The best flooring for most Melbourne apartments is a floating floor over acoustic underlay, such as laminate, hybrid or engineered timber, with carpet in the bedrooms if you want the quietest result. Before you choose, check your owners corporation rules. Many buildings set noise limits for hard floors.
Check the owners corporation rules first
Many apartment buildings need approval before you change a floor covering. Some ask for an acoustic rating or a set type of underlay. Get the rules in writing before you order, and give them to your installer.
Noise and acoustic underlay
Hard floors pass footstep noise to the unit below. A quality acoustic underlay cuts that noise a great deal. Carpet is the quietest floor of all. Vinyl planks are the quietest of the hard floors.
The concrete slab
Most apartments sit on a concrete slab. The slab needs to be flat, clean and dry before a new floor goes down. Newer buildings can still hold moisture, so concrete moisture testing is worth doing first.
Apartment flooring options compared
| Floor | Why it suits apartments | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered timber | Real timber that can float over acoustic underlay | Not for bathrooms or laundries |
| Laminate | Tough, good value and quick to install | Needs a quality underlay for noise |
| Hybrid | Stable and resists water well | Living areas, kitchens, hallways and bedrooms only |
| Vinyl planks | Quiet, warm and fully waterproof | The slab must be very smooth |
| Carpet | The quietest option | Best kept to bedrooms and lounges |
Plan the install
Apartment jobs need a little more planning. Book the lift, check the working hours for trades and sort out parking and access early. Tell your installer about any rules for moving materials through common areas.
Read more about engineered timber, laminate, hybrid and vinyl plank flooring.
Common questions
Do I need approval to change the flooring in my apartment?
Often, yes. Many owners corporations need approval for hard floors and set an acoustic standard. Check your building rules before you order anything.
What is the quietest flooring for an apartment?
Carpet over a quality underlay is the quietest. Of the hard floors, vinyl planks and floating floors over acoustic underlay are the quietest.
Can engineered timber go in an apartment?
Yes. It can float over an acoustic underlay on the concrete slab, which gives you real timber and helps meet noise rules.
Want a fixed price for your rooms? Book a free measure and quote or call 0422 635 797. We work across Bayside and South East Melbourne.