The Ultimate Interior Floorboard Selection Guide

 When it comes to renovating or building a home, choosing the right floorboards is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. The flooring you select not only defines the aesthetic and atmosphere of your space but also impacts durability, maintenance, and long-term value.

Whether you're drawn to the timeless beauty of natural timber or the practicality of modern hybrids, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key options — including real timber, laminate, and hybrid flooring — to help you make an informed and stylish choice for your home.

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and authenticity of real timber flooring. Natural wood grains add character and depth that synthetic materials can only imitate. Timber flooring is typically available in two forms: solid hardwood and engineered timber.

Price Range: $90–$150+ per m² (material only)
Installation: Add approx. $50–$80 per m²

Made from a single piece of hardwood, solid timber offers unmatched longevity. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it ideal for homeowners seeking a lifetime investment.

Popular Species in Australia:

• Blackbutt: Light and neutral tones
   
• Spotted Gum: Rich browns, highly durable
   
• Jarrah: Deep red, luxurious
   
• Tasmanian Oak: Soft pinkish tones
   
• Brushbox: Dense, smooth reddish timber
   

Pros:

• Long-lasting and can be refinished multiple times
   
• Beautiful, natural character
   
• Increases property value
   

Cons:

• High cost
   
• Requires acclimation and professional installation
   
• Sensitive to moisture and humidity

Price Range: $70–$120 per m²
Installation: Approx. $40–$70 per m²

Engineered timber has a real timber veneer over a plywood or HDF core, making it more stable than solid timber while still offering natural beauty.

Pros:

• More dimensionally stable
   
• Easier and faster to install
   
• More affordable than solid timber
   

Cons:

• Limited number of refinishes (usually 1–3 times)
   
• Not suitable for constant moisture
   

Best suited for: Living areas, bedrooms, and dining rooms in stable environments.

 Laminate flooring is a popular budget-friendly alternative that mimics the look of wood through a printed image layer.

• Standard Laminate
   
• Water-Resistant Laminate
   

💰 Price Range:

• Standard: $20–$40 per m²
   
• Water-resistant: $35–$55 per m²
  Installation: Approx. $20–$40 per m²
   

Pros:

• Affordable
   
• Scratch- and stain-resistant
   
• DIY-friendly
   

Cons:

• Not waterproof (even water-resistant types are not suitable for full wet areas)
   
• Can sound or feel artificial underfoot
   
• Cannot be sanded or refinished
   

Ideal for: Bedrooms, hallways, home offices, and rental properties.

 Hybrid flooring merges the best qualities of laminate and vinyl — combining realistic timber visuals with 100% waterproof performance.

• SPC: Rigid, hard underfoot, extremely durable
   
• WPC: Slightly softer and warmer, still waterproof
   

💰 Price Range: $45–$75 per m²
Installation: Approx. $30–$50 per m²

Pros:

• Fully waterproof — suitable for bathrooms and kitchens
   
• Scratch-resistant, family- and pet-friendly
   
• Click-lock installation with built-in underlay
   
• Compatible with underfloor heating
   

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than laminate
   
• May not have the same warmth as timber
   

Best for: All areas including kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms.

Colour Matters

• Light tones: Create openness — ideal for coastal or Scandinavian styles
   
• Dark tones: Luxurious and dramatic, great for high ceilings or bold interiors
   
• Grey/Neutral: Modern and versatile, pairs well with blacks, whites, and raw textures
   

• Wide planks: Contemporary and spacious feel
   
• Narrow planks: Traditional and space-stretching
   
• Matte finish: Natural and forgiving of dust
   
• Glossy finish: Elegant, but high-maintenance
   
• Hand-scraped or textured: Adds rustic charm
   

For the eco-conscious, here are a few green choices:

• Look for FSC or PEFC certification on timber products
   
• Use low-VOC adhesives and finishes
   
• Choose engineered timber for a more resource-efficient alternative to solid wood

Colour Matters

• Light tones: Create openness — ideal for coastal or Scandinavian styles
   
• Dark tones: Luxurious and dramatic, great for high ceilings or bold interiors
   
• Grey/Neutral: Modern and versatile, pairs well with blacks, whites, and raw textures
   

• Wide planks: Contemporary and spacious feel
   
• Narrow planks: Traditional and space-stretching
   
• Matte finish: Natural and forgiving of dust
   
• Glossy finish: Elegant, but high-maintenance
   
• Hand-scraped or textured: Adds rustic charm
   

For the eco-conscious, here are a few green choices:

• Look for FSC or PEFC certification on timber products
   
• Use low-VOC adhesives and finishes
   
• Choose engineered timber for a more resource-efficient alternative to solid wood

 Your PriorityRecommended FlooringBudget-friendlyLaminatePremium appearance & resale valueSolid or engineered timberWaterproof and pet-friendly Hybrid (SPC/WPC)Low-maintenance rental propertyLaminate or hybridLong-term investmentSolid timberDIY installationLaminate or hybrid with click-lock