m² rate
An m² rate is the per-square-metre price for area-based trade work: plasterboard, tiling, painting, screeds. Distinct from lump sum and lineal metre rate.
Ask Chalkline about this →An m² rate (square-metre rate) is a trade pricing basis where the quote is expressed as a dollar amount per square metre of area covered. The total is calculated by multiplying the rate by the measured area: 80 m² of plasterboard at $14 / m² supply-and-fix is $1,120 plus GST.
Where m² rates are the standard pricing basis:
- Plasterboard fixing (sheet supply-and-fix, set-and-stop usually quoted separately).
- Wall and floor tiling (with allowances for cuts, mitres, and trade-specific work).
- Painting (separate rates for ceilings, walls, doors, trim).
- Screeds and self-levelling underlayments.
- Carpet, vinyl, and floating timber flooring install.
- Concrete finishing (broom, trowel, exposed agg) where the slab is already in place.
- Roof tiling and metal roof sheet install (lineal-m sometimes used as an alternative).
Where m² rates do not apply. Some trades quote by other bases:
- Lump sum: a single fixed price for the entire scope. Used for joinery, kitchens, electrical fit-out, complex one-off elements.
- Lineal metre: rate per running metre. Used for skirting, architrave, decking install, fences, retaining walls.
- Per item: rate per unit fitted (door handles, taps, light fittings).
- Hourly / day rate: where scope is uncertain or hard to measure (chasing electrical, demolition, repairs).
Variations and the m² rate. A variation that adds area is typically priced at the same m² rate as the original scope, unless the addition triggers extra prep (corner cuts, additional access, different substrate). The contract should be explicit on whether the original rate applies to variations or whether a new rate is negotiated.
Why builders care. Two practical points:
- The measure is the contract. A quote of “$14 / m² for 80 m²” reads as a fixed-area job. If site measurement comes in at 95 m², the extra 15 m² must be a variation under the contract or a re-measure clause. Avoid ambiguity by stating: “measured on completion” or “fixed area at contract”.
- What’s included in the rate. Supply-and-fix vs fix-only matters. A plasterboard $14 / m² supply-and-fix is roughly $24-$28 / m² supply, fix and stop. Read the quote inclusion list before accepting.
Also known as: square metre rate, per m² rate, area rate.
Category: Contracts / pricing / trade rates.
Related
See also
Last updated: 2026-05-14. Verified: 2026-05-14.