How to choose between timber and laminate flooring in Melbourne?

When choosing a new flooring, the options for many homeowners typically come down to timber or laminate flooring. While both look alike, nearly every aspect differs, including the cost, maintenance and installation.

Here’s a straightforward comparison of laminate and timber flooring to help you choose the best flooring solution for your home this season.

Timber vs. laminate flooring: Similarities

The biggest similarity between timber flooring and laminate flooring is their wood-like appearance. When viewed from a distance, both flooring materials look like real wood. Other key similarities include:

● Both are hard

● Both are fairly durable

● Both are comfortable underfoot

● Both are relatively easy to install

Timber vs. laminate flooring: Differences

Despite all the above-mentioned similarities between laminate and timber flooring, each has pros and cons. Let’s discuss them one by one to help you make a sound future investment:

1. Visual appeal

The visual distinction between timber and laminate flooring is not so significant. However, if you look closely at the grain, real wood will vary greatly. There would be no two planks of hardwood flooring — whether solid or engineered wood.

Whereas, the floor surface is embossed with pre-designed patterns in laminate flooring. These patterns mimic the appearance of the real wood grain. Some laminate floors may appear made of real wood, but pattern repetition is inevitable.

2. Water and heat resistance

Although popular in kitchen areas, timber is not recommended for wet areas. This is because timber is prone to moisture and heat. On the other hand, laminate is highly water-resistant. However, moisture infiltrating the joints between laminate planks can create problems. Therefore, laminate flooring is not recommended in wet areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms.

In addition to that, laminate flooring has enough heat resistance that you can install it over your radiant heating system.

3. Eco-friendliness

While timber and laminate flooring are manufactured from trees, timber is considered more sustainable. The absence of toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process gives timber flooring a significant advantage in the green flooring space.

Also, timber flooring has many sustainable options, such as reclaimed wood. For example, eco-conscious renovators can invest in wood harvested in an environmentally responsible way.

4. Cost and installation

Cost is a major selling point of laminate flooring, as it can cost half the price of timber flooring. The harder the timber, the more expensive it is. Also, installation costs for laminate flooring are lower than installing timber flooring, including labour expenses. However, the resale value of timber flooring is much higher than laminate flooring.

5. Care and maintenance

Both laminate and timber flooring demand roughly the same maintenance and care. However, if you own a pet or have young children, laminate flooring is a better solution for high-traffic and sun-drenched areas. You can opt for wood-look laminate flooring that boasts UV protection and resists scratches.

The final verdict

Deciding between timber and laminate flooring largely depends on your taste and preferences. If authenticity, resale value and sustainability are your top priorities, choose timber flooring in Melbourne. On the other hand, laminate flooring would be a viable option if your budget is tight and you need an easy-to-maintain flooring solution.

Happy flooring!