Kurmond’s Guide: The Best Flooring Options for Your Home

Flooring is more than just the surface beneath your feet. The right flooring can set the mood, boost comfort, and define the style of your entire home. A well-chosen floor weaves together all the elements of your interior, from cabinetry and colour palettes to soft furnishings and sunlight.

At Kurmond Homes, the team knows that selecting the perfect flooring is one of the most meaningful decisions in the building journey. With so many stunning materials and modern finishes, this guide will help demonstrate the options and set you on the path to a welcoming, functional, and beautiful new home.

How to Choose the Right Flooring

When you’re planning a new build, the ideal floors balance beauty and everyday practicality. Here are a few things to remember as you narrow down your choices.

Style and Appearance

Your floors set the tone for each room. Timber floors add timeless warmth, while tiles give a sleek contemporary vibe. Consider picking colours and finishes that tie your style together and encourage a seamless flow between living spaces.

Lifestyle & Usage

Think about how each area will be used day to day. Busy spots like entryways and family rooms deserve resilient choices like tile or laminate, while calm zones such as bedrooms are perfectly suited to cosy carpet. If you’ve pets or little ones racing around, look for surfaces that stand up to wear and can be cleaned in a flash.

Durability and Care

If easy upkeep is a priority, look at fuss-free options like engineered timber or vinyl, which both handle spills and scratches with little effort. Areas prone to traffic, such as kitchens or hallways, benefit from hard-wearing materials. While some surfaces like laminate offer a fresh look without demanding lots of attention.

Comfort and Feel

How your flooring feels underfoot matters, especially through the colder months. Plush carpets keep things warm and soft, while timber gently cuts down on noise. Choose what fits your need for comfort while keeping practicality in mind.

Climate & Environment

The Australian climate has a big say in what works best. In warmer zones, tiles help keep your home cool, while carpet and timber offer a cosier touch in chillier spots. For the eco-conscious, bamboo and recycled timber make top choices that support a greener future.

Budget Planning

Flooring choices run the gamut from affordable laminates and vinyls to premium natural stone or hardwoods. If you’re working within a budget, seek out options that mimic high-end finishes without the hefty price tag. Remember to factor in installation and ongoing care costs too.

Room-Specific Flooring

Wet zones like the bathroom or laundry call for water-resistant picks such as tile or vinyl. Living areas see more flexibility, with timber, carpet, or laminate all fitting the bill, just match each room with flooring suited to its purpose and foot traffic.

6 Popular Flooring Types for New Homes

Let’s explore some of Australia’s favourite options for fresh builds, each offering its own unique set of advantages.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a handy choice for busy households, giving the look of timber at a lower cost. Tough against scratches and simple to clean, laminate comes in a mix of colours and patterns so it’s easy to match any decor. Some newer products are water-resistant, making laminate a practical pick for open-plan living.

Pros of Laminate Flooring	Cons of Laminate Flooring
Looks like timber or stone at a fraction of the cost Scratch-resistant and handles busy areas well Easy to keep clean, just sweep or mop Wide range of colours, textures, and finishes Simple click-and-lock installation, ideal for DIY Some modern laminates are water-resistant	Excess moisture can cause swelling or warping Imitates natural materials but lacks authentic texture  and warmth Generally lasts 10–20 years, less than timber or tile Damaged planks can’t be refinished, may need full replacement It can sound hollow without a quality underlay Synthetic materials may not suit eco-conscious families.

Tile Flooring

Tiles are a go-to for kitchens, bathrooms, and alfresco areas due to their strength and ability to handle moisture. There’s no shortage of choices either, ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles suit just about any design. Tiles don’t trap allergens and are a breeze to maintain, making them ideal for allergy-friendly homes.

Pros of Tile Flooring	Cons of Tile Flooring
Extremely durable and suited for heavy traffic Perfect for wet areas, moisture and spill resistance Easy to clean, resists stains and dirt Huge variety of colours, patterns, sizes, and finishes Doesn’t harbour dust or allergens Helps keep rooms cool in hot climates Many tiles are made from recyclable, natural materials	Feels cold underfoot, needs rugs or heating for comfort Hard and unforgiving, may not be comfy to stand on or cushion falls Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet Professional installation can be expensive Grout lines may stain, requiring cleaning/resealing Can crack if heavy items are dropped or if installed poorly Heavy, may not suit upper floors without strong subfloors

Carpet Flooring

Nothing beats carpet for comfort underfoot in bedrooms and living areas. It brings a cosy warmth, absorbs noise, and offers plenty of colours and textures to suit any style. The carpet is slip-resistant and provides a gentle surface, especially good for young kids or older residents.

