Browse Forums Flooring & Floor Covering 1 Apr 11, 2009 6:51 pm hi folks, just a quick query we have floor tiles to living, hall and kitchen in our building contract with the builder, but ive definitely decided i dont like floor tiles for anywhere other than bathroom. i want timber flooring, but thats very expensive, and i realise a cheap laminate would be money badly spent, so are we better to go for a good laminate or a low end timber? and whats a floating timber floor? thanks in advance Re: Alternative to tiles (laminate?) 2Apr 11, 2009 10:43 pm Hi Beattun, Another alternative is vinyl tiles, this is what we are having throughout our home (wet areas included)......it is not cheap though! Here's a link to the thread about the brand we are using: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=12777 Good luck! hope you find something that you like and within your budget Re: Alternative to tiles (laminate?) 3Apr 12, 2009 9:03 am beattun, Laminate flooring generally comprises of MDF or HDF base (7-12mm thick) and have multiple (thin) layers of manmade films on top. Floating timber floor is similar but the top layer (approx 3mm?) is actually wood. Laminate cannot be sanded but scratch resistance is better than floating timber (I think). When choosing laminate, suggest you look at its durability (AC rating) and water resistance. AC3 is very average. I would recommend AC4 (or AC5). Re water resistance, HDF is better than MDF, a thicker base is also better. I'm seriously considering Formica flooring (AC4, 12mm thick), cost about $32 per sqm. Chris Re: Alternative to tiles (laminate?) 5Apr 12, 2009 11:31 am One more thing ... For laminate especially, but still important for floating timber flooring, slab flatness is important. Can't remember the exact requirements though, suggest you do a search on this forum. Chris Re: Alternative to tiles (laminate?) 6Apr 12, 2009 4:04 pm go to a retailer and get some ideas of what you like, what its made of and what you're budget can afford. then get on google and read up on the specs on the products and the installation requirements. you will find some very knowledgeable posts here but there's opinion and fact to deal with. ’’Quondo Omni Flunkus Mortati ’’ If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy. Stila BK1 Build Thread The best place to talk about sport Might cheaper to changer your idea of what makes a home, have you considered building a porch? 2 51794 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair At a bit of a loss on this one - we're thinking the original owners never removed the protective laminate covers from their kitchen cabinets after installation and in the… 0 6330 We are doing heaps of hybrid at the moment and the cost sits between $60-65/sqm including installation. Stairs are around $90-100 each 1 4310 |