We Make Flooring Easy
Engineered timber, hybrid, vinyl and laminate: quality flooring for every room, budget and lifestyle, with expert help from start to stunning finish.
Not sure which floor is right for you?
Our Flooring Buying Guide walks you through types, finishes, room suitability and care: everything you need to choose with confidence.
In a Hurry? Here's the Short Version
Compare below, or browse the full range and we'll help you match the floor to your space, budget and application.
| Feature | Engineered Timber | Hybrid | Vinyl | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Real timber on top, strong layers underneath | Rigid multi-layered board with water-resistant core | Flexible PVC planks | Composite board with protective top layer |
| Style & feel | ★★★★★ Natural & premium |
★★★★ Clean & modern |
★★★ Soft & quiet |
★★★ Crisp & detailed |
| Durability | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Water resistance | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Cleaning & maintenance | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 25–40 yrs | 15–25 yrs | 10–20 yrs | 10–20 yrs |
| Cost | $$$ | $$–$$$ | $–$$ | $ |
Timber Flooring
Natural warmth, built to last. Engineered timber brings authentic grain and character to living spaces, delivering a floor that feels grounded and effortlessly liveable.
Hybrid Flooring
Built for busy family life. Hard-wearing hybrid flooring handles kids and pets without missing a beat, delivering a floor that feels grounded and effortlessly liveable.
Vinyl Flooring
Style that stretches further. Vinyl is the easy, budget-friendly choice for busy homes and rentals, simple to install and simple to live with.
Laminate Flooring
Style that stretches further. Hard-wearing laminate brings a timber look to high-traffic rooms, simple to install and simple to live with.
Get to Know the Basics
Short, plain-language explainers for the terms that matter when you're choosing a floor.
Subfloor Suitability
Not every floor suits every base: concrete, timber or existing tiles.
Learn more
- Concrete subfloors: suit hybrid, vinyl and laminate over a suitable underlay, provided the slab is flat, clean and dry
- Timber subfloors: need the right underlay or moisture barrier before laying, especially for hybrid and vinyl
- Existing tiles or hard floors: often fine as a base for hybrid, vinyl or laminate, once checked for flatness
- Engineered timber: generally needs a flat, dry, stable subfloor and is not recommended over damp concrete
Wear Layer & Durability
The protective top layer that determines how well a floor resists scratches and wear.
Learn more
- Wear layer: measured in microns; a thicker wear layer means better resistance to scratches, dents and everyday wear, ideal for busy households and pets
- Laminate: rated using an AC scale (AC1 to AC5), which indicates how much foot traffic a product can handle
- Engineered timber: durability depends on the timber veneer thickness and the hardness of the surface finish
Underfoot Comfort & Warmth
How a floor feels to walk on, and how warm or cool it stays.
Learn more
- Timber & hybrid: naturally warmer underfoot and softer to stand on for long periods than harder surfaces
- Laminate: a firmer feel, though a good underlay adds cushioning and warmth
- Vinyl: naturally a little softer underfoot, with underlay adding extra comfort and quiet
Installation Methods
How a floor gets laid, and what that means for cost and timeline.
Learn more
- Click-lock (floating): DIY-friendly, no glue or nails, common for hybrid, vinyl and laminate
- Glue-down: adhered directly to the subfloor, common for vinyl and some timber products, best left to a professional
- Nail or staple-down: the traditional method for solid or engineered timber over a timber subfloor
- Loose lay: some vinyl products can simply be laid without fixing, ideal for rentals
How Much Will You Need?
Work out your m² and number of boxes, then carry the result straight into your sample order.
Flooring FAQs
Common questions about buying, installing and caring for your new floor.
-
What types of flooring does National Tiles stock?
We stock a curated range including engineered timber, hybrid, vinyl and laminate, available in a variety of formats, colours and finishes to suit any room. -
Can new flooring be installed over my existing floor?
In many cases, yes: hybrid, vinyl and laminate can often be laid over a suitable existing hard floor. Suitability depends on your subfloor condition, so it's worth confirming against the specific product's installation guide. -
Does my flooring need underlay?
Most laminate requires underlay, and while many hybrid products come with a built-in underlay layer, some ranges still benefit from an extra layer for comfort, acoustics or moisture protection. Check the specific product page, as requirements vary by range and subfloor type. -
How do I clean and maintain my new floor?
A regular sweep or vacuum plus a damp (not wet) mop is usually all you need. Avoid steam mops and harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage the surface finish over time. -
Is flooring suitable for homes with pets?
Yes. Hybrid and laminate handle claws and everyday wear well thanks to their protective wear layer. Timber can be scratched by pets over time, so consider a higher-durability finish or a rug in high-traffic zones if you have larger or more active pets. -
What's the difference between hybrid and laminate flooring?
Hybrid flooring has a rigid, water-resistant core, giving it added durability and a solid, stable feel underfoot. Laminate has a fibreboard core, giving it a similar look at a lower price point, with a firmer underfoot feel that a good underlay can help soften. -
Do you offer a trade discount on flooring?
Yes. Tradespeople and commercial project managers can register for a trade account with National Tiles to access exclusive trade pricing across our flooring range.
Ready to get started?
Proud Members of the Australian Timber Flooring Association
We are proud members of the Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA). Our membership reflects our commitment to delivering quality timber flooring products while upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and sustainability.
As an ATFA member, we stay at the forefront of industry best practices, ensuring our products and advice align with recognised Australian standards to give our customers confidence in every project.