Cost guide
Worn flooring drags down every room it's in — but new carpet isn't always the answer before a sale. Here's what flooring costs in NZ in 2026, and how to decide between clean, refresh and replace.
| Flooring | Installed, per m² |
|---|---|
| Carpet (mid-range) | $60–$115 |
| Carpet (budget polypropylene) | from $50 |
| Vinyl plank | $40–$100 |
| Luxury vinyl (LVT) | $60–$150 |
| Underlay | $5–$15 |
| Old floor removal | $5–$15 |
For a typical home, re-carpeting the main living and bedroom areas lands in the low-to-mid thousands once underlay and removal are added.
If you do replace, go neutral and mid-range — soft greys and warm beiges in carpet, light oak tones in vinyl plank. Skip anything bold or premium; you won't recoup it before a sale.
Indicative installed ranges for NZ in 2026; final cost depends on area, grade, underlay and subfloor prep.
Carpet runs about $60–$115/m² installed; vinyl plank $40–$100. Clean and re-stretch first — only replace flooring that's stained, dated or smells, and keep replacements neutral and mid-range.
Common questions
Only if it's stained, dated or smelly. A professional clean and re-stretch usually does the job for a fraction of the cost. If you replace, go neutral and mid-range.
Mid-range carpet runs about $60–$115/m² installed, plus $5–$15/m² each for underlay and old-floor removal. Re-carpeting the living and bedroom areas of a typical home lands in the low-to-mid thousands.
Yes for wet areas, kitchens and high-traffic zones — light-oak LVT looks fresh and wears well. Expect $40–$100/m² for vinyl plank installed.
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