agreed bulk prices aren’t honoured.

Installing Flooring

Installation Costs

Installing bamboo flooring requires professional contracting services in most cases, which represents a significant portion of overall project expenditure. Labor charges can vary considerably between regions and individual contractors. It’s important to understand all the factors that influence installation costs when budgeting.

Labor Costs

The main cost associated with getting bamboo floors fitted is the installation labor fees. For a typical install, you can expect to pay $30-50 per m2 for labor alone. Simple floating floors on plywood subfloors attract lower rates around $30-40 per m2, while more complex direct-stick jobs on concrete with moisture barriers can be $50+ per m2.

Flooring contractors base their bamboo installation quotes on a few core factors. The main one is the type of subfloor beneath your existing floor coverings. Timber offers the most cost-effective base for overlaying bamboo boards. Concrete subfloors often need moisture barrier sheets and levelling compound to create a viable surface for installation, adding cost.

The complexity of your floor plan also impacts labor fees. Intricate rooms with multiple doorways and irregular edges take longer to tile, representing more workhours for contractors. Expect to pay towards the higher end of the rate scale for fiddly floorplans. Simpler open space designs allow for quicker installation.

Your chosen bamboo flooring type also plays a role in labor pricing. Engineered click-lock boards can be fitted faster than solid bamboo requiring nail-down fastening. Any custom cutting of boards or intricate border work will increase hands-on time as well. Discuss your exact flooring specifications with contractors when obtaining quotes.

Importantly, labor costs vary across different regions of Australia. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, you can expect to pay $40-60 per m2 for bamboo installation. Less populated areas have lower labor rates, with regional towns charging $30-50 per m2. Get multiple localized quotes rather than assuming national average prices.

Additional Installation Costs

On top of the core labour fees, your bamboo flooring install may incur some additional costs. One common one is subfloor preparation requirements. For concrete bases, sealing compounds, self-leveling products and moisture barrier sheets often need to be applied to ready the slab for overlaying. These preparatory products can cost $5-15 per m2.

If installing bamboo over existing tiles containing asbestos, professional asbestos removal will be required before progressing with your new floor. This hazardous material disposal process costs around $50-100 per m2.

For upper storey and highrise apartments, sound-deadening acoustic underlay will be recommended beneath your new bamboo boards. Acoustic underlay reduces noise transfer to units below, but adds $2-5 per m2 in materials.

Other potential add-ons include installing foam expansion joints around room perimeters to allow bamboo movement, removal of existing skirting boards or door jambs, and reinstating trims following installation. Discuss all required inclusions in the quote process.

Regional Cost Variations

Being such a vast country, Australia sees major variations in tradesmen service costs between different states and territories. As a general rule, you can expect to pay more for bamboo floor installation in the eastern cities compared to regional areas.

In Sydney, labour rates for flooring contractors typically span $45-65 per m2. Comparable services from Melbourne contractors run $40-60 per m2. Their proximity to major ports and population hubs pushes prices up.

Conversely, having your bamboo floors installed in regional NSW or Victoria costs $30-50 per m2 – around 20% cheaper than the big cities. Less demand means contractors price more competitively to win jobs.

Up in Queensland, Brisbane-based installers charge $40-55 per m2 for bamboo. But just a few hours inland, regional towns can see rates as low as $30-45 per m2. So obtaining localised quotes is critical.

When installing in states like SA, WA, Tasmania or NT, proximity to capital cities again drives pricing. Adelaide contractors may charge $40-55 per m2, while you’ll pay $30-45 per m2 in Port Augusta. Compare multiple nearby quotes within your postcode.

Maintenance and Additional Costs

While the upfront installation of bamboo floors represents the major cost, ongoing maintenance and potential repairs should also be budgeted for. With proper care, your bamboo floors can remain looking pristine for decades, making them a highly cost-effective flooring solution over time. Let’s explore the key maintenance and cost considerations.

Routine Maintenance

Caring for your bamboo flooring requires some simple regular cleaning routines. A quick daily sweep removes grit and debris that can scratch bamboo if walked over repeatedly. Sweep along the grain direction to avoid lint and dust building up between boards.

Weekly mopping is recommended using a damp microfiber mop and pH neutral cleaner. Avoid excess water that can warp bamboo over time. Always mop parallel with the grain. Diluted white vinegar also works well for antibacterial cleaning.

Every month or two, clean the whole floor thoroughly with a bamboo floor deep cleaning solution. These specialized cleaners lift stains and return shine. Alternate the grain direction when mopping for a streak-free outcome.

