Building or renovating a home can be a fun yet time-consuming experience. There’s that desire to get everything just right, from the layout, the furniture, to the paint, and because of the wide range of options available to homeowners on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to pick the right ones for your specific aesthetic and requirements.
This is very apparent when you’re looking at flooring options, too: from vinyl, laminate, to timber flooring, there are options to suit every budget, usage, and style. If you’re wanting to get value for your money, we’ve got the lowdown on the flooring options available; from what they’re made of, the pros and cons, and where they’d be best placed in the home for maximum effect.
Vinyl (Lino)
Vinyl is a water resistant option that’s durable and works well in heavy foot traffic areas. It’s also easy to clean and can be a good flooring option for homes with kids or pets. One of the more affordable flooring options, costs start from $34 per square metre, not including installation costs. It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, and depending on your budget you can most likely find natural-looking effects and wood grains if you desire.
However, if the vinyl flooring is damaged it’s important to remember that the only fix is to replace the whole floor. This is because vinyl flooring is laid in one large sheet, and is not easily removable as a result.
Laminate
After a DIY option? Laminate is a great choice if you’re wanting to lay the floor yourself. It’s easy to clean, affordable, and durable, so it can withstand the wear and tear of kids and pets in equal measure because of its protective upper layer that’s resistant to fading, abrasions, and stains. And because it’s available in a wide range of finishes and patterns, you may be able to mimic the look of wood without actually using wooden flooring if it’s out of your budget.
Keep in mind, it’s not recommended for wet areas like bathrooms, and provides very little soundproofing, too. Otherwise, it’s easier to remove than vinyl as it can be replaced slat by slat if damage occurs. At $19.50 per square metre, it can be a very affordable option.
Tile
Tile is a tried and tested flooring option for most rooms, with durability and maintenance its main selling points. Depending on the materials used, tile can be very durable and moisture resistant, while also handling high amounts of foot traffic. Its surface lends itself to an easier clean, and major flooring maintenance required is limited. What’s more, extreme temperatures don’t affect tiles as much as other flooring options, with tiles adjusting to hot or cold temps and maintaining a cooler feel on the feet no matter the weather.
Some tile floors are glazed or coated, which protects from stains, and limits the possibility of viruses and mould from surviving on the surface. This makes it a good option for wet areas.
However, tiles can suffer from a double edged sword: because of their durability, they can actually cause mutual destruction when something falls on a tile, whether it’s glass or any other material. This can cause unsightly cracks or chipping, and when coupled with grout lines being prone to stains and mildew build-up, this can be a no-no for the keen-eyed homeowner.
Bamboo
After a more sustainable flooring option? Bamboo is fast growing and renewable, and is durable enough to withstand kids and pets over time. This eco-friendly and cost-effective flooring is good for high-traffic areas, and has the benefits of timber in that it does not collect dust and dirt particles on the surface, making it a good fit for people who have allergies.
At $72 per square metre, not including installation, it’s a good option if you’re wanting a cost-effective alternative to solid timber, or wanting wooden materials in high-moisture spaces. However, it’s thinner than solid wood and doesn’t offer homeowners the same thermal benefits of timber flooring.
Solid Timber
After that distinctive wooden look? Solid timber flooring is a sound-proof, durable option that can be ideal for most spaces in the home. Depending on the finish, it may or may not be able to withstand heavy foot traffic and may require additional protection such as rugs and the like to prevent heavy wear and tear from pets and kids.
Solid timber planks laid down can be fairly pricey, and that’s not including installation. It’s important to do your research to find the best timber to fit your needs, and familiarise yourself with the janka hardness rating to see if it will be a good option for your home.
Engineered Timber Flooring
A great, more affordable solution if you’re wanting real wooden flooring that is both more affordable and more durable. This practical yet beautiful flooring can be used anywhere in the home. Engineered timber flooring uses the practical components of laminate and vinyl, with a timber upper layer to ensure form and function. Engineered timber doesn’t warp from the effects of temperature changes or moisture, as it’s made up of composite core panels in the lower layers, providing strength and stability whether it’s dry or humid.
While you still need to be mindful of placing it in wet areas, its affordability comparied to solid hardwood coupled with its beautiful timber look is definitely not something to ignore.
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