Where should I not install laminate?

Avoid installing laminate flooring in:Bathrooms — high moisture and standing water riskLaundries — washing machine leaks can cause irreversible damageOutdoors — not designed for exterior useBelow-grade rooms — basements or below-ground areas with high moistureKitchens are borderline — if you choose laminate for a kitchen, use extra care around sinks and dishwashers, and wipe spills immediately. For peace of mind, hybrid flooring is the better kitchen choice.

Laminate Flooring.

Looking for an affordable timber look floor? Our range includes options that deliver the visual appeal of laminate flooring with the added benefit of a waterproof SPC core. Unlike traditional laminate, our SPC hybrid boards will not swell or warp when exposed to moisture.

Available from $29.99 per sqm with click lock installation and pre-attached underlay. A budget friendly flooring solution that does not compromise on looks or durability.

Your Questions About Laminate Flooring.

Common questions about laminate flooring — what it is, where to use it, and how it compares to hybrid. Get in touch for more help.

No. Laminate flooring has an HDF (high-density fibreboard) core that can swell and become damaged if exposed to standing water. It handles normal household humidity and the occasional small spill (wiped up promptly), but it is not suitable for wet areas.

Avoid installing laminate flooring in:

Bathrooms — high moisture and standing water risk
Laundries — washing machine leaks can cause irreversible damage
Outdoors — not designed for exterior use
Below-grade rooms — basements or below-ground areas with high moisture

Kitchens are borderline — if you choose laminate for a kitchen, use extra care around sinks and dishwashers, and wipe spills immediately. For peace of mind, hybrid flooring is the better kitchen choice.

Laminate is lighter and can be slightly cheaper per plank, but it is not waterproof. Hybrid flooring uses an SPC core that is 100% waterproof, heavier, and more dimensionally stable.

For most renovations, hybrid offers better long-term value — especially since our 6.Read our full comparison: Hybrid vs Engineered Timber vs Laminate.

Yes. Laminate flooring requires separate underlay for cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. A vapour barrier is also recommended over concrete subfloors.

Underlay and accessories are available in our accessories collection.

Yes, as long as the tiles are level, firmly adhered, and the grout lines aren’t too deep. Use a suitable underlay between the tiles and laminate to smooth minor surface variation and provide cushioning.

If tiles are loose, cracked, or significantly uneven, they should be removed or levelled with self-levelling compound before installing laminate.

Laminate flooring typically lasts 10–20 years in residential settings, depending on quality, traffic levels, and maintenance. Unlike engineered timber, laminate cannot be sanded or refinished — once the wear layer is damaged, the floor needs replacing.

Our hybrid flooring offers similar pricing with longer warranties (20–25 years) and waterproof performance for a floor that lasts longer in more challenging conditions.

Laminate handles light pet traffic reasonably well — the protective overlay resists surface scratches from smaller pets. However, pet accidents (urine) can cause irreversible swelling if not cleaned immediately, because the HDF core absorbs moisture.

For pet households, hybrid flooring is the better choice — fully waterproof (handles accidents without damage) and more scratch-resistant. See our guide: Best Flooring for Dogs & Pets.

Yes. Laminate flooring uses a click-lock system designed for DIY installation. It’s one of the easiest flooring types to install yourself — lighter than hybrid, straightforward to cut, and doesn’t require glue or nails. Most rooms can be completed in a day with basic tools.

Laminate Flooring | Affordable Timber Style for Every Home.

Laminate flooring remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to achieve a timber look. Built with a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core topped with a photographic timber-look layer and protective overlay, laminate delivers attractive aesthetics at the lowest price point in our range.

Modern laminate has come a long way from its early days. Today’s products feature realistic embossed textures, improved click-lock systems, and better scratch resistance. While laminate is not waterproof (the HDF core can swell if exposed to standing water), it handles normal household conditions well when installed correctly with appropriate expansion gaps and moisture barriers.

Use our instant quote tool to compare laminate and hybrid pricing for your project.

Perspective view of Pacific Spotted Gum SPC Hybrid Floorboards Herringbone 7.5+2mm in Pacific Spotted colour warm tone herringbone flooring sample

Who is laminate flooring best for?

Laminate flooring is a practical choice for bedrooms, home offices, guest rooms, and low-traffic living areas where moisture exposure is minimal and budget is the top priority.

