Flooring

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring

What Is The Best Type Of Flooring?

The best type of flooring depends on room use, moisture exposure and durability expectations. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) provides waterproof performance and realistic wood or stone visuals. Engineered wood delivers natural warmth and long-term value. Laminate offers affordability and scratch resistance. Porcelain tiles perform best in high-moisture environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.

What Are The Most Popular Flooring Colours Right Now?

Grey, light oak, natural oak and warm beige tones dominate current flooring trends. Greige shades combine grey and beige for balanced warmth. White oak and honey oak finishes support Scandinavian-style interiors. Dark walnut and espresso tones create contrast in contemporary spaces. Neutral palettes remain preferred for versatility and resale appeal.

How Much Does Flooring Cost Per M²?

Flooring cost per m² varies by material, thickness and performance layer. Laminate and sheet vinyl often range from £10–£25 per m². Luxury vinyl and SPC flooring typically range from £20–£45 per m². Engineered wood commonly starts from £35 per m² and increases with plank width and wear layer thickness.

Does Flooring Scratch Easily?

Scratch resistance depends on surface construction and wear layer rating. Laminate and LVT with AC4 or 0.5mm wear layers resist abrasion from pets and furniture. Engineered wood remains more susceptible to dents from impact. Protective pads, entrance mats and routine cleaning reduce visible surface damage in high-traffic households.

What Flooring Is Suitable For Bathrooms?

Waterproof flooring with stable cores performs best in bathrooms. SPC vinyl, LVT and porcelain tiles resist moisture penetration and dimensional movement. Sealed click systems prevent water ingress at joints. Engineered wood and laminate require moisture-controlled environments and remain less suitable for wet zones.

How Long Does Quality Flooring Last?

Quality flooring lasts between 10 and 30 years depending on material and usage intensity. Laminate averages 10–20 years in residential settings. LVT and SPC commonly last 15–25 years. Engineered wood with thick wear layers exceeds 25 years when maintained and refinished periodically.

Can I Install Flooring Myself?

DIY installation suits floating click systems such as laminate, LVT and SPC flooring. Pre-attached underlay simplifies fitting and reduces preparation time. Herringbone patterns, glued installations and engineered wood installations benefit from professional fitting to ensure subfloor preparation accuracy and long-term structural stability.

What Is The Most Popular Flooring Right Now?

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) remains the most popular flooring due to waterproof construction, realistic embossed textures and low maintenance requirements. Wide-plank oak designs and natural finishes lead residential demand. SPC rigid core variants continue gaining market share in open-plan and moisture-prone spaces.

How Much Should I Pay Someone To Fit Flooring?

Professional flooring installation typically costs £15–£40 per m² for laminate, LVT or SPC. Subfloor levelling, adhesive systems and complex layouts increase labour charges. Engineered wood installation often ranges from £25–£50 per m² depending on plank size and fitting method.

Is It Cheaper To Lay Flooring Or Carpet?

Carpet generally offers lower initial supply and installation cost. Hard flooring such as laminate or LVT delivers greater durability and reduced replacement frequency over time. Long-term maintenance costs favour hard flooring due to stain resistance and easier cleaning requirements.

Tiles Or Flooring Which Is Better?

Tiles provide superior water resistance, durability and hygiene in kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate, LVT and engineered wood offer warmer underfoot comfort and faster installation in living areas and bedrooms. Material selection depends on moisture exposure, insulation preference and room function.