Timber Flooring Guide

 "Best Quality guarantee and best price guarantee on European made floors"!

Which flooring option is suitable for you?

The selection of the most suitable flooring option is largely determined by your budget. Knowing how much you can or are willing to spend, will help you narrow down the options available. We stock a wide range of top European-made floors and will always have something that will match your taste and budget without compromising on quality. Brands we supply will always be pioneers within the flooring industry and will offer you the latest designs and the best manufacturing technologies to maintain the highest quality floors.

We at Easy Timber Flooring believe that "Quality flooring only hurts once". Often, homeowners face budget constraints towards the end of a renovation or construction project. While it may be tempting to compromise on the quality of the floor, which constitutes a significant interior element, it's crucial to recognize the long-term impact of such compromises. Our European-produced floors adhere to high European standards, ensuring the use of top-quality raw materials free from hazardous substances. By choosing our floors, you not only invest in aesthetics but also in the longevity and safety of your home. Additionally, our products come with reliable warranties backed by European manufacturers, providing you with peace of mind regarding the durability and quality of your flooring investment.

What is the most economical flooring option?

When considering the most economical flooring solutions, laminate floors stand out as a top choice. Offering a beautiful appearance, quick and easy installation, and remarkable durability, laminate flooring is a cost-effective option. Below is a ranking based on cost for 'timber flooring,' from the most affordable to the highest:

1. Laminate Floor (European-made)
2. Hybrid Flooring
3. Vinyl Flooring
4. Engineered Flooring
5. Solid Timber Flooring
   

Is dark or light coloured flooring better?

The choice between dark and light-coloured flooring ultimately depends on your personal preference and your desired interior design. Typically, dark hues create a warmer ambience, while light or neutral tones can impart a more expansive and open feel to your home. These are factors which you should consider when selecting the colour for your flooring.

What is laminate floor?

Laminate is considered worldwide as one of the most affordable and popular floor-covering products. There are many reasons why a laminate floor is preferred. Firstly, laminate floors can fit into most families' budgets. They are super convenient since they can easily be installed on any flat subfloor with its click system. Besides that, they are very scratch-, dent-, fade-, stain- and even water-resistant. After installation, the floor is ready to be walked on straight away and in any case of a bad accident, the boards can be easily replaced.

Laminate is built by a total of 4 layers.

1. On the bottom is the counterbalance layer, which stabilises the board and prevents moisture from penetrating.
2. High-Density Fiberboard (HDF). The quality and impact-resistant level of the HDF core determines how moisture-resistant the floor is and its impact level.
3. Decor paper, which gives the floor its look and appearance. Higher quality definition and decor layer, makes the floor appear more realistic and fade-resistant.
4. Overlay, which is the wear layer of the floor. The higher the quality of the overlay, the stronger and more scratch-resistant the floor is.
   

Is 12 mm laminate better than 8mm laminate?

While many may think that a 12mm floor is superior to an 8mm floor, this is not necessarily the case. The main component in laminate flooring is its HDF (High-Density Fibreboard) core, which varies in quality and compression levels. The performance of the HDF core depends on the HDF core’s impact resistance and swelling ratio. For example, if the 12mm option has a lower quality HDF core compared to the 8mm, the 8mm laminate will still perform better in terms of impact resistance, stability, moisture resistance and the overall life span of the product. Berry Alloc offers both 8mm and 12mm, but the 12mm has a higher level of impact resistance and durability. Additionally, the 12mm option tends to produce less impact sound.

What is the life expectancy of laminate flooring?

The life expectancy of laminate floors can vary depending on factors such as the laminate floor’s abrasive class (AC) and the quality of the HDF core. The AC rating determines the wear resistance of the top surface. Additionally, the HDF core also plays a big role in the floor’s life span regarding stability and swelling.

For laminate floors that comply with European standards, you can expect:

• AC3: Around 10 years.
• AC4: Approximately 20-25 years
• AC5: 30+ years.
  

There is also an AC6 option, known as the Norwegian High Pressure Floor which is expected to last a lifetime and is exceptional, even for heavy commercial use. 

In contemporary residential projects, AC4 is often considered the starting point due to its durability, but AC5 and AC6 are preferred by customers who desire additional protection and extended longevity. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on residential use and actual lifespan can be influenced by factors such as maintenance, foot traffic, and environmental conditions.

What is a good price for laminate flooring?

A good starting price point for laminate flooring that complies with European standards and is manufactured in Europe typically starts from $30/sqm and above.

What to look for when buying a good quality laminate floor?

When purchasing a good quality laminate floor, consider the following key factors:

1. High-Quality HDF Core:

• A high-quality HDF core in laminate flooring means the core is more compressed which contributes to higher impact resistance, durability and enhances resistance to moisture and water damage.

  2. Abrasive Class (AC) Rating:

• The AC rating indicates the wear resistance of the top surface. Higher AC ratings generally mean better durability and a longer lifespan for the wear layer. For residential use, consider at least an AC4 rating for optimal performance.

  3. Reputable Brand:

• Choose a laminate floor from a well-known and reputable brand. Established brands often adhere to higher manufacturing standards, ensuring that the floor meets quality specifications and is free from hazardous chemicals. Opting for a recognized brand also typically comes with the advantage of a reliable warranty for your flooring.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a laminate floor that not only looks appealing but also offers long-lasting quality and durability.

What are the other flooring options?

Vinyl floor:

Vinyl floors replicate the appearance of natural wood and are composed of synthetic materials. Similarly to hybrid floors, they are also 100% waterproof. In terms of comfort, the floor is very comfortable and quiet to walk on.

SPC hybrid floor:

Hybrid flooring is composed of a waterproof core with a built-in underlay. SPC stands for stone plastic composite, meaning it is made up of a mix of stone and plastic. The floor is 100% waterproof and it is a trending product that has been recently introduced into the market.

Engineered floor:

Engineered floorboards are a type of flooring that is made up of multiple layers of wood. The top layer is typically hardwood, whilst the lower layers are made up of a softer wood. Engineered floorboards are designed to be more stable than solid hardwood floors and they can be installed over a variety of subfloors.

Engineered floorboards come in a variety of colours and styles and they can be matched to any decor. They are easy to care for and maintain and they can last for many years with proper care. Engineered floorboards are a great choice for any home or office.

Solid Hardwood floor:

The most expensive floor does not mean you have the best floor and the most durable floor and solid timber is a great example of this. Its high supply cost is due to its natural components, and the long time it needs to mature to be used as a floor. It is an old traditional type of floorboard which needs extra attention when installing and in the flooring world, it is generally less stable compared to other flooring solutions. Since it is more sensitive to moisture changes, it must be installed professionally and is the most expensive floor to be finished. The correct amount of glue must be used which depends on the width of the board. This gives the floor stability and prevents it from twisting and cupping. A good protective coating is also needed to keep the floor looking natural. Australian solid timber is popular among high-end housing and for homeowners that love a warm, natural variation and timeless floor.

What is floating floors?

A floating floor is a type of flooring that is not directly attached to the underlying subfloor. This unique installation method contributes to its ease of installation, maintenance, and a comfortable feel when walked upon.

Floating floors stand out as a great option for homes, combining ease of installation, comfort, and aesthetic versatility. Whether crafted from natural materials like hardwood or featuring the affordability of laminate, floating floors provide a practical and stylish flooring solution for a variety of spaces.