The only floor here with genuine hardwood on the surface, so it can be sanded back and refinished instead of replaced – and it is the floor buyers and valuers rate highest. Best in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways; it is not suited to bathrooms or laundries. European Oak, Blackbutt and Spotted Gum, in plank, herringbone and chevron. Expect $100–250/m² supplied and installed, with most Sydney homes landing at $140–180.
The one to choose when the floor has to cope with water. A rigid core with a waterproof plank – subject to product and warranty conditions – and acoustic backing bonded straight to the board, which is what makes the strata paperwork simpler in an apartment. Suits kitchens, laundries, entries and open-plan living. Expect $55–110/m² supplied and installed, with most Sydney homes landing at $65–85. Ranges include Easi-Plank, Aspire, Iconic and Hydroplank.
The most floor for the money. A dense HDF core under a printed timber decor, with modern ranges rated for 48 to 72 hours of water resistance. Ask for AC4 rather than AC3 if it is going into a hallway – the AC rating predicts how long a laminate lasts better than its thickness does. Expect $50–100/m² supplied and installed, with most Sydney homes landing at $60–80. Ranges include Oakleaf, Oakleaf HD Plus, Aquastop and Aspect.
Vinyl plank flooring is built for demanding commercial environments including offices, retail spaces, hospitality venues and fit-outs, where floors need to handle constant foot traffic, rolling loads and frequent cleaning. Unlike floating flooring systems, vinyl planks are typically glued directly to the subfloor, providing the stability needed for areas exposed to heavy traffic and rolling equipment.
Because the flooring is glued down, proper subfloor preparation and levelling are an important part of the installation, as any imperfections underneath can affect the finished surface. For residential homes, where comfort, waterproofing and a simpler floating installation are priorities, hybrid flooring is often the more suitable alternative.
