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How to Plan Your Renovation or New Build: Expert Flooring Tips

  • Writer: Imperial Flooring Australia
    Imperial Flooring Australia
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • 3 min read

Planning a renovation or new home build is exciting—but without the right preparation, it can quickly become overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the flooring. The right flooring doesn’t just transform the look of your home; it impacts durability, maintenance, comfort, and long-term value.

At Imperial Flooring Australia, we help homeowners, designers, and builders make confident flooring choices every day with our expert flooring tips. This guide covers everything you need to know when planning your renovation or new build, with expert tips to ensure you achieve a stylish, long-lasting result.


Contemporary kitchen featuring 20mm brushed oak engineered timber flooring, seamlessly supplied and installed by Imperial Flooring Australia.
Contemporary kitchen featuring 20mm brushed oak engineered timber flooring, seamlessly supplied and installed by Imperial Flooring Australia.

Why Flooring Matters in Your Renovation or New Build


Flooring sets the foundation for your entire home design. It influences:

  • The overall aesthetic and flow

  • How light or spacious a room feels

  • Acoustic performance and comfort

  • Durability against pets, kids, moisture, and high traffic

  • Your home’s long-term resale appeal


Because flooring spans every room, getting it right from the start is essential.


1. Start with Your Lifestyle and Room Requirements


Before choosing a colour or product, understand how each space will be used.

Key considerations:

  • Heavy traffic areas: Hallways, living rooms, and open-plan spaces need strong, durable flooring.

  • Wet areas: Kitchens and laundries require waterproof or highly water-resistant options.

  • Comfort: Bedrooms benefit from warmer, softer feel underfoot.

  • Noise control: Upper levels and apartments often require acoustic-rated flooring.


Tip: List each room in your renovation or new build and note its flooring needs—this quickly narrows your product options.


2. Choose the Right Flooring Material for Your Project


Each flooring type offers unique benefits. Here are the most popular options at Imperial Flooring Australia:


Hybrid Flooring

  • 100% waterproof

  • Highly durable and low maintenance

  • Ideal for family homes and open-plan layouts

  • Realistic timber-look designs across modern colour palettes


Free Samples - 9mm Hybrid Flooring
A$1.00A$0.00
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Engineered Timber Flooring

  • Natural, premium, and timeless

  • Adds real value to your home

  • Can be resurfaced during its lifespan

  • Perfect for living spaces, bedrooms, and high-end builds


Free Samples - 15mm Engineered Oak Timber Flooring
A$1.00A$0.00
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Laminate Flooring

  • Affordable with impressive scratch resistance

  • Great for busy households and investment properties

  • Realistic textures and wide colour choices


Free Samples - 12mm Imperial Laminate Flooring | AC5 | 72hr
A$1.00A$0.00
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Herringbone or Chevron Parquetry

  • A luxury, architectural statement

  • Works beautifully in entryways, living rooms, and feature spaces

  • Durable engineered construction with a real timber top layer


Free Samples - 15mm Herringbone Flooring (AB Grade)
A$1.00A$0.00
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3. Consider Colour, Style, and Interior Design Flow


Your flooring plays a major role in setting the tone of your home.

When selecting colours:

  • Light tones: Make rooms feel larger and brighter; ideal for coastal and modern designs.

  • Warm mid-tones: Add depth and comfort while still being versatile.

  • Dark tones: Create dramatic, high-end elegance.


Make sure your flooring complements:

  • Kitchen finishes

  • Wall colours

  • Staircases

  • Furniture

  • Natural light


Pro Tip: Always view flooring samples in your home or on-site—lighting can dramatically change how colours appear.


4. Don’t Skip Subfloor Preparation


A flawless installation depends on proper subfloor preparation.

Common requirements include:

  • Levelling uneven concrete or timber substrates

  • Moisture checks

  • Correct underlay selection

  • Removal of existing flooring

  • Smoothing compound if necessary


Investing in good preparation ensures longevity, reduces noise, and improves visual finish—especially with floating floors.


5. Plan Your Flooring Budget Properly


Flooring costs include more than the product itself. Your budget should account for:


  • Product supply

  • Professional installation

  • Stair nosing & trims

  • Underlay

  • Waste removal

  • Delivery

  • Subfloor preparation


Knowing the full scope early helps avoid unexpected costs during your renovation or build.


6. Order Early to Avoid Delays


Many flooring collections, especially premium or imported lines, can have varying lead times.

To stay on schedule:

  • Make your flooring selections early in your build

  • Confirm quantities well before installation

  • Book your installation date to align with other trades

  • Allow time for stock arrival and prep work


This is especially important close to busy periods such as Christmas.


7. Prioritise Professional Installation


Even the best flooring can fail without proper installation.


Professional installers ensure:

  • Correct preparation

  • Smooth, gap-free flooring

  • Warranty compliance

  • Long-term performance


At Imperial Flooring Australia, we work with experienced installers who meet strict quality standards for every project.


8. Think Ahead to Maintenance and Longevity


Different flooring types suit different lifestyles.


Low Maintenance

  • Hybrid

  • Laminate


Long-Term Value

  • Engineered Timber

  • Parquetry (resandable and timeless)


Choosing a product that suits your long-term plans will keep your home looking better for longer.


Final Thoughts: Plan Your Flooring with Confidence - Our Flooring Tips


Planning your renovation or new build doesn’t need to be stressful. With the right flooring strategy, you can create a beautiful, durable, and cohesive home that reflects your style and fits your lifestyle.


Whether you're considering hybrid, laminate, engineered timber, or parquetry, the team at Imperial Flooring Australia is here to guide you from selection to installation.

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