Thinking about installing new floors in your Perth home? Whether you're building, renovating or simply upgrading tired old flooring, chances are you've got a few questions before getting started. At Spencer Flooring, we hear the same questions from Perth homeowners every week — so we've put together this comprehensive flooring FAQ to help you make the right decision with confidence.
1. What Type of Flooring Is Best for Perth's Climate?
Perth's hot, dry summers and mild winters create unique conditions that not all flooring products handle well. The best options for Perth's climate include:
- Engineered timber flooring — more dimensionally stable than solid timber and handles heat and humidity fluctuations better
- Hybrid flooring — UV stable, waterproof and designed to perform in temperature extremes
- Vinyl plank flooring — handles heat well and won't warp or buckle in Perth conditions
Solid timber flooring can also work well in Perth but may require acclimatisation before installation and ongoing maintenance to manage seasonal expansion and contraction.
Bottom line: For a worry-free, all-climate solution, hybrid flooring is hard to beat in Perth.
2. How Much Does Flooring Installation Cost in Perth?
This is by far the most common question we get asked. The cost of flooring installation in Perth depends on several factors including the product type, room size, subfloor condition and complexity of the layout.
Here's a rough guide:
| Flooring Type | Supply & Install (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Plank Flooring | $40 – $85 |
| Hybrid Flooring | $55 – $110 |
| Engineered Timber Flooring | $80 – $160 |
| Solid Timber Flooring | $100 – $200+ |
| Laminate Flooring | $45 – $90 |
Additional costs may apply for subfloor preparation, removal of existing flooring, transitions, trims and staircase installations.
The best way to get an accurate price is to book a free on-site measure and quote with our team.
3. How Long Does Flooring Installation Take?
Installation timeframes vary depending on the size of the area, type of flooring and condition of the subfloor. As a general guide:
- Single room (bedroom or living area) — 1 day
- Full house (average 3x2 home) — 2 to 4 days
- Large home or complex layout — 4 to 7 days
Subfloor preparation may add an extra day or two if grinding, levelling or moisture treatment is required. We always provide a clear timeline before starting so you know exactly what to expect.
4. Do I Need Subfloor Preparation Before Installing New Floors?
In most cases, yes. Proper subfloor preparation is one of the most important steps in any flooring installation. A poorly prepared subfloor can lead to:
- Uneven or bouncy floors
- Clicking or creaking noises
- Premature wear and damage
- Planks lifting or separating over time
Our team inspects every subfloor before installation and carries out any necessary grinding, levelling, moisture testing and priming to ensure a flawless, long-lasting result.
Skipping subfloor prep to save money is never worth it — it almost always leads to costly problems down the track.
5. What Is the Difference Between Solid Timber and Engineered Timber Flooring?
This is a question we get asked almost daily. Here's the simple breakdown:
Solid timber flooring is milled from a single piece of hardwood. It's incredibly durable, can be sanded and refinished multiple times and can last a lifetime. However, it's more susceptible to movement caused by temperature and humidity changes.
Engineered timber flooring has a real timber veneer on top bonded to a multi-layered plywood or HDF core. This layered construction makes it more dimensionally stable than solid timber while still delivering the same beautiful natural look and feel.
| Feature | Solid Timber | Engineered Timber |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Single piece of hardwood | Timber veneer on plywood/HDF core |
| Stability | Moderate — expands and contracts | High — minimal movement |
| Refinishing | Multiple times | 1–3 times depending on veneer thickness |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate–High |
| Installation | Nail down or glue down | Float, glue or nail down |
| Best For | Premium homes, long-term investment | Whole home, Perth climate |
For most Perth homes, we recommend engineered timber as the best balance of beauty, performance and value.
6. What Is Hybrid Flooring and Why Is It So Popular?
Hybrid flooring is a relatively new product that has exploded in popularity across Perth. It combines the best qualities of laminate and vinyl flooring into one high-performance plank.
