If your budget is doing most of the deciding, laminate is where that conversation starts and often ends — the timber look, a fraction of the cost, and a floor that goes down fast.
Each plank has a high-resolution photographic layer of a timber grain, protected by a hard-wearing coating, all built on a dense fibreboard (HDF) core. It won’t ever be sanded or refinished the way our engineered timber range can, but for a lot of budgets and a lot of rooms, that trade-off is the right one.
Aspect and Preference Classic for classic oak and spotted gum looks, Oakleaf and Oakleaf HD Plus for a heavier, more textured finish, and Kronos Aquastop — our water-resistant laminate. Click through any range above for exact pricing.
Standard laminate suits bedrooms, living areas, home offices and hallways — anywhere with normal foot traffic and no standing water. It isn’t built for bathrooms or laundries on its own; our Kronos Aquastop range handles everyday splashes better, and our separate hybrid flooring range is the fully waterproof option for wet areas. Laminate installs as a floating floor over almost any flat, sound subfloor, often directly over existing tiles.
Laminate generally comes in a few thickness options — thinner boards suit lower-traffic rooms and tighter budgets, while thicker boards feel more solid underfoot and cope better with daily foot traffic and furniture. Ask in-store which thickness each of our ranges comes in, and whether it suits the specific room you’re flooring.
Sweep or vacuum on a hard-floor setting (skip the beater bar, which can scratch the surface), and use a damp — not wet — mop with a laminate-approved cleaner. Steam mops are best avoided; the heat and moisture can work into the seams over time. Wipe up spills promptly, especially on ranges other than Kronos Aquastop, and use felt pads under furniture to prevent scuffing.
All five ranges are on display at Castle Hill and Belrose. Because the finish is printed rather than natural, it’s worth seeing a full-size sample under your own lighting before you decide. Book a free measure and quote.
What’s the difference between laminate and hybrid? Laminate has a fibreboard core and isn’t fully waterproof; hybrid is fully waterproof and usually costs a bit more.
Is Kronos Aquastop actually waterproof? Water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
How long does laminate last? Typically 10–20 years with normal use; it can’t be refinished.
Is laminate suitable for a rental property? Yes — it’s one of the most common choices for rentals because it’s affordable, installs quickly, and holds up well to tenant turnover.
Does laminate fade in sunlight? The printed layer is more fade-resistant than natural timber, but prolonged direct sun can still dull the finish over many years.
What’s the difference between laminate and vinyl? Laminate has a fibreboard core and a printed timber layer; vinyl is a softer, fully synthetic material throughout. Vinyl handles moisture better than standard laminate, but laminate generally feels more like a “hard floor” underfoot.
