flooring jobs

Skirting boards do more than cover the join between your wall and floor: their style and height set the tone of a room. Get the profile right and the whole space feels considered; get it wrong and it can date a renovation instantly. This guide walks through the main skirting board styles and profiles available for Perth homes, from clean modern squares to traditional colonial detail, and how to choose the height and look that suit your house.

How to choose a skirting profile

Three things guide the choice: the era and style of your home, the height that suits your ceilings and floor, and whether you are painting or staining. As a rule, clean, square profiles suit modern homes, while stepped and curved profiles suit period and classic interiors. It also pays to match your skirting to your door architraves so the trims read as one family throughout the house.

Modern and contemporary profiles

For a modern Perth home, simple is stronger. Clean, squared profiles such as a square (DAR) edge, a subtle bevelled top or a slim blade profile give a crisp, minimal line that suits contemporary interiors. These profiles let the wall and floor do the talking, and they look especially sharp in a taller height.

Traditional and period profiles

For a character home, a Hamptons look or a classic interior, decorative profiles bring warmth and detail. WA Colonial and double colonial, Federation and Lambs Tongue profiles have the stepped and curved detailing that suits period homes and traditional styling. They add a sense of craft that a plain board cannot.

The timeless all-rounders

Some profiles simply work anywhere. A bullnose, with its softly rounded top edge, is a classic that suits almost any home and hides knocks well, while a half splay, with its angled top, is a subtle, practical profile that sheds dust and sits comfortably in both modern and traditional rooms. If you are unsure, these are safe, enduring choices.

What height should your skirting be?

Height changes the feel as much as the profile. Standard skirting around 67 mm is neat and economical, 92 mm is a comfortable middle ground, and taller boards of 140 mm and above make a bolder, more contemporary statement that also suits higher ceilings. Perth Flooring & Skirting carries a wide range of heights, so you can match the proportion to your rooms rather than settle for a one-size board.

Painted or stained?

Most Perth skirting is painted, usually in white or a colour matched to the architraves, and primed MDF is the smooth, stable, paint-ready choice for that. If you want a natural or stained timber look, pine skirting gives you real wood to work with. Our MDF vs timber skirting guide covers that decision in full.

Skirting styles and cost

Whichever profile you choose, standard primed MDF skirting starts from $13 per linear metre supplied and fitted, with taller and more detailed profiles priced accordingly. You can see the full profile range and current rates on the skirting board prices page, and our skirting board cost guide explains what drives the price.

Getting your skirting done

The easiest way to settle on a style is to see the profiles and match them to your rooms. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that helps you choose the profile supplies and fits it. Start with the online quote tool for a fast estimate.

Skirting board styles and profiles: frequently asked questions

What skirting style suits a modern home?
Clean, squared profiles such as a square (DAR) edge, a bevelled top or a slim blade profile suit modern Perth homes, especially in a taller height.

What skirting suits a period or character home?
Decorative profiles like WA colonial, double colonial, Federation and Lambs Tongue bring the stepped and curved detail that suits traditional and period interiors.

What is the most popular skirting height?
Around 67 mm is the neat standard and 92 mm a common middle ground, while 140 mm and taller make a more contemporary statement and suit higher ceilings.

Should skirting match the architraves?
Matching or complementing your door architraves helps the trims read as one consistent family through the home.

How do I get a price for my skirting?
Use the online quote tool, or see the full range on the skirting board prices page.

Choosing your floor is the fun part; knowing what actually happens when it goes in is what makes the project run smoothly. Flooring installation in Perth follows a clear path, from the first measure to the final skirting, and understanding each step helps you prepare your home, plan around it and avoid surprises. This guide walks through what to expect, how long it takes and what it costs, whatever floor you have chosen.

Step 1: The on-site measure and assessment

It starts with an accurate measure. A proper quote is based on your actual rooms, not a rough guess, so the floor area is measured in square metres and the condition of your subfloor is assessed. In most Perth homes that means checking the concrete slab for flatness, soundness and moisture, which decides what preparation is needed and, for timber, whether a moisture barrier is required. This is also when the install method is confirmed: floating for laminate, hybrid and floating bamboo, or direct-stick for timber.

Step 2: Removing the old floor

If you have an existing floor, removal and disposal can be arranged as part of the job. Old carpet, tiles or floating boards come up, and the subfloor is cleared back to a clean slab. It is quoted separately from the new floor because it varies with what is coming out, so it is worth flagging at the measure.

Step 3: Preparing the subfloor

Preparation is the step that decides how good the finished floor looks and how long it lasts. The slab is cleaned, high spots are ground down and low spots filled so the surface is flat, and where moisture testing calls for it, a moisture barrier is applied before timber goes down. A well-prepared base is the difference between a floor that stays flat and quiet and one that shows every imperfection. Our timber over concrete guide covers slab prep in more detail for direct-stick jobs.

Step 4: Laying the floor

How the floor goes down depends on the product:

• Floating floors (laminate, hybrid and floating bamboo) click together — over an underlay or on their built-in backing — with an expansion gap left around the perimeter. Because there is no adhesive to cure, rooms are usable soon after laying.
• Direct-stick timber (engineered and solid) is glued to the slab with a flexible adhesive for a solid, quiet floor. The adhesive needs time to cure, so foot traffic waits until it has set, typically about a day, and heavy furniture a little longer.

