What sold you on the laminate option?

I'm wondering how it will hold up in water spills.

We had laminate in our last house and it scratches and dents far too easily.

What do people think about the vinyl plank floor? Water proof, apparently doesn't scratch very easily.... I just have some friends at the moment ripping their tiles up due to them being really cold. Unless you have under floor heating or live in a tropical area, I don't think they are very comfortable.

Polished concrete has dropped in price due to its popularity. Much more than I expected it ever too...

A client I spoke to on Tuesday had his slab done in his previous house for $70 per square metre mid last year. I'm presuming the sealing of the concrete was extra but that is still comparable to tiles. Around $100 per square metre for stone tiles + purchase of tile..... He's going to polish the slab in his new forever home now!

Laminates are good if you buy a quality product but I can't see it being ever as good as solid timber, tiles, etc.. I agree with macymacmaples!

Ann B...did you put your comment on the wrong dilemma by mistake? Doesn't seem to link with what is being discussed here!

I would be concerned if a dishwasher leak happened when no one was there for awhile.

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/index.php?/topic/461112-tiles-vs-timber-vs-laminate/

Interesting link Tribble.

(Note that one of the posts said "vinyl flooring (what I think of as Lino)" and in fact vinyl and lino are different types of flooring consisting of different materials though they look very similar.)

It's a baby site, maybe they should ask the babies, they have a closer view!

Hi Rachael,

We suggest going with the Oak. It will lighten up the room and keep a cohesive theme running throughout the home. Its also not as busy as the other options, which will create a peaceful feel to the living area.

Hope this helps- keep us updated on what you choose!

I looked at laminate, vinyl plank, wood and went for good quality bamboo and am very happy. Looks great and on a rural property with dogs in and out and gritty boots (grrr) it has stood up well. I got Quickstep Australiana which is a forgiving colour for cleaning. Last house had tiles and cleaning the grout was a pain, it was hard and everything broke if dropped.

All the choices you have provided are lovely - not sure if that is your home or not. From my view of the picture the first thing I see is the contrast between the floor and the two wooden frames at the end of the room (perhaps in the hallway). I would try my best to match the natural timber in the home and that timber would be my focus.

Hi Rachael...we are currently looking into vinyl planking ourselves...which we will be going with once we decide on a color. One thing we have been advised is to make sure you make a "special order" that ensures that all planks come from the same batch number. Different batches may have differing pattern, color depth etc. Goodluck!

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.

OH, and forgot to add, are completely waterproof, so no danger of damage if there is any flooding, and can go into bathrooms, kitchens, laundries etc.