The best options for flooring

Choosing the right type of flooring for your home relies on a few factors: budget, functionality, style, and durability, to name a few. There are endless choices available! To make this task less overwhelming, arm yourself with information about each type of flooring and assess it against your needs.

Here are some important things to consider when choosing flooring materials:

Are you on a budget?
Do you live by the beach or have a pool?
Do you have kids and/or pets?
Do you need low-maintenance flooring that's easy to clean?
Do you require soundproofing?

Here are the most popular types of flooring types for homes.

Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is made up of multiple layers of material. The top layer is a hard, transparent wear layer that provides protection against scratches, stains, and fading. This layer is usually made from aluminium oxide or melamine resin, which is a type of plastic. Beneath the wear layer is a printed layer that can mimic the look of various materials, such as wood stone, or tile. The printed layer is followed by a core layer, which is typically made from high-density fibreboard (HDF) and a backing layer that provides stability and moisture resistance.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable, easy to maintain, and less expensive than natural materials like hardwood or stone.

As one of the best budget flooring options, laminate flooring has made a real comeback. It emulates the clean and natural look of a timber surface but at an affordable price. Water resistance isn't a strong suit for laminates, so avoid placing it in high-moisture or wet areas such as the bathroom and laundry area.

Best flooring for: Low-moisture areas in the house (living room and bedroom)

The benefits of laminate flooring

Cost-effective
Natural-looking
Plenty of designs on offer
Stain-resistant
Easy to clean and maintain
Easy to remove

The disadvantages of laminate flooring

Not suited for high-moisture areas
Not soundproof
Limited repair options
Not environmentally-friendly

Vinyl

Vinyl is a type of synthetic flooring material that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other additives. It can be produced in a variety of forms, including sheets, tiles and planks, and is available in many different colours and patterns to suit different design styles.

Vinyl flooring is durable, easy to maintain and relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for homeowners. It is also water-resistant and can be installed in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Some vinyl flooring products are designed to mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles, achieving a natural look at a lower cost.

Vinyl's plastic composition makes it a superb choice for high-moisture and high-traffic areas. Install it anywhere within the home - even hallways! If you want to err on the side of caution, opt for waterproof vinyl flooring in the wet areas of your home.

Best flooring for: High-moisture and high-traffic areas

The benefits of vinyl flooring

Cost-effective
Water-resistant/Waterproof
Longer lifespan than laminate
Easy to clean and maintain
Easy to install

The disadvantages of vinyl flooring

Pricier than laminate flooring
Difficult to remove

Tile flooring

Tiles have long been a flooring favourite. Known for their tough composition, tiles are difficult to scratch or dent. While tiles are often used in wet areas, you can also install them in other areas. Tiles are hard-wearing and aesthetically pleasing - creating a contemporary or even industrial look for the house.

There are three main types of tiles

Ceramic tile - Made from clay and other natural materials
Porcelain tile - Made from clay, but they are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles
Natural stone tile - This includes materials like marble, granite, slate, and limestone, which are quarried from the earth and cut into tiles

Best flooring for: All rooms (especially wet areas)

The benefits of tile floors

Cost-effective
Water-resistant/Waterproof
Longer lifespan than laminate
Easy to clean and maintain
Easy to install

The disadvantages of tile floors

Pricier than laminate flooring
Difficult to remove
Cold underfoot and don't retain heat

Carpet

Carpets are a stylish, versatile and durable flooring option. They add comfort and warmth to the communal and resting spaces of your home.

Carpets have good sound and heat insulation and can be luxuriously soft underfoot depending on the carpet and underlay you choose. As carpets can be susceptible to stains and water damage, they may not be suitable for heavy foot traffic from children or pets.

Best flooring for: Bedroom, living room, playroom, hallways, stairs

The benefits of carpet

Durable
Stylish, luxurious, comfortable
Heat and sound insulation
Easy to maintain

The disadvantages of carpet

Prone to stains and water damage
Comparatively expensive

Hardwood timber/Solid timber flooring

Hardwood or solid timber floorboards are the ultimate home upgrade for many homebuyers. Their timeless appearance suits all home interior design styles and can even boost resale interest. Solid timber floors are available in various wood types such as oak, cherry, or walnut. They come with a hefty price tag per square foot and require professional installation.

To maintain sheen and remove scratches, timber flooring needs regular maintenance through sanding and refinishing. Protect your hardwood floor by throwing in some rugs for added comfort and protection.

Best flooring for: All rooms, excluding high-moisture areas

The benefits of solid timber flooring

Highly durable
Can add to resale value
Stylish
Easy to keep clean

The disadvantages of solid timber flooring

Costly
High-maintenance (requires regular sanding)
Requires professional installation

Hybrid flooring

Hybrid flooring is a relatively new type of flooring material that combines the best features of laminate flooring and vinyl flooring. It is typically made of a multi-layered construction that includes a high-density core, a stabilising layer, a photographic layer that simulates the look of natural materials like timber or stone, and a clear protective layer. This means it's 100% waterproof, extremely durable and easy to clean!

Hybrid's appearance and appeal also mimic the beauty of hardwood floors without the hassle of maintaining them.