Step 5: Finishing and skirting

Once the floor is down, the room is finished. Pre-finished boards are ready to go, while raw timber is sanded and coated on site. New skirting boards are then fitted to cover the expansion gap and complete the room, and the space is cleaned up ready to use.

How long does flooring installation take?

Timing depends on the size of the job, the floor type and how much preparation the slab needs. A single room can often be done in a day, while a whole home takes several, and extra slab preparation, old-floor removal or on-site sanding and coating of raw timber add time. Your installer will give you a realistic timeline at the measure once the scope is clear.

What does flooring installation cost in Perth?

Most flooring in Perth is quoted supplied and laid, so the labour is built into the per-square-metre rate: from $47/m² for laminate, $56/m² for hybrid and $86/m² for engineered timber. If you have already bought your timber, installation on its own starts from $32/m². Removal of the old floor and any slab preparation are quoted separately. For the full breakdown by type, see our Perth flooring cost guide.

Getting it done right

A good result comes down to accurate measuring, honest slab preparation and a clean, careful install. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall with public liability cover up to $5 million, and the same team that quotes your floor prepares the slab, lays the floor and fits the skirting. If you are still choosing a product, our best flooring for Perth homes guide will help.

Start with the online quote tool for a fast estimate, and we will confirm the details at the on-site measure.

Flooring installation in Perth: frequently asked questions

How long does it take to install flooring?
A single room can often be done in a day; a whole home takes several. Slab preparation, old-floor removal and on-site sanding of raw timber add time.

Can you remove the old flooring?
Removal and disposal can be arranged as part of the job, and it is quoted separately since it varies with what is coming out. Flag it at the measure.

Does the price include installation?
Supplied-and-laid rates include the labour: from $47/m² for laminate, $56/m² for hybrid and $86/m² for engineered timber. Install-only for timber you supply starts from $32/m².

How soon can I walk on a new floor?
Floating floors are usable soon after laying. A direct-stuck timber floor needs the adhesive to cure first, typically about a day for foot traffic.

How do I get a quote?
Use the online quote tool for a fast estimate, then the details are confirmed at the on-site measure.

Hybrid flooring has become one of the most popular choices in Perth homes, and mostly for good reasons: it is waterproof, tough and stable over a concrete slab. But no floor is perfect, and hybrid has real trade-offs worth knowing before you commit. This is an honest guide to the pros and cons of hybrid flooring for Perth homes, so you can decide whether it is right for your rooms rather than finding out afterwards.

What is hybrid flooring?

Hybrid flooring combines laminate and vinyl technology on a rigid, waterproof core, usually SPC (a harder, firmer stone-plastic composite) or WPC (a softer, warmer wood-plastic composite). It gives you a timber-look board that handles water, which is why it suits Perth’s kitchens, laundries and busy living areas.

The pros of hybrid flooring

• Waterproof core. This is the headline benefit. Spills, mopping and humidity do not swell the board the way they can with laminate or timber, which makes hybrid ideal for kitchens and laundries.
• Tough and stable. The rigid core resists dents and stays dimensionally stable through Perth’s seasonal temperature and humidity swings, so it moves very little once laid.
• Great over a concrete slab. As a floating floor it installs over most Perth slabs without adhesive, so rooms are usable quickly after laying.
• Low maintenance. It is easy to clean and forgiving of everyday family life, pets and traffic.
• Convincing looks. Today’s better boards have realistic embossing and matte finishes that read as timber in a room.
• Good value for a waterproof floor. From $56/m² supplied and laid, it sits between laminate and real timber on price.

The cons of hybrid flooring

• It is not real wood. However good the print looks, hybrid is a timber look-alike, not genuine hardwood, so it lacks the depth and individuality of a real timber floor.
• You cannot re-sand it. When the wear layer eventually wears out, a hybrid floor is replaced rather than sanded and recoated like timber.
• Underfoot feel varies. An SPC board is harder and cooler underfoot; if you want a softer, warmer feel, a WPC board, or an SPC board with a better attached underlay, matters.
• Quality varies widely. Cheap imports can dent, telegraph subfloor imperfections or have thin wear layers. Paying for a quality board with a proper wear layer and attached underlay is what separates a floor that lasts from one that disappoints.
• Less of a value lift. Unlike real timber, hybrid is seen as a practical finish rather than a feature that adds to a home’s sale appeal.
• A serious flood still needs attention. The core is waterproof, but water under the boards from a major leak or flood needs the floor lifted so the slab can dry, so “waterproof” is not the same as “leak-proof for the whole floor system”.

Is hybrid flooring right for your Perth home?

Hybrid is an excellent fit for kitchens, laundries, open-plan living and busy family homes, where its waterproof core and durability earn their keep. It is less compelling if your heart is set on a genuine timber floor for a dry living area, where engineered timber gives you the real thing. If you are comparing it with laminate specifically, our laminate vs hybrid guide weighs cost against waterproofing, and the wider field is in our best flooring for Perth homes guide.

