concrete
The feel: “Get a contemporary look by using a matt sealer,
or a classic terrazzo finish with a glossy seal,” says David Lakes,
director at Lochbuild (lochbuild.com.au).
The options: “Concrete floors are cost efective and extremely
functional – concrete is about as hard-wearing as you can get,” says
David. “Maintenance is easy, but as with any other floors, clean up
red wine spills as soon as possible – it will stain!” Concrete can be
cold underfoot in winter. “Putting a solar hydronic system in the slab
will solve this, although this can be expensive.”
As it’s almost impossible to put concrete floors into an existing
home, ‘Concreate’ is a flooring panel manufactured to retrofit. “Concreate
panels are installed like a timber floor or tile,” says Anne Plumb.
Installation: You will need a builder to pour a concrete floor. “They
should use a laser level to check it as they go,” says David. “Make
sure it’s covered for the rest of the build.”The feel: “High-quality laminates and vinyl have really authentic
wood designs with natural surface textures,” says national product
manager at Quick-Step, Kendall Waller (quick-step.com.au). “Cheaper
than timber, they’re also extremely durable.”
The options: “Laminate flooring uses a wood-based panel overlaid
with printed images,” says Kendall. “This is impregnated with
melamine to give durability and colour fastness.” Vinyl flooring is
PVC-based and available in rolls as well as flexible or rigid planks.
“It’s soft to walk on, very hard-wearing and completely waterproof,”
he says. Some new laminate floors have a waterproof surface that
prevents water penetrating the joints. “These guarantee against
water damage for up to 10 years and allow steam mops to be used.”
Installation: “Laminate panels click together over any flat surface
and can be installed in a day. Flexible vinyl planks require specialised
preparation and installation before they’re glued to the subfloor.
The rigid planks are installed like laminate floors and need a lot
less sub-floor preparation. Special high-density underlays provide
a quieter, more solid floor to walk on,” says Kendall.laminate
& vinyl
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