The median property price in Sydney is 872,934 AUD; hence, it is considered an ideal location for buying residential homes and settling. And when you are saving so much on your house, overspending on the flooring will not be wise. Therefore, what is the best alternative to traditional floorboards to offer your home a distinctive look at much lower prices? The answer is laminate flooring. However, opting for laminate flooring in Sydney can be a little overwhelming for a first-time buyer. Hence, some factors are discussed below to help you get started.
Budget
Laminate flooring has been a sought-after choice for Sydney homeowners for over a decade. And one of the main reasons is its affordability. You can get anything from premium laminate flooring to a cheap one according to your budget.
The average cost of laminate flooring is 50% less than installing a hardwood floor. Flooring materials like laminate flooring in Sydney may cost between 15 and 40 AUD per square metre and 20-30 AUD for installation. However, you need to be mindful of low-budget options as they might not offer you durability for the long term.
Style and design
Easy customisation of the print layer makes laminate floors available in a wide range of styles and designs. Moreover, recent technological developments have made laminate flooring imitate brick, timber, and metal surfaces. Also, watch out for the hard UV-resistant topcoat that will protect your flooring during the intense summer months in Sydney and prevent it from fading.
Thickness
The thickness of laminate flooring can impact the way it feels when walked upon. Laminate flooring of 14mm is the premium option that feels realistic and offers maximum durability. You can also get thicknesses of 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm, which are more affordable but may not feel as solid.
You must note that the print layer and the wear topcoat are not affected by the flooring’s overall thickness. Also, you can increase the thickness with an underlayment which can be particularly helpful if you have height differences between floors.
Comfort
Laminate floors are thinner than wood and are installed as floating floors. Hence, you may feel less solid underfoot than other types of flooring. And to mitigate this and ensure better comfort, you need foam underlayment that provides the benefit of springier and softer underfoot than timber or tile. In Sydney apartment units and blocks, you must use a certified acoustic underlay that is the most effective in preventing noise transmission.
Laminate flooring can also be slippery if it has a glossy finish. So, if you need grippier flooring for the elderly and children, look for surface textures and coatings that prevent slippage, like an embossed or matte finish.
Scratch resistance
AC rating ranging between 1 and 6 determines scratch resistance in laminate flooring. AC1 is primarily used for light traffic areas like closets and is unsuitable for general household use. AC2 and AC3 can offer you the right balance of affordability and durability and are perfect for your home. You can also use AC4 and above-rated laminated flooring in the house, but it can be a bit more expensive.
While focussing on all the above factors is important, it is best also to steer clear of cheap quality flooring that may emit chemicals and cause irritation. To be entirely sure about the product, check certificates on emission levels from your supplier. Also, make sure you purchase from a reputable supplier with good warranties and post-installation support.
