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 Vivien I would go for engineered timber over laminate every day of the week. The reality of laminates is that the backing is not dimensionally stable. The manufacturers have tried everything from MDF to particle board in order to keep them flat but it just doesn't work... this is why they focus on the wear layer so much.. You only have to read the care instructions where they state that you need to ensure you keep moisture away from it otherwise it will warp. Engineered floors are just that... they have layers that are set at 90 degrees to each other to allow the natural expansion and contraction of timber to be controlled by the grain layout. The finishes are quite hard also as they are factory done. As an aside, there was a product available some time ago that was a timber floor with a ceramic wear layer so hard that I used to demonstrate its durability by scratching a 10c piece across it and wearing the coin down. Not sure if anyone does it still but was called invincible... Cheers

Photo for reference, a little darker in perso

Hi Newbie. That's such a good question. They both have their pro's and con's. Laminate can be easier to maintain on a daily basis because it doesn't show scratches as easily (from furniture, pets etc) and it's really easy to wipe clean. BUT- because the top layer isn't actually a wood veneer and it's thinner than engineered boards- once it's worn you can't repair it. With engineered boards you can sand them back and re stain (how many times you can do this depends on the thickness of the board you buy- thicker the board the higher the cost. If you have furniture protectors under dining chairs, and ideally rugs in the room to create a finished look, you will reduce scratching greatly on engineered boards. Engineered boards are nicer to walk on IMO, also warmer in winter. Laminate can sound hollow, even with an underlay. Laminate can also be slippery without a slip resistant layer. Engineered boards are more expensive and much harder to lay. If it's affordable you won't regret engineered boards for long term repairability and/or re sale value. Like everything in interiors it all comes down to budget- and the laminates are getting much better these days. But they will never have the prestige of an engineered board to a future buyer if that's something that could be of concern down the track. I'd recommend going to showrooms where you can see both options and walking on them- especially with bare feet. Hope that helps :) Fiona Jack www.fionajackinteriors.com.au