To choose the right flooring, start with the room, not the product. Work out how wet the room gets, how much traffic it takes, what is under the old floor and what you want to spend. Then pick the floor that fits. These five steps make it simple.
Step 1. Match the floor to the room
| Room | Good choices | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Living areas and hallways | Laminate, hybrid, engineered timber | Thin, low grade boards |
| Kitchens | Hybrid, premium laminate, vinyl planks, engineered timber | Carpet |
| Bedrooms | Carpet, laminate, hybrid, engineered timber | Nothing in particular |
| Bathrooms and laundries | Vinyl planks | Timber, laminate, hybrid |
| Home offices and rentals | Carpet tiles, laminate, vinyl planks | Soft, light coloured carpet |
Step 2. Think about who lives there
Kids and pets are hard on floors. Premium laminate and hybrid handle scratches and spills best. If you want a quiet, warm home, carpet and vinyl planks are softer underfoot. If you want real timber and accept a little wear, choose engineered timber.
Step 3. Check what is underneath
Your subfloor decides what can be installed and how. A concrete slab needs to be flat and dry. A timber subfloor needs to be firm and level. Preparation is often the difference between two quotes, so ask what is included.
Step 4. Set a budget
These are guide prices per square metre in Melbourne, supplied and installed.
- Carpet: $45 to $110
- Laminate: $55 to $95
- Carpet tiles: $55 to $120
- Vinyl planks: $60 to $130
- Hybrid: $65 to $120
- Engineered timber: $110 to $220
Removal of the old floor, subfloor preparation and stairs are extra. See the full flooring cost guide.
Step 5. See samples at home
Colours change with your light and your walls. Look at large samples in the room, in the morning and at night. Then check the care needs before you decide.
Common questions
What is the most durable flooring for a family home?
Premium laminate has the hardest scratch resistance and is one of the toughest, most practical options for a busy family home. Hybrid is a close second.
What flooring can run through the whole house?
Vinyl planks are fully waterproof, so they can run through every room including the bathroom and laundry. Premium laminate or hybrid can cover everything except the wet areas.
How much does new flooring cost in Melbourne?
As a guide, between $45 and $220 per square metre supplied and installed, depending on the floor type. Carpet and laminate sit at the lower end, and engineered timber at the upper end.
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.