Flooring: Which Type is Right for You?

1Choosing the Right Flooring

Flooring is one of the most impactful finishes in any space — affecting aesthetics, comfort underfoot, acoustic performance, and maintenance requirements. The right choice depends on the room, the subfloor condition, the likely foot traffic, and of course, budget.

2Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood is the premium option, cut from a single piece of timber. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, giving it a potential lifespan of 80+ years. However, it is sensitive to moisture and should not be used in bathrooms, kitchens, or over underfloor heating. It is also one of the heavier and more expensive options.

3Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood has a real hardwood top layer (wear layer) bonded to a stable plywood core. The plywood construction makes it far more dimensionally stable than solid wood — it expands and contracts less with humidity changes. This makes it suitable for underfloor heating and, in some cases, bathrooms. Wear layer thickness determines how many times the floor can be sanded.

• 2–3mm wear layer — entry-level engineered; cannot be sanded.
• 4–6mm wear layer — can be sanded once or twice.
• 6mm+ wear layer — premium product; equivalent lifespan to solid wood.

4Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring uses a photographic layer beneath a tough clear wear layer to mimic the look of wood or stone. Modern high-definition laminate is extremely convincing and very durable (AC4 and AC5 ratings for heavy commercial use). It is one of the most cost-effective options and is easy to install as a floating floor. It cannot be sanded or refinished — when worn, it must be replaced.

5Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

LVT has grown to dominate the flooring market due to its combination of waterproof performance, realistic visuals, and comfortable underfoot feel. A wear layer of 0.3–0.7mm determines durability. LVT can be loose-lay, click-lock, or glue-down. It is suitable for all rooms including bathrooms and is compatible with underfloor heating.

6Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles

Tiles offer the most durable and water-resistant floor surface available. Porcelain (fired at higher temperatures) is denser and more resistant to moisture than ceramic. Slip resistance is rated R9 to R13 — always specify R11 or above for bathrooms and R12 or above for external use. Tiles are cold and hard underfoot, making underfloor heating a popular pairing.

7Carpet

Carpet remains the most popular flooring choice for bedrooms and living rooms due to its warmth, softness, and acoustic properties. Key specifications include pile height, pile weight (g/m2), and the Fibre Society wear rating system. A good-quality underlay is essential — it extends the life of the carpet and improves comfort significantly.

8Subfloor Preparation

No flooring product will perform well on a poor subfloor. The subfloor must be level (within 3mm across 1.8m for most products), dry (below 75% RH or 3% moisture content for timber subfloors), structurally sound, and free from contamination. Use self-levelling compound to address minor undulation. Damp-proof membranes may be required on ground-bearing concrete slabs.