Timber flooring adds warmth and value to NZ homes — but with solid hardwood, engineered timber, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) all available, the options and price range is wide. Here's what timber flooring costs in NZ in 2026 and how to choose the right product for your home.
Timber Flooring Cost NZ 2026
| Product | Supply + install per m² |
|---|---|
| Engineered timber (mid-range) | $80–$150/m² |
| Engineered timber (premium) | $130–$220/m² |
| Solid hardwood (oak, teak) | $120–$220/m² |
| NZ native timber (rimu, matai, kauri — reclaimed) | $150–$300/m² |
| Bamboo flooring | $60–$110/m² |
| Luxury vinyl plank / LVT (mid-range) | $50–$90/m² |
| Luxury vinyl plank (premium) | $80–$130/m² |
Typical total costs for a 3-bedroom house (approx. 70m² of flooring):
| Product | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|
| LVT / vinyl plank (mid-range) | $3,500–$6,300 |
| Engineered timber (mid-range) | $5,600–$10,500 |
| Solid hardwood | $8,400–$15,400 |
All prices include supply, installation, and standard skirting/threshold finishing. GST inclusive. Auckland 10–15% above.
Solid Timber vs Engineered Timber vs Vinyl Plank
Solid Timber Hardwood
Traditional solid wood flooring — milled from a single piece of timber, typically 18–22mm thick. Can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. Beautiful and long-lasting.
Downsides for NZ: Solid timber moves significantly with changes in moisture and temperature. In NZ's humid climate, it requires acclimatisation before installation and may not suit underfloor heating (risk of cupping). Not suitable for below-grade (basement or on-ground slab) installation.
Life expectancy: 50–100 years with refinishing.
Engineered Timber
A thin layer of real hardwood (typically 2–6mm) bonded to a stable plywood or HDF core. The core layers run in alternating directions — this counteracts the natural movement of timber, making it much more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood.
Advantages: Can go over underfloor heating, suitable for slab-on-ground with a moisture barrier, faster installation (floating or glued). The surface layer is real timber — looks and feels identical to solid hardwood. Can usually be sanded once or twice depending on wear layer thickness.
Life expectancy: 25–50 years.
Best for: Most NZ residential applications. The practical choice for NZ's climate and construction methods.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) / LVT
High-quality PVC plank flooring with a photographic timber print layer and a wear layer. 100% waterproof. Floats over most existing substrates. No acclimatisation. Suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries where timber isn't appropriate.
Modern premium LVP (Godfrey Hirst, Karndean, Moduleo) is very realistic. Rigid core (SPC/WPC) products are dimensionally stable and suit NZ's temperature swings. Cannot be refinished when worn.
Life expectancy: 15–25 years (premium brands).
Best for: Wet areas, rentals, budget renovations, and high-traffic areas where waterproofing matters.
What Affects Timber Flooring Cost
Subfloor condition: Engineered timber and LVP can float over many existing subfloors — but the floor must be flat to within 3mm over 1.8m. Grinding high spots or levelling compound to flatten a subfloor adds $10–$30/m².
Removing existing flooring: Breaking out old tiles ($15–$30/m²), removing carpet and gripper rods ($5–$12/m²), or sanding existing timber flooring ($15–$25/m²) are additional costs.
Underfloor heating: Engineered timber and LVP generally work with underfloor heating; solid hardwood does not. Check the specific product's underfloor heating compatibility.
Stair nosings: Stairs require special edge profiles (nosings) — add $50–$150 per step.
Skirting board replacement: If skirting boards need to match new flooring, this adds $30–$60/m of perimeter (painting extra).
Installation method: - Floating: Boards click together, float over the subfloor. Fastest, easiest to DIY, no glue. - Glued: Each board glued to the subfloor. More permanent, quieter underfoot, better for high traffic. Takes longer. - Secret nailed (tongue and groove): Traditional method for solid timber. Each board nailed through the tongue. Only for solid timber on timber subfloors.
NZ Native Timber Flooring
Reclaimed rimu, matai, and kauri are sought-after for NZ heritage homes. These materials are not new-cut (protected) — they come from demolition, salvage, or old buildings being repurposed.
Pricing: $100–$250/m² supply only, depending on condition, species, and grade. Finding matching species for an existing floor can be challenging and expensive.
Where to source: Specialised demolition salvage companies, architectural salvage dealers, trademe.co.nz (secondhand materials). Some flooring companies have contacts.
Questions to Ask a Flooring Installer
- Is the subfloor suitable for the product I want? What preparation is needed?
- Is supply and installation in your quote, or just installation?
- What installation method — floating, glued, or nailed?
- What underlayment is included?
- Is trim, nosing, and threshold finishing included?
- For engineered timber: what's the wear layer thickness?
- What's the warranty on the product and installation?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does timber flooring cost in NZ? Engineered timber flooring (supply and install): $80–$150/m² for mid-range. A 3-bedroom house (70m²): $5,600–$10,500. Luxury vinyl plank is cheaper at $50–$90/m² installed. Solid hardwood is more expensive at $120–$220/m².
What is the best timber flooring for NZ homes? Engineered timber is the best all-round choice for most NZ residential applications — it's dimensionally stable in NZ's humid climate, works over underfloor heating, and looks identical to solid hardwood. LVP is the best choice for wet areas and rentals.
Can you install timber flooring over concrete in NZ? Yes — engineered timber and LVP can be installed over concrete slab with a moisture barrier. The slab must be flat (within 3mm over 1.8m) and below 80% relative humidity. Solid hardwood is generally not recommended over concrete.
How long does timber flooring last in NZ? Quality engineered timber: 25–50 years. Solid hardwood: 50–100 years with refinishing. Premium LVP: 15–25 years. All products last longer with regular sweeping and appropriate cleaning (no wet mopping on timber).
Can I sand and refinish engineered timber in NZ? Engineered timber with a wear layer of 3–4mm or more can typically be sanded 1–2 times. 2mm wear layer is borderline. Anything less than 2mm cannot be sanded. Check the wear layer thickness before buying — it's the key specification for longevity of engineered timber.
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