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Floating Floor Options - Graham From Parkdale

Question

Upon deciding that we would like to install a floating floor over our slab to replace our old carpet, we found that the price varied from $30 to $100 per square metre. What are we paying for with these different price ranges?

Answer

The old saying is "Get what you pay for." Largely this is true but there are certain quality's that you need to be aware of.

Floating Floor Options

Price Range - $20 - $40 per sq/m

Photographic Laminate - This material has a surface finish that is a photographic laminate which means it is a man made look a like which, although very hard wearing, once damaged is virtually irrepairable. These can have a backing made from MDF which has been treated to withstand exposure to moisture but still not 100% stable when wet. Or they may have a ply backing which is always the preferred option.

Price Range - $40 - $60 per sq/m

Thin Timber Laminate - This version has a very thin real timber laminate surface which provides all the variable grain and textures of natural timber. Mainly supplied with a pre finished surface but can be found raw which needs a top coat applied. The negative with it is that it cannot be sanded once installed due to the thin laminate but take heart that it is a real timber finish. Also comes in an MDF or a ply backing which, again, the latter is always the preferred option.

Price Range - $60 - $100 per sq/m

4mm Timber Laminate - All the quality's of the thin timber laminate above but with one major benefit, it can be sanded. A skilled floor sander made aware of the 4mm thickness can lightly sand and re-coat the surface to bring it back to it's original splendor after years of wear. Most of these boards will only have the ply backing but make sure. They can also already be pre-finished but for the hardiest wear apply 2-3 coats of clear which will also provide a deeper finished look.

HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area;

Floors 2 Live

Southen Timber Flooring

Mountain Timber Products

Perfect Timber Floors

Royal Oak Floors