Protecting bamboo flooring from scratches is also important. Use felt pads underneath furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface. Place walk-off mats at exterior doors to trap grit. Sun shades reduce color fading from UV exposure through windows.

With these simple maintenance habits, your bamboo floors will retain their eye-catching new appearance for years. Establish a routine cleaning regimen right away.

Repair Costs

Minor damage to bamboo flooring can happen occasionally in any home. Typical issues like surface scratches, dents, and worn transition areas can often be repaired rather than fully replaced if addressed early.

Light surface scratches are the most common damage type, caused by pets or moving furniture. Using grain-filler products specially formulated for bamboo repairs these effectively. The cost is around $25 per bottle.

For deeper gouges and indentations where the bamboo veneer is fractured, colored wax fill sticks can be melted into holes to disguise damage. These cost $10-15 per stick. Professional repairs by flooring contractors cost around $50-100 per hour.

Worn transitions between bamboo flooring and other floor types commonly need minor patching after a few years in high traffic locations. This can be fixed affordably with filler products.

In wet areas, moisture damage like cupping or swelling of bamboo planks might occur over time if sealing fails. This requires plank replacement at $50-80 per m2, or professionals may be able to sand and re-coat affected patches for $100-150 per m2.

With periodic inspection and quick action on minor damage, extensive repairs are avoidable. Budgeting $150-300 annually allows you to maintain great looking bamboo floors.

Bamboo Flooring

Long-term Value

When weighing up the overall cost dynamics of flooring, bamboo rates very well in terms of long-term value. Once installed, you can enjoy your bamboo floors for 20-25 years before replacement is required. Properly maintained bamboo retains its pristine ‘new’ look for far longer than carpets, for example.

This longevity and enduring appearance means that the initial investment into bamboo pays for itself impressively over time. Say you paid $8000 upfront for materials and installation of a 50m2 space. Over 25 years, this equates to only $320 per year – excellent value considering the daily enjoyment provided.

Occasional minor maintenance and repairs are inexpensive compared to fully replacing worn floors every 5-10 years as is necessary with inferior products. Being a natural hardwood, quality bamboo offers long-term cost efficiency alongside environmental sustainability.

Bamboo’s versatility also boosts its value proposition. Prefinished boards can be sanded back and re-coated up to three times if desired to refresh the look. And bamboo can be continually re-installed when shifting homes.

Choosing bamboo flooring represents an investment in durable, sustainable flooring that looks fantastic year after year. The moderate upfront expenditure pays off handsomely thanks to bamboo’s longevity and easy maintenance.

Financing Bamboo Flooring Installation

Installing new bamboo flooring can represent a major home improvement investment. Fortunately, several financing options exist to fund your bamboo flooring project. By planning your budget carefully and finding cost savings where possible, you can enjoy brand new floors without breaking the bank.

Financing Options

Most homeowners turn to loans when financing sizable home upgrades like new bamboo flooring. Personal loans from your existing bank or credit union are a popular choice, usually with set repayment terms from 6 months up to 5 years. Interest rates range from 5-15% depending on your credit rating.

Another option is opening a project loan account with flooring material suppliers, either in-store or online. These finance the flooring itself plus installation costs over 6-24 months. Rates are competitive but dependent on spending a minimum amount with that supplier.

An emerging financing method is using “Buy Now Pay Later” services like ZipPay, AfterPay or Humm. These allow you to split repayments over 6-12 weeks, interest-free if requirements are met. However, strict eligibility criteria makes BNPL more suited to smaller flooring jobs.

For very expensive custom bamboo flooring installs, some families choose to remortgage their home or tap available equity through loans like home equity lines of credit. Only worthwhile if your existing mortgage has favourable rates. Seek financial guidance first.

Many contractors offer monthly payment plans for their installation services spread over 6-12 months. This helps ease the labour cost portion. Get payment schedules clearly specified in your quote.

Budgeting Tips

Careful planning and budgeting is key to keeping your bamboo flooring install affordable. Firstly, accurately measure your floor space and get multiple itemised quotes for both materials and installation. Quotes from different suppliers can vary greatly.

Factor in any additional costs like subfloor preparation, accessories, removal of existing floors, and finish trims. Aim to keep your flooring choice within 30-40% of your total budget so the install doesn’t blow out costs.

Consider potential future savings from energy efficiency improvements that bamboo flooring enables, like installing hydronic heating. This offsets extra spend now. Also budget for ongoing maintenance – about $200 yearly is recommended.