If you’re renovating a rental property or working to a strict budget, laminate can cover large areas economically. It’s also a good choice for rooms where you want a quick, clean refresh without the cost of premium flooring.

However, if your project includes kitchens or open-plan spaces, consider our 6.

Laminate flooring pricing.

Laminate flooring is typically the most affordable option in our range. Here’s how it stacks up against our other flooring types so you can make an informed decision.

Price comparison (product only)

Laminate flooring: entry-level pricing

What you get at each price point

Laminate: timber look, click-lock install, NOT waterproof
6.5mm hybrid: timber look, click-lock, 100% waterproof, 20-year warranty
9.5mm hybrid: timber look, click-lock, waterproof, built-in underlay, 25-year warranty
Engineered timber: real hardwood surface, can be refinished, 30-year structural warranty

For most projects, the small step up from laminate to 6.5mm hybrid is worth it for the waterproof performance alone.

Laminate flooring tips.

Three things to know before choosing laminate flooring for your home.

1

Keep it dry

Laminate’s biggest weakness is water. Wipe spills immediately, use mats at entry points, and never wet-mop. A dry or barely-damp microfibre mop is all you need for daily cleaning.

2

Use a moisture barrier

When installing over concrete, always lay a polyethylene moisture barrier under the underlay. This prevents moisture wicking up from the slab and reaching the HDF core, which would cause swelling and failure.

3

Compare against hybrid first

Before committing to laminate, compare it to our 6.The price difference is often minimal, but hybrid gives you 100% waterproof performance that laminate simply can’t match.

Should you choose laminate or hybrid?

For most Australian homes, hybrid flooring is the better investment over laminate. The price gap has narrowed significantly, while the performance gap remains large — especially when it comes to water resistance.

Choose laminate when:

Budget is your absolute top priority
The room is dry with minimal water risk (bedrooms, studies, formal living)
You’re renovating a rental where premium features aren’t necessary

Choose hybrid when:

You need waterproof performance (kitchens, bathrooms, open-plan)
You have pets (hybrid handles accidents; laminate doesn’t)
You want longer warranties (20–25 years vs 10–20 for laminate)
You’re flooring multiple rooms and want one product throughout

Order free samples of both laminate and hybrid to compare side by side. Most customers who see them together choose hybrid for the peace of mind.

Still have questions?

hello@hippofloors.au

0406 304 357

Brisbane, Queensland

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What Our Customers Say.

5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love the flooring

“The quality exceeded my expectations. Installation was straightforward and the finished result looks incredible. Would highly recommend to anyone renovating.”

Best value for money

“Compared dozens of options and nothing came close to the value here. SPC flooring is durable, waterproof, and looks like real timber. Couldn't be happier.”

Great product, fast delivery

“Ordered on Monday, arrived Wednesday. The planks are solid and the click system makes installation a breeze. Took me a weekend for the whole living room.”

Really happy

“Really happy with the selection of flooring, made it hard to choose! Floor came undamaged and looks even better in person. Will definitely use them again.”

Great Flooring

“Great flooring & wonderful service. Definitely recommend!!”

Amazing experience

“Amazing experience with Hippo Floors! Couldn’t be happier with how our floors turned out!”

Ordering again soon

“Ordered the hybrid SPC in the ash grey colour and it arrived faster than expected. Packaging was solid, no damage. Laid it myself over a long weekend and it clicked together really easily. Looks amazing, my partner couldn't believe we did it ourselves. Will be ordering for the second bedroom soon.”

Highly Recommend

“Had a few questions before ordering and Jordan got back to me same day with actually useful answers. Ended up going with the herringbone SPC for our entryway and it's a showstopper. Highly recommend.”

Flooring quality is genuinely good

“Third time ordering from Hippo Floors now. Prices are the best I've found online and the flooring quality is genuinely good. Had one plank arrive with a slight chip on an edge, sent a photo and they sorted it out no drama.”

Would buy again

“Good range, decent prices, fast shipping to regional QLD which I didn't expect. Took off one star only because the colour looked slightly different on my screen vs in person, but honestly once it was down I was happy with it. Would buy again.”

Great product

“Renovating our entire ground floor and went with Hippo Floors after getting quotes from a few places. Saved a decent chunk going direct online and the product is exactly what they describe. Installation team they referred us to was great too.”