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Magnesite Flooring Removal Service – Sydney And Australia Wide
At Flooring And Grinding, we specialise in dust-free magnesite flooring removal that’s safer, faster, and more efficient than traditional methods. Our highly trained, licensed, and fully insured magnesite removal team uses the latest tools, advanced dust extraction systems, and full personal protective equipment to ensure a clean and hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Trust us to deliver superior results with minimal disruption to your home or business.
How Much Does It Cost To Remove Magnesite Flooring?
The cost to remove magnesite flooring is $42 per square meter. Additional costs may be incurred for tasks like sub-floor preparation, such as concrete grinding, floor levelling and concrete cancer repairs.
Is There Magnesite Flooring In Your Property?
Magnesite flooring was commonly used in homes built between the 1920s and 1980s. If your home falls within this timeframe, there’s a good chance you have magnesite flooring.
What Is Magnesite Flooring?
Magnesite flooring is commonly found in older residential and commercial buildings throughout Australia, particularly in structures built between the 1920s and 1980s. It was widely used as an underlay beneath carpet or as a slab topping due to its insulating properties and ease of installation. However, over time, the material has shown susceptibility to moisture, leading to deterioration and potential structural issues.
This type of flooring is made from a compound known as Magnesium Oxychloride Cement, which was often mixed with fillers such as sawdust, wood fibres, cork, and, in some cases, asbestos. The presence of asbestos in magnesite flooring poses serious health risks if disturbed or removed without proper safety measures.
What Does Magnesite Flooring Look Like?
Magnesite flooring is typically recognised by its distinct coloration and texture. In Australia, it often appears as a brownish hue, whereas in other parts of the world—such as Europe—it may lean more towards a reddish-pink tone. This subtle difference in appearance is largely influenced by the specific materials and fillers used during product
Does Magnesite Need To Be Tested For Asbestos?
Yes, If you’re planning to remove or disturb materials like magnesite flooring, vinyl tiles, lino, or textured (popcorn) ceilings, it is essential to have them tested for asbestos first. These materials were commonly manufactured with asbestos, and disturbing them without proper precautions can release dangerous fibres into the air.
For your safety and compliance with Australian health regulations, contact a licensed asbestos testing professional such as AIRSAFE before any removal work begins. They can carry out thorough sampling and analysis, giving you peace of mind and clear next steps.
Do I Need Strata Approval To Remove Magnesite From My Home?
Yes, you need strata approval to remove magnesite flooring from your home. Magnesite flooring is considered part of the common property, and its removal may require approval from the strata committee or owners corporation.
Why Is Strata Approval Needed?
Magnesite Flooring Is Common Property:
In most strata schemes, magnesite flooring is classified as part of the building’s structural slab or common area, not part of your individual lot. That means its removal can’t be done without proper authorisation.
Approval From Strata Committee or Owners Corporation:
Before any removal work begins, you’ll generally need written approval from your strata committee or owners corporation. Starting work without permission could lead to compliance issues or disputes.
Key Considerations When Removing Magnesite
Who Pays for Removal?
Strata is often responsible for costs involved in magnesite removal, including the removal process itself, concrete grinding, and safe disposal. However, each strata scheme is different, so check what’s covered.
Check Your Strata Bylaws:
Your building’s bylaws may include specific rules about magnesite flooring removal—such as how quotes should be submitted, how many are needed, and who can carry out the work.
Asbestos Testing Is Always Required:
Older magnesite flooring can contain asbestos. Before removal, licensed asbestos testing is strongly recommended to ensure safe handling and compliance with NSW health and safety regulations.
Multiple Quotes May Be Needed
Strata committees typically require at least two or three quotes before approving any common property work. Be prepared to source these from licensed contractors.
Will Strata Cover The Cost Of Magnesite Flooring Removal?
If you’re dealing with magnesite flooring in a strata-titled property in Australia, it’s important to understand who is financially responsible for its removal and any associated concrete repairs. As of 2025, the answer largely depends on whether your strata scheme has updated its by-laws.