What it costs, and getting a quote

Hybrid flooring starts from $56/m² supplied and laid, with the final figure depending on the board you choose; our hybrid flooring cost guide breaks down what moves the price. When you are ready, the online quote tool gives a fast estimate for your rooms. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that quotes your floor lays it and finishes it with new skirting boards.

Hybrid flooring pros and cons: frequently asked questions

What are the main advantages of hybrid flooring?
Its waterproof core, durability and stability over a concrete slab, plus low maintenance and a convincing timber look, from $56/m² supplied and laid.

What are the downsides of hybrid flooring?
It is a look-alike rather than real wood, it cannot be re-sanded, cheaper boards vary in quality, and SPC can feel hard and cool underfoot.

Is hybrid flooring really waterproof?
The board’s core is waterproof, so spills and mopping are no problem. A major leak or flood under the floor still needs the boards lifted so the slab can dry.

Is hybrid flooring good for Perth homes?
Yes, especially for kitchens, laundries and busy living areas, thanks to its waterproofing and stability over a slab.

How do I get a price for my home?
Use the online quote tool for a fast, no-obligation estimate on your actual rooms.

Bamboo flooring is an appealing middle ground for Perth and Australian homes: a natural, sustainable floor that sits between laminate and solid timber on both look and price. But bamboo has real quirks worth understanding before you buy, and it is not the right floor for every room. This is an honest guide to the pros and cons of bamboo flooring, so you know exactly what you are getting.

What is bamboo flooring?

Bamboo flooring is made from bamboo, which is technically a fast-growing grass rather than a timber, processed into hard, dense boards. It gives you a genuine natural surface with a distinctive grain, and it comes as a floating floor or as an engineered board for extra stability over a concrete slab. It is often chosen as a natural-looking, more sustainable alternative to hardwood.

The pros of bamboo flooring

• Sustainable and natural. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass that regrows far faster than hardwood trees, which is a big part of its appeal for eco-conscious buyers.
• Hard and durable. Quality bamboo is genuinely hard-wearing; denser, well-made boards rival or exceed many hardwoods for hardness, so it stands up to everyday family traffic.
• A real, natural surface. Unlike a printed look-alike, bamboo is a genuine natural material with its own grain and warmth.
• Good over a slab as an engineered board. The engineered version adds stability, which suits Perth’s slab-on-ground homes.
• Mid-range price. From $78/m² supplied and laid, bamboo sits between laminate and solid timber, offering a natural floor without a hardwood budget.

The cons of bamboo flooring

• Moisture sensitivity. Bamboo is vulnerable to spills, leaks and high humidity; prolonged moisture can cause it to swell or warp, so it is not suited to bathrooms, laundries or wet areas.
• Quality varies a lot. Bamboo ranges from excellent to poor depending on how it is made. Cheaper, lower-density boards can dent and scratch, so buying a quality product matters more than with some other floors.
• Possible off-gassing in budget products. Lower-quality bamboo can release volatile organic compounds from the adhesives used in manufacture; a reputable, well-finished product minimises this.
• Limited colour range. Bamboo comes in fewer colours and styles than laminate or hybrid, which lean on printed decors.
• Not for wet rooms. As with real timber, kitchens and laundries are better served by a waterproof hybrid floor.

Floating or engineered bamboo?

Both are available. A floating bamboo floor clicks together over an underlay and is quick to lay, while engineered bamboo bonds a bamboo layer to a stable core for better resistance to moisture movement, which makes it the safer choice over a Perth slab. If moisture stability is a concern, the engineered board is worth the small step up in price.

Is bamboo flooring right for your Perth home?

Bamboo is a strong choice for living areas and bedrooms where you want a natural, sustainable floor with real character, and it pairs well with a modest budget. It is the wrong choice for kitchens, laundries and other wet zones, where a waterproof floor is safer. If you are weighing bamboo against the alternatives, our best flooring for Perth homes guide sets it against every option, and the Perth flooring cost guide shows how the prices compare.

Getting a bamboo flooring quote

Bamboo flooring starts from $78/m² supplied and laid, with the exact figure depending on the board and your space. The online quote tool gives a fast estimate for your rooms. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that quotes your floor lays it and finishes it with new skirting boards.

Bamboo flooring pros and cons: frequently asked questions

Is bamboo flooring a good choice?
Yes, for living areas and bedrooms where you want a natural, sustainable and hard-wearing floor. It is not suited to wet rooms, where a waterproof floor is better.

Is bamboo flooring waterproof?
No. Bamboo is moisture-sensitive and can swell or warp with prolonged exposure, so it should be kept out of bathrooms, laundries and other wet areas.

Is bamboo flooring durable?
Quality bamboo is very hard-wearing and can rival many hardwoods, but durability varies with quality, so it pays to choose a reputable, well-made board.

Is bamboo more sustainable than timber?
Bamboo is a rapidly renewable grass that regrows much faster than hardwood trees, which is a key reason it is chosen as a sustainable option.

How do I get a price for my home?
Use the online quote tool for a fast, no-obligation estimate on your actual rooms.

