Which Flooring Is Best?

Top 11 tips when selecting the perfect flooring for your space:

1. Select the perfect area for your new flooring

2. Research the range of flooring options available

3. Decide between hard and soft flooring

4. Choose the right colour and style for your space

5. Find the ideal type of flooring finish for your room

6. Consider comfort, durability and easy maintenance

7. Best flooring for high-traffic areas

8. Allergy-friendly options

9. Pet-friendly flooring options

10. Budget considerations

11. Installing your new flooring

Carpet Court’s 5 Best Flooring Options

Our team handpicked the top five floors for you, and they're all in our easy-to-follow comparison table. You'll see each one's style, finish, ideal room, cost, and all those important ratings – comfort, quality, durability, water resistance, you name it. We've made it super simple to find that floor that'll just click with your home.

1. Select the perfect area for your new flooring

Selecting the right area for your new flooring is essential. In our experience, each type of flooring serves a unique purpose and suits different areas of a home. In Australia, where lifestyle and functionality are key, it's important to match the flooring to the room's use and feel.

Our goal is to guide you through these flooring options, ensuring you select the right material for each area of your home, considering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

2. Research the range of flooring options available

Navigating through the various flooring options can be overwhelming, but it’s an important part of tailoring your home to fit your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. 
As Australia's largest retail floor covering specialist, Carpet Court takes great pride in its reputation for expertise and advice based on our superior product knowledge, we understand the nuances of each type and am keen to share this knowledge.

Let's take a look at the most sought-after flooring types in Australia:

• Timber Flooring - Timber offers a classic, elegant look that ages beautifully. Ideal for living areas and bedrooms, it adds a natural charm and warmth to any space.  Solid timber floorboards and engineered wood flooring are not only visually appealing but also durable. To maintain the appearance of your engineered timber floors over time, many types offer the added benefit of being able to be sanded and refinished when necessary, ensuring their enduring beauty and longevity.
• Hybrid Flooring - A perfect blend of durability and style, hybrid flooring is a sturdy choice for Australian homes. It combines the best elements of laminate and vinyl, resulting in a hard-wearing, water-resistant surface. It's particularly suitable for high-traffic areas and rooms exposed to moisture, and spaces prone to spills, like kitchens
• Laminate Flooring - A cost-effective and practical alternative to real wood, laminate flooring is known for its scratch-resistant and stain-resistant properties. It's a great fit for busy households as it offers the look of hardwood flooring without the high maintenance. Plus, with its easy-to-install design, it's a favourite among DIY enthusiasts. 
• Vinyl Flooring - For those seeking a balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal, vinyl flooring is an excellent option. It's water-resistant, making it ideal for wet areas. Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl sheet offer a range of designs, from realistic wood-look to modern patterns, catering to various décor styles. Vinyl is also known for its comfort underfoot and noise-reducing qualities.

3. Decide between hard and soft flooring

At Carpet Court, we offer a wide range of both hard flooring options like timber, hybrid, laminate, and vinyl, as well as soft options such as carpets and rugs.

As I’ve previously mentioned, hard flooring, including timber, hybrid, laminate, and vinyl, is known for its durability and ease of maintenance.

On the other hand, soft flooring, like carpets and rugs, adds a layer of comfort and warmth, perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms. They are excellent for cushioning footsteps and can be a luxurious treat for your feet. Carpets also come in a variety of textures and colours, allowing you to match them seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.

In our experience, the decision between hard and soft flooring comes down to considering the lifestyle of your household, the amount of foot traffic, and the specific needs of each room. Whether it’s the robustness of hard flooring or the plush comfort of soft flooring, each type has its unique benefits that can enhance the living experience in your Australian home.

4. Choose the right colour and style for your space

Jumping from the basics to the specifics, now we're diving into the exciting part—selecting the ideal colour and style for your space. The world of flooring can be like a candy store – so many choices, and all of them tempting.

You've got your solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring, not to mention durable options like laminate and hybrid, all in a colour palette that could rival any artist's. From the warm embrace of golden browns to the sophisticated touch of dusky beiges and the bold statement of dark charcoals, there's a hue for every mood and material for every footfall.

And if you're wondering where to find this vast selection of flooring materials and colours, Carpet Court has got you sorted with options to beautifully complement any interior, from the classically traditional to the sleekly modern.

5. Find the ideal type of flooring finish for your room

In our years of working with flooring, we’ve seen how the right finish can really tie a room together. It’s not just about aesthetics but also about finding a finish that suits your daily life and enhances the functionality of your space. We’ll walk you through some popular finishes and see how they can transform your space.

• Laminate Flooring - It's versatile, with finishes that range from a natural matte to a sleek gloss. Ideal for households that see a lot of foot traffic, laminate is hardy and easy to keep clean.
• Vinyl Flooring - Vinyl planks and vinyl tiles offer finishes that can replicate the look of stone or wood but with added water resistance. It’s a practical option for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture is common.
• Timber Flooring - The finish you choose here can really transform a space. A glossy timber floor adds a touch of elegance, whereas a matte finish provides a more subdued, natural feel. It's a beautiful choice for any new home, but timber floors do require some maintenance to maintain their beauty over time. It's a beautiful choice for any new home, and with the latest advancements in surface technologies, timber flooring is becoming even more durable and easier to maintain.
• Hybrid Flooring - This type of flooring brings the best of both worlds – the appearance of natural materials with the durability of synthetic ones. It’s well-suited for high-traffic areas, offering a finish that’s both attractive and long-lasting.

