5 rooms and how to pick the best flooring for each

It’s no secret that Australian homes love an open-plan layout. It makes sense for the climate, the casual home-dining experience and the way we live in general. As so much happens within these spaces, selecting flooring that will easily withstand that is key. Think about how you and your family live. Are their pets and kids? Is a low-maintenance option important to you? Do you like timber flooring styles? In terms of hard flooring, laminates and vinyl are particularly resilient and easy to care for.

Layering a rug in open-plan spaces is another great option as it helps to zone areas within the larger area (such as a lounge space within a living/dining room). If you have pets, opt for a non-loop style as their paws and claws can get caught and pull on the threads (this goes for carpets too!).

Bedrooms are so important to get “right” when designing. Flooring plays a big role here too, as it will add to the overall feeling of warmth and comfort. Many people opt for carpet in the space as it feels so good to place your feet on carpet first thing in the morning! Consider the flow from rooms adjacent to this, such finding a carpet that will work back with floorboards in the hallway. For more in-depth analysis of carpet in bedrooms, read our blog dedicated to the topic. Hard flooring in bedrooms is another option, of course! It can give an illusion of space while maintaining a clean aesthetic. To add warmth, a floor rug under the bed is a beautiful layer.

These spaces have been restricted to tiles in the past, but that is old news now. Why not bring additional texture and warmth to a wet area with hard flooring? For a seamless look, the same flooring can now be used throughout the WHOLE home! A completely contemporary and clean aesthetic. Not all products will be suited to these wet areas but there are some fabulous options. Talk to your closest Flooring Xtra store so they can help point you in the right direction.

In a family home, spaces, where children play and make a mess, can cause headaches for weary parents. Rumpus rooms and kid zones no longer need to be a concern though, with so many resilient flooring options available. Hard flooring options include vinyl and laminate styles while tough carpet fibres such as solution-dyed nylon (SDN) is a winner. Consider a rug too- there are some fabulous washable (yes, you read that right) floor rugs that will add warmth and comfort without the stress of staining and damage.

Home studios, whether they be for music, art or another pursuit are often messy places. Take into consideration what happens in this space and who will be using it. As mentioned above, resilience and easy maintenance might be high on your priorities, in which case lean towards a product that will fit the bill (vinyl, laminates, solution-dyed nylon carpets and polypropylene fibre carpets). Also, look to protect the floor from desk chairs with castors by placing a mat or rug underneath.

How can I clean carpet?

Carpet can be enjoyed for many years with care and maintenance. Extend the life of your carpet by promptly attending to spills and marks. Read our carpet care guide for spot removal tips and cleaning.

Are timber floors high-maintenance?

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is constructed from several layers to create the appearance of timber or stone. Laminate floors utilise cutting edge photographic technology to simulate the grain, stain and texture of wood at a fraction of the price. Its highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, with the top layer, known as the wear layer, usually made of a aluminium oxide or melamine resin which enhances it’s durability.

Disclaimer: In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the area it’s being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.