Hard Flooring Made for Everyday Living

Some flooring types, such as laminate and engineered timber, require an underlay. Vinyl planks and hybrid flooring often don’t need it, making installation simpler.

Regular sweeping or vacuuming paired with a damp mop is usually enough to keep your floors clean. Check the specific maintenance instructions for your flooring type and use only approved cleaning products. Use mats at entryways to catch dirt before it reaches the floor.

Sheet vinyl, vinyl planks and laminate flooring are popular choices because they are cost-effective, durable, and stylish enough to appeal to tenants.

In some cases, yes. You can install floating floors, such as engineered timber, hybrid, and laminate, over existing surfaces, provided they’re clean, level, and in good condition. Your Carpet One expert installers are always happy to guide you through the process.

No. Steam mops are not recommended for vinyl plank flooring. The heat and moisture can weaken adhesives and cause long-term damage. Use a damp mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner instead.

In some cases, yes, but professional installation is strongly recommended. The existing tiled surface must be firmly bonded, clean, dry and level. Grout lines may need to be filled and smoothed so they don’t show through the finished floor.

Vinyl planks are often laid parallel to the longest wall to create a sense of flow. Room shape, doorways and natural light can also influence the best layout.

A general allowance is around 10% extra for waste and offcuts. Rooms with angles, built-ins or complex layouts may require more.

Costs vary depending on the product, installation approach and the amount of subfloor preparation required. The best way to get an accurate figure is to arrange a measure and quote.

No. Hybrid flooring uses a rigid core with a vinyl surface layer and is designed to be highly water resistant. Engineered timber flooring uses a genuine timber veneer over a stable core, giving you the authentic look and feel of real wood.

Yes, if it’s installed as a floating floor, an underlay is typically required. Underlay can help with noise reduction, smooth out minor subfloor imperfections, and provide protection against rising moisture. Glue-down installations don’t usually use underlay unless a specialised acoustic layer is specified.

Engineered timber has a real timber veneer bonded to a multi-layer core. Laminate uses a high-resolution printed surface layer over a dense fibreboard core. They differ in look, feel, and how they’re made, so the best choice depends on the room, budget, and how you’ll use the space.

It depends on the thickness of the timber wear layer. Some engineered timber floors can be lightly sanded and refinished, while others are designed for surface recoating only. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your chosen product.

With proper installation and regular care, engineered timber flooring can last 20 to 30 years or more, making it a durable, long-term flooring choice for many homes.

Yes. Many laminate products are designed for busy households. Check the product’s wear performance and ratings to confirm it suits the space.

Most laminates are water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. Some ranges handle splashes better than others, but standing water can still cause damage, especially at joins and edges.

Some water-resistant laminate ranges can work well in kitchens, depending on the product and installation. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance for moisture management and edge detailing.

Often, yes, as long as the existing surface is hard, clean, dry and level. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first, as requirements and warranty conditions can vary.

Many laminate products can be compatible, but limits and installation requirements vary by range. Always follow the manufacturer’s temperature guidelines and installation instructions.

Click-lock systems can make installation feel approachable, but subfloor prep and finishing details are where problems usually happen. If you’re not confident, professional installation can help protect the finish and warranty.

Thickness can change how the floor feels underfoot and may help with sound and stability, but it’s not the only factor. The wear layer, core quality and correct installation all play a big role in how it performs.

Both are often click-lock floating floors with timber-look designs, but the core is different. Laminate uses a high-density fibreboard core, while hybrid uses a rigid composite core made from plastic and mineral-based materials. Suitability depends on the room and the product.

Cork flooring can be used in kitchens if spills are cleaned promptly and humidity is well managed. It’s not recommended for bathrooms or laundries.

With proper care and maintenance, cork flooring can last 20 to 30 years. Periodic resealing may help extend its lifespan.

Cork flooring can recover from minor pressure, but heavy furniture or sharp heels may cause permanent indentations. Protective pads can help reduce damage.