Pros of Carpet Flooring	Cons of Carpet Flooring
Soft and cosy, ideal for bedrooms and living areas Absorbs noise, reducing sound transfer Wide range of colours, textures, and patterns Slip-resistant and provides cushioning for safety Generally more affordable, including installation Acts as an insulator, retains warmth in winter	Requires regular vacuuming and sometimes professional cleaning Spill/stain removal can be tricky (especially with light colours) Lasts 7–10 years, less than most hard flooring Tends to trap allergens (dust, pollen, pet hair) can affect allergy sufferers Not suitable for wet areas, can absorb moisture, risk of mould Shows wear in high-traffic areas (flattening/fading)

Timber Flooring

Timber flooring is all about natural charm and lasting value. It’s easy to care for and builds character over time. Sanding and refinishing can restore its look, and the timber’s allergy-friendly surface doesn’t harbour dust. With a range of stains and finishes, timber can be tailored for modern or classic builds alike.

Pros of Timber Flooring	Cons of Timber Flooring
Stylish, classic look that adds value to homes High-quality hardwoods are long-lasting Easy maintenance, just sweep and occasionally mop Allergen-friendly, doesn’t trap dust/pollen Can be sanded and refinished to restore appearance Wide design flexibility with stains and finishes	Higher upfront cost than laminate/vinyl Not suitable for wet zones, can warp/swell if damp Needs regular polishing/refinishing for the best look Untreated or softwoods scratch/dent easily May expand/contract with temperature changes, can cause gaps or warping Can amplify noise, especially in multi-level homes without soundproofing

Bamboo Flooring

If sustainability matters, bamboo flooring is a brilliant alternative to hardwood. It’s robust, modern, and offers a distinct natural look. Plus, bamboo is usually easier on the wallet and better for humid climates than some traditional woods.

Pros of Bamboo Flooring	Cons of Bamboo Flooring
Sustainable, fast-growing and renewable Durable and suited for high-traffic spots Modern natural look, lots of colours and finishes Often more affordable than hardwood, similar look Strand-woven bamboo resists moisture better than many hardwoods Easy cleaning routine Promotes healthier air, doesn’t trap dust	Can still be damaged by excessive water Refinishing options are limited, can’t be sanded often Scratches possible from pets or heavy furniture Some products may emit VOCs from adhesives Fading risk if exposed to lots of sunlight Subject to expansion or contraction, it needs quality installation

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl steps up in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic spots where resilience matters most. It’s budget-conscious, comfy underfoot, and available in a huge array of designs, often mimicking timber or stone. Vinyl is simple to maintain and install, making it one of the most versatile choices for Aussie homes.

Pros of Vinyl Flooring	Cons of Vinyl Flooring
Budget-friendly, great timber or stone look without a high price Stands up to scratches, stains, and wear Waterproof varieties ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries Very easy to maintain Softer underfoot than tile and timber Wide choice of designs and finishes DIY-friendly, save on labour costs	Fades with prolonged exposure to sunlight Not all vinyl is recyclable, may not suit eco-focused homes Dents are possible from heavy or sharp objects Sheet vinyl seams are visible in large rooms Lasts 10–20 years, less than timber or tile Hard to repair, damaged planks often need total replacement

Bring Your Dream Home to Life with Kurmond

At Kurmond Homes, selecting flooring is just one part of a bigger, seamless design experience. Through our Kurmond Colour Studio, you’ll explore a curated range of flooring styles, colours, and finishes alongside other key selections for your new home.

We also work with a network of trusted partner suppliers, ensuring your exterior and interior choices come together beautifully.

Visit our display homes or book a session at the Kurmond Colour Studio to see how the right flooring can elevate your interiors and make your new home feel truly yours.