Accessing stylish, hard-wearing, and cost-effective flooring in Melbourne is simplified through modern laminate flooring. This product category has evolved significantly, offering highly realistic timber and tile aesthetics at a fraction of the price of real wood. For over 15 years, our team has specialized in efficient laminate flooring install services, delivering quality finishes across residential and commercial spaces.
Laminate flooring is defined by its layered structure, meticulously engineered for performance and visual fidelity. Understanding its core formation is essential for appreciating its durability and price point.
The structure is composed of four main elements pressed together:
Wear Layer: A clear, top coating made of melamine resin, providing high resistance to scratches, fading, and light impact.
Decor Layer: A high-resolution photographic image of wood grain, stone, or tile, giving the floor its aesthetic appeal.
Core Layer: The crucial centre is made of High-Density Fibreboard (HDF)—a compressed wood product providing strength and stability.
Backing Layer: A moisture-resistant layer stabilizing the board and preventing warping.
Contemporary laminate floorboards offer several performance features that secure their place in the market:
Exceptional Scratch Resistance: The resin wear layer is often harder than the surface of many natural timbers, offering excellent defence against everyday traffic and pet claws.
Realistic Aesthetics: Advanced printing and embossing techniques now mimic the texture of real wood grain (EIR – Embossed in Register), providing a convincing timber feel.
UV Resistance: The wear layer offers superior protection against sunlight, making laminate flooring highly resistant to colour fading compared to stained natural wood.
The sustained popularity of laminate flooring stems directly from its value proposition. It delivers high durability and appealing aesthetics without the prohibitive material cost associated with solid timber or the installation complexity of tiles. For property investors, first-time homeowners, or those looking to quickly renovate a space, this product provides an unparalleled balance of visual quality and budget control.
Engaging a professional laminate flooring installer is key to maximizing the lifespan of the floor. Poorly executed installation can lead to gaps, damage to the click-lock system, and increased vulnerability to moisture.
Our service provides end-to-end expertise. As a dedicated laminate flooring supply provider, we source quality, reputable brands.
Subfloor Check: The subfloor must be clean, dry, and flat. Laminate is unforgiving and will follow the contours of the surface beneath it.
Underlayment: A thin foam underlay is laid down to provide cushioning, moisture control, and minor acoustic buffering.
Floating Installation: Laminate floorboards are installed using a glueless click-lock system, allowing the floor to “float” over the subfloor. This rapid process minimizes disruption and allows the floor to be walked on immediately.
Choosing the right laminate flooring company ensures you receive a quality product and guaranteed installation. We advise on the best thickness and AC rating (Abrasion Class rating) for your specific use, guaranteeing a floor that meets your budget and durability expectations.
Laminate flooring is highly affordable. The fully installed cost, including the laminate flooring supply, underlay, and professional laminate flooring install labour, typically ranges from $55 to $100 per square meter. This variance is due to the product's quality: cheaper laminates are thinner (7mm) with low AC ratings, while premium options (12mm) with high AC5 ratings sit at the top of this range, offering much greater longevity and impact resistance.
Laminate is moisture-resistant, while Hybrid is waterproof. The HDF (wood-based) core of laminate flooring will swell and permanently damage if exposed to standing water or excessive steam. For areas like kitchens or laundries, laminate flooring is not recommended. If water resistance is a primary concern, the fully synthetic core of a Hybrid floor is the superior choice.
The AC (Abrasion Class) rating measures the durability and resistance to wear, impact, staining, and fading. It is crucial for selecting the right laminate floorboards:
AC3: Suitable for general residential use (bedrooms, living rooms).
AC4: Suitable for heavy residential use and moderate commercial use (busy hallways, small offices).
AC5: Suitable for heavy commercial use (large stores, public buildings).
A higher AC rating, recommended by your laminate flooring installer, guarantees a longer life, especially for a busy Melbourne home.
Laminate flooring on its own provides minimal sound insulation. The HDF core does not absorb impact noise well, sometimes resulting in a 'click-clack' sound. For apartments in Melbourne (where acoustic ratings are often mandated), a high-quality, dense acoustic underlayment is mandatory. A professional laminate flooring company will always advise on the necessary acoustic underlay to comply with body corporate regulations.
Yes, one of the key benefits of laminate flooring is its compatibility with existing hard, flat subfloors. It can be installed directly over existing tiles, concrete, or vinyl, provided that the existing floor is flat, structurally sound, and meticulously clean. This laminate flooring install method saves significant time and cost on demolition and subfloor preparation.
Our vision is to provide innovative, independent flooring solutions that solve problems for homes, industries, and workspaces, as well as flooring we would like in our own residences, work spaces,