Cork is considered a renewable flooring option because the bark is harvested without cutting down the tree, and it regenerates over time.

Cork flooring may lighten or darken with prolonged direct sunlight. Curtains, blinds or UV protection can help minimise colour change.

Many cork flooring products can be lightly sanded and resealed, depending on the thickness and surface construction. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your chosen range.

It’s best to avoid steam cleaners on cork flooring, as heat and moisture can damage the surface. Use a lightly damp mop with an approved cleaner instead.

Sheet vinyl is commonly installed in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, as well as hallways, utility rooms and play areas. It’s a popular choice anywhere you want a floor that’s easy to clean and comfortable underfoot.

Smaller rooms can be a DIY project, but sheet vinyl installation can become complex in larger or irregular spaces. Pattern matching, careful cutting around fixtures and neat join detailing all affect the final finish, especially in wet areas.

It depends on the quality of the product, the thickness of the wear layer, how busy the room is, and how well it’s maintained. High-quality, well-maintained sheet vinyl can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Foam underlays aren’t used with sheet vinyl. In some situations, a hard underlay or smoothing layer may be needed to create a flatter surface, depending on the subfloor and the product.

This may have been a concern in the past or with very low-quality vinyl. Today, reputable manufacturers follow much stricter environmental and health standards, and many ranges are tested for VOC emissions. If this is important for your home, check the specifications for the product you’re considering.

Sheet vinyl can often be installed over existing hard floors if the surface is in good condition, clean, level and dry. Carpet and other soft floor coverings need to be removed first.

Commercial flooring is engineered to withstand far greater demands than residential products. It is built for heavy foot traffic, rolling loads, and frequent cleaning, often with stronger wear layers or protective coatings that resist stains, scratches, and chemicals. Residential flooring, by comparison, is designed for lighter use and suits everyday household needs.

Yes. Many commercial flooring products are available with recycled content, low VOC certifications, and end-of-life recycling programs. Choosing products with environmental certifications helps align with sustainability initiatives.

Signs include visible wear (cracks, scratches), persistent stains or odours, and reduced safety (slippery or uneven surfaces).

Laminate can be a practical choice in moderate‑traffic environments. The key factor to check is the AC rating (Abrasion Class), which measures how well the flooring resists wear and impact. An AC3-rated floor is suitable for moderate commercial use, such as small offices, classrooms, or boutique shops where traffic is steady but not extreme. Flooring with an AC4 rating is appropriate for busier environments such as cafés or larger retail areas, where it must withstand more frequent foot traffic and furniture movement.

We don’t recommend bamboo for bathrooms or other wet areas. In kitchens, it can work if spills are cleaned quickly and humidity is managed, but some homes may prefer hybrid or vinyl in spill-prone zones.

It depends on the product. Some bamboo floors can be lightly sanded and refinished once or twice, while others can’t. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before planning refinishing.

Like most natural materials, bamboo can lighten or darken over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films can help minimise colour change.

When installed correctly with the right underlay, bamboo flooring provides a solid feel and helps reduce noise. Poor installation or incorrect underlay selection can increase sound transmission or make the floor sound hollow.

Bamboo flooring is generally more affordable than many timber flooring options, while still offering a similar natural look. Pricing varies depending on construction type and finish.

With proper installation and care, bamboo flooring can last 20 to 25 years or more. Strandwoven bamboo often offers greater longevity due to its density.

Hybrid flooring often has a water-resistant surface, which helps with everyday spills. It isn’t waterproof, so it’s not recommended for wet areas like bathrooms and laundries.

Hybrid uses a click-lock floating system that’s designed to make installation simpler, but success really comes down to correct subfloor preparation and the right technique. For best results, professional installation is recommended.

Hybrid flooring can last around 15 to 25 years with proper installation and regular care, depending on product quality, traffic and maintenance.

Many hybrid products have a pre-attached underlay, so a separate soft underlay usually isn’t needed. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for your product.

Hybrid flooring is compatible with many underfloor heating systems. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm suitability and performance.