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I’m not that keen on polished concrete, I think it will make the place too dark. I’m trying to bring light in.

I’ve had solid timber flooring in 4 different houses and love it. Direct stick is the method we’ve had where the planks are glued to the concrete. If I was building again I’d use vinyl strip flooring. More serviceable, cheaper and without the dust of timber being laid. There are a lot of different products and some of the ones out of Europe are excellent. My friend has Kenbrock - cushionwood supreme - warm spotted gum and it’s beautiful.

I can’t use solid timber. It takes 2months to settle, costly too

It’s either engineered or laminate

I suggest you take up the carpet, and paint the concrete floors with a good quality concrete internal floor paint. See whether you like it, if not install your chosen floor boards.

How bad is the carpet ? I'm gathering its a fairly recent purchase ( as you have the real estate ad ) so why not live there for a year first ?

Personally , I don't like polished concrete -- it got fairly trendy in office receptions and small shops 10 years ago and IMO has died off now . It MIGHT work in an industrial look apartment with scaffolding pipe tables and things , but not in yours .

But the carpet looks okay -- I'd actually start on the louvred doors ( maybe just go solid timber veeneer doors with a mid-century matt varnish ? ) and I'd paint the 2 sides of the 'column' ( pantry ? ) in a period burnt orange or green or blue , just because everything is off-white . That column with the same wider white framed print would look real smart IMO .

THEN you decide of you want timber , re-carpet , a large rug , etc . I like carpet in lounge areas , you seem to prefer timber or laminate , but in a years time that may all change .

Definitely no carpet, no polished concrete. It’s either engineered or laminate?

We are about to build and are looking to go with the laminate. It's warmer in winter than tiles, wears so much better than engineered. I have several friends who have had it for a few years, so not just going on salespersons speak.

Thank you Jodi. Tiles & concrete are cold & hard on the feet. I totally agree with you. Just that engineered looks more like the real thing.

Absolutely. Just bear in mind that it only has 3mm of actual wood, so if you need to re-sand them down the track, you don't have a lot to play with.

Yes that’s true. From what the floor guys were saying it did sound like laminate was the one to go with. That’s why I was asking on here from peoples experiences.

Hi Naomi,

What are you plans in the next 5 years or so, are you planning to sell possibly? Do you have any pets and is there much direct sunlight on the floor?

I haven’t lived in the place yet so I’m unsure whether I’ll sell in the next 5yrs. No pets but thinking about getting a dog once I’ve completed all my renovations. It’s an apartment so there’s 2 floors above me.

I’ve decided on engineered - found a fab place with beautiful oak & they have been very helpful. Flooring on hold as I have the kitchen & other additional renos to do. Floors will be last.

If you go for the laminate tiles, they will be hardwearing when it comes to dog claws and will free up some budget to put elsewhere :)

Thanks Lauren, a little doggy’s claws may not do too much damage 🤔

It seems to me you want the engineered floor? Try to clear your mind and ask yourself if this is true 🙏