Selecting the perfect floor for your home can be difficult, given the increasing number of options in the market today. With choices ranging from real wood and carpet to ceramic and vinyl, making an informed decision on a suitable floor covering is often complicated and confusing for the homeowner.

Design experts from Karndean Designflooring explain the benefits and drawbacks of different surfaces in this article.

Real timber

Real wood floors are strikingly beautiful when freshly laid; however, they can quickly lose their appeal if regular maintenance is not done. Karndean Designflooring recommends Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) as an excellent alternative; with their realistic textured wood and stone designs, they don’t need sanding or refinishing, requiring just a quick ‘refresh’ every 6-12 months.

There are beautiful timber varieties that aren’t suitable for flooring applications as they are soft woods, and therefore easily damaged. Karndean’s flooring comes with all the visual appeal of these coveted soft woods without their practical limitations. 

Laminate

Though laminate flooring is cost-effective and easily accessible in DIY stores around the country, it is highly susceptible to damage. For instance, the lack of waterproof resistance in laminate flooring can result in warping and splitting. Floors from Karndean Designflooring are completely waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

Carpets may evoke a comfortable vibe but are storehouses of dirt and allergens that are practically impossible to banish. Luxury Vinyl Tiles offer a much more hygienic flooring solution while still providing more warmth than laminate, real wood and stone options.

Karndean LooseLay Longboard collection

The brand new Karndean LooseLay Longboard collection is easy to maintain, durable, waterproof and hygienic, with a huge range of designs to suit all styles. Key benefits also include quick and easy installation with the stylish, extra-large 1.5m long planks minimising the hassle; significant reduction in noise transfer to the rooms below, making them perfect for bedrooms and apartments; easy replacement of planks; and convenient access to underfloor services as the planks can be easily lifted. 

Image: LooseLay Longboard – Lemon Spotted Gum LLP317