Choosing the best flooring for your home
Selecting the right flooring can make a huge difference to the comfort, durability, and overall look of your home. With so many options available — from laminate and SPC to engineered wood — understanding the key differences will help you choose the best solution for your space and budget.
Below is a simple guide to help you understand how the most popular flooring types compare and where they work best.
What is Laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product designed to replicate the natural appearance of real wood. It is constructed using a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, topped with a photographic wood layer and a protective wear layer that protects against scratches and daily wear.
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring options because it offers great durability, realistic wood designs, and affordable pricing.
Key Benefits
- Affordable alternative to real wood
- Scratch resistant surface
- Easy click installation system
- Wide range of colours and styles
- Low maintenance and easy cleaning
- Suitable for most rooms in the home
Laminate flooring is commonly available in 8mm and 12mm thickness options, each offering different levels of durability and comfort.
8mm Laminate Flooring
8mm laminate flooring is the most common choice for homeowners looking for quality flooring at an affordable price. Despite its slimmer profile, it still offers strong durability thanks to its dense core and protective AC4 wear layer.
Best For
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Rental properties
- Budget-friendly renovations
Quality Policy
- Lower cost compared to thicker flooring
- Easy installation
- Good durability for everyday household use
- Large range of colours and wood effects
This makes 8mm laminate flooring an excellent option for customers who want a stylish floor without exceeding their budget.
12mm Laminate Flooring
12mm laminate flooring offers a more premium laminate option. The extra thickness provides improved strength, stability, and a more solid feel underfoot.
Many homeowners prefer 12mm laminate because it creates a more realistic hardwood effect, especially in larger open spaces.
Best For
- High traffic areas
- Open-plan living areas
- Premium home interiors
- Customers wanting a more solid feel
Advantages
- Thicker boards for added durability
- Better sound insulation
- More realistic wood texture
- Stronger locking systems
The thicker core also allows manufacturers to create deeper wood grain textures, making the floor look more like real timber.
Stone Plastic Composite Flooring
SPC flooring is a newer type of rigid core flooring designed for maximum durability and waterproof performance.
Unlike laminate flooring, SPC contains a stone and polymer composite core, which makes it extremely stable and resistant to moisture.
This makes SPC flooring an excellent option for areas where traditional laminate flooring may not be suitable.
Best For
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Utility rooms
- Commercial spaces
- Busy households
Advantages
- 100% waterproof
- Highly durable rigid core construction
- Excellent dent and impact resistance
- Stable in changing temperatures
- Suitable for underfloor heating
SPC flooring combines the appearance of wood with the durability of vinyl and stone technology, making it one of the most practical flooring solutions available today.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers the authentic beauty of real hardwood, combined with modern construction designed to improve stability and durability.
Each plank consists of a real hardwood top layer, supported by multiple layers of plywood beneath. This layered structure helps reduce expansion and contraction caused by temperature and humidity changes.
Best For
- Premium home interiors
- Living rooms and bedrooms
- Customers wanting natural materials
- Luxury renovations
Advantages
- 100% waterproof
- Highly durable rigid core construction
- Excellent dent and impact resistance
- Stable in changing temperatures
- Suitable for underfloor heating
SPC flooring combines the appearance of wood with the durability of vinyl and stone technology, making it one of the most practical flooring solutions available today.
Why Some Flooring Costs More
Customers often ask why some floors are more expensive than others. The price usually depends on several factors:
Thickness
Thicker boards tend to be stronger, quieter, and more comfortable underfoot.
Core Material
SPC flooring uses advanced stone composite materials that increase durability and water resistance.
Surface Material
Engineered wood contains real hardwood, which increases both the cost and the natural appearance.
Durability Rating
Higher wear ratings (such as AC4 or AC5) provide better protection against scratches, impacts, and daily wear.
Longevity
Higher quality flooring typically lasts longer and may even increase the value of your home.
Need Help Choosing the Right Flooring?
If you’re unsure which flooring type is best for your home, our team can help guide you through the options based on your room, lifestyle, and budget.
We stock a wide range of laminate flooring, SPC flooring, and engineered wood, giving you the flexibility to find the perfect floor for your space.