When it comes to skirting boards, most Perth homeowners are choosing between MDF and timber, and the right answer usually comes down to one thing: are you painting the skirting, or do you want a natural or stained timber look? MDF is the smooth, stable, cost-effective choice for a painted finish, which suits the vast majority of homes. Timber, such as pine, gives you real wood for a stained or natural finish. This guide compares MDF vs timber skirting so you can pick the right one for your rooms.

The quick answer

If your skirting is going to be painted, which is by far the most common choice in Perth homes, MDF is usually the better pick: it is smoother, more stable, more affordable and paint-ready. If you want a natural or stained timber look, or a real-wood feature, choose timber. Perth Flooring & Skirting supplies and installs both MDF and pine skirting boards.

What each one is

MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is an engineered wood product made from fine wood fibres pressed with resin into a dense, uniform board, then coated with a primer ready for paint. It is smooth, consistent, holds a crisp profile and has no knots or grain to work around, which is why it is the standard for painted skirting.

Timber skirting, typically pine, is milled from real wood. It has natural grain and can be stained to show off the timber or painted like MDF. It suits homes going for a natural timber look or matching timber joinery, and it is a genuine solid-wood product.

MDF vs timber skirting: head to head

Painting: where MDF shines

Most Perth skirting is painted, usually white or a colour matched to the architraves, and this is where MDF is hard to beat. It comes primed and paint-ready, its smooth surface takes paint evenly with no grain or knots to telegraph through, and it holds a sharp, clean profile. Pine can absolutely be painted too, but knots may need sealing to stop them bleeding through the paint over time, which is extra work. For a flawless painted finish at the lowest cost, MDF is the natural choice.

Staining and a natural look: where timber wins

If you want to see the wood, MDF cannot do it, because it has no natural grain. Timber skirting is the option for a stained or clear-finished look, or to match exposed timber floors, doors or joinery. It brings genuine warmth and character that a painted board does not, and it is the right call for a period home or a natural-timber aesthetic.

Cost and stability

MDF is the more affordable option, from $13 per linear metre supplied and fitted for the standard primed range, and its engineered consistency means it stays straight and stable. Timber skirting is a real-wood product priced on the day depending on the profile and finish, and as natural wood it can move slightly with moisture. In truth, neither standard MDF nor pine suits consistently damp areas, so for those spots it is worth asking what will hold up best. For the full skirting price list see our skirting board prices, and for what drives the cost, our skirting board cost guide.

So, which should you choose?

Choose MDF for a painted finish, which covers most Perth homes: it is smoother, more stable, more affordable and paint-ready. Choose timber when you want a stained or natural-wood look, or to match other timber in the room. Both come in a good range of profiles — our skirting board styles guide walks through them — and Perth Flooring & Skirting supplies and installs both, so you are not locked into one.

The quickest way to price your skirting is the online quote tool. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that quotes your skirting fits it.

MDF vs timber skirting: frequently asked questions

Is MDF or timber skirting better?
For a painted finish, MDF is usually better: smoother, more stable, more affordable and paint-ready. For a stained or natural-wood look, timber is the right choice.

Is MDF skirting cheaper than timber?
Yes. MDF skirting starts from $13 per linear metre supplied and fitted, while timber is a real-wood product priced on the day.

Can you paint MDF skirting?
Yes, MDF comes primed and paint-ready, and its smooth, knot-free surface takes paint beautifully, which is why it is the standard for painted skirting.

Can you stain MDF skirting?
No. MDF has no natural grain, so it cannot be stained to look like wood. If you want a stained finish, choose timber skirting.

How do I get a price for my skirting?
Use the online quote tool, or see the full list on the skirting board prices page.

Timber vs laminate flooring comes down to one honest question: do you want real wood, or a convincing look-alike at a lower price? Both suit Perth homes and both can look terrific in a room, but they are fundamentally different products. Timber is genuine hardwood, with the depth, longevity and value that come with it. Laminate is a photographic timber layer over a dense core, engineered to look the part for far less. This guide compares them fairly so you can decide which is right for your rooms and budget.

The quick answer

Choose timber if you want an authentic wood floor with natural character, long life and a lift to your home’s value, and you are comfortable investing for it. Choose laminate if you want the timber look at the lowest cost and are happy with a hard-wearing look-alike. For many Perth budgets, laminate is the practical winner; for a feature home or a long-term hold, timber earns its keep.

What each one is

Timber flooring means real wood: engineered timber (a hardwood wear layer on a stable core, ideal over a Perth slab), or genuine solid boards, in premium species such as the iconic Western Australian Jarrah and Marri and other native hardwoods like Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Tasmanian Oak. Because the surface is genuine wood, it has real grain and warmth and, with a thick enough wear layer or a solid board, can be sanded and recoated over its life.

Laminate flooring is a high-density fibreboard core topped with a photographic timber-look decor and a tough, clear wear layer. Modern laminate is hard, scratch-resistant and comes in a huge range of looks, but it is not real wood and cannot be sanded back.

Timber vs laminate: head to head

Cost: the honest gap

Laminate is the clear value option, from $47/m² supplied and laid, while real timber starts from $86/m² for engineered and rises to $115/m² and $135/m² for premium species engineered boards. That is roughly double, and it buys you genuine wood, greater longevity and the ability to re-sand. Whether that gap is worth it depends on how long you will keep the home and how much the real thing matters to you. For the full breakdown, see our Perth flooring cost guide.

