While Australia has the mystical Blue Mountains and the sometimes harsh outback, it also features modern cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane where skyscrapers go side-by-side with mature trees and blooms. Over the years, Sydney has grown to become the hub of Australia’s commerce and as the showcase of the country’s progress.
It seems like every month you will find a new retail shop being opened, a new building being constructed, or a new home being built. Go inside, and you will find polished hardwood floors that enhance the interior design of the place.
But here is a little secret: they are not likely made from hardwood or timbre. To save on cost, commercial establishments and homeowners choose laminate flooring in Sydney instead. Laminate floors are noted for their versatility. Generally, you can install laminate floors anywhere in your home or shop. You can cover your concrete or hardwood floor. You can also install it above ground and in your basement.
- Bedroom – The bedroom is one of the few low-traffic areas in the house. You can save money by not buying a laminate product with a high grade, which is designed for heavy traffic use.
- Kitchen – The moisture-resistant capability of laminate floors make them an ideal choice for the kitchen. The top layer is also scratch-resistant, so it should endure the abuse of the shoe heels.
- Hallway – Make an impact on your visitors as your laminate floors will greet their arrival. More importantly, the product is durable and designed to absorb any type of pressure and weight. They are also easy to clean and maintain, so dirty shoes would not be a problem.
- Living room or dining room – Your living room and dining room serve a dual purpose. They welcome guests and family members, but they also serve as the showcase of your taste. With their multiple patterns, tint, and texture, laminate flooring would highlight your personal sense of style. Make sure that you buy the product with the right rating to withstand scuffing when moving around furniture.
However, there are things to consider, not least of which is the ability of the product to withstand abuse. The industry scores quality by classification. To give you an idea, here are some of them:
- Class 21-23: The laminate flooring is designed for home use. To illustrate, Class 21 is meant for areas with less foot traffic, such as the bedroom. Class 23 products are fit to be installed in the kitchen or hallway due to the heavy use and foot traffic.
- Class 31-34: Under these categories, the laminate flooring is designed for commercial use. The grades vary from light commercial use (Class 31) to very intensive commercial use (Class 34).
You may also see a different rating system, which classifies the products from AC1 to AC5. The AC here refers to the “Abrasion Class.” AC1-AC3 products are intended for domestic use in Australia, while AC4 and AC5 are products designed for commercial use. For example, restaurants and retail shops use AC5 laminate products for their floors.
In conclusion, you can install laminate flooring in Sydney on areas that typically absorb heavy traffic, especially in homes with pets and children. Some people may be wary of the noise level, but you can install an underlay to reduce the racket even if they jump around.