Hybrid planks feature a rigid SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) core, a realistic timber-look wear layer and a pre-attached underlay on the bottom. The result is a floor that:
- Looks like real timber
- Is 100% waterproof
- Is scratch-resistant and dent-resistant
- Handles Perth's heat and UV exposure
- Installs quickly with a click-lock system
- Requires minimal maintenance
It's the go-to choice for Perth families who want a great-looking, low-maintenance floor that can be installed throughout the entire home — including kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
7. Can I Install Flooring Over Existing Tiles or Concrete?
Yes — in most cases. Both hybrid flooring and vinyl plank flooring can be installed directly over existing tiles or concrete as long as the surface is flat, clean and dry.
However, the subfloor must be properly assessed first. If tiles are cracked, uneven or have significant grout lines, some levelling or grinding may be required before installation.
Timber flooring can also be installed over concrete using a glue-down or floating method, but a moisture barrier is essential to prevent issues down the line.
Our team will assess your existing subfloor during the free on-site measure and advise on the best approach.
8. Is Hybrid Flooring Really Waterproof?
Yes — 100%. Quality hybrid flooring is completely waterproof thanks to its SPC core. Unlike timber and laminate, hybrid planks will not swell, warp or buckle when exposed to water.
This makes hybrid flooring the ideal choice for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundries
- Entryways
- Alfresco areas (covered)
That said, we always recommend wiping up standing water promptly and ensuring joins are properly sealed during installation for the best long-term performance.
9. How Do I Maintain My New Floors?
Maintenance depends on the type of flooring you choose:
Timber Flooring
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit
- Use a damp mop only — never wet mop timber floors
- Place felt pads under furniture legs
- Avoid wearing high heels or dragging heavy objects
- Recoat or re-oil every few years depending on traffic
Hybrid Flooring
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Mop with a damp mop and mild cleaning solution
- Wipe up spills promptly
- No special treatments or coatings required
Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Mop with warm water and a gentle cleaner
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools
- Place furniture pads to prevent denting
General tip: A good quality doormat at every entry point goes a long way in protecting your floors from dirt, sand and debris — especially in Perth where fine sand gets tracked through the house constantly.
10. Do You Offer Free Quotes?
Absolutely. Spencer Flooring offers free on-site measures and quotes across Perth's northern, central and southern suburbs. One of our experienced team members will visit your home, assess your subfloor, discuss your preferred flooring options and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote — all at no cost to you.
We service suburbs from Joondalup to Rockingham, Fremantle to Ellenbrook, Mandurah to Armadale and everywhere in between.
11. How Do I Choose the Right Colour and Style?
Choosing a floor colour can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some simple guidelines:
- Light tones (White Oak, Natural Birch) — make small spaces feel bigger and brighter
- Mid tones (Spotted Gum, Blackbutt) — versatile, warm and suit most interior styles
- Dark tones (Walnut, Jarrah, Smoked Oak) — dramatic and luxurious but show dust and scratches more easily
We always recommend ordering samples and viewing them in your home under natural light before making a final decision. Flooring can look very different in a showroom compared to your actual space.
Our team is happy to provide expert advice on colour selection, plank width and laying direction to get the best result for your home.
12. What Areas Do You Service?
Spencer Flooring proudly services the entire Perth metropolitan area including:
- Northern suburbs — Joondalup, Wanneroo, Clarkson, Ellenbrook, Scarborough, Hillarys, Morley and surrounds
- Central suburbs — Perth CBD, Subiaco, Nedlands, Applecross, South Perth, Victoria Park, Melville and surrounds
- Southern suburbs — Fremantle, Rockingham, Baldivis, Mandurah, Armadale, Byford, Canning Vale and surrounds
No matter where you are in Perth, we'll come to you.
Still Have Questions?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for above, our friendly team is always happy to help. Whether you're in the early stages of planning or ready to book your installation, Spencer Flooring is here to make the process simple, stress-free and affordable.