Looks: how close is laminate?

Closer than it used to be. Today’s better laminates have realistic embossing and matte finishes that read convincingly as timber in a room, especially underfoot and at a glance. But real timber still wins on depth and individuality: no two boards are identical, and the grain has a genuine three-dimensional quality that print cannot fully reproduce. In strong natural light, a discerning eye will usually tell them apart.

Longevity and value

This is timber’s strongest argument. A real timber floor can last for decades and be sanded and recoated to look new again, which laminate cannot. Real timber is also a recognised selling point that can add to a Perth home’s appeal, whereas laminate is seen as a practical, budget-friendly finish. If you are renovating to sell soon, laminate’s value-for-money makes sense; if this is your long-term home, timber’s lifespan and re-sandability change the maths.

Care and daily life

Both are straightforward to live with. Laminate is very forgiving of scratches and scuffs thanks to its hard wear layer, and a water-resistant version copes with the occasional spill, though its core can swell if water sits too long. Timber is hard-wearing but, as real wood, can scratch and mark and prefers to stay dry, and it rewards a little more care with a floor that ages beautifully. Neither belongs in a constantly wet room; for kitchens and laundries, a waterproof hybrid is the better call, which our laminate vs hybrid comparison covers.

What about Perth’s concrete slabs?

Both suit slab-on-ground Perth homes. Laminate floats over the slab on an underlay, while engineered timber is usually direct-stuck for a solid, authentic feel. Solid timber can also be laid over a slab. Whichever you choose, a flat, sound slab gives the best result, which we assess at the on-site measure.

So, which should you choose?

Choose laminate for the best value and a convincing timber look on a tighter budget, especially in bedrooms and dry living areas. Choose timber for a genuine, lasting wood floor with real character and long-term value in a home you plan to keep. Our best flooring for Perth homes guide sets both against every other option, and our three-way engineered vs laminate vs hybrid comparison puts them beside hybrid too. New skirting boards will finish whichever you pick.

Compare real numbers for your rooms with the online quote tool. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that helps you choose supplies and lays the floor.

Timber vs laminate flooring: frequently asked questions

Is timber or laminate flooring better?
Timber is better for authenticity, longevity and home value; laminate is better for value and a hard-wearing timber look on a budget. The right choice depends on your budget and how long you will keep the home.

Is laminate cheaper than timber?
Yes, considerably. Laminate starts from $47/m² supplied and laid, while real timber starts from $86/m² for engineered and more for premium species.

Can laminate be sanded like timber?
No. Laminate cannot be re-sanded; when it wears out it is replaced. Solid timber and engineered timber with a thick wear layer can be sanded and recoated.

Does real timber add more value to a home?
Generally yes. Real timber flooring is a recognised drawcard in Perth homes, while laminate is viewed as a practical, budget finish.

How do I get a price for my home?
Use the online quote tool for a fast, no-obligation estimate on your actual rooms.

Engineered timber, laminate and hybrid are the three floors most Perth homeowners end up choosing between, and each is the best answer to a different question. Laminate is the value option, hybrid is the waterproof one, and engineered timber is the real-wood one. This is the complete three-way comparison for Perth homes: one clear table, a plain-language pick for each priority, and links to the detailed head-to-heads if you want to go deeper.

The three options in one line each

• Laminate — a photographic timber look on a dense core; the most affordable, hard-wearing, best for dry rooms.
• Hybrid — a rigid, waterproof board; the toughest against water, best for kitchens, laundries and busy homes.
• Engineered timber — a real hardwood surface on a stable core; the authentic choice with long-term value, best for dry living areas.

Engineered vs laminate vs hybrid: the master table

Which should you choose?

Choose laminate if budget leads. At from $47/m² supplied and laid, it delivers a convincing timber look for the lowest cost and stands up well in bedrooms and dry living areas. Its limit is water: keep it out of wet zones.

Choose hybrid if water and wear are the priority. From $56/m², its waterproof core makes it the safe pick for kitchens, laundries and chaotic family spaces, and it is stable over a Perth slab. The trade-off is that it is a look-alike, not real wood, and cannot be re-sanded.

Choose engineered timber if you want the real thing. From $86/m², it gives you a genuine hardwood floor with warmth, character and long-term value, and it direct-sticks beautifully over a slab. Premium species run from $115/m² for Blackbutt and Spotted Gum and $135/m² for Jarrah and Marri. Keep it out of wet rooms, and it will reward you for decades.

The smart Perth answer: zone by room

You do not have to pick just one. A very common approach in Perth homes is to run engineered timber or laminate through the living areas and bedrooms, and hybrid through the kitchen, laundry and other wet zones, choosing colours that flow together. That way each room gets the floor that suits it, and the budget lands where it matters most.

Go deeper: the head-to-heads

If you have narrowed it to two, our detailed comparisons break each pairing down:

• Laminate vs hybrid flooring — the value-versus-waterproof decision.
• Engineered vs hybrid flooring — real wood versus waterproof.
• Timber vs laminate flooring — the real thing versus the look-alike.

