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Choosing Flooring: Timber, Hybrid, Vinyl, Tile or Carpet?
By TradieCorner Team · · 1 min read
Flooring sets the tone of a whole home, and you live with it for years. The best choice depends less on fashion and more on the room, who's using it and how much maintenance you're willing to do.
Solid and engineered timber
Timber is warm, natural and can often be sanded and refinished. Solid timber is timber all the way through; engineered timber has a real timber top layer over a stable base. Both can be marked by pets and furniture and don't love standing water.
Hybrid and laminate
Hybrid and laminate floors give a timber look with a hard-wearing surface. Many hybrid products are marketed as water resistant, which makes them popular in busy households. Check the manufacturer's specifications for wet areas.
Vinyl
Modern vinyl planks and sheets are comfortable underfoot, quiet and easy to clean. Quality varies, so look at the wear layer and warranty rather than just the pattern.
Tiles
Tiles are the natural choice for bathrooms, laundries and outdoor areas, and are very durable. They can feel cold and hard underfoot, and grout lines need some care.
Carpet
Carpet is soft, warm and reduces noise, which is why it's still popular in bedrooms and upstairs. It needs regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning.
Questions to ask a flooring installer
- Is the subfloor suitable, or does it need levelling or repair first?
- Is removing and disposing of the old flooring included?
- How will doors, skirting boards and transitions between rooms be handled?
- How long should the floor settle before furniture goes back?
- What warranty covers the product, and what covers the installation?
This article is general information only and isn't legal, financial or trade advice. Requirements vary by state and territory and by the type of work.
