Timber, laminate, hybrid, vinyl, bamboo. Modern hard flooring all looks great, so how do you choose? The answer depends on which rooms you are covering, how much water they see, what is underneath and how the floor needs to feel and sound. Here is the plain-English comparison we use with customers across Adelaide.
The quick comparison
| Floor type | What it is | Feel underfoot | Best rooms | Not for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Rigid waterproof core, click-together floating floor | Firm, timber-like | Living, hallways, bedrooms | Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries |
| Laminate | Printed decor and tough wear layer over a wood-fibre board | Firm, solid | Living, bedrooms, hallways | Any wet area |
| Vinyl plank | Flexible waterproof vinyl | Softer, quiet, warm | Kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, living | Uneven subfloors without prep |
| Engineered timber | Real hardwood top layer over a stable core | Warm, natural | Living, dining, bedrooms | Wet areas |
| Bamboo | Natural bamboo fibres pressed into boards | Hard, natural | Living, bedrooms | Wet areas |
Hybrid
The all-rounder for dry living spaces: the stability of vinyl with the rigid feel of laminate. The boards themselves won't swell from a spill, they are tough on scratches and they feel warm underfoot. That makes hybrid a great choice for open-plan living, hallways and bedrooms.
One important rule: we don't recommend hybrid for kitchens, bathrooms or laundries. Hybrid is a floating floor, and water can work its way through the joins and around the edges to the subfloor underneath. A waterproof board is not the same as a waterproof floor. Our article Is hybrid flooring really waterproof? explains why.
Laminate
A tough printed surface over a dense wood-fibre board. Laminate is hard-wearing, budget-friendly and available in beautiful wood looks, which makes it great for busy living areas, bedrooms and hallways. Because the core is a wood product, it is water-resistant at best, so keep it out of kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
Laminate comes in different thicknesses. 8mm laminate is a solid, sensible choice for most rooms, while 12mm laminate feels more substantial and sounds less hollow underfoot.
What the AC rating means
Laminate is often given an AC rating (abrasion class), a standard test of how well the surface stands up to wear, impact and stains. The scale runs from AC1 to AC5. The lower ratings suit light residential use, AC3 is generally considered suitable for busy homes, and AC4 and AC5 are rated for commercial traffic. A higher number means a tougher surface, not necessarily a better-looking floor.
Vinyl plank: the wet-area floor
Soft, quiet and completely waterproof, vinyl plank is forgiving on the feet and a favourite for homes with kids and pets. It is the floor we recommend for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Depending on the range, vinyl is glued directly to the subfloor or clicked together. Because it is thinner and more flexible, the subfloor needs to be smooth, as bumps can show through over time.
Engineered timber
Real timber over a stable multi-layer core. Engineered timber has unmatched warmth and character, adds value to a home, and can often be re-coated down the track. It is more stable than solid timber, which helps in Adelaide's swings between hot, dry summers and cool winters. Best for living areas where you want the genuine article. For a feature floor, look at herringbone and chevron patterns. It is real wood, so keep it out of wet areas and wipe up spills promptly.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a hard, natural-look floor made from bamboo fibres pressed into boards. It suits living areas and bedrooms and, like timber, it should stay out of wet areas. Browse our bamboo flooring.
Key terms explained
- Thickness vs wear layer. Overall thickness affects feel and sound. The wear layer is the clear top coat on hybrid and vinyl that takes the knocks. It is usually a fraction of a millimetre, and a thicker wear layer means better scratch resistance.
- Top layer (engineered timber). The thickness of the real hardwood on top decides whether the floor can be sanded and refinished later, and how many times.
- Floating vs direct-stick. A floating floor clicks together over an underlay and isn't fixed down. Direct-stick floors are glued to the subfloor. Each suits different products and situations.
Installation and the subfloor
The finished floor is only as good as what is underneath. Hard floors need a clean, dry, flat subfloor, so we check for dips, humps and moisture in concrete before anything goes down. Floating floors need a small expansion gap around the edges, hidden by skirting or scotia, so the floor can move with the seasons. Floating floors also shouldn't be pinned down by fixed cabinetry such as a kitchen island. Depending on the range, large areas or doorways may need an expansion break, and we follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Upstairs and apartments
If your new floor is going upstairs, in a townhouse or in an apartment, an acoustic underlay helps reduce footstep noise for the people below. Some hybrid boards have an underlay already attached. If you live in a strata building, check your by-laws for any acoustic requirements before you order.
Caring for hard floors
- Grit is the enemy. Adelaide's dry summers bring in fine dust and sand, so use door mats and sweep or vacuum often.
- Put felt pads under chair and table legs.
- Clean with a damp (not wet) mop and the cleaner your manufacturer recommends. Many don't allow steam mops, so check your care guide.
- Strong afternoon sun can fade some finishes. Window coverings help; see our Blinds Buying Guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Laying hybrid or laminate in a kitchen, bathroom or laundry. Use vinyl plank instead.
- Skipping subfloor preparation to save time.
- Ordering the exact area with no allowance for cuts. We usually allow around 10% extra.
- Forgetting trims, scotia and stair nosing in the budget.
- Choosing from a photo. Look at a full board in your own light.
What to expect at your measure & quote
We measure every room, check the subfloor, look at how the new floor will meet existing floors and doorways, and talk through which product suits each room. We will tell you if any levelling or old floor removal is needed so it is in the quote. Ask us about underlay, trims, how long the job takes and what to expect on the day. For a feel for budgets, see our Adelaide flooring cost guide, and for more background, read choosing the right floor.
Supplied and installed
We supply and install, so your floor is laid properly and finished off right. Browse timber, laminate, hybrid, vinyl and bamboo online, visit our showroom at Shop 15, 750 Main North Road, Gepps Cross SA 5094, or book a free measure & quote anywhere in metro Adelaide. Questions first? Contact us.