For costs across every type, see the Perth flooring cost guide, and for the full field including bamboo, our best flooring for Perth homes guide.

Getting it priced

Once you have a shortlist, the fastest way to real numbers is the online quote tool. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that helps you choose supplies and lays the floor, then finishes it with new skirting boards.

Engineered vs laminate vs hybrid: frequently asked questions

Which is best: engineered, laminate or hybrid?
None is best overall. Laminate wins on value for dry rooms, hybrid wins on waterproofing for wet and busy areas, and engineered timber wins on real-wood look and long-term value in dry living areas.

Which is cheapest?
Laminate, from $47/m² supplied and laid, followed by hybrid from $56/m² and engineered timber from $86/m².

Which is best for a kitchen?
Hybrid, because its waterproof core handles spills and humidity that would damage laminate or timber.

Which is best over a concrete slab?
All three suit Perth slabs. Laminate and hybrid float over the slab; engineered timber is usually direct-stuck for a solid feel.

How do I get a price for my home?
Use the online quote tool for a fast, no-obligation estimate on your actual rooms.

Hybrid flooring has become the default choice for Perth kitchens, laundries and busy family homes, and for good reason: it is waterproof, tough and stable over a concrete slab. So what does it cost installed? In Perth in 2026, hybrid flooring starts from $56 per square metre supplied and laid for a quality 7 mm board. This guide explains what that includes and what pushes the price up or down, so you can budget for your rooms with confidence.

Hybrid flooring price in Perth

Perth Flooring & Skirting supplies and lays a 7 mm luxury waterproof hybrid floor from $56/m² (supplied and laid, ex GST). That rate covers both the boards and the labour to install them. It is a genuinely mid-range price for a floor that will handle spills, pets and heavy traffic, and it sits just above laminate and below timber. For every floor type side by side, see our Perth flooring cost guide.

What is hybrid flooring, and why does the price vary?

Hybrid combines the rigidity of laminate with the waterproof core of vinyl, giving a rigid board that will not swell when it gets wet. That waterproof core is the whole point, and it is why hybrid suits Perth’s wet areas so well. Within the hybrid category, though, boards vary, and those differences are what move the installed price.

What drives the cost of hybrid flooring?

• Core type: SPC or WPC. Most hybrid uses either an SPC core (stone-plastic composite, which is denser, harder and firmer underfoot) or a WPC core (wood-plastic composite, which is a little softer and warmer). The core affects both the feel and the price.
• Board thickness. A thicker board, such as the 7 mm range, feels more solid underfoot and often carries a better attached underlay than thinner budget boards.
• Wear layer. The clear protective top layer determines how well the floor resists scratches and scuffs over time. A thicker wear layer suits busy households and costs a little more.
• Attached underlay. Many quality hybrid boards come with an integrated acoustic underlay, which improves sound and comfort and is one reason a $56 board outperforms a cheap import.
• Quality and finish. Better decors, realistic embossing and matte finishes read as real timber in a room and sit at the upper end of the range.
• Supply and lay. The rate above is supplied and laid. Preparation like removing old flooring or levelling the slab is separate.

What is included, and what is extra?

The $56/m² supplied-and-laid rate covers the hybrid boards and the labour to install them as a floating floor. Budget separately for GST, for removing and disposing of old flooring, for any slab levelling, and for new skirting boards to finish each room. Because hybrid is a floating floor, there is no adhesive to cure, so rooms are usable quickly after laying.

Is hybrid flooring worth the cost in Perth?

For kitchens, laundries and busy open-plan living, hybrid earns its price. The waterproof core removes the swelling risk that rules out laminate and solid timber in wet areas, and the rigid board handles heavy furniture and Perth’s seasonal humidity swings with little movement. If you are weighing it against laminate specifically, our laminate vs hybrid comparison breaks down where each one wins, and our hybrid flooring pros and cons guide lays out the trade-offs. Many Perth homes use hybrid through the wet and high-traffic zones and a cheaper floor in the bedrooms.

Getting an accurate hybrid flooring quote

The $56/m² starting rate shapes a budget, but your final figure depends on the board you choose and the size and condition of your space. Measure each room in square metres, pick a board, and get it priced. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall with public liability cover up to $5 million, and the same team that quotes your floor lays it.

Use the online quote tool for a fast estimate, or browse the hybrid flooring range first.

Hybrid flooring cost in Perth: frequently asked questions

How much does hybrid flooring cost per m² in Perth?
From $56/m² supplied and laid (ex GST) for a quality 7 mm waterproof board, with the labour included.

Why do some hybrid floors cost more?
Mainly the core type, a thicker board and wear layer, a better attached underlay, and more realistic decors and finishes.

Does the price include installation?
Yes. The $56/m² rate is supplied and laid as a floating floor. Removing old flooring and any slab preparation are separate.

Is hybrid more expensive than laminate?
Yes, a little. Laminate starts lower, but hybrid’s waterproof core makes it the better choice for kitchens, laundries and busy homes.

How do I get an exact price?
Use the online quote tool for a fast, no-obligation estimate on your actual rooms.