When Strata Hasn’t Changed The By-Laws
If your strata by-laws have not been amended, the strata scheme is typically responsible for covering the following costs:
– Magnesite flooring removal
– Concrete grinding
– Waste removal and disposal
– Concrete cancer repairs
This is because magnesite flooring and the concrete subfloor are classified as common property under Australian strata law, and thus fall under the strata’s responsibility for maintenance and repair.
When Strata Has Changed The By-Laws
If your strata scheme has updated the by-laws to shift responsibility, they may now only be required to pay for concrete cancer repairs. The removal of magnesite and related services (like grinding and disposal) would then be your responsibility as the lot owner.
It’s becoming increasingly common for strata committees to make these by-law changes—often due to budget constraints. Always check the current by-laws before assuming any costs will be covered.
Who Pays for Floor Levelling, Flooring Removal And Floor Installation?
Regardless of the strata’s responsibility for magnesite or concrete repairs:
– You are always responsible for the cost of floor levelling.
– You must also cover the removal of any existing flooring systems above the magnesite, such as carpet, tiles, or floating floors.
– You are also always responsible for the re installation of a new flooring system.
Who Pays For Concrete Cancer Repairs?
Whether or not your by-laws have been updated, concrete cancer repairs remain the strata committee’s responsibility. In cases where the sinking fund cannot cover the cost of these major repairs, special levies may be issued to raise the required funds.
Don’t Be Misled—Magnesite Must Be Removed
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some strata committees to mislead or pressure owners, especially newcomers unfamiliar with strata laws. You may be told:
“The magnesite is in good condition”
“It doesn’t need to be removed”
“You can safely install floor levelling over it”
“It’s fine to put new flooring on top”
These claims are not true. Magnesite flooring should always be removed—it breaks down over time, releases corrosive salts, and can lead to serious concrete cancer issues in your subfloor.
If you skip the removal and later need to replace damaged new flooring, strata will not reimburse you. So, don’t be coerced or convinced to cut corners—it could be a costly mistake.
Key Takeaways
If you’re planning to remove magnesite flooring in a strata-titled property:
– Check your by-laws to confirm who pays for what
– Don’t be pressured into leaving magnesite in place—it’s not safe
– Know your rights and the obligations of your strata under Australian law
Still unsure? Contact us for professional advice and expert magnesite flooring removal services in Australia.
FREE Concrete Cancer Inspections With Every Magnesite Flooring Removal Job!
At Flooring And Grinding, we offer complimentary concrete cancer inspections as part of every Magnesite flooring removal service. Once we finish concrete grinding, our team performs a thorough assessment of the exposed slab to check for any signs of concrete spalling or structural deterioration.
Identifying concrete cancer early can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Our trained specialists inspect the surface for cracks, rust stains, and other warning signs—ensuring your concrete remains safe, stable, and ready for restoration if needed.
How To Begin Your Magnesite Flooring Removal Project
Removing magnesite flooring is a multi-step process that requires coordination with your strata and professional service providers. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Obtain Strata Approval
Magnesite flooring is usually classified as common property, which means any removal or modification typically requires written approval from your strata committee. Reach out to your strata manager or body corporate before proceeding to ensure compliance with property regulations.
Step 2: Review Strata Bylaws And Budget Policies
Strata policies vary widely when it comes to covering costs. Some strata schemes may cover the entire removal and repair process, while others might only fund essential repairs like concrete cancer treatment. Review your building’s current bylaws or consult your strata manager to understand your financial responsibilities.
Step 3: Book A Site Assessment And Receive A Free Quote
Our experienced team will visit your property to assess the scope of work and provide a no-obligation, detailed quote tailored to your specific needs.
Step 4: Arrange Asbestos Testing
Before any removal work begins, it’s important to check for hazardous materials. We recommend contacting a certified provider such as airsafe.net.au to obtain an asbestos clearance certificate.
Step 5: Gather Multiple Quotes
Your strata may request quotes from at least three different contractors to compare pricing and service offerings. Organising this early can help avoid unnecessary delays in project approval.
Step 6: Approval and Commencement of Works
Once our quote is reviewed and approved by your strata, we’ll proceed with all necessary magnesite floor removal and related services, ensuring everything is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Can You Install A New Flooring System Over Magnesite?
