Answer: Most Melbourne homebuyers are swapping old carpets for modern floorboards, with engineered, hybrid, and laminate flooring leading the way. This upgrade not only modernises interiors but also adds long-term value and style to newly purchased homes. With Melbourne’s property market red hot, knowing which type of flooring best suits your lifestyle and budget has never been more important.
This boom has real-world consequences for homeowners. Many new buyers purchasing in this heated market are tackling renovations immediately after settlement — and one of the most common upgrades is swapping out old carpets for more modern, hard flooring. At Joshua Tiles, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in demand at our Keysborough showroom, especially for engineered, hybrid, and laminate flooring. As your trusted flooring advisor, we want to help you choose the best option for your lifestyle, budget, and space.
Comparing Flooring Options: Engineered, Hybrid, and Laminate
Here’s a detailed breakdown of three popular types of floorboards — their price, performance, maintenance, and suitability — and how Joshua Tiles recommends navigating the trade-offs.
1. Engineered Flooring
What it is: Engineered flooring has a real hardwood veneer on top, backed by multiple plywood or composite layers.
Pros:
- Authentic look & feel: Because the top layer is real wood, each plank has a unique grain and texture, giving you that premium timber aesthetic.
- Stability: It handles changes in humidity and temperature better than solid timber, making it ideal for Melbourne’s variable climate.
- Installation versatility: Can be installed over plywood or concrete subfloors, and works with underfloor heating.
- Longevity: With proper care, engineered floors can last 20–30 years, and some can be sanded/refinished once.
Cons:
- Cost: More expensive than laminate, though still cheaper than solid hardwood.
- Sun fading: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can alter the colour over time.
- Moisture caution: While more moisture-resistant than solid wood, spills must be cleaned quickly; steam cleaning is not recommended.
Summary: If you want a high-end, authentic timber look that’s durable but still practical for a family home, engineered flooring is a superb choice.
2. Hybrid Flooring
What it is: Hybrid flooring blends technologies: typically a rigid limestone or polymer core, a decorative layer, wear layer, and an acoustic or backing layer. (Joshua Tiles has expanded its hybrid range to meet Melbourne’s growing demand.
Pros:
- Water resistance: Many hybrid boards are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or even over existing tiles.
- Dimensional stability: The rigid core doesn’t expand/contract as much as timber or laminate.
- Easy installation: Often click-lock systems, and you may even lay them over existing flooring — no need to remove tiles.
- Sound insulating: The backing layer can help dampen sound, making it feel quieter underfoot.
- Durability: Resistant to wear, fading, and stains; good for high-traffic or family homes.
Cons:
- Price: More expensive than laminate, though cost varies by brand and core type.
- Locking system risk: If the floor underneath is uneven (like poorly laid tiles), the locking joints may degrade over time.
- Trims needed: Transition strips or trims may be required to tie into skirting or existing flooring, and some users find this less neat.
Summary: Hybrid flooring is the best “all-rounder” — water-resistant, durable, and easy to install, making it perfect for renovations where you want modern performance without compromising on style.
3. Laminate Flooring
What it is: Laminate flooring is a core board (often high-density fiberboard) topped with a photographic layer that mimics wood, sealed with a wear layer.
Pros:
- Very affordable: One of the most budget-friendly “wood-look” options.
- Scratch-resistant: The wear layer is often very tough, great for pets, kids, or high-traffic areas.
- Wide design choice: Thanks to the photographic layer, there are many colours, patterns, and finishes.
- Easy to install: Like hybrid, laminate boards click together, and you don’t need specialized tools or subfloor prep in some cases.
Cons:
- Moisture sensitivity: Laminate is not fully waterproof; prolonged water exposure can cause swelling and damage.
- No refinishing: Unlike engineered wood, you can’t sand and refinish laminate — once it's worn out, it needs replacing.
- Less “real” feel: The surface is a photographic image of wood, so lacks the authenticity and variation of real timber.
Summary: Laminate is ideal for those on a tighter budget who still want a stylish, wood-look floor. But it’s best suited for dry, low-moisture areas.
How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Melbourne Home
Given Melbourne’s booming property market, here’s how Joshua Tiles recommends making a smart flooring decision, especially when replacing carpet in a newly bought home:
Consider the Room Function
- Wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms): Hybrid is likely the safest bet.
- Living rooms or bedrooms: Engineered flooring offers a beautiful, premium feel.
- Low-traffic zones or budget-conscious rooms: Laminate could be the most cost-effective.
Think Long-Term Value
- Engineered floors can add to the aesthetic and perceived quality of your home.
- Hybrid offers durability and long-term performance.
- Laminate gives more floor for your dollar now, but may not add as much value later.
Maintenance & Lifestyle
- Busy households with kids or pets may prioritise scratch resistance and easy cleaning: Laminate or hybrid wins here.
- For owners who want a warm, authentic timber feel and are okay with occasional maintenance: Engineered wood excels.
Installation Considerations
- If you want to overlay existing tiles: Hybrid may save demolition costs.
- For a subfloor that’s stable and level, any of the three can work; if subfloor prep is a concern, talk to expert installers.
Final Thoughts
With Melbourne’s property boom showing no signs of slowing — and newly purchased homes flooding the market — now is a perfect time for buyers to invest in quality, long-lasting flooring. Replacing old carpet with well‑chosen floorboards not only improves your home’s look and feel, but it can also boost its value and appeal.
At Joshua Tiles, our Keysborough showroom team is ready to help you navigate these choices. Whether you lean toward the authentic beauty of engineered wood, the practical strength of hybrid, or the budget-friendly charm of laminate, we can guide you through design, performance, and installation.
Welcome to Joshua Tiles — come visit us at our showroom and let’s find your perfect floor together!