Engineered timber and hybrid are two of the most popular floors in Perth homes, and both are stable over a concrete slab, so the choice between them confuses a lot of buyers. The real difference is simple: engineered timber is a genuine wood floor, while hybrid is a waterproof, timber-look board. One gives you the warmth and value of real wood; the other gives you a floor that shrugs off spills in a busy kitchen. This guide compares engineered vs hybrid flooring the way it matters for Perth’s climate, rooms and budget.

The quick answer

Choose engineered timber if you want a real wood floor with natural warmth and long-term value for living areas and bedrooms, and you are happy to keep it out of wet zones. Choose hybrid if you want a waterproof, low-worry floor for kitchens, laundries and busy family spaces. Plenty of Perth homes use both: engineered timber through the living areas and hybrid in the wet zones.

What each one is

Engineered timber is a real hardwood wear layer bonded to a stable, multi-layer core. It looks and feels like solid wood because the surface is wood, and with a thick enough wear layer it can be sanded and recoated later. Its stable core makes it well suited to direct-sticking over a Perth slab.

Hybrid flooring combines laminate and vinyl on a rigid, waterproof core, usually SPC (harder and firmer) or WPC (softer and warmer). The surface is a printed timber look rather than real wood, but the waterproof core means it handles water that would damage a timber floor.

Engineered vs hybrid: head to head

Water and Perth’s climate: the deciding factor

This is where the two genuinely part ways. Hybrid’s waterproof core shrugs off spills, mopping and humidity, which is why it rules Perth kitchens and laundries. Engineered timber is real wood, so while its stable core resists the seasonal movement that troubles solid boards, standing water and constant moisture can still damage the timber surface over time. In Perth’s warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, that makes hybrid the safer pick for wet and humid rooms, and engineered timber the natural choice for dry living areas where its warmth and character shine.

Look, feel and long-term value

If you want the real thing, engineered timber wins. The surface is genuine hardwood, so it has the depth, grain and warmth that a printed board cannot fully match, and real timber tends to add to a home’s appeal and value. Hybrid has come a long way, and today’s better boards look convincing underfoot, but they are a look-alike. Engineered timber’s other long-term edge is that a thick wear layer can be re-sanded to refresh the floor years down the track, while a hybrid floor is replaced rather than resurfaced.

Durability and daily life

Both are built for real households. Hybrid’s rigid, waterproof board is extremely forgiving of spills, pets and heavy traffic, and nothing fazes it in a busy kitchen. Engineered timber is hard-wearing too, but as a real wood floor it can scratch and mark like any timber, and it prefers to stay dry. For a chaotic family wet zone, hybrid is the lower-worry option; for a beautiful, lasting living-room floor, engineered timber is worth the extra care.

Cost compared

Hybrid is the more affordable of the two, from $56/m² supplied and laid, while engineered timber starts from $86/m² and rises with premium species. You are paying more for real wood and its long-term value. For a full breakdown, see our dedicated hybrid flooring cost and engineered timber cost guides, or every floor type in the Perth flooring cost guide.

So, which should you choose?

Choose engineered timber for living areas and bedrooms where you want a genuine, warm wood floor with lasting value, and you can keep water away. Choose hybrid for kitchens, laundries, open-plan living and any space where waterproofing and low maintenance matter most. For many Perth homes the best answer is both, zoned by room. If laminate is also on your shortlist, our laminate vs hybrid comparison covers that pairing, and our best flooring for Perth homes guide compares every option, and our three-way engineered vs laminate vs hybrid comparison and hybrid flooring pros and cons guides go deeper. New skirting boards finish whichever you choose.

The quickest way to compare real numbers for your rooms is the online quote tool. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall, and the same team that helps you choose supplies and lays the floor.

Engineered vs hybrid flooring: frequently asked questions

Is engineered or hybrid flooring better?
Neither is better overall. Engineered timber is better for a real-wood look and long-term value in dry living areas; hybrid is better for waterproofing in kitchens, laundries and busy spaces.

Is engineered timber waterproof?
No. Engineered timber is real wood and water-resistant at best; it is not suited to wet areas. If you need waterproof, choose hybrid.

Which is better over a concrete slab in Perth?
Both work well over a slab. Engineered timber is usually direct-stuck for a solid feel, while hybrid floats over the slab. Choose based on the room, not the slab.

Is engineered timber worth the extra cost over hybrid?
In living areas, often yes, for the real-wood warmth, the option to re-sand and the value it adds. In wet or high-traffic zones, hybrid’s waterproofing usually wins.

How do I get a price for my home?
Use the online quote tool for a fast, no-obligation estimate on your actual rooms.

Most Perth homes are built on a concrete slab, so if you want a real timber floor the question is not whether you can lay timber flooring over concrete, but how. The most popular method in Western Australia is direct-stick: gluing the timber boards straight down to the slab for a solid, quiet floor that feels like part of the house. Done properly it is a superb result; done without the right slab preparation it is the number one way timber floors fail. This guide explains how direct-stick works in Perth, what has to happen to the slab first, and what it costs.

What is direct-stick flooring?

