Why laminate flooring is worth the investment

Laminate flooring mimics the look of real timber. The resemblance is striking, with local Australian styles such as Blackbutt laminate timber flooring through to popular international species like oaks. The top layer, known as the wear layer, is usually made of aluminium oxide or melamine, which enhances its durability by protecting the floor against scratches and damage. Laminate floors utilise cutting-edge photographic technology to simulate the stain, graining, and texture of wood for a fraction of the price. This means you can benefit from the beauty and character of timber with the benefits you will read more about below!

Laminate floorboards are available in a huge range of styles. This means there are different timber styles with their varying markings and characteristics as well as colours. Dark, light, warm or cool, there’s a laminate style to suit any interior design style or preference.

Aside from the timber style, there are also differing board widths and installation designs. Larger board widths are a popular choice in modern Australian homes. They offer a contemporary look with fewer lines and work well in open plan or larger spaces. There are also narrower options that are elegant and timeless. They work particularly well in smaller spaces, offering the appearance of spaciousness. Plank installation style is generally the regular method, however, there are gorgeous chevron and laminate herringbone flooring styles for those who want something unique. For this look, explore the Woorim Range for some incredible options.

There are many benefits of laminate flooring. Here are some of the key elements below:

• Authentic appearance- the beautiful natural markings of timber are mimicked with accuracy bringing warmth and character to the floors.
• Scratch resistance- laminate has a higher tolerance to scratches compared to some other hard floors due to its construction.
• Water-resistance- product dependent, this characteristic is incredibly handy to have in busy homes.
• Pet-proof- the water and scratch-resistant nature of the product make it a good choice for homes with pets.
• Cost- within all flooring product categories, there are pricing ranges. Laminate can be a cost-effective alternative to solid timber flooring.
• Low-effort maintenance- with minimal effort, laminate flooring can look great for a long time!

Laminate flooring is a very versatile product, meaning it can be installed in many areas of the home. Due to its scratch resistance and ease of maintenance, rooms such as entryways, hallways and other traditionally high-traffic areas are suited to laminate flooring. With the advancements in water resistance as well, (product-depending) this means kitchens, laundries and other spaces can also be appropriate for laminate installation. The flow of the same material from the front door throughout the home is a fresh and modern look for the Australian home.

Like all flooring, laminate requires care and maintenance to ensure it’s not damaged and looks fabulous for longer. After the effort, time and investment of installing new flooring, simple care should be taken to make them look like new for many years to come!

• Try not to wear shoes inside. This minimises dirt and grit coming inside from the soles of shoes and scratching the floors. This can be made easier with a place to store shoes at entrances and even a chair or ottoman (for example) to sit and remove shoes. Door mats at all entrances are also a good idea.
• Sweep or vacuum regularly to ensure any dust or dirt etc. is removed from the floor surface. This helps stop scratching, dents and stains on carpets too.
• Mop regularly with an appropriate damp mop. Don’t use too much water or chemicals, waxes and polishes.
• Floor rugs are a great way to both protect your flooring and add colour, texture or warmth to a room. The Flooring Xtra Rug Store has so many wonderful styles that will suit any interior design preference.
• Don’t drag furniture across flooring and use pads under furniture legs.
• Keep your pet’s nails trimmed so they don’t cause any damage to the flooring, both hard flooring and carpet.
• If you spill anything on your floors, the quicker it’s cleaned up, the better!

Laminate floors are installed with a floating method, meaning they are not glued down. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to engage a professional flooring installer to complete your project. They can access the space, complete any pre-installation works required, have the right tools and are passionate about their work! While it can seem tempting to do it yourself, you can save time and money by leaving it to the professionals. Having your floors installed by a Flooring Xtra installation team also means you’re covered by an installation warranty for peace of mind.

Is laminate flooring resilient?

Laminate flooring has a high scratch resistance due to its melamine and aluminium oxide wear layer finishes. It is a good option for busy homes and homes with pets.

Is laminate flooring professionally installed?

Flooring is best installed by professionals who are highly skilled and experienced. They have all the necessary equipment and are there to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Are timber floors high maintenance?

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, that is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

What is a pet-friendly rug?

A pet-friendly rug is a must in a home with dogs and cats! Look for attributes such as washable features, anti-stain qualities and non-loop pile fibres (for pet paws to get caught in).

In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the areas being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.