Product Guide
This section is designed to guide you through the process of flooring selection and provide some guidance before visiting your Independent Floors store. It covers all you will need to know including material properties, colour, finishes, suitable applications and planning.
Click on the titles below for more information.
Carpet
Carpet enhances the peace and quiet of your home by absorbing sound. It insulates against the cold, cushions your feet, and adds a safety component to your home by helping to prevent slips and falls, and protecting dropped objects from being damaged.
Carpet is a key decorative element in the home and a major purchase, so before selecting carpet, consider whether it fits your taste and matches your lifestyle.
Carpet is a key decorative element in the home and a major purchase, so before selecting carpet, consider whether it fits your taste and matches your lifestyle.
Deciding on a fibre type
To find the carpet style that fits your home, consider your lifestyle and the overall feel you want your home to have. Think about the room you want to carpet too, and how frequently that room is used and for what purpose.
Choose from: Nylon | Polypropylene | Polyester | Wool | Blends
Nylon
Nylon is the most popular fibre used in carpet production as it is wear-resistant, making it a good choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. Additionally, it maintains its colour and is relatively stain resistant.
Polypropylene
Carpets made from polypropylene are hard wearing so they are suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic such as halls and living rooms. Additionally, polypropylene fibres are colourfast and stain resistant which makes them easy to clean.
Polyester
As it has a soft texture, polyester is used in more ‘luxurious’ types of carpet such as thick, cut-pile. It is stain resistant, and extremely comfortable under foot.
Wool
There is nothing like the classic feel of wool beneath your feet. This natural fibre offers structure and durability that gives any room a comfortable and well insulated feel. A pure wool carpet is softer and more luxurious than most other types of carpet and is likely to last much longer.
When blended with synthetic fibres such as nylon, the durability of wool is increased. It is for this reason that wool blends are being used more and more in carpet these days.
Choose from: Nylon | Polypropylene | Polyester | Wool | Blends
Nylon
Nylon is the most popular fibre used in carpet production as it is wear-resistant, making it a good choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. Additionally, it maintains its colour and is relatively stain resistant.
Polypropylene
Carpets made from polypropylene are hard wearing so they are suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic such as halls and living rooms. Additionally, polypropylene fibres are colourfast and stain resistant which makes them easy to clean.
Polyester
As it has a soft texture, polyester is used in more ‘luxurious’ types of carpet such as thick, cut-pile. It is stain resistant, and extremely comfortable under foot.
Wool
There is nothing like the classic feel of wool beneath your feet. This natural fibre offers structure and durability that gives any room a comfortable and well insulated feel. A pure wool carpet is softer and more luxurious than most other types of carpet and is likely to last much longer.
When blended with synthetic fibres such as nylon, the durability of wool is increased. It is for this reason that wool blends are being used more and more in carpet these days.
Deciding on a fibre style
Cut pile
One of the most popular styles of carpet, cut pile is prepared by cutting the tops off the loops leaving individual threads of yarn (a single carpet thread). The amount of twist in the yarn determines the durability of the carpet. Highly twisted yarn holds its shape longer, being a suitable option for areas with a high level of foot traffic such as hallways.
Plush / Velvet
Plush or velvet carpet has a luxuriously smooth look and feel. It shows footprints easily and is therefore best suited to formal living areas with low foot traffic.
Level loop pile
Level loop pile carpet is made up of loops of yarn upright at the same height. It is a durable, long lasting type of carpet finish best for high foot traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms.
Textured loop
Textured loop pile is similar to level loop pile carpet however the loops are at different lengths instead of being at the same height, as they are in level loop pile carpet. Textured loop creates a more casual look and a more durable carpet which is well suited to high foot traffic areas.
Cut and loop pile
This type of carpet combines cut and loop pile finishes, providing a variety of surface textures.
One of the most popular styles of carpet, cut pile is prepared by cutting the tops off the loops leaving individual threads of yarn (a single carpet thread). The amount of twist in the yarn determines the durability of the carpet. Highly twisted yarn holds its shape longer, being a suitable option for areas with a high level of foot traffic such as hallways.
Plush / Velvet
Plush or velvet carpet has a luxuriously smooth look and feel. It shows footprints easily and is therefore best suited to formal living areas with low foot traffic.
Level loop pile
Level loop pile carpet is made up of loops of yarn upright at the same height. It is a durable, long lasting type of carpet finish best for high foot traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms.
Textured loop
Textured loop pile is similar to level loop pile carpet however the loops are at different lengths instead of being at the same height, as they are in level loop pile carpet. Textured loop creates a more casual look and a more durable carpet which is well suited to high foot traffic areas.
Cut and loop pile
This type of carpet combines cut and loop pile finishes, providing a variety of surface textures.
Underlay
Underlay is a thin layer of cushioning which is laid beneath carpet to reduce wear and tear, provide insulation against the elements of weather and create comfort underfoot. Underlay is made of different materials including: natural rubber, SBR latex and recycled textile underlays. There is an underlay product for every application in the carpet installation process. Using the correct underlay for your floor ensures optimum performance and complete comfort.
Tiles
At Independent Floors, we stock a fantastic range of stylish and hardwearing tiles. With a great selection of ceramic, marble, and terracotta styles to choose from, you’ll love the choice. In fact, the only thing better is the prices we’re selling them for.
Tiles are an eternal favourite in homes everywhere. They’re elegant, hardwearing and easy to clean. They’re great in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and even throughout the rest of the house.
