Flooring Installation in Perth: What to Expect (Timeline, Prep and Cost)

Choosing your floor is the fun part; knowing what actually happens when it goes in is what makes the project run smoothly. Flooring installation in Perth follows a clear path, from the first measure to the final skirting, and understanding each step helps you prepare your home, plan around it and avoid surprises. This guide walks through what to expect, how long it takes and what it costs, whatever floor you have chosen.

Step 1: The on-site measure and assessment

It starts with an accurate measure. A proper quote is based on your actual rooms, not a rough guess, so the floor area is measured in square metres and the condition of your subfloor is assessed. In most Perth homes that means checking the concrete slab for flatness, soundness and moisture, which decides what preparation is needed and, for timber, whether a moisture barrier is required. This is also when the install method is confirmed: floating for laminate, hybrid and floating bamboo, or direct-stick for timber.

Step 2: Removing the old floor

If you have an existing floor, removal and disposal can be arranged as part of the job. Old carpet, tiles or floating boards come up, and the subfloor is cleared back to a clean slab. It is quoted separately from the new floor because it varies with what is coming out, so it is worth flagging at the measure.

Step 3: Preparing the subfloor

Preparation is the step that decides how good the finished floor looks and how long it lasts. The slab is cleaned, high spots are ground down and low spots filled so the surface is flat, and where moisture testing calls for it, a moisture barrier is applied before timber goes down. A well-prepared base is the difference between a floor that stays flat and quiet and one that shows every imperfection. Our timber over concrete guide covers slab prep in more detail for direct-stick jobs.

Step 4: Laying the floor

How the floor goes down depends on the product:

• Floating floors (laminate, hybrid and floating bamboo) click together — over an underlay or on their built-in backing — with an expansion gap left around the perimeter. Because there is no adhesive to cure, rooms are usable soon after laying.
• Direct-stick timber (engineered and solid) is glued to the slab with a flexible adhesive for a solid, quiet floor. The adhesive needs time to cure, so foot traffic waits until it has set, typically about a day, and heavy furniture a little longer.

Step 5: Finishing and skirting

Once the floor is down, the room is finished. Pre-finished boards are ready to go, while raw timber is sanded and coated on site. New skirting boards are then fitted to cover the expansion gap and complete the room, and the space is cleaned up ready to use.

How long does flooring installation take?

Timing depends on the size of the job, the floor type and how much preparation the slab needs. A single room can often be done in a day, while a whole home takes several, and extra slab preparation, old-floor removal or on-site sanding and coating of raw timber add time. Your installer will give you a realistic timeline at the measure once the scope is clear.

What does flooring installation cost in Perth?

Most flooring in Perth is quoted supplied and laid, so the labour is built into the per-square-metre rate: from $47/m² for laminate, $56/m² for hybrid and $86/m² for engineered timber. If you have already bought your timber, installation on its own starts from $32/m². Removal of the old floor and any slab preparation are quoted separately. For the full breakdown by type, see our Perth flooring cost guide.

Getting it done right

A good result comes down to accurate measuring, honest slab preparation and a clean, careful install. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall with public liability cover up to $5 million, and the same team that quotes your floor prepares the slab, lays the floor and fits the skirting. If you are still choosing a product, our best flooring for Perth homes guide will help.

Start with the online quote tool for a fast estimate, and we will confirm the details at the on-site measure.

Flooring installation in Perth: frequently asked questions

How long does it take to install flooring?
A single room can often be done in a day; a whole home takes several. Slab preparation, old-floor removal and on-site sanding of raw timber add time.

Can you remove the old flooring?
Removal and disposal can be arranged as part of the job, and it is quoted separately since it varies with what is coming out. Flag it at the measure.

Does the price include installation?
Supplied-and-laid rates include the labour: from $47/m² for laminate, $56/m² for hybrid and $86/m² for engineered timber. Install-only for timber you supply starts from $32/m².

How soon can I walk on a new floor?
Floating floors are usable soon after laying. A direct-stuck timber floor needs the adhesive to cure first, typically about a day for foot traffic.

How do I get a quote?
Use the online quote tool for a fast estimate, then the details are confirmed at the on-site measure.