Installing a new flooring system directly over magnesite flooring is strongly discouraged—and for good reason. Magnesite flooring, commonly found in older buildings, is typically between 40 to 100 years old. Over the decades, it absorbs moisture, which gradually seeps into the concrete subfloor beneath, often leading to serious structural issues like concrete cancer.
Even if the magnesite surface appears dry and undamaged, the deterioration underneath can be extensive and invisible to the naked eye. This hidden damage compromises the integrity of the concrete subfloor and poses significant safety risks. In extreme cases, the affected floor can collapse, endangering occupants and causing costly repairs.
Why Magnesite Should Be Removed Before Installing New Flooring
Originally designed as a temporary floor levelling and soundproofing solution, magnesite was never intended to serve as a permanent flooring base. Leaving it in place introduces multiple hazards:
Moisture Retention: Long-term moisture exposure accelerates the onset of concrete cancer.
Hidden Structural Damage: Damage to the subfloor may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Asbestos Risk: Many magnesite floors contain asbestos, which is a serious health concern.
Warranty Voidance: Most flooring manufacturers and installers will not honour warranties if the new floor is laid over magnesite. Many won’t install over it at all due to the high risk of failure.
Can Floor Levelling Compounds Be Applied Over Magnesite Flooring?
Absolutely not. Floor levelling products—whether from Ardit, Ardex, Mapei, Sika, or any other brand—should never be installed directly over magnesite flooring.
Magnesite is a moisture-sensitive material that can break down over time. To ensure a durable and long-lasting flooring solution, all magnesite must first be professionally removed. Once the magnesite is taken out, the underlying concrete slab must be ground back and thoroughly prepared. This includes addressing any cracks, moisture issues, or surface imperfections before applying a new floor levelling compound.
Skipping these steps can lead to adhesion failure, moisture problems, and costly repairs down the track. For a reliable floor levelling base, proper magnesite removal and substrate preparation are essential.
Can Magnesite Flooring Be Repaired?
No — magnesite flooring should never be repaired or patch-fixed. Attempting to repair magnesite is not a permanent solution and only delays the inevitable damage it causes to your property. Patch repairs often fail quickly, leading to further cracking and structural issues.
The only safe and effective approach is complete magnesite flooring removal. This ensures that modern floor levelling compounds can properly adhere to the concrete substrate, providing long-term stability and safety.
Magnesite was once widely used in Australia from the 1920s through to the 1980s, before its risks became fully understood. Like asbestos, it was eventually recognised as a major contributor to structural deterioration in many Sydney buildings — causing millions of dollars in damage over time.
If your property still contains magnesite flooring, don’t delay. Removal is essential to protect your building from further deterioration and to comply with modern safety standards.
Is A Skip Bin Required?
No, we do not make our clients hire a skip bin, we take all rubbish to a local resource management centre for disposal.
What Areas In Australia Do We Service?
Our Flooring And Grinding specialists work in every state and territory in Australia (excluding Tasmania).
We service:
– New South Wales
– Queensland
– Victoria
– Western Australia
– South Australia
– Northern Territory
We can take on any job at any time. No matter how big the job is, we’ll take it on!
Click Here To Learn More About The Areas In Australia That We Service
FREE QUOTE CALL OR TEXT 0433 658 357
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QUOTE
We’ll Beat ALL Quotes By Up To 10%
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FREE PRICE BEAT GUARANTEE
QUOTE
We’ll Beat ALL Quotes By Up To 10%
Conditions apply. *Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Dust-Free Magnesite Floor Removal Service
Dust-Free Magnesite Floor Removal Service
Why Choose Flooring And Grinding For Your Magnesite Flooring Removal Needs?
Here at Flooring And Grinding there is a large range of reasons of why you should pick our team, such as:
Dust-Free Technology:
We invest in premium dust extraction systems that drastically reduce airborne particles, ensuring a cleaner, healthier worksite. This not only protects your property but also significantly reduces post-job clean up requirements.
