Laminate Flooring
Convincingly realistic, affordable and low-maintenance; there is a laminate floor to suit anyone’s personal preference. Choose from a broad variety of styles made with durable and eco-friendly materials.
What is laminate?
An untrained eye cannot tell the difference between a laminate and a natural hardwood floor. To achieve this convincing appearance, modern printing technology is used in combination with composite wood and protective surfaces. The printed image allows laminate to resemble natural and beautiful woods, including the softer types that are normally unsuitable for flooring. The protective surface above the print is finished to imitate natural hardwood grain and realistic textures.
How is laminate flooring made?
Laminate flooring is made from planks of layered material. The top layer (the wear layer) is a clear layer that varies in thickness depending on the product and protects the printed layer below. The printed layer is designed to imitate natural wood. Below that, a composite layer of fibreboard to thicken and support the top two layers. The bottom layer can be a resin that provides the fibreboard with protection from moisture in the subfloor and environment.
The planks can be glued down to the subfloor, or interlocked to form a floating floor. Floating floors may need a soundproofing barrier below them and the subfloor, and are easier to remove if damaged or it’s time to update. Some laminate floors may need a little time to acclimatise to the temperature and moisture of the room but they’re generally ready to be walked on as soon as they’re installed.
Is laminate right for me?
Laminate flooring suits the budget- and style-conscious, as it’s more affordable than engineered oak and hardwood while maintaining the same appearance. As the best quality options have hard-wearing top layers that protect against dents and scratches, it can suit busy homes and high-traffic areas. It’s low maintenance, easily cleaned with a vacuum and sweep; and a good option for traditionally damp rooms such as below-ground basements. It’s arguably more eco-friendly than hardwood, as the fibreboard layer is usually made from recycled wood sources.
Will laminate suit my budget?
Although more expensive than vinyl, laminate flooring is cheaper than engineered oak and hardwood. Extra considerations for your budget include products such as edging or mouldings to help the floor match the rest of your room, extra flooring to fit to the edges, glue for the glue down panels, or underlay to sit below floating floors - especially if you need a sound barrier for a room below. Contact us for a specific quote.
When you shouldn’t choose laminate
Laminate floors are unsuitable for people who are dissuaded by low costs and inauthentic materials - laminate floors feel harder underfoot than vinyl, engineered oak and hardwood. People with busy households, pets, and elderly family members would need to choose wisely as good quality laminate floors are protected with a strong and anti-slip top layer. The top layer cannot be sanded down, so if it is damaged, the floor would need to be replaced. And finally, the top layer makes for a noisy flooring - which can be managed somewhat with a soundproofing sublayer, but check with body corporate if you have a flat above the ground floor.
Free assessment
We pride ourselves on ensuring your floor will be laid properly the first time so you can walk all over it for good. We’re experienced in identifying issues of dampness, subfloor inconsistencies, and other troubling conditions. We start installation only when all of our concerns have been resolved. Our free assessment of your floor space includes personalised product recommendations, and a quote on products and installation. Book your free assessment now.