When it comes to flooring for Brisbane homes, homeowners have many choices available to them to meet their individual needs. From timeless hardwood elegance and vinyl affordability to tiles’ sleek modern appeal and professional contractors’ assistance in making an informed decision – Brisbane homeowners have everything they need when selecting their floor coverings!
Laminated flooring can withstand Brisbane’s hot, humid summer sun and humidity better than traditional wooden floors, which could otherwise expand, deform and eventually rot over time.
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Durability
Laminate flooring has quickly become a go-to choice for homeowners due to its affordability, durability and easy DIY installation process. Its multi-layered synthetic construction with decorative applique layer simulates wood or stone for an elegant yet easy clean-and-maintain aesthetic – however not all laminates are created equal; understanding their various layers and their intended uses is key when selecting one that will last through years of wear-and-tear.
The top layer, or wear layer, provides a clear and durable surface to resist scratches, stains, UV rays and moisture intrusion – an essential consideration in any home. Infused with aluminum oxide as moisture protection for added peace of mind.
Beneath the wear layer lies the image layer, which can mimic any aesthetic using advanced printing technology. This layer is attached to a HDF core that has been reinforced with resins to increase strength and stability; and to a base known as underlayment (a thin sheet that repels moisture).
Cost-effectiveness
Installing laminate floors in your home is an economical and effective way to increase its value. Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate requires minimal upkeep: regular sweeping will remove dust and dirt; for deeper clean, use a damp mop.
Laminate flooring can also be an environmentally-friendly choice, made from recycled materials sourced responsibly to reduce wood consumption. Plus, laminate has an extended lifespan compared with vinyl and hardwood.
Cost of installing laminate floors will depend on the size and condition of your house as well as existing floorboards. A professional installation should generally cost around $30 per square metre; this may vary depending on factors like prep-work complexity and whether or not old floorboards need to be removed; it may even be possible to add floating click-lock laminate on existing floors without their removal.
Environmentally friendly
As environmental awareness rises, more homeowners are opting for sustainable home improvements – such as hybrid flooring – which offers a wide variety of styles and finishes to satisfy every taste. Plus, its durability and resilience make it perfect for the Queensland climate!
One of the hottest trends in hybrid flooring is natural timber looks, offering various stains and grain textures to choose from. Perfect for high traffic areas and providing luxurious aesthetic that easily stands up against Brisbane homes’ heat and moisture conditions, natural timber floors have quickly become one of the top trends.
FSC certified hardwood planks are one of the best eco-friendly choices, as they come from responsibly managed forests that minimise deforestation and impact on local ecosystems. Furthermore, supporting companies who prioritise ethical practices is another benefit of purchasing FSC hardwood planks.
Reclaimed or recycled materials offer another green flooring option that’s worth exploring, such as salvage yards or renovation sites near you. However, it’s essential to monitor formaldehyde emissions, which are toxic when inhaled at high concentrations.
Fire resistance
Brisbane laminate flooring’s fire resistance can be an incredible asset to any home. Easy to maintain and clean, its design can resist heat, impact and abrasion; durability levels exceed most household chemicals; while pet owners will find its claw-resistant qualities helpful as it can endure scratched-up claws from cats and dogs alike.
Laminate floors are highly watertight, resistant to mold or mildew growth and provide UV resistance making them suitable for use around swimming pools in Brisbane. Their waterproof nature also makes them great for use in residential courtyards or outdoor paving environments with heavy humidity levels; making laminate an excellent choice when paver-ing around these spaces.
Laminate floors consist of high-density fiberboard, covered by multiple protective layers made of melamine and other plastics, printed with wood grain textures and finished off with additional layers of melamine to provide both attractiveness and resistance to damage.