Laminate flooring in a timber look finish comes in colour palettes of creams, reds and browns, reflecting a wide range of timber species. Laminate flooring that has a tile look finish is available in a range of colours and designs, from marble to more traditional ceramic tile looks.Before you decide on the laminate colour that best suits you it’s a good idea to think about the style outcome you’re trying to achieve in your home first, and then you’ll have a clearer vision of the floor colour that will complete this picture. Here are some tips from the Choices Flooring professionals to help you choose the right colour with confidence:

• Deep, rich colours warm up a space and encourage conversation.
• Cool crisp colours create freshness and space and promote relaxation.
• Subdued colours or earth tones create a quieter mood.
• Light colours open up a dark room creating a spacious, airy effect.
• Neutral colours shift the focus from flooring to furnishings.

Always choose the best quality product for your floors available within your allocated budget—a good quality laminate floor will give you long term value as your floor will look sensational for years to come. The better quality laminates will almost always offer:

• Superior realism in terms of both colour definition, grain and surface structure.
• Better moisture resistance.
• Better joining systems such as Uniclic.
• Less restrictive and longer warranties (note: It is important to understand the warranty conditions associated with cheaper laminate floors).
• Better technical features like anti-static, better scratch resistance, compliance with fire, slip or acoustic requirements.
• Better environmental credentials and lower (VOC) emissions.
• Higher quality core boards that will ensure they retain shape and fit together with other boards to give a superior finish. Some entry-level products may use a thinner, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), which is more prone to swelling when subject to moisture.

Remember, laminate cannot be sanded back or refinished so it’s important to choose the right product that’s durable and will wear well.

The amount of flooring you’ll need is determined by the size and number of rooms you’re covering. The following provides a guideline for the approximate number of square metres required to cover these average room types:

• Master Bedroom 18 sqm
• Kids Bedroom 15 sqm
• Study 11 sqm
• Lounge 18 sqm
• Dinning 15 sqm
• Family Room 18 sqm

*These measures are based on average room sizes only and will vary from home to home.

Are you after a stunning timber look with a ‘tough as nails’ surface and an affordable price tag?  At Choices Flooring we have an enviable range of laminates so you’re sure to find the one that’s ideal for your decorating needs—and we can provide you with the latest advice on interior design trends.

Laminate flooring can be installed in most residential or commercial areas, but it’s not recommended for bathrooms and laundries where there may be potential for water damage (residential kitchens are no problem).  The following considerations will help you to determine if laminate is the right choice for you.

Looking for a hardwearing surface?

Laminate provides a hygienic surface that’s very resistant to wear, scratching, stains and indentation and can exceed the capabilities of a real timber surface. Better quality laminates have a superior surface finish, which helps the board resist scratching or damage, makes it easier to clean, and helps it retain a timeless appearance.

Seeking a natural timber look?

Laminate floating floors will give you the natural look and richness of timber, but with more durability and a friendlier price tag.  Good quality laminates are very true to real timber with more colour, light and shade.

Want easy installation?

Laminate flooring can be walked on immediately after installation and as it doesn’t require joins to be glued. It’s great for DIY installation.

Looking for a greener option?

Laminate is considered to be a “green” alternative to using exotic wood species. Better quality laminate floors often have independent environmental certification.