Practical guide
Wood, laminate or vinyl: which floor would suit my home?
Choosing between wood, laminate and vinyl depends on how you use the room, the particular product and the existing floor. Compare cleaning, noise, heating and the finishes at doors. A sample helps with appearance; installation requirements and the cost of the complete job need checking before you order.
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Before you start
- Compare the actual products you are considering.
- Include the floor underneath, doors and skirting in the discussion.
- The price of the flooring alone is not the price of the finished job.
Which floor would suit the way I use this room?
Will this be a bedroom floor, a busy entrance or a living room used all day? Mention pets, shoes worn indoors and how you like to clean. Say what matters to you: the feel underfoot, noise when walking, or having the same floor continue into the next room.
If you live in an apartment, bring any flooring rules from the building manager. Mention underfloor heating if you have it. Two samples or product names are enough to start discussing which will suit the room.
How do I compare wood, laminate and vinyl?
Ask about the particular product, not just whether it is wood, laminate or vinyl. How is it laid? How do you clean it? What does the manufacturer allow in this type of room? The table gives you questions to take to the supplier or installer.
| Option | Question to ask | Check for your room |
|---|---|---|
| Wood flooring | What is its construction and finish? | Care, installation, heating and permitted use |
| Laminate | What conditions apply to this product? | Subfloor, underlay, moisture and transitions |
| Vinyl | Which installation system does it use? | Subfloor preparation, heating and room conditions |
Services related to these decisions
Explore the work we can discuss with you, according to your needs.
Can my existing flooring stay underneath?
Point out loose areas, changes in level or damp marks on the existing floor. Ask whether it can stay and what preparation is included in the price. Photos are useful for the first conversation, but cannot show everything beneath the covering.
Before buying, ask the installer to check the product instructions against the floor and any underfloor heating, including the proposed underlay. If you want to keep and restore an existing wood floor instead, ask whether that work is available; do not assume it is included in a new-floor installation.
What happens to my doors, thresholds and skirting?
Will the doors still open freely? How will the new floor meet the hallway or kitchen? Ask which thresholds and skirting boards will stay, and whether adjustments to doors are included. If new doors are also planned, discuss the floor height before their final measurements are taken.
Agree who moves the sofa, cupboards and other furniture, and where they can go while the floor is being laid. Say if you need a clear route to a bedroom or bathroom. Ask about protecting that route and touching up paint where skirting is removed.
How do I compare the cost of the whole job?
Check for materials, the amount being ordered, removal, waste disposal, preparation, fitting and finishing. Ask which items are optional and which could change after the old floor comes up. A quote for laying the floor alone may leave you paying separately for doors or skirting.
Send us the town and country, the rooms involved, some photos and any product names you have. Say what you need to keep using during the work. The visit is the time to discuss the floor underneath, the door clearances and the full cost before you order.
A few details for your flooring message
- Rooms and approximate areas
- Photos of the floor, thresholds and door clearances
- Underfloor heating and any building rules
- Two products or samples you like
- Doors, skirting or painting that also need attention
- Furniture to move and rooms you need to reach
Let’s talk about your home
Let’s find flooring that suits your home
Tell us about the room, the current floor and your priorities for cleaning or comfort. If you have found a product you like, include its name in your message.
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Check the product requirements
These manufacturer guides illustrate the checks involved. They do not replace the instructions for your chosen product or an assessment of your property.