A wooden and laminate flooring business offers a great combination of creative craftsmanship and steady demand. Whether it’s laying premium hardwood floorboards in a new build or restoring an old timber floor to a high shine, this trade is rewarding, physical, and in many cases, quite profitable. You don’t necessarily need a degree, but you do need skill, attention to detail, and a passion for quality workmanship.
Types of Flooring Services You Can Offer
There are a few different avenues within the flooring trade, and many businesses choose to specialize or offer a combination:
- Timber Floor Laying – Installing solid hardwood, engineered timber, or parquet flooring in homes or commercial spaces.
- Timber Floor Sanding & Polishing – Restoring old timber floors by sanding back the surface and applying a finish (often varnish, oil, or polyurethane).
- Laminate & Floating Floors – Supplying and installing laminate, hybrid, or click-lock floating floors that mimic timber but are quicker and easier to lay.
- Floor Repairs & Maintenance – Fixing damaged boards, replacing sections, or refreshing worn floors.
- Staining & Custom Finishes – Offering custom colours or finishes to match the client’s style.
Many flooring professionals start with one specialty and expand over time as their experience and customer base grow.
Is It Enjoyable Work?
For many tradies, absolutely. Flooring work is satisfying and highly visible — you leave each job seeing a dramatic transformation. The work is physical and hands-on, so it suits people who like staying active and being out on the tools. There’s a mix of problem-solving, design input, and craftsmanship, especially with timber. Plus, jobs are usually completed within a few days to a week, so it doesn’t drag on like some larger trades.
Is There Demand?
Yes — and it’s consistent. Timber and laminate flooring remains a popular choice in homes, shops, and offices thanks to its durability and timeless look. With ongoing home renovations, new builds, and commercial fit-outs, there’s regular demand for both installation and restoration services. Many homes in older suburbs have timber floors under carpets that are ripe for sanding and polishing. Flooring is also something that real estate agents recommend updating before selling a house.
Where Do You Find Customers?
- Local builders and renovation companies (ongoing installation work)
- Real estate agents and property managers (rental refreshes and presale upgrades)
- Homeowners via online advertising (Google, Facebook, local classifieds)
- Referrals and repeat business (especially for sanding and polishing)
- Flooring suppliers and hardware stores – get on their referral list
Having a clean, mobile-friendly website and showcasing before-and-after photos is one of the best ways to build trust and attract clients.
Do You Need Education or Qualifications?
In most areas, no formal degree is required to start, but you’ll need the right skills. These can be gained through:
- On-the-job training with a flooring installer or sanding company
- Short courses or trade certificates at TAFE or technical colleges
- Manufacturer training – many flooring brands offer installer certifications
- YouTube and online forums – for learning techniques and staying up to date
Licensing requirements can vary by region. Some states may require you to hold a builder’s or trade contractor license to do certain work, especially in renovations.
Tools & Equipment Needed (and Costs)
Starting costs vary depending on which services you offer, but here’s a general guide:
For Floor Laying (Timber or Laminate):
- Drop saw: $400–$1,200
- Jamb saw: $250–$600
- Rubber mallet, spacers, pull bar, tapping block: $100–$300
- Moisture meter: $150–$400
- Compressor & nail gun (for timber): $300–$1,000
- Cordless tools (drill, impact driver): $300–$800
For Floor Sanding & Polishing:
- Drum or belt floor sander: $3,000–$7,000
- Edge sander: $1,000–$2,500
- Buffing machine (polivac): $1,500–$3,000
- Vacuum system or dust containment: $500–$2,000
- Safety gear (mask, ear muffs, knee pads): $300+
You can reduce startup costs by renting sanders for early jobs or buying secondhand tools to begin with.
Varnishes & Finishes: What’s Used?
There are several types of varnish and finish used in timber floor polishing, each with pros and cons:
- Solvent-Based Polyurethane – Durable and glossy, but strong fumes and long curing times.
- Water-Based Polyurethane – Low odour, fast drying, less yellowing, but more expensive.
- Oil-Based Finishes – Soaks into the wood, gives a natural look, but longer to dry.
- Hard Wax Oils – Eco-friendly and easy to touch up, but less wear-resistant.
- Stains & Tints – Used before sealing to change the floor colour.
Your choice of finish will depend on the floor type, customer preferences, and budget.
How Much Can You Make?
Flooring services generally charge:
- Timber floor laying: $60–$120 per square metre
- Laminate/hybrid installation: $30–$70 per square metre
- Sanding & polishing: $25–$50 per square metre
- Floor repairs or staining: $200–$1,000 depending on the job
A solo operator doing 3–4 jobs a week could earn $1,500–$3,000+ per week, after costs. Larger businesses with employees and consistent contracts can earn $200,000+ annually in revenue. With good reviews, word of mouth, and efficient quoting, margins can be healthy.
Is It a Good Business to Start?
Definitely — if you’re skilled, reliable, and pay attention to detail. Flooring is in demand year-round, and startup costs are relatively low compared to other trades. It can also grow easily — you can start solo and later take on staff or subcontractors.
Focusing on a niche — like eco-friendly finishes, heritage floor restorations, or fast laminate installations for rental homes — can give you a competitive edge. And combining flooring with other services like carpet removal, skirting installation, or stair polishing adds value.
Conclusion:
A wooden and laminate flooring business is an enjoyable and profitable trade for those who like hands-on work, attention to detail, and working directly with homeowners and builders. With the right tools, training, and local marketing, you can build a strong business that transforms spaces — and gets noticed for it.