Over 35 Years of Experience:
Our experienced team understands the unique complexities of removing different floor types, such as carpet, vinyl, tiles, and more, we know how to get the job done safely and efficiently.
Fully Licensed and Insured:
Flooring and Grinding operates with all the necessary industry licenses and insurance to ensure every project is protected, compliant, and professional.
Full-Service Floor Preparation:
We don’t just stop at removing your old flooring. We prepare your concrete slab through grinding and adhesive removal as well as floor levelling, making it perfectly ready for the installation of your new flooring—whether it’s tiles, vinyl, carpet, floorboards or polished concrete, etc.
Competitive Rates + Price Beat Guarantee:
We offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry and will beat any written quote from a competitor by up to 10%*, providing exceptional value without sacrificing quality.
Focus On Customer Satisfaction:
We aim to deliver results that exceed expectations. Our team is committed to providing professional service, open communication, and top-tier outcomes on every project.
Powerful Tools:
We use only the latest and highest quality tools, to fast track your progress and leave as little mess as possible.
Tailored Solutions:
We assess each project individually, providing customised magnesite removal solutions to meet specific needs.
Our Magnesite Floor Removal Process
Initial Assessment: Our magnesite floor removal team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of the magnesite damage and plan the removal process accordingly.
Safe Removal: Utilising industry-grade tools and dust extraction equipment, we carefully remove the magnesite flooring, minimising dust and debris
Surface Preparation: After the magnesite has been removed we grind the concrete surface to eliminate any residual magnesite, ensuring a smooth and stable base for new a new floor levelling agent to be applied.
Clean up and Disposal: We handle the clean up and responsibly dispose of all waste materials, saving you the hassle of hiring skip bins.
Inspection: A concrete cancer inspection will be preformed prior to installing a new floor levelling agent. Repairs are carried out if required.
Floor Levelling: After all repairs are carried out, a floor levelling agent is installed to ensure you have a flat and ready surface to install your new flooring system on.
Add-On Services For A Complete Flooring Solution
Alongside magnesite removal, Flooring and Grinding offers a full suite of related services to prepare your floors for their next stage. These include:
– Floor Levelling
– Concrete Grinding
– Concrete Crack Repairs
– Concrete Cancer Repairs
– Waterproofing Installation
– Supply & Installation Of A New Flooring System
This makes us a one-stop solution for floor preparation services across Australia.
Why Choose Flooring And Grinding Australia?
We’re not just another contractor — we’re Australia’s most trusted name in professional magnesite removal.
Here’s why clients choose us over and over again:
Reputation & Reviews
✔ 10+ verified 5-star reviews across Google and Facebook
✔ Trusted by thousands of homeowners, builders, and property managers
Equipment & Expertise
✔ Industrial grinders with precision tooling
✔ 100% dust-free with commercial HEPA vacuum systems
✔ No shortcuts, no rental gear — we own all our machinery
Price Beat Guarantee
✔ We’ll beat any written quote by up to 10%
✔ Clear, upfront pricing — no hidden fees
Comprehensive Services
✔ We handle everything from flooring removal, floor levelling, concrete grinding, concrete polishing and remedial repairs
✔ Free advice and prep for our customers
Professionalism
✔ Fully insured, certified, and OH&S compliant
✔ Clean, polite, on-time, and responsive
✔ We leave your space spotless — no dust, no drama
Ready For A Magnesite Floor Removal Quote?
We offer Sydney & Australia-wide magnesite floor removal services, expert advice, and fast turnarounds — From small home residential jobs, to STRATA, Government and Complex Industrial projects, we do it all!
CALL US NOW 0424 408 330
Or fill out our Online Contact Form, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours or less
✔ We beat competitor quotes by up to 10%
✔ Dust-Free guaranteed
✔ Over 10+ positive reviews
✔ Fully insured and compliant
✔ Australia-wide availability
Don’t risk your health, your floors, or your time — trust Australia’s magnesite floor removal experts.
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We Will Beat All Of Our Competitors Quotes By Up To 10%*
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0433 658 357
No Call Out Fee Conditions apply*
GET YOUR JOB BOOKED IN AND FINISHED TODAY !!
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