Flooring is one of the most visible decisions in any renovation, and one of the hardest to change afterwards. The right choice depends on the room, the subfloor and how much wear it will see.
Engineered wood and herringbone parquet
Engineered boards have a real wood surface on a stable plywood core, which makes them less prone to movement than solid timber in centrally heated homes. Laid as planks or in a herringbone pattern, they suit hallways, living rooms and bedrooms in period properties particularly well. They can be sanded and refinished in future.
Laminate
Laminate offers a wood look at a lower cost and is hard-wearing, which makes it practical for rental properties and busy family rooms. Quality varies a great deal, so it is worth choosing a thicker board with a good wear layer and a proper underlay.
Luxury vinyl tile
Luxury vinyl tile, often sold as LVT, is water resistant, warm underfoot and quiet, and it comes in convincing wood and stone effects. It works well in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms, but it needs a very flat subfloor, so levelling is usually part of the job.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
Tiles are the most durable option for kitchens and bathrooms and suit underfloor heating. Large-format porcelain gives a clean, modern look. Tiles are hard and cold without heating, so they are less common in living areas.
Why preparation matters more than the product
Most flooring failures come from the base rather than the boards: uneven concrete, loose floorboards or damp that was never addressed. Levelling screeds, new ply over timber floors and time for materials to acclimatise all make the difference between a floor that looks good on day one and one that still looks good in ten years.
If you would like advice on flooring for a specific room, send us a few photos and measurements and we will suggest suitable options.