The most common types of floor tiles are ceramic, stone and porcelain, with ceramic tiles being the most popular type of tiles used in Australia. Ceramic tiles can be painted or glazed. When used in wet areas such as bathrooms, a handy tip is to use smaller tiles, or tiles with a contoured surface to ensure the surface is slip resistant. Stone tiles are natural which means they will vary in colour, pattern, size and strength. An advantage of using natural looking stone tiles is that they are extremely hard wearing.
Tiles are an eternal favourite in homes everywhere. They’re elegant, hardwearing and easy to clean. They’re great in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and even throughout the rest of the house.
The most common types of floor tiles are ceramic, stone and porcelain, with ceramic tiles being the most popular type of tiles used in Australia. Ceramic tiles can be painted or glazed. When used in wet areas such as bathrooms, a handy tip is to use smaller tiles, or tiles with a contoured surface to ensure the surface is slip resistant. Stone tiles are natural which means they will vary in colour, pattern, size and strength. An advantage of using natural looking stone tiles is that they are extremely hard wearing.
Timber Flooring
At Independent Floors, we stock a wide range of timber floors for you to take a look at. Timber flooring is particularly popular in living areas and adds value to the price of a house. Timber floors are available in a wide range of styles and wood species. You have the option of solid planks that slot together, parquetry designs or floating floors that can be installed on top of an existing floor.
Most often made from hardwood, timber flooring is usually ‘finished’ with a metal oxide which increases the wear and durability of the flooring. Another option is to use engineered hardwood, whereby layers of solid hardwood are joined together to make the flooring less susceptible to changes in moisture and temperature (common with a single plank of solid hardwood).
Most often made from hardwood, timber flooring is usually ‘finished’ with a metal oxide which increases the wear and durability of the flooring. Another option is to use engineered hardwood, whereby layers of solid hardwood are joined together to make the flooring less susceptible to changes in moisture and temperature (common with a single plank of solid hardwood).
Laminate
Laminate flooring is incredibly durable, not to mention scuff, stain, scratch and burn resistant so you receive the peace of mind that your floor can cope with just about anything.
Laminate flooring is made of a mixture of synthetic and recycled materials and covered with an attached decorative top layer made to look like a natural product such as wood, marble or granite. Laminate is most commonly used as a substitute for timber in floating floors.
Laminate flooring may be a superior choice in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom as it is more dent, stain, warm under foot and water resistent than hardwood flooring. It is also much less likely to fade than stone or wood.
It is also an economical alternative to timber flooring, as laminate has a range of colours and designs not constricted by that which nature can produce. All the laminates in our Diamond Tuff range are of the highest quality, made from ecologically sound and renewable resources, you’ll find their quality and value hard to beat.
Laminate flooring is made of a mixture of synthetic and recycled materials and covered with an attached decorative top layer made to look like a natural product such as wood, marble or granite. Laminate is most commonly used as a substitute for timber in floating floors.
Laminate flooring may be a superior choice in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom as it is more dent, stain, warm under foot and water resistent than hardwood flooring. It is also much less likely to fade than stone or wood.
It is also an economical alternative to timber flooring, as laminate has a range of colours and designs not constricted by that which nature can produce. All the laminates in our Diamond Tuff range are of the highest quality, made from ecologically sound and renewable resources, you’ll find their quality and value hard to beat.
Vinyl
Vinyl has recently had an increase in popularity due to the great new ranges now available. Vinyl is now considerably more stylish and hardwearing than ever before. It looks fantastic in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry and is a smart, budget conscious choice.
Vinyl is made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and usually has a layer of cushioning underneath. Vinyl flooring can be recreated in designs which mirror slate, tiles and floorboards for a fraction of the price.
Vinyl flooring has many advantages over other types of flooring. It is easier to clean and will not chip or crack. Furthermore, it is more comfortable, warmer and quieter underfoot.
Vinyl is made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and usually has a layer of cushioning underneath. Vinyl flooring can be recreated in designs which mirror slate, tiles and floorboards for a fraction of the price.
Vinyl flooring has many advantages over other types of flooring. It is easier to clean and will not chip or crack. Furthermore, it is more comfortable, warmer and quieter underfoot.
Floating Floors
Floating Floors create a stylish and versatile look which is perfect for any home. They’re great in most rooms and are extremely hardwearing. While floating floors add to the appeal of a home, they are not recommended for areas that may get wet such as entrance areas or bathrooms.
If your home is a newer, floorboard free home, don’t despair. There are plenty of alternatives, such as floating timber floors for you to consider. These can be put on top of existing concrete floors to create a fantastic effect. Additionally, floating floors rarely need to be polished, waxed or lacquered.
A Floating Floor is referred to as ‘floating’ because it does not need to be nailed or glued to a floor or base underneath. It can consist of a glass fibre, felt or cork layer for sound insulation with neoprene pads holding up the laminate top layer.
If your home is a newer, floorboard free home, don’t despair. There are plenty of alternatives, such as floating timber floors for you to consider. These can be put on top of existing concrete floors to create a fantastic effect. Additionally, floating floors rarely need to be polished, waxed or lacquered.
A Floating Floor is referred to as ‘floating’ because it does not need to be nailed or glued to a floor or base underneath. It can consist of a glass fibre, felt or cork layer for sound insulation with neoprene pads holding up the laminate top layer.