Stick firmly to your approved budget and be wary of overspending ‘just a bit more’ across materials, labor and extras. Those small overages can quickly total big dollars.

Saving on Installation Costs

With resourceful planning, you can reduce installation costs without compromising quality. Opting for a floating bamboo floor rather than direct stick saves on labor fees, for example. And buying specials direct from manufacturers cuts out retailer markups.

Use mass-merchant retailers like Costco or IKEA for discounted bamboo flooring. And take advantage of seasonal sales around Christmas when stocks need clearing.

For labor, get quotes from regional contractors prepared to trade some travel time for your business rather than just big city specialists. Or upskill yourself by DIY installing your top floor layer only, hiring a pro just for the fiddly cuts.

Finally, spend time inspecting samples first before choosing products. Often visually comparable bamboo floors have vastly different price tags. An eye for detail wins savings.

Brand Comparisons

When selecting which brand of bamboo flooring to install, you’ll be faced with an array of options from leading manufacturers and boutique suppliers. Comparing factors like quality, price, warranty coverage and sustainability commitments allows you to determine the best brand for your needs and budget.

Top Brands in Australia

EcoTimber, Austral Floors and Premium Floors rank among the most popular bamboo flooring brands locally. Boasting extensive product ranges with Australia-wide distribution, they cater to jobs large and small. You’ll find their products available through major flooring retailers countrywide.

Other noteworthy brands include Bamboo Flooring Australia, Bamboo Direct and Teragren. Recognised for specialising in bamboo flooring, they offer premium quality for discerning homeowners. Their products usually command higher prices but back it up with performance.

Lesser known brands like Daily Bamboo, Bamboo House and Eco Choices offer more affordable bamboo flooring options. Mostly sold online direct to consumers, their streamlined operation allows competitive pricing. However, product ranges are narrower and warranties less comprehensive.

Seeking out boutique local manufacturers can also uncover hidden gems. Small family brands tailor products for Australian conditions and include custom options bigger players don’t. Discuss their offerings before deciding.

Quality and Price Comparison

When assessing bamboo flooring brands, product quality correlates closely with price tags. The top players like EcoTimber and Austral Floors produce extremely high-grade flooring suited to heavy residential and commercial use. Premium quality commands prices ranging from $50 up to $130 per m2.

Mid-tier operators such as Bamboo Direct and Teragren offer products priced mostly $60-100 per m2. Build quality remains excellent but product ranges are streamlined, reducing costs. Performance and looks still impress within regular home settings.

Budget brands cost $40-70 per m2 but quality is noticeably lower. Product warranties are shorter and manufacturing standards not as stringent. Still, those with minimal budgets can achieve presentable looking outcomes from this tier by managing expectations.

Within any given brand’s range, thicker planks, wider widths and solid bamboo boards attract higher pricing than thinner engineered alternatives. But increased durability and aesthetic appeal comes with upgrading.

When evaluating brands, inspect planks closely and carefully compare warranties before assuming saving money upfront is wise based on cost alone.

Warranty Comparison

Product warranties become extremely important when choosing bamboo flooring, providing assurance of quality and indicating useful lifespan. Leading brands offer warranties ranging from 15 years up to lifetime guarantees on manufacturing defects.

Top-tier EcoTimber stands out with exceptional 25 year residential and 10 year commercial warranties. This highlights the faith they have in their premium flooring to perform. Expect a replacement value of over 20% for 15+ year guarantees.

Mid-range players like Austral Floors and Teragren still deliver solid 15-20 year residential warranties, backing their products to last. Even budget suppliers should provide minimum 10 year defect coverage on quality bamboo flooring built to survive everyday wear.

Look for warranties guaranteeing stability from delaminating, protecting against swelling from moisture damage and specification on finish coatings warranties which degrade over time. Full replacement value also counts, not just cheap patch repairs. 

Related Flooring Resources

Hybrid Flooring

How Much Does Hybrid Flooring Cost

Table of Contents How Much Does Hybrid Flooring Cost Hybrid flooring in Australia typically costs between $35 to $70 per square meter, with additional expenses for labor and materials. ×

Read More »
aggregate cost

Exposed Aggregate Cost Per M2

Your driveway is the last thing you see before you leave and the first thing you see when you arrive home. So, if there’s anything that could increase your home’s curb appeal, then redoing your plain, boring concrete driveway with exposed aggregate might be the most impactful thing you can do.

Read More »