Laminate flooring is a durable and affordable way to achieve the look of timber throughout your home or business. Its hard-wearing surface makes it a practical choice for busy living areas, households with pets and spaces exposed to regular foot traffic. Explore our range of laminate flooring in a wide selection of colours, timber styles, plank sizes and wear ratings from trusted flooring brands.
The right laminate flooring depends on more than colour and price. Wear rating, water resistance, underlay and subfloor conditions all affect how a floor performs. Speak directly with Clem for practical help.
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Watch the video below as Clem explains the key benefits of laminate flooring, how it compares with other flooring options, and what to consider when choosing the right product for your home or business.
Meet the Expert in the Video
Clem Sturgess
With more than 25 years in flooring retail, wholesale and product selection, Clem has seen how laminate performs in real homes. His advice focuses on choosing the right product, preparing the subfloor and avoiding common moisture-related problems.
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With more than 25 years in the flooring industry, Clem has seen laminate flooring evolve from a product known for moisture concerns into a durable, water-resistant option for modern homes. The right result still depends on choosing a suitable product, preparing the subfloor correctly and following the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
Laminate and hybrid flooring suit different priorities. Clem generally recommends hybrid flooring when waterproofing is the main concern. Laminate is often the stronger choice for busy households where scratch resistance and surface durability are more important.
Laminate’s harder wear layer can make it particularly suitable for homes with large dogs, young children or furniture that is moved regularly. Hybrid flooring has a softer vinyl-based surface, which may be more likely to show scratches, dents or heat marks.
A laminate floor’s Abrasion Class, or AC rating, indicates how well its surface is designed to withstand wear.
Most modern AC4 and AC5 laminate products provide more durability than the average household is likely to need. The highest rating is not always essential, so it is also important to consider the colour, finish, water warranty, board construction and installation requirements.
Many laminate flooring problems are caused by conditions beneath the floor rather than spills on top of it. Moisture can rise through concrete slabs and other subfloors, particularly in damp areas or properties close to creeks, wetlands or heavily irrigated gardens.
The subfloor should be dry, stable and sufficiently flat before installation. Where moisture is a concern, a suitable vapour barrier may be required beneath the underlay. Significant high or low areas should also be corrected, as an uneven subfloor can cause boards to flex, move or sound hollow underfoot.
Most floating laminate flooring requires an approved underlay. It helps reduce sound, supports the boards and separates the floor from minor imperfections or debris beneath it.
Clem generally recommends a quality closed-cell foam underlay because it is less likely to break down over time than open-cell foam. Some installations may also require a separate moisture barrier, depending on the subfloor and the flooring manufacturer’s instructions.
Colour and price are important, but they should not be the only factors in your decision. Clem recommends comparing:
Pressed-edge laminate can be a sign of higher-quality construction because the decorative wear layer continues around the edge of the board. Painted bevels can also look effective, although their quality and colour consistency vary between products.
The best laminate flooring is not simply the product with the highest rating or longest warranty. It is the one that suits your subfloor, room conditions, household and expectations.
Choosing laminate flooring involves more than selecting a colour. Find answers to common questions about suitable rooms, pets, ordering, installation, cleaning and long-term care.
Laminate flooring is commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, hallways, home offices and other dry internal spaces. Selected water-resistant products may also be suitable for kitchens and other areas exposed to occasional spills. For bathrooms, laundries and moisture-prone spaces, check that the specific product is approved for the room and follow its installation requirements.
Yes. Laminate’s hard-wearing surface makes it a practical option for many homes with cats and dogs. It generally provides good resistance to everyday scratches, although no flooring is completely scratch-proof. Keep pets’ nails trimmed, remove sand and grit regularly, and check the individual product page for pet warranties or suitability information.
A quality laminate floor can provide many years of use when it is properly selected, installed and maintained. Its lifespan will depend on the product’s wear rating, the amount of foot traffic, subfloor preparation and how the floor is cleaned. Check the individual product warranty when comparing laminate flooring ranges.
Laminate flooring naturally expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. Correct expansion gaps must be left around walls, doorways and fixed objects during installation. The boards may also need to acclimatise inside the property before they are laid. Always follow the product manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Selected laminate products can be installed over compatible underfloor heating systems, but temperature limits and installation requirements vary. Check that the flooring, underlay and heating system are approved for use together before installation. The flooring manufacturer may also require the heating temperature to be increased gradually.
Our team brings more than 45 years of flooring industry experience, with practical knowledge across product selection, installation and problem-solving. We offer a wide range of laminate flooring from trusted brands at competitive online prices. Our specialists can also help you compare products based on your home, subfloor, lifestyle and budget.
We arrange laminate flooring delivery throughout Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and regional areas. Delivery costs and timeframes depend on the product, order size and destination. Contact our team before ordering if your property has restricted access or you need help confirming delivery arrangements.
Measure the length and width of each area, multiply these figures to calculate the square metres, and add the totals together. You will also need additional flooring for cuts, board selection and future repairs. Use our flooring measurement guide or contact our team if your room has an irregular shape or you are unsure how much to order.
Many laminate products use click-lock joining systems and may be suitable for experienced DIY renovators. However, the subfloor must be properly checked and prepared before installation. Incorrect moisture protection, uneven surfaces or insufficient expansion gaps can cause problems. We recommend using a professional installer if you have not installed a floating floor before.
Remove dust and grit regularly with a soft broom or suitable vacuum. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp microfibre mop and a cleaner approved for laminate flooring. Avoid soaking the boards or leaving standing water on the surface. Always follow the care instructions for your particular product.
Wax should not be used on laminate because it can leave a dull residue that attracts dirt and is difficult to remove. Steam mops should also be avoided unless the flooring manufacturer specifically approves them. Excess heat and moisture can enter the joints and damage some laminate products.
Minor chips may sometimes be made less noticeable with a colour-matched laminate, resin or hard-wax repair kit. More serious damage will usually require the affected board to be replaced. Depending on its location and the installation system, surrounding boards may need to be lifted to reach it. Contact our team for advice before attempting a repair.
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We're a Certified Installer (Carpet & Resilient & Timber) with the Floor Covering Institute of Australia.
We're a member of the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA).
