Product Guide
We've listed our products in sections so it is easy to decide what you would like and where. This will provide some guidance and information before you visit an Independent Floors store to make your final choices. We've included everything you need to know from materials, colours and finishes to suitable applications.
Carpet
It keeps you warm on cold winter nights, cushions your feet after a hard day and absorbs sound for quiet and peaceful living.A lot of people don't think of it as a safety net, but by preventing your family's slips and falls and providing padding for dropped objects, carpet has more applications than you think.
As you already know, carpet is a defining decorative element and major purchase. Before you decide on a fibre type be sure to consider the colour, texture and how it will enhance your living areas.
Which fibre is right for me?
Nylon
It maintains colour while being stain and wear resistant making it a popular choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. It is an obvious and affordable solution for comfort and value.Polypropylene
Easy to clean, carpets made from Polypropylene fibre can stand up against any kind of wear and tear. It's ideal for a busy family when you need something to compete with the thrills and spills of daily life.Polyester
For a luxurious feel on a budget, Polyester gives you absolute comfort underfoot and stain-resistance for peace of mind.Wool
Gentle. Classic. Ultimate. Wool carpet has long been the preferred choice for absolute luxury.A natural fibre, wool offers structure and durability with the highest level of insulation. Long lasting and soft to the touch, a pure wool carpet is the last word in luxury for your home.
Wool can also be blended with synthetic fibres such as nylon which will increase the durability of the product. Ask your Independent Floors specialist about the latest blends that might suit your needs.
Fibre style
Now that you know about the materials available to you, it is time to think about the style of the carpet. This is the way the carpet is woven or cut and will largely influence the final texture of your carpet.Cut pile
This is the most popular type of carpet and the chances are you have already lived in a house with this kind of finish. Cut pile simply means the loops on the top of the carpet weave are cut off making it a short length no-nonsense carpet.The yarn in any carpet is twisted a certain amount - the higher the twist the longer the carpet will last. Choose highly twisted yarn for longer lasting carpet in busy areas.
Plush / velvet
Like its namesake, plush or velvet carpet has a thick, beautiful look and feel. Deep enough to show footprints, this choice is better suited to bedrooms and low-traffic areas.Level loop pile
Level loop pile is just that - looped yarn woven upright so it all rests at the same height. A little thicker than cut pile with a slightly different look, level loop pile is versatile for use in both high and low traffic areas.Textured loop
For a more casual look, textured loop carpet is looped yarn at different heights. Highly durable and easy to keep neat and tidy, this is ideal when used in hallways and busy family living areas.Cut and loop pile
This carpet can be finished in a variety of surface textures depending on your personal preference.Underlay
Beneath your carpet is a thin layer of cushioning referred to as Underlay.It provides a base and foundation for the carpet and contributes to the padding and comfort of the carpet by bouncing back from pressure. It is made up of different materials including: SBR latex, natural rubber and recycled textile underlays.
There is one of these products for every application in the carpet installation process and your Independent Floors specialist will advise you on the correct one after you have made a carpet choice.
Tiles
Independent Floors gives you a full range of tiles that can enhance your home with style, strength and endurance. Whether you're looking for marble, ceramic, stone, terracotta or porcelain we have a stunning variety of materials, colours and patterns.Unlike many flooring retailers, we strive to offer affordability and value on all of our products. This is why our tiles are beautiful and inexpensive. Elegant, tough and easy to clean, tiles can give your home protection from the elements, accidents and special occasions.
Common types of tiles include ceramic, stone and porcelain. Ceramic tend to be the most popular in Australia - they can be glazed for the ultimate in stain resistance while smaller sized ceramic tiles can withstand moisture in bathrooms and kitchens.
Stone is natural looking, naturally hard-wearing and can complement country, period and rustic homes perfectly. Porcelain is clean, light and elegant making it the best choice for a classic interior theme.
Timber flooring
Available in a wide range of styles, shades and species through Independent Floors, Timber Flooring is always a favourite for adding character and increasing the sale price of a house.There are a few ways Timber Floors can be introduced to your home: solid planks that slot together in place, or several stunning parquetry designs inlaid straight into your floor. See the section titled Floating Floors for more information about laying hardwood on top of your existing floor.
Wood on its own is susceptible to scuffs and scratch marks so Timber Flooring is usually finished using a metal oxide - this increases the durability and protects against wear and tear.
Engineered hardwood is tougher again in that it has several layers of solid hardwood joined together making it less likely to shrink or expand when there are changes in temperature or moisture.
Laminate
Stain, scuff, scratch and burn resistant, Laminate is a highly durable material that can cope with anything you throw at it.Made up with a mixture of synthetic and recycled materials, Laminate is covered with a decorative top layer in patterns available to cleverly mimic the look of wood, marble or granite.
Commonly used as economical substitute for Timber Flooring, it is warm underfoot, won't fade like stone or wood and is dent and water repellent.
Laminate is an obvious choice for areas such as the bathroom or kitchen and is of such strengthened quality that it can also be used for commercial applications.
All the Laminates in our Diamond Tuff range are made of superior quality from ecologically sound and renewable sources. It is an investment that won't put you out of pocket and will save you money for a long time to come.
Vinyl
Don't underestimate the popularity of Vinyl. A recent resurge in Vinyl installations only proves that it is now more stylish and considerably more popular than ever before.Extremely hardwearing, it is a smart, budget conscious option that will look fantastic in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry.
Vinyl can be developed to recreate looks such as slate, marble, wood or tiles at a fraction of the price. Made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and available in a variety of patterns, it has a layer of cushioning underneath for added comfort and quiet.
Easy to clean and unlikely to chip or crack, Vinyl is a strong, durable material with the added advantages of being attractive and affordable.
Floating floors
Want floorboards? Don't have them? This is your answer to a beautiful hardwood floor without undergoing major renovations.A Floating Floor is referred to as 'floating' because it does not need to be nailed or glued to a base underneath.
Floating Floors add to the appeal of a home, the sale price of the house and rarely need to be waxed, polished or lacquered. They are not recommended in areas such as the bathroom or kitchen, but will look beautiful and impressive in your main living areas.
To support your Floating Floor a layer of cork, glass fibre or felt will be laid beneath it for sound insulation.
Ask an Independent Floors specialist to see if Floating Floors could be an option for you.
