Choosing the right flooring is an important step in renovating a room or your home. The floor is a feature that is seen and used the most. It might not get as much conversation as the marble countertops in the kitchen or the chrome finishes in the bathroom. But, the floor can quickly become a talking point when it starts to crack, dent or turn soggy. This often happens when a homeowner picks the cheapest or quickest option available and neglects budget or time into flooring properly.
The types of flooring solution
There are a variety of different flooring solutions. Each has its obvious benefits, and not so obvious drawbacks. We’ll list some of the popular flooring choices available, and what makes each one work, and where it finishes short.
Laminated flooring
On top of being easy to install and costing a lot less than other options, laminated flooring has other benefits. Because of the non-porous surface, it is easy to clean and acts as a shield against dirt or moisture that might sneak into the home. One downside is quality and appearance. The lower price tag can mean the texture or finish looks artificial. The colour and texture can fade with continued use too.
Hybrid flooring
An increasingly popular choice for homeowners, the hybrid floor has a lot to offer. The rigid core structure is denser than traditional laminated or vinyl finishes. This thickness makes it more resistant to damages, meaning it won’t warp or change shape despite frequent use. Another big pull factor is the surface layer. Each board is finished with a protective coating embossed with textured timber grain. Making it look like real hardwood, but cost closer to laminated pricing.
This innovative technology is popular across Australia. Famed for its durability, stain and fade resistance, and waterproof properties. We are seeing more and more installations of hybrid flooring in Melbourne, Sydney and other residential suburbs.
Hardwood flooring
Hardwood effortlessly turns your home’s interior into something comfortable, charming, and chic. Not only are they low maintenance, but hardwood floors are sealed with a protective finish. This makes them stain resistant. They can also be repaired and refinished over and over again. Unfortunately, they come with a steeper price tag and often require professionals to install.
Vinyl flooring
Luxury vinyl tiles are a hot trend too. They are 100% waterproof meaning it will not absorb any moisture. The tiles can appear very similar to ceramic when laid out, but do not cost as much. It is also available in styles that closely resemble wood, stone and other textures. We see vinyl being used in high traffic environments, like office spaces or living rooms. The one big downside with vinyl is that it is made up of synthetic materials. So if going green is on your agenda, it is better to stick with hybrid or hardwood.
Bamboo flooring
And on that last note, nothing says “environmentally-friendly” like bamboo. This is a newcomer to the market and a material worth considering. Bamboo floors offer a natural and warming glow to a room. The rich colours in the texture are consistent throughout the tiles. This flooring can be sold as a prefinished product too. Be careful though, other plant-based materials are sometimes sold off as being bamboo.