Best for: All rooms (especially wet and high-traffic areas)

The benefits of hybrid floors

Highly durable
Stylish and timeless, like hardwood flooring
Suits extreme weather conditions
Stain and scratch-resistant
Easy to clean and maintain
DIY friendly

The disadvantages of hybrid floors

Costly

Engineered timber flooring

Engineered wood flooring is made from hardwood timber veneer glued to a multi-layered backing material made of high-density fibreboard (HDF) or plywood, which provides stability and durability.

Engineered timber floors offer the look and feel of solid hardwood floors at a lower cost. They can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, just like solid hardwood floors.

Best flooring for: Living areas and bedrooms

The benefits of engineered flooring

Water-resistant
Durable
Stylish and natural-looking
Easy to maintain
Sustainable
Less expensive than timber flooring

The disadvantages of engineered flooring

Not waterproof
Susceptible to scratches
More expensive than laminate or vinyl flooring
Limited refinishing options

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring is made from the bamboo plant. It is a renewable and sustainable material that is becoming increasingly popular as an eco-friendly flooring option. Bamboo is actually a grass, not wood but it has similar properties to hardwood and is often used as a hardwood flooring alternative.

Bamboo flooring is available in two main types: solid and engineered. Solid bamboo flooring is made from solid pieces of bamboo that have been cut into planks, while engineered bamboo flooring is made from a thin layer of bamboo that is glued onto a backing material. Bamboo flooring is available in a range of colours and finishes and can be stained to achieve a variety of looks.

Best for: Bedrooms, living areas and dining areas

The benefits of bamboo flooring

Eco-friendly
Durable
Unique appearance
Low cost

The disadvantages of bamboo flooring

Vulnerable to moisture
Susceptible to scratches and denting

Polished concrete

Polished concrete flooring involves laying then grinding down a concrete surface to a smooth, glossy finish. This finish is achieved through a process of mechanically grinding and polishing the surface with progressively finer tools until the desired level of shine is achieved.

Best flooring for: Living areas, kitchens and hallways

The benefits of polished concrete floors

Sustainable/Renewable material
Highly resistant to wear and tear
Suitable for heavy foot traffic areas
Easy to clean
Highly customisable
Stylish and unique

The disadvantages of polished concrete floors

Expensive
Difficult to install
Cold underfoot
Vulnerable to cracking

Reclaimed timber flooring

Reclaimed timber flooring is an environmentally friendly option using recycled wood from old buildings or structures such as barns, factories, or warehouses. The wood is salvaged and repurposed to create new flooring, reducing the need for new timber to be harvested.

Best flooring for: Eco-conscious, all rooms, excluding high-moisture areas

The benefits of reclaimed timber floors

Eco-friendly and sustainable
Adds character
Durable

The disadvantages of reclaimed timber floors

Can be expensive due to salvaging costs
Requires more maintenance
Susceptible to wear and tear

Stone flooring

There are many different types of stone that can be used for flooring, including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate and sandstone. Stone flooring is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces and can be used in a variety of interior design styles, from rustic to modern.

Best for: Outdoor areas, bathrooms and kitchens

The benefits of stone floors

Durable and long-lasting
Natural beauty
Unique patterns and colouring
Popular with home buyers

The disadvantage of stone floors

Expensive
Prone to chipping
Cold underfoot

Linoleum flooring

Linoleum flooring is a type of resilient flooring made from natural materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and cork dust, as well as resins and pigments. It was first developed in the mid-19th century as a durable and eco-friendly alternative to other flooring materials of the time. Today, many products that replicate the look of traditional linoleum are made from synthetics so be sure to check with the manufacturer.

Best flooring for: Kitchens, entryways and hallways

The benefits of linoleum flooring

Low cost
Highly durable
Scratch resistant
Wide range of designs and colours
Eco friendly (check with the manufacturer)

The disadvantages of linoleum flooring

Vulnerable to fading
Susceptible to water damage
Can look cheap
Modern linoleum can be made from synthetic materials

Cork flooring

Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bark is harvested every 9-12 years without harming the tree and then processed into tiles or planks for flooring. Cork flooring has a distinctive look and texture with a warm, natural appearance.

Best for: Hallways, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms

The benefits of cork flooring

Naturally resistant to water, mould, and mildew
Soundproof
Good insulator
Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Great for asthma or allergy sufferers

The disadvantages of cork flooring

Susceptible to water damage
Susceptible to fading and discolouration
Expensive
Vulnerable to scratches and dents

What are floating floors?

Floating floors refer to a method of installation where the flooring material is not directly attached to the subfloor. Instead, the flooring material "floats" on top of an underlayment layer, which helps to absorb sound and provides cushioning.

Floating floors can be made from a variety of materials, including hardwood, engineered wood, vinyl, and laminate.

Floating floors and laminate floors are different, although these terms are often used interchangeably.
While some laminate flooring can be installed using the floating method, not all floating floors are made from laminate. For example, hardwood and engineered timber flooring can also be installed as floating floors. It's important to understand the differences between floating floors and laminate floors when considering different flooring options for your home.

Want to find the perfect flooring options for your home?

If you're reading this before your colour appointment, you've covered the basics of flooring. Armed with this flooring knowledge, all you need to do is turn up and choose the right type for your home!

For more information on colour appointments and how we can guide you through your building journey, check out our Step-by-Step Home Building Guide.