Laminate, vinyl & hybrids

These man-made options offer the look of timber at a more affordable price point. They are all available in plank form, and can be laid with a click-together method as a floating floor over an existing one. Constructed in layers, their top layer is a printed image of real timber. For that reason, they can’t be refinished, and you should avoid deep scratches, which will be visible.

Laminate flooring is constructed using a wood core, which means it’s more susceptible to moisture than the others.

“Luxury vinyl flooring has really come into its own in the past 5 to 10 years,” says Ingrid Powell, digital manager at Choices Flooring (choicesflooring.com.au). “It’s more hard-wearing than laminate, and also much quieter.”

Hybrid flooring, the newest kid on the block, seeks to include the best of both laminate and vinyl – it’s a rigid plank product made of high-density fibre, and most styles are waterproof. “Unlike timber flooring, hybrids can safely be laid in bathrooms and laundries,” says Ingrid.

Need to know Installation is relatively quick and easy, but make sure your subfloor is level. “If you’re laying over existing ceramic tiles, your tradesperson will need to apply a levelling compound to ensure the surface is smooth,” says Ingrid. “If you don’t do this, you’ll end up with show-through on the corner of the tiles and grout lines, which will ruin the look of the floor.”

Need to know Concrete is naturally cold so you might want to think about heating it. “Hydronic heating pipes use warm water to heat the slab,” says Clare. “They can be installed on top of the structural slab before the topping layer goes on, and will result in a floor that’s warm underfoot in winter.”