Direct-stick means bonding each timber board to the concrete slab with a flexible flooring adhesive, rather than laying it as a floating floor over an underlay. The result is a floor that is fixed to the building: it feels solid and quiet underfoot, with none of the slight hollowness or movement a floating floor can have. It is the go-to method for real timber flooring over a slab, and it is especially well suited to engineered timber.

Direct-stick or floating: which is right?

Both are valid over a Perth slab. A floating floor clicks together over an underlay and is quicker to lay, which suits laminate, hybrid and floating bamboo. Direct-stick glues real timber down for a more solid, permanent feel and is the preferred method for engineered and solid timber. If you want the authentic weight and silence of a timber floor, direct-stick delivers it; if speed and budget lead, a floating product may suit. Our best flooring for Perth homes guide weighs up the wider choice.

The slab prep that decides everything

This is the part that separates a floor that lasts decades from one that lifts within a year. Moisture is the leading cause of timber floor failure, and a concrete slab holds and releases moisture long after it looks dry. Before any timber goes down, a proper installation covers three things:

• Moisture testing. The slab’s moisture is measured before installation, not assumed. Industry practice is to check the relative humidity within the slab and the moisture content of the top layer, and to document the readings. A concrete moisture content of around 5.5% or below is a commonly used threshold, and a new slab often needs months to cure to that point.
• Flatness and soundness. The slab must be structurally sound and flat, with only minor deviation (a common guide is no more than about 3 mm over a 3-metre radius). High spots are ground down and low spots filled so the finished floor is even and fully bonded.
• A clean, barrier-ready surface. The slab is cleaned of dust, old adhesive, paint and sealers so the glue bonds properly. Where testing indicates, an approved moisture barrier is applied to the slab first to protect the timber from residual moisture.

Skipping these steps is exactly how timber floors cup, gap or lift. Getting them right is why a professionally direct-stuck floor stays flat and quiet for the long haul.

Engineered or solid timber for direct-stick?

Both can be direct-stuck, but engineered timber is usually the better choice over a Perth slab. Its stable, multi-layer core moves far less with seasonal humidity changes than a solid board, which lowers the risk of cupping and gapping on a slab. Premium species are available both as engineered boards and as genuine solid timber, in the iconic WA hardwoods Jarrah and Marri and other native species such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Tasmanian Oak. Engineered is usually the easier choice over a slab, while solid boards can also be direct-stuck for a genuine hardwood result.

The direct-stick process, step by step

1. Assess and test the slab for moisture, flatness and soundness, and document the readings.
2. Prepare the surface by grinding high spots, filling low spots, and cleaning off dust, adhesive and coatings.
3. Apply a moisture barrier where the testing calls for one.
4. Glue down the boards with a flexible flooring adhesive, working to a planned layout.
5. Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter so the floor can move slightly with the seasons.
6. Finish — pre-finished boards are ready to walk on once the adhesive has cured (typically about a day), while raw boards are sanded and coated on site.
7. Fit skirting to cover the expansion gap and complete the room.

Why is direct-stick so popular in Perth?

It comes down to how Perth homes are built. The great majority sit on a concrete slab on ground, which is the ideal base for a direct-stuck timber floor. The method gives homeowners a real timber floor with a solid, high-end feel, without a raised timber subfloor. Paired with the right moisture management for Perth’s warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, it is a proven, long-lasting result, which is why it has become the default for timber over slabs across the metro area.

What does timber flooring over concrete cost in Perth?

Supplied and laid, engineered timber starts from $86/m², while premium species engineered boards run from $115/m² for Blackbutt and Spotted Gum and from $135/m² for Jarrah and Marri. If you are supplying your own timber, installation alone starts from $32/m². Final rates also depend on the install method (floating or direct-stick), and slab preparation and any moisture barrier are assessed on site, since they depend on the condition of your slab. For the full breakdown by floor type, see our Perth flooring cost guide, and remember new skirting boards finish the job over the expansion gap.

Getting it done right

Direct-stick is a method where the preparation matters as much as the boards, and it is one part of the wider flooring installation process. The safest path is a local installer who tests your slab, preps it properly, and stands behind the result. Perth Flooring & Skirting is a local, fully insured business based in Pearsall with public liability cover up to $5 million, and we assess the slab as part of quoting your floor.

Start with the online quote tool for a fast estimate, and we will confirm the slab preparation your home needs at the on-site measure.

Timber flooring over concrete in Perth: frequently asked questions

Can you lay timber flooring over a concrete slab?
Yes. The most popular method in Perth is direct-stick, where the timber is glued straight to the slab after the slab has been moisture-tested, levelled and prepared.

Do you need a moisture barrier under timber on concrete?
Often, yes. Ground-level slabs generally need an approved moisture barrier where moisture testing indicates it, because residual slab moisture is the leading cause of timber floor failure.

How long does a new concrete slab need to dry before flooring?
A new slab can take months to reach an acceptable moisture level, which is why it is tested rather than assumed before any timber is laid.

Is engineered or solid timber better over concrete?
Engineered timber is usually the better choice over a slab because its stable core resists the seasonal movement that can cup or gap a solid board, though solid timber can also be direct-stuck.

How do I get a price for timber over my slab?
Use the online quote tool for a fast estimate, and the slab preparation is confirmed at the on-site measure.