When it comes to choosing the best flooring type for your home it comes down to practicality and preference. For wet areas such as bathrooms, the laundry and even your kitchen, tiles are the best option, followed by laminate and timber.
Areas such as the theatre room and bedrooms may be best suited to carpet due to the soft texture, insulation, acoustics and cost savings.
Take a look at some of the flooring options for your home below, in order to make the decision process simpler and less stressful.
1. LAMINATE
This type of flooring is a synthetic and inexpensive option that is traditionally designed to imitate the appearance of wood. It’s sold in either tile or plank forms.
Cost
Laminate costs approximately $25 per square metre for supply and $55 laid, although this type of flooring is easier to do yourself so you may be able to save on labour costs if you are technically inclined.
Positives
- Water resistant
- Easy to clean
- Inexpensive
- Variety of design choices
- Easy to DIY
- Easy to remove and replace
- Can be replaced by slats if one area becomes damage
Negatives
- Not suitable for areas of moisture, such as bathrooms and laundry
- Not suitable for apartments as it provides no soundproofing for surrounding neighbours
2. TIMBER
Solid timber planks come in a range of styles and finishes. The options are endless.
Cost
It really varies when it comes to solid timber but costs start at $170 per square metre depending on hardness and go up to $300 laid. Our experts say you’d be hard pressed to find a professional flooring store that will sell supply only as it’s very tricky to DIY timber flooring and can be really expensive if you don’t do it properly.
Positives
- Renewable and natural material source
- Durable if laid correctly
- Simple to clean and look after
- Sound proof
Negatives
- Maintenance can be expensive
- Not suggested for use in kitchens, bathrooms or humid climates
- Requires regular sanding and stripping to maintain appearance in high foot traffic areas
3. TILES
This type of flooring is one of the most popular options in floor coverings today. There are numerous vinyl and ceramic tile options with an array of designs suitable for all tastes.
Cost
The per metre rate for laying ceramic tiles can vary between $90 to $150 or more. Vinyl tiles are the easiest and quickest to lay, with quotes sitting at roughly $40 to $100 per square metre.
Positives
- Ease of maintenance
- No special cleaning solutions, stain resistant and easier to clean
- Ease of installation
- Cheaper option than timber
- Plenty of design options available
- Easy to repair if required
- Versatile
Negatives
- Grout can attract dirt and stains and be somewhat difficult to clean
- Very rigid and hard underfoot, but nothing a carpet/rug can’t fix
- Most fragile items will break if dropped on tiled surface
4. CARPET
This floor covering made from thick woven fabric is perfect for areas of the home such as bedrooms, living rooms and theatre rooms.
Cost
The cost of carpet per square metre can vary drastically in price, dependent on what you have installed in your home.
- Inexpensive polypropylene carpeting can cost around $20m2
- Dyed nylon carpeting starts at about $40m2
- Wool carpeting starts at about $50-$60m2
- A high quality nylon/wool blend can cost $125 to $150m2
- Alpaca wool carpeting can cost as much as $275m2
Positives
- Low maintenance
- Require a thorough deep clean only once a year
- Available in a wide range of materials and colours to suit every budget and style
- Some varieties are now eco-friendly and low-allergen, making carpet a safe choice for people with allergies
Negatives
- Can be easily stained, specifically lighter coloured carpets
- May aggravate allergy symptoms as the fibers catch and hold dust, dirt, bugs and bacteria (ensure you vacuum regularly)
- If damaged by water or flooding, it generally needs to be removed and replaced. Mold and mildew can develop in the padding and make you sick.
- Pets and carpet don’t mix well, for instance. If a dog or cat urinates or defecates on carpet, the smell can be difficult to eradicate. If it happens a lot, the smell will linger, you won’t be able to get rid of it, and you will have to throw out the flooring. With pets, think hardwood floors, tiles, and resilient coverings.
Thanks to www.realestate.com.au, www.wisegeek.org & www.homeimprovementpages.com.au
