Laminate flooring is often recommended due to its durability, resistance to scratches, and ease of cleaning. For carpets, look for stain-resistant options like those made with triexta fibre, or if there is likely to be a large amount of water spilt, a Hybrid floor may be the best answer. We invite you to come and explore the options in our stores and we can investigate with you the various options that may deliver the best outcome.
Consider the room's function, existing decor, and light exposure. Neutral tones offer flexibility with decor changes, while styles like herringbone can add a touch of elegance. For a seamless look, take home sample boards and pieces of flooring from The Flooring Centre to see how different flooring looks with your home's colour scheme including at both day and night time.
Regular vacuuming should be done at least once a week, more often in high-traffic areas. Professional deep cleaning using hot water extraction only is recommended every 12 to 18 months to maintain your carpet warranty from the factory and extend the life of your new carpet. For spills, blot (never rub) with a clean dye free cloth and follow the guide that came with your carpet or ask us for a copy if you cannot locate it.
Yes, underlay is crucial for carpet. It provides additional cushioning, extends the life of the carpet by absorbing impact, helps with sound insulation, and can improve heat insulation. The Flooring Centre partners with Airstep, an Australian company that makes your underlay right here in Melbourne!
Generally, carpet is less expensive upfront than hardwood but has a shorter lifespan. Quality hardwood might cost more initially but can last decades with proper care, whereas carpet might need replacing every 10-15 years depending on the quality and usage.
Hardwood floors are perceived by many to be better for allergy sufferers as they don't trap dust, pet hair, and other allergens like carpet can. Although there are also studies that suggest carpet trapping them allows for them to be easily removed via vacuum and that the carpet stops them from otherwise circulating. There is merit in both arguments and so the answer actually is that provided both are cleaned very often to remove dust and allergens, that both hard surfaces and carpet can equally be terrific for creating a healthy home.
The condition of a sub-floor, being the structural floor in your home that you wish to cover with your new flooring is very important. In order to achieve an optimal result, free of bounce and one whereby your new flooring feels solid and stable, the sub-floor should be dry and level. We regard a level sub-floor as having no more than +/- 3mm variance over 3 metres. Our teams of recommended installers can conduct remedial levelling on your floor for you if required as an additional service, prior to installing your new flooring.
Cork and bamboo are celebrated for their sustainability due to their rapid renewability, although they might not top the popularity charts in current flooring trends. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is predominantly crafted from timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, making it an eco-friendly option. When it comes to hardwood, the industry has made strides toward sustainability; for every tree harvested for flooring, replacement trees are typically planted. This practice not only ensures a continuous cycle of carbon sequestration but also means that the carbon captured by the tree remains stored in the hardwood flooring. Given their durability and longevity, hardwood floors could indeed be considered the most environmentally beneficial choice among flooring options, as they store carbon over their extended lifespan while new trees grow to absorb additional CO2.
Yes, many flooring options like laminate, hybrids and engineered hardwood can be installed over existing flooring, provided the old floor is flat, clean, and level and most importantly fixed down. However, it's essential to check manufacturer recommendations as some of our floors require direct subfloor installation.
