Laminate flooring has become a go-to choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a durable, stylish, and cost-effective alternative to traditional timber or tile. With advancements in manufacturing, today’s laminate offers incredibly realistic aesthetics, enhanced durability, and even water-resistant properties, making it suitable for various areas within a home. The New Zealand market offers a range of reputable international and local brands, each with unique strengths and product offerings.
This article highlights some of the top laminate flooring nz brands available in NZ, helping you make an informed decision for your next flooring project.
1. Quick-Step
Quick-Step is a globally recognized brand, part of Mohawk Industries, known for its innovation and high-quality laminate products. They are a strong competitor in the New Zealand market.
- Key Features: Quick-Step laminates are renowned for their authentic wood and stone looks, often featuring “embossed-in-register” (EIR) textures that perfectly match the visual grain. Many ranges boast “HydroSeal” coating, providing a fully waterproof surface, making them suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Variety: They offer a large selection of colours, textures, and designs across various collections like Classic, Impressive, Majestic, and Muse (stone-look), catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.
- Durability: Quick-Step is known for its scratch and stain resistance, offering peace of mind for busy households.
- Availability: Widely available through flooring retailers like Flooring Xtra and Carpet Court in NZ.
2. Pergo
Pergo is often credited with inventing laminate flooring and continues to be a leader in the industry, offering durable and aesthetically pleasing options in New Zealand.
- Key Features: Pergo floors are known for being extremely hard-wearing and easy to install. They focus on Scandinavian functional design, providing robust floors ready for everyday life.
- Design Range: Pergo offers a wide range of timber, hybrid vinyl, and laminate options. Their laminate collections feature various wood looks, from classic oaks to contemporary grey tones.
- Water Resistance: Many Pergo laminate ranges incorporate advanced water-resistant technologies, preventing water from penetrating the floor for a significant period.
- Tools: They often provide online tools like “FLOORLAB” to help visualize flooring in your own room.
- Availability: Available through various flooring suppliers across NZ, including Flooring Xtra.
3. Krono Original / Swiss Krono
Krono Original (part of Kronospan) and Swiss Krono are prominent European manufacturers with a strong presence in New Zealand, known for their natural-looking laminate floors.
- Key Features: Both brands emphasize achieving a natural look and feel in their laminate products, with a focus on realistic wood grain patterns.
- Quality: Swiss Krono, established in 1966, prides itself on setting standards for the look, feel, and quality of wood-based products.
- Global Presence: With extensive production and distribution networks, these brands offer a wide variety of styles and designs globally, many of which are imported into NZ.
- Binylpro: Binylpro is a sophisticated brand under the Krono umbrella, known for its top quality, innovative solutions, and durability.
- Availability: Found at various flooring specialists and distributors like Floorco and Parks Flooring in NZ.
4. Godfrey Hirst / Oasis
Godfrey Hirst, a well-established name in flooring, and Oasis (a quality laminate produced by Unilin, also part of Mohawk Industries) offer strong laminate options in the NZ market.
- Key Features: Oasis laminate is known for its beautiful natural timber palette, often curated by New Zealand experts to suit local preferences. It’s highlighted as a highly durable and water-resistant option.
- Reputation: Godfrey Hirst has a long history in flooring, bringing a reputation for quality to its hard flooring ventures.
- Versatility: Oasis is ideal for a wide range of commercial and residential applications due to its durability and water resistance.
- Availability: Available through retailers like Flooring Xtra and Woodland Lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Brand
When selecting laminate flooring in NZ, consider these factors:
- AC Rating: Check the Abrasion Class (AC) rating for durability, especially for high-traffic areas.
- Water Resistance: For kitchens, bathrooms, or laundries, look for truly waterproof options with specific core technologies (e.g., HydroSeal, SPC core).
- Aesthetics: Order samples to see how the colour, texture, and pattern look in your home’s lighting.
- Warranty: Understand the warranty offered by the manufacturer, particularly regarding wear and water resistance.
- Installation System: “Click-lock” systems are popular for DIY installation.
By researching these top brands and considering your specific needs, you can find a high-quality laminate floor that perfectly suits your New Zealand home.
