Finding it ‘hard’ to decide which hard flooring material is best for your next project? There are plenty of excellent options available, but it’s worth understanding which would be best for your budget, lifestyle, and the space itself!
So, our interior design experts have put together this quick hard flooring guide. Check out the benefits of each type of hard flooring, along with the best spaces in your home for each material.
Hard flooring comparison table - a quick overview
| Average Price Point | Durability | Moisture resistance | |
|
Vinyl Sheet |
$ | *** |
***** |
|
Luxury vinyl plank |
$ | ***** |
***** |
|
Laminate flooring |
$ | **** |
*** |
|
Hybrid hard flooring |
$ | **** |
***** |
|
Engineered timber |
$ | **** |
*** |
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl is a popular flooring option, known for its cost-effectiveness, durability and waterproof properties. This can come in either planks (Luxury Vinyl Planks) or in large Sheets (Vinyl sheet) and is made up of a vinyl sheet and backing, and some modern options also have a foam or plastic core, which adds a layer of comfort and insulation. Vinyl is available in thousands of different designs from a natural wood flooring look, stone look or tile look. Vinyl is ideal for areas with lots of moisture - like bathrooms - and is the easiest option if you are installing the flooring yourself!
Laminate flooring
Laminate has a wood composite core rather than a plastic or foam core you find in the Vinyl and therefore is moderately priced.
High-quality laminate can offer a similar look to natural hardwood floors, for a fraction of the price. Laminate is well-suited to kitchens, lounge areas and hallways. It’s durable, stain-resistant and low maintenance!
Additionally, laminate flooring also comes in water-resistant ranges suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens and is the best product choice for high sun areas, maintaining its quality and appearance even under sunlight.
Hybrid flooring
Hybrid flooring is an innovative new flooring type that combines the durability of vinyl with the natural feel of real wood (yes, it’s a “hybrid” of the two!).
Unlike traditional vinyl, Hybrid flooring boasts enhanced resilience and water resistance, making it an ideal choice for various spot around your home, including kitchens, lounge areas, and hallways. Its advanced construction offers a premium look akin to hardwood floors, all while providing easy maintenance and stain resistance.
Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood is made from 100% real wood. It has a plywood core with a thick solid wood layer on top. It is impossible to distinguish visually from solid hardwood once installed. As per its name “Engineered” hardwood flooring has been engineered to be an excellent alternative to solid hardwood flooring with increased performance, and a great option if you are looking to cut costs without compromising on the aesthetic effect of hardwood!
Where to from here?
If you’d like a better idea of which flooring material would look and function best in your space, the Harrisons Hard Flooring experts would love to help! We can even do a free at-home consultation (with no obligations!) to understand your needs and show you samples of how each material would look in situ. Take advantage of our current specials and begin your hard flooring journey with us today!
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