6. Consider comfort, durability and easy maintenance

When it comes to new flooring, it's not just about the looks. Comfort, durability, and easy maintenance are all important things to think about.

Comfort is huge, right? You want a floor that feels good underfoot. Soft yet firm, especially in spaces where you spend a lot of time standing. Think kitchen or your home office.

Durability is next. We're talking floors that can handle the foot traffic of busy Australian homes without showing wear and tear. This is where materials like hard-wearing laminate, robust hybrid flooring, and tough timber come in.

Easy maintenance – who doesn't love that? Life's busy enough without having to worry about fussy floors. Whether it's quick cleaning, resistance to spills, or simply not needing constant attention, low-maintenance flooring is a lifesaver.

So, let's find a floor that makes life easier and feels great to walk on. After all, your floor should fit your life, not the other way around!

7. Best flooring for high-traffic areas

When we talk about flooring for high-traffic areas in your home, durability is key. You want something that stands up to the hustle and bustle of daily life. For these busy spots, we lean towards options like laminate, hybrid, and vinyl flooring.

Laminate flooring is a star in high-traffic areas. It's tough, scratch-resistant, and holds up well under constant use. Plus, it's easy to clean – a quick sweep or mop, and it's looking as good as new.

Hybrid flooring is another great option. It's designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and everything in between. It combines the best features of laminate and vinyl, making it super durable and water-resistant.

Then there's vinyl flooring. It's not only resilient and easy to maintain, but it also comes in various styles. Whether you're after luxury vinyl plank or vinyl tile, it can handle the high foot traffic while keeping your space stylish.

So, for those busy parts of your home, these flooring options are not just practical but they keep your space looking great, too.

8. Allergy-friendly options

With the right guidance, understanding the nuances of flooring for allergy-prone individuals can be a breath of fresh air. As a flooring specialist, I'd like to share our top options for minimising allergens.

Hard flooring is a great start. It's easier to keep dust and allergens at bay with materials like vinyl, laminate, or timber. These surfaces don't trap allergens like carpets might, making them a smart pick for allergy sufferers.

Vinyl flooring is particularly noteworthy. It's not just hard-wearing and low-maintenance, but its smooth surface means you can quickly sweep away any dust or allergens. Plus, it's a cost-effective solution for those mindful of budget.

Timber flooring is another excellent choice. It adds warmth and a natural feel to your home, and with regular cleaning, it stays allergen-free.

Remember, the key is regular cleaning, no matter the flooring type. By keeping your floors free of dust and allergens, you create a healthier environment for everyone in your home.

9. Pet-friendly flooring options

When it comes to pets, our furry friends can be tough on floors. So, what's the best flooring for pet owners? Here are the best flooring options we recommend that are durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean:

• Vinyl Flooring - Ideal for pets, as it resists scratches and spills. It's also comfy for your pets to relax on, making it a practical and pet-friendly choice.
• Laminate Flooring - A popular choice for its scratch resistance, laminate makes cleaning up after pets easy. A simple sweep keeps it looking fresh.
• Hybrid Flooring - A stylish yet durable option, hybrid flooring is excellent for homes with pets. It offers scratch resistance and ease of maintenance, blending practicality with aesthetics.

In short, these flooring products let you enjoy your pets’ company without worrying about your floors.

10. Budget considerations

Budget considerations are a crucial part of the flooring journey for homeowners. It's not just about picking the right flooring but also managing the costs effectively. Installation costs can vary, so it's important to factor these into your overall budget.

At Carpet Court, we get that budget is crucial. That's why we offer a free quote and measure service. You can book this online, give us a call, or pop into a store. This service helps you understand the costs upfront, ensuring you make a flooring choice that aligns with both your needs and your budget.

Finding the right flooring within your budget can be a smooth process with the right support. We're here to help every step of the way.

11. Installing your new flooring

Installing your new flooring is like the final piece of a puzzle in transforming your space. Let's unwrap the process for each, ensuring your flooring not only looks great but is also installed to last, making your home both stylish and functional.

• Timber Flooring - The classic charm of timber flooring is unmatched. For installation, each high-quality timber plank is meticulously laid and securely fixed. This might involve nailing or using a glue-down method, depending on your subfloor and preference.
• Hybrid Flooring - Hybrid floors are manufactured with the underlay attached to the board, so they typically come with a click-lock system, making installation straightforward and suitable for various spaces, including kitchens. It's a fuss-free option for those looking for a blend of style and practicality.
• Vinyl Tiles/Sheets - Vinyl flooring is generally installed with a special adhesive. This ensures a firm, long-lasting fit. Perfect for areas that see a lot of foot traffic, vinyl is a go-to for both durability and design versatility.
• Laminate Flooring - Laminate's ease of installation is a big plus. The planks typically snap together in a floating floor fashion, laying over a separate underlayment. This method is not only efficient but also allows for a bit of expansion and contraction, which is ideal for Australian homes.

FAQs

What are the most durable types of flooring available on the market?

When considering durability, it's about matching the flooring to your lifestyle. At Carpet Court, vinyl and hybrid flooring are our top recommendations for enduring daily wear, perfect for busy Australian households.

How can I ensure I'm getting the best deal on high-quality flooring?

For the best deal on high-quality flooring, you can trust Carpet Court's range and expertise. We offer a balance of competitive pricing and assured quality, ensuring you get value for money without compromising on style or durability.