Laminate is how a lot of Adelaide families get the timber look without the timber price, and the boards today are a world away from the laminate of twenty years ago. The print and texture are genuinely convincing, the wear layer is tough, and it takes the day-to-day knocks of a busy house in its stride. We carry it in 8mm and 12mm, including our own Vantage Longboard, Europa, Cargo, Aussie Oaks, Trendwood and Elegance ranges across a big spread of oak and woodgrain tones.

What makes a good laminate?

Not all laminate is equal, and a few things separate the floors that last from the ones that do not:

• Wear layer (AC rating). The higher the AC rating, the tougher the surface. AC4 and above handles family traffic with ease.
• Thickness. 8mm is great value; 12mm feels more solid underfoot and quietens a room.
• Texture. Embossed finishes line the grain up with the surface, so it looks and feels like real timber.
• Locking system. A good click join goes down tight and stays tight.

Want the full rundown? Our Hard Flooring Buying Guide compares laminate with hybrid, vinyl and timber.

8mm or 12mm?

It mostly comes down to feel. 12mm boards sit more solid underfoot and quieten a room nicely, which makes them lovely in living areas. 8mm is the value-smart option that still wears beautifully through the busy parts of the house.

Is laminate right for your home?

For living rooms, hallways and bedrooms, laminate is hard to argue with. It is scratch-resistant, easy to keep clean and happy with the odd spill. The one thing to know is that it is not the pick for genuinely wet areas. If you are after a floor for a bathroom or laundry, hybrid or vinyl is the waterproof way to go.

Keeping it looking new

Laminate is low-maintenance by nature. A regular sweep or vacuum to lift grit, the odd pass with a barely-damp microfibre mop, and felt pads under the furniture is genuinely most of it. Skip the steam mop and do not let water pool. There is more in our guide to caring for your floors.

Come and see the range

Our own laminate ranges are only really found here, so the showroom is the place to see them side by side. Pop into our Gepps Cross showroom for a look, or book a free measure and quote and we will sort the rest. New to all this? Our plain-English guide to choosing the right floor is a good place to start.