Choosing flooring: solid wood, engineered wood, SPC, tiles and microcement

The right floor finish is chosen according to whether the room is wet, whether there is underfloor heating, how heavy the use is and the feeling you want in the space. Wood-based finishes bring warmth to living areas and bedrooms; in bathrooms, kitchens and entrances, tiles, natural stone or microcement that resist water and wear come first. Below we compare the most common options.

Solid wood flooring

Made from a single piece of wood. Because it can be sanded and refinished, it lasts a very long time and grows more beautiful with age. It is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes; with underfloor heating, check the manufacturer's suitability conditions.

Engineered (multi-layer) wood flooring

A real wood top layer over plywood or similar layers. More stable than solid wood and generally better suited to underfloor heating. The thicker the top layer, the more times it can be refinished.

Laminate flooring

A printed decor and protective layer over high-density fibreboard. Economical and scratch-resistant, but it is not real wood and is sensitive to water. Choose the wear class according to the intensity of use.

SPC and vinyl flooring

Stone-plastic composite (SPC) and vinyl floors are water-resistant and, thanks to their thin profiles, can be laid over existing floors. They give a wood or stone look, but differ from natural materials in feel underfoot and long-term appearance.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles

Among the most resistant options to water, stains and wear; they work well with underfloor heating. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines for a calmer look. Wood-look porcelain tiles are an alternative for those who want a wood feel in wet areas.

Natural stone and microcement

Travertine and marble are timeless and characterful but need sealing and the right cleaning (our natural stone guide). Microcement gives a seamless, one-piece surface (our microcement article).

Which floor for which room?

• Living room and bedroom: solid or engineered wood; laminate depending on budget.
• Kitchen: porcelain tiles, natural stone, microcement or water-resistant SPC.