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.

The cypress pine that you have upstairs is a very distinctive look and I am not familiar with any laminate timber manufacturers doing anything similar in colour and knotiness. This means that you won't find a close match, so I would consider other materials that are completely different. Don't go with a timber-look laminate as it will look really fake compared with the real timber boards that are upstairs. In this photo there are three different flooring materials that are working harmoniously together. There is the clear-stained cypress pine on the lowest level, hardwood treads on the stairs, and slate floor tiles. (If you want to see more photos of this Pettit and Sevitt house then visit: https://secretdesignstudio.com/mr-mrs-modanest-danish-style/ ) Will your ground floor be on a slab, or on stumps? If you are on a slab then consider tiles, polished concrete or carpet. For your stair treads consider polished timber treads. Remember that tiles and polished concrete will last forever if correctly laid, whereas carpet and timber laminate flooring have a limited lifespan as they are much less durable. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hi, I love the look of white oak floor boards, light with some warmth but I’m having trouble finding a laminate that looks authentic. Does anyone have any advice for the closest I can find to the real thing? Thanks!