Best Timber Flooring for Brick Veneer Houses (Australia)

Brick veneer homes are typically built on a concrete slab with a lightweight framed interior. That means your flooring choice should consider:

• Moisture from the slab (especially in new builds or areas without vapour barriers)
• Thermal movement with seasonal changes
• Acoustic comfort (impact noise)
• Maintenance + budget

Quick comparison

Laminate

• Pros: Tough surface, affordable, easy to install
• Cons: Susceptible to moisture edge-swelling; avoid wet mopping

Hybrid (SPC/WPC)

• Pros: Waterproof surface, very DIY friendly, stable
• Cons: Can feel firmer underfoot; cheap products may sound “clicky”

Engineered Timber

• Pros: Real timber veneer, stable core, looks/feels like hardwood
• Cons: Costs more than laminate/hybrid; limited refinishing (veneer thickness)

Solid Hardwood

• Pros: Prestige, can be sanded/refinished multiple times
• Cons: Expansion control and acclimatisation are critical on slabs; higher cost

Vinyl Plank

• Pros: Quiet, waterproof surface, forgiving on subfloor
• Cons: Prone to indentation/UV fade in cheap lines; plasticiser odour in low-quality products

What usually works best on a slab brick veneer?

• Engineered timber on a quality underlay balances stability, resale appeal, and comfort.
• Hybrid is a strong value pick for rentals or family homes where waterproof and low-maintenance is king.
• Laminate suits tight budgets, but pick moisture-resistant cores and lock profiles.
• Solid hardwood is stunning but needs correct moisture control (and often battens/ply or a specialist adhesive system).

Subfloor prep & moisture

• Ensure moisture levels meet your product spec (check your slab age, applied vapour barriers, and moisture tests).
• Use manufacturer-approved underlay or adhesive systems designed for slabs.

Further reading (external sources)

• Engineered wood (Wikipedia)
• Laminate flooring (Wikipedia)
• Vinyl flooring (Wikipedia)
• Australian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) — standards, care & install guidance