Engineered Timber Floors

Engineered timber is a luxurious and long-lasting option for flooring.

As it's made of layers of timber veneer with a plywood base, it offers precision and durability when compared with laminate flooring. The veneer gives smoothness and elegance, while the plywood provides resistance to water and longevity.

Using species such as European Oak or Australian varietals, the boards are pre-finished and come in a variety of colours to choose from. Timber flooring can be vulnerable to scratches, so be quick to sweep away debris and stones. A dustpan is fine for spot-cleaning, but it's advisable to sweep the entire floor with a microfibre mop or vacuum every week.

Engineered timber should be cleaned with a spray mop. Wood is inherently prone to water damage, it's critical to prevent it from getting too wet. Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent with a spray mop for best results.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers of different materials, crushed together to create a water-resistant and long-lasting floor covering. Not only is it cost-effective and aesthetically versatile, but it's relatively easy to keep clean, too.

For example, vinyl flooring is easier to clean than engineered timber. In contrast to engineered hardwoods, which warp if exposed to frequent sprays of water, vinyl flooring is resistant to moisture.

Vinyl allows for a wider range of cleaning chemicals. You can use a solution of vinegar diluted in water, whereas this kind of wash would risk destroying the finish of engineered timber flooring. However, it's still best to avoid bleach, ammonia or wax cleaners on vinyl flooring.

Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid flooring is made up of layers that serve different purposes, from durability to decoration to waterproofing, making it a versatile and durable option.

Because hybrid flooring is waterproof, basic cleaning is as simple as using water and a pH-neutral cleanser. Just use a damp mop, sponge or cloth. Avoid scratching or damaging the floors with nylon scouring pads, harsh chemicals or waxes, or a steam mop.

If your hybrid flooring doesn't need to be mopped, brushing or vacuuming is enough to remove the debris and dust.

Four of the most popular flooring materials are engineered timber, vinyl and hybrid flooring, and laminate flooring. While the final look of all three is similar, the feel, function, durability, and price of each is very different. Let's take a look!

Everwood Oak Large Board in ‘Manilla’ Build: VAND Builders Design: Holman Designs + Mel Wilson Interiors Image: Nic Stephens — Everwood Oak Large Board in ‘Manilla’ **Build:** VAND Builders **Design:** Holman Designs + Mel Wilson Interiors **Image:** Nic Stephens

What is Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber is a luxurious, durable flooring material used for projects that demand perfection or longevity. Engineered timber planks are made by placing a layer of timber veneer on top of a plywood base. The plywood ensures durability, while the veneer top is smooth, beautiful, and available in various thicknesses. What’s more, this flooring material is strong and much more moisture resistant than solid timber.

Installing engineered timber usually requires a professional. They install it plank by plank using a stick-down method and can have it completed in as little as a day or two.

The most common types of timber used in engineered planks include European Oak and Australian species such as Blackbutt and Spotted Gum. The boards are pre-finished and come in a variety of lengths and widths.

What is Vinyl and Hybrid Flooring?

Vinyl and hybrid flooring are extremely durable materials ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic both in the home and commercial settings.

Vinyl and hybrid planks are constructed very similarly. The only difference between the two is the composition of the core; vinyl planks are made solely from PVC, while hybrid planks add stone to create a much stronger, rigid core.

Both vinyl and hybrid planks have the look and feel of timber, but they are 100% waterproof, hard-wearing, scratch-resistant, and require no maintenance.

Available in entry-level to high-end luxury ranges, vinyl and hybrid flooring can suit any budget. These flooring options suit those who want the timber look at a competitive price and with greater convenience.

Vinyl and hybrid are also easy to install. Vinyl planks are glued down with a special pressure sensitive adhesive, while hybrid planks come with a click system and are installed floating. Installation is usually completed in a day or two.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring has a medium-density fibreboard (MDF) base, topped with an image layer, and finished with a transparent wear layer. It is very inexpensive and a good choice if your floors are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Laminate flooring, however, is not water-resistant and should not be used in areas with a lot of moisture.

Laminate planks are installed as floating floors, which means that the floorboards connect to each other but not the subfloor. Like hybrid flooring, they have a click system design that enables easy installation.

Which Flooring Option is Right for Me?

Geelong Tiles & Bathware is a proud supplier of engineered timber, vinyl, hybrid, and laminate flooring. Our team will help you select the best material for your needs and provide an accurate quote. Explore our extensive range of timber flooring options by visiting the showroom at 17 West Fyans Street, Newtown.