Nothing quite compares to the timeless aesthetic beauty of timber floors, however, they can be high-maintenance and costly to install. The alternative? Flooring that imitates the look and feel of real timber, but is durable and more budget-friendly. But what are the best types of timber look flooring, and what are their benefits?
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are generally constructed of a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer, and the inner core composed of fibreboard materials and melamine resin. They can be manufactured to have a similar grain and colour to timber, and usually consist of multiple layers that are heat-pressed together in one large sheet, and then cut to the required size. Recommended areas for installation include bedrooms, hallways, lounges, kitchens, and dining areas. Depending on the finish, some varieties are also suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries. Benefits include:
- Structurally stable
- Cost-effective
- A wide variety of patterns, colours and imitation wood grains
- Wear, water, and abrasion-resistant, making them great for high-traffic areas
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- No need for sanding or coating
- Quiet, comfortable, and slip-resistant
- Anti-microbial varieties repel insects and inhibit the growth of mould
- Quick and easy to install
- Can be walked on the same day after installing
- Damaged sections can be easily replaced
Laminated timber-look flooring is priced around $25 per square metre (installation additional).
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is an artificial composite floor that typically comes in two varieties. The first is vinyl plank flooring, which is laid down in sheets. The second, vinyl tiles, are laid down in separate squares, which can imitate wood tiling. Either way, vinyl flooring is glued to a concrete floor, although it may require an underlay or alternative ground preparation depending on what flooring is being replaced. Benefits include:
- They are one of the cheapest floor coverings on the market
- They’re durable, particularly with satin urethane finishes which minimises scratches
- They come in a wide variety of patterns, colours, and imitation wood grains
- They come in a variety of textures, including smooth and pebbled styles
- Non-slip finishes can ensure a safe surface at all times
- Easy to maintain and water-resistant
- Resilient and can cope with heavy traffic
- Can be cleaned with disinfectants and detergents without damage
- They don’t harbour particles or dust so are recommended for allergy and asthma sufferers
- Simple to install
Vinyl timber-look flooring is priced around $25 per square metre (installation additional).
Hybrid Flooring
When it comes to timber look flooring, hybrid flooring combines the best attributes of both vinyl and laminate floors. Generally, it is constructed of multiple layers pressed together — a rigid inner core, a design layer that can resemble authentic timber, and a “wear” layer that is UV coated to provide resiliency. Some designs also include a pre-adhered backing that delivers exceptional acoustics. It can be used on entryways, throughout living areas, and even in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. Benefits include:
- Extremely hard-wearing, long-lasting and ideal for heavy foot traffic areas
- Resistant to stains and UV light
- Provide a dense, comfortable walking surface, particularly when combined with an underlayment
- Its thickness allows it to maintain its integrity despite the presence of imperfections in the sub-floor
- High resistance to scratches, dents, and general wear and tear, including heavy furniture
- The ability to handle rapid temperature changes with minimal contraction and expansion
- It is waterproof and can be installed in wet areas and wet-mopped
- Easy to care for with no need for waxes, polishes, or specialty cleaning products or equipment
- A quick and easy installation locking system technology so floors can be walked on the same day after installation
Hybrid flooring is priced around $35 to $55 per square metre (installation additional).
References
- 2020, Flooring types – timber, laminate, vinyl and hybrid floors, Godfrey Hirst
- 2020, Different types of timber-look flooring, Tile Wizards
- 2020, 5 Benefits of Vinyl Flooring In Your Home, Bennetts
- 2020, 9 Reasons Hybrid Flooring Is So Popular, Online Flooring Store
