The engineered flooring has a thin veneer on a particle or mdf substrate which is more stable than real timber as far as expansion etc due to temperature changes. Using engineered floor provides a great way to insulate the floor, although they cannot be sanded like traditional solid hardwood flooring as the top layer you see is only a veneer. In some cases it is a paper laminate image of timber and not real at all. The 6mm flooring feels different to the 4mm underfoot, it feels substantially better and doesn't have the same click clack sound that gives away the 4mm flooring as being artificial. 6mm flooring is well worth the additional cost. Good luck. ML Design

Personally, I would defs go with the White Oak. If u hold it next to the carpet samples above, it works so much better than the Blackbutt, which I feel is too "yellow". I have made the "yellow" timber floor mistake in the past & regretted it later. You will also find that the White Oak will work with more furniture colour options. The texture effect of the White Oak will not make the room appear too white, especially if you inject other colours with the furniture, cushions, lamps, baskets & decorating items. Check out an on-line colour wheel for inspiration. :)

Hi Rachael and rhjaai Regarding batch numbers................I have not heard that one before, wondering who advised you of that, and which product. Quickstep, Godfrey Hirst, and other quality manufacturers do not have batches, as such, that require matching. You can replace a plank with another batch and it will make no difference. Rachael, I agree you have perfectly matched the floor with cabinet sample, and will look great, but if you haven't already purchased, I'd recommend you look at http://www.karndean.com/en-nz/floors/easy-fit-ranges/karndean-looselay These vinyl planks are amazing and are quickly becoming a best seller here in NZ, soft underfoot, easy to keep clean, R10 slip rating ( R11 is required behind bars/clubs etc, so very high), lifetime residential warranty, and look great.

Hi iggs85. I see your point re cost and how you think it may look. I'll attach a photo of one of my semi-recessed basins in stone. We had to use semi-recessed due to space restrictions as well. The benches are 440. Are yours narrower? I did Google stone benchtop offcuts. eBay has some in marble and granite. There appear to be businesses that do sell offcuts. Anyway, I think you would certainly be able to find a beautiful laminate you like. There is such a wide range. There are also some that look so much like stone. Will you have vanity cabinets/drawers under the benchtop? If so, what are your thoughts there? Same laminate or different? Have you visited any shops yet to look at samples?