Sponsored by Beaumont Tiles
Flooring used to be pretty straightforward: timber boards, carpet or tiles. Simple. These days, there’s a virtual plethora of options and although we’re lucky the technology and choices have improved exponentially, it’s left us all a little confused. Everyone has a friend who swears by hybrid as well as one who thinks laminate is superior. Not to mention how heated some people can get about carpet in bedrooms! The truth is, like everything, there are good and bad versions of them all. And everyone has different preferences.
So, how do you go about choosing the best option for you and your home? I sat down with Beaumont Tiles’ hard flooring lead Michael Delshab to get the lowdown, and I’m not sure I’ve ever known anyone to be so passionate about planks!
Floor myths, busted
First, we started with some of the common myths about hard flooring in general. “One of the biggest myths is that all hard flooring is cold, noisy, and uncomfortable—like walking on concrete,” Michael says. “But with advancements in materials, today’s hard flooring options come with built-in underlays, acoustic benefits, and even realistic textures that mimic the warmth of timber. Another myth is that hard flooring is hard to maintain, when in fact many options are incredibly low-maintenance and perfect for busy households.”
Rise in popularity
Despite the above, there’s no doubt that hard flooring has become incredibly popular and its popularity continues to grow. Michael says people love it because it’s clean, modern, and practical, especially for families with pets or allergies. “There’s always a design aspect to the choice too,” says Michael. “A lot of people prefer having a timber look rather than cement or concrete look because it’s nicer looking with a more warm and cosy feeling. And there’s no doubt hard flooring will add to the value of your home. That’s why it’s so often an upgrade option in new homes.”
Personally, I love that fresh feeling after mopping my water-resistant laminate at home! And the couple of bedrooms of ours which are still carpet (their days are numbered!) never have the same clean and hygienic feeling. Not to mention, getting them cleaned is a pain. And while we don’t have a dog (yet), if we did, I know I’d be ultra paranoid about that dog smell that you apparently become immune to in your own home!
“It’s much easier to keep dust and spills under control,” Michael says. “There’s no doubt hard flooring is taking over the high-traffic areas. It’s stylish and suits a wide range of home aesthetics, from modern to classic. I wouldn’t say carpet is extinct just yet. Some people will always prefer carpet in bedrooms but you can also achieve that soft feeling underfoot when you get out of bed by having hard flooring with a large rug under the bed.”
From a design perspective, herringbone is a definite buzz word in hard flooring and this is something you can choose to use everywhere or just in certain areas.
So, let’s try and explain the different types of hard flooring in a simple way:
Laminate: Affordable, durable, and scratch-resistant. Great for homes with pets or kids. It’s a solid all-rounder for budget-conscious renovations.
Beaumonts’ laminate is made from high density fibreboard (HDF) which is sturdier than the lower quality MDF used in others. If you’re unlucky enough to suffer flooding or water damage, you still have the opportunity to rescue a Beaumonts water-resistant laminate floor if you get to it within 74 hours. Its tighter click system means it’s more water resistant and you can use a steam mop on it.
Hybrid: Water resistant, stable in fluctuating temperatures, and has a beautiful timber look. Perfect for kitchens, living areas, or even full-house installations (excluding wet areas like bathrooms and laundries).
Hybrid is a composite of two materials (in the case of Beaumonts’ range, limestone and PVC), hence the name. It’s a DIY product which can save you a lot on installation if you choose to give it a go. It’s a click system with underlay attached (so no need to buy extra) and you don’t need to use any glue. All Beaumonts’ hybrid flooring is commercial grade. Herringbone options available.
Engineered timber: Real timber veneer (rather than effectively a photograph of timber) on a stable core—luxury and authenticity combined. Ideal for those who want the warmth and prestige of timber without the price tag of solid planks.
It’s the most natural of the options because the top layer is real timber veneer and if you have the money, the most luxurious. Herringbone options available.
Vinyl (also known as luxury vinyl planks or LVP): Soft underfoot, quiet, and fully water resistant. Excellent for apartments, basements, or commercial use where noise and moisture are concerns.
Vinyl comes in planks that are glued down rather than using a click system. As a result, a bit more floor preparation is involved. The expansion gap (and possibly therefore scotia) you need for hybrid and laminate flooring is not required with vinyl.
They all sound good! I still don’t know which to choose?
Each type has its place depending on lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic goals. And these days, the decision is less based on cost because, engineered timber aside, the other options can be comparably priced.
With all these options, Michael is not at all surprised that homeowners don’t know where to start, often leading to decision paralysis. “There’s a lot to take in. But the variety is empowering when you have the right guidance. It means customers can find the perfect product for their needs, style and budget. The key is education and support, which is exactly what we’re committed to delivering at Beaumonts.”
And while you probably know Beaumonts best for (not surprisingly) tiles and bathroomware, these days, you should definitely be considering them for your timber-look hard flooring too (and yes, they do have timber-look tiles!).
“This new range is the most curated and customer-focused we’ve ever launched,” Michael says. “We’ve tightened the offering to include only the best performing styles, colours, and constructions. Plus, we’ve added clearer labelling, better displays, and in-store tools to help customers make confident decisions. It’s a big step up in both style and service.
“People trust us for style, quality, and value and now we’re bringing that same reputation to hard flooring. We’ve got dedicated ranges, trained consultants, and an end-to-end solution, including installation. Whether you’re doing a bathroom, full reno, or just replacing tired old floors, we’re now a one-stop-shop. Just like with anything, there’s a massive difference between entry level and premium quality—even within the same category. Two hybrid planks might look similar, but one could have a thicker wear layer, better locking systems, or more realistic embossing. That’s why it’s so important to buy from a trusted retailer and ask the right questions.”
Beaumonts made the decision to hone in on the hard flooring category because it’s such a key part of any home renovation, setting the tone for the entire space. “We saw a gap in the market for a retailer who could offer expert advice, stylish choices, and professional service in hard flooring, just like we’ve always done with tiles. It’s a natural evolution for us and one we’re super excited about.”
Feeling more ready to go floor shopping?
Beaumonts have just launched their biggest and best hard flooring range ever. Find out more at your local store or discover it online.
