Laminate flooring is one of the most popular timber-look flooring options for Melbourne homes. It gives you the appearance of timber at a lower price, handles everyday wear well and is relatively easy to maintain.
Its main limitation is moisture. Understanding where laminate performs well — and where another flooring type may be more suitable — makes choosing the right floor much easier.
Is Laminate Flooring Right for Your Home?
Laminate is a strong option for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, studies and other dry interior spaces. It suits homeowners who want a realistic timber appearance without the price of genuine timber flooring.
For bathrooms, laundries or other areas where regular moisture is expected, a waterproof flooring option is usually more appropriate. If water resistance is a priority, compare laminate with
hybrid flooring.
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What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made from several layers. The main core is typically high-density fibreboard, with a decorative photographic layer that creates the timber appearance and a transparent wear layer that protects the surface.
This construction gives laminate two important characteristics: a durable surface and a realistic timber look at a comparatively affordable price.
Most laminate flooring uses a click-lock system and is installed as a floating floor over a suitable underlay. It is not normally glued or nailed directly to the subfloor.
Laminate vs Other Flooring Options
Laminate vs Timber Flooring
Compared with solid or engineered timber, laminate is generally more affordable and highly resistant to everyday surface wear. However, laminate cannot normally be sanded and refinished in the same way as genuine timber.
If you are deciding between the two, read our
laminate flooring vs hardwood guide.
Laminate vs Hybrid Flooring
Laminate and hybrid flooring can look very similar once installed. Laminate often provides excellent value and a convincing timber appearance, while hybrid flooring generally offers better resistance to water.
Our
hybrid flooring guide
explains the differences in more detail.
Laminate vs Carpet
Laminate is easy to vacuum, sweep and wipe clean. Carpet, on the other hand, offers a softer and quieter surface underfoot.
The better choice depends on the room, the level of comfort you want and how the space will be used.
What Are the Limitations of Laminate Flooring?
Moisture
Moisture is the main consideration with laminate. If water reaches the fibreboard core and remains there long enough, the board can swell around the joins or edges.
Many modern laminate ranges offer improved water resistance, which can help with normal spills and cleaning. However, water-resistant does not automatically mean waterproof.
Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before using laminate in kitchens or other areas where moisture may be a concern.
Subfloor Sound
Because laminate is a floating floor, the quality of the underlay and the condition of the subfloor make a noticeable difference to how the finished floor sounds and feels.
A suitable underlay can improve acoustic performance and help create a more comfortable floor underfoot.
Laminate Cannot Be Sanded Back
Unlike genuine timber, laminate cannot normally be sanded and refinished. If a board is badly damaged, replacement is generally the practical solution.
Choosing an appropriate wear rating from the beginning is therefore important, particularly in busy areas.
Where Does Laminate Flooring Work Best?
Bedrooms and Living Areas
Laminate is particularly well suited to dry residential spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms and studies. It provides a clean timber look while remaining relatively simple to maintain.
Hallways and Stairs
High-traffic areas need a more durable laminate. Look at the product’s wear classification and residential or commercial rating before choosing a board for hallways, entrances or stairs.
Kitchens
Some water-resistant laminate products may be suitable for kitchens when installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements. However, kitchens carry a greater risk of spills and appliance leaks.
If moisture resistance is one of your main priorities, hybrid flooring may be worth considering.
Bathrooms and Laundries
Standard laminate flooring is generally not recommended for wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries unless the specific product is expressly approved by the manufacturer for that use.
Hybrid or vinyl flooring is usually the more practical choice for these areas.
For more help choosing between laminate products, see our guide to
types of laminate flooring and how to choose.
Laminate Flooring in Melbourne Homes
Melbourne homes range from older properties with timber subfloors to newer homes and apartments with concrete slabs. The condition of that subfloor matters just as much as the laminate itself.
Before installation, the floor should be suitably flat, dry and stable. If the subfloor has significant high or low areas, preparation or levelling may be required.
Laminate flooring also needs suitable expansion space around the perimeter. This allows the floating floor to move naturally as environmental conditions change.
Correct preparation helps reduce movement, flexing, noise and other installation issues later.
How to Choose Laminate Flooring
Check the Wear Rating
Not every laminate board is designed for the same level of traffic. Bedrooms may not require the same durability as a hallway, staircase or busy living area.
Check the product’s wear rating and intended application before making your selection.
Consider Board Thickness
Board thickness is only one part of laminate quality, but it can affect the overall feel of the installed floor. Compare the complete product specification rather than choosing purely by thickness.
Choose the Right Colour and Finish
Light timber tones can make smaller rooms feel more open, while medium and darker colours can create a warmer or more dramatic appearance.
Matt and textured finishes are popular because they often provide a more natural timber appearance and can make everyday marks less noticeable.
Consider Plank Size
Wide and long boards can work particularly well in larger open-plan areas. More traditional plank proportions may suit smaller rooms and older Melbourne homes.
Laminate Flooring Installation
Laminate is normally installed as a floating floor over underlay. The boards lock together rather than being fixed directly to the subfloor.
The final installation cost depends on more than the flooring itself. Common factors include:
- the size and layout of the area
- existing floor removal
- subfloor preparation or levelling
- underlay requirements
- stairs
- doorways and transitions
- skirting, scotia and finishing details
A proper site measure makes it much easier to identify these requirements before installation begins.
How to Care for Laminate Flooring
Laminate is relatively easy to maintain. Regular vacuuming or sweeping removes abrasive dirt and grit, while spills should be cleaned promptly.
For routine cleaning, use a well-wrung or lightly damp mop rather than saturating the floor with water.
For more practical advice, see our
easy cleaning tips for laminate floors.
Explore Laminate Flooring at Dex Flooring
The best way to compare laminate flooring is to see the boards in person. Colour, surface texture and plank detail can look very different on a screen compared with a physical sample.
Browse our
laminate flooring range
online or visit our Nunawading showroom to compare samples.
Popular options include the
Everwood 8mm Laminate Flooring
and the
Casita 12mm AC4 Laminate Flooring.
Get a Free Laminate Flooring Quote
Planning a laminate flooring project in Melbourne? Tell us your approximate area, the rooms you are flooring and whether you need supply only or professional installation.
For eligible installation projects, our team can help with measuring, flooring selection, subfloor preparation and installation.
Contact Dex Flooring to arrange a free measure and quote →
Laminate Flooring FAQs
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Most laminate flooring is not waterproof. Some products offer enhanced water resistance, but suitability depends on the individual product and manufacturer’s specifications. Hybrid or vinyl flooring is generally a better choice where significant moisture is expected.
How long does laminate flooring last?
The lifespan depends on the quality of the board, its wear rating, installation quality, traffic levels and maintenance. Choosing a product suited to the room is more important than relying on a single lifespan figure.
Can laminate flooring be installed over an existing floor?
In some cases, yes. The existing surface must be suitable, stable, dry and sufficiently flat. Carpet normally needs to be removed, and uneven floors may require preparation before laminate is installed.
Can laminate flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Some laminate products are compatible with underfloor heating, but not all. Always check the flooring manufacturer’s specifications, including any temperature limitations.
Is laminate flooring suitable for homes with pets?
Laminate can be a practical option for homes with pets because the surface is generally resistant to everyday scratching and easy to clean. Spills and pet accidents should still be cleaned promptly to reduce the risk of moisture reaching the board core.