How much does herringbone flooring cost to install in Melbourne?
Installation is about $68–$86 per m² for herringbone, roughly double a straight lay, and you need 15% extra boards. A 20 m² room in $65/m² boards comes to about $2,700–$3,440 supplied and installed, against $1,970–$2,520 laid straight.
20 m² room, three patterns
Boards at $65/m² (the TileMyRoom default), installation on a flat, ready subfloor. Removal of the old floor, levelling and new skirting are extra.
| Pattern | Extra boards | Labour | Supply and install, 20 m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight | 10% | $38/m² | $1,970–$2,520 |
| Herringbone | 15% | $75/m² | $2,700–$3,440 |
| Chevron | 20% | $85/m² | $2,930–$3,750 |
Herringbone vs chevron
- Herringbone uses rectangular boards laid at 90° to each other. About 15% waste.
- Chevron boards are cut at an angle so the rows meet in a clean V. More cutting and about 20% waste; most suppliers sell pre-cut left and right boards.
- Both can be done in hybrid (SPC), laminate or engineered timber. Hybrid herringbone is the cheapest way to get the look and is waterproof.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Do herringbone in the living area only and run straight boards into bedrooms.
- Pick a board that comes in matched A/B packs so the installer is not cutting every piece.
- Get the subfloor flat before the installer arrives: herringbone shows every dip.
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Open the flooring visualiserQuestions people ask
How much does herringbone flooring cost to install in Melbourne?
About $68–$86 per m² for installation in 2026, plus boards and about 15% extra material for cuts.
Is herringbone more expensive than a straight lay?
Yes, roughly double the labour (about $75/m² against $38/m²) and 15% waste instead of 10%.
How much extra flooring do I need for herringbone?
Allow 15% over the floor area for herringbone and about 20% for chevron, against 10% for a straight lay.
Can you do herringbone with hybrid flooring?
Yes. Hybrid (SPC) herringbone boards are common in Australia, usually around 600 × 120 mm, click-together and waterproof.
Which costs more, herringbone or chevron?
Chevron. Labour is about $85/m² against $75/m² for herringbone, and waste is about 20% rather than 15%.
Related guides
Sources
- The Flooring Centre – hybrid floor installation cost Melbourne 2026
- TileMyRoom flooring visualiser (rates used)
These are guide prices for planning, not a quote. Quantities and costs depend on the room, the products you choose and what is found once work starts. Confirm waterproofing, falls and permits against the National Construction Code, Australian Standards and your council with a licensed tradesperson or building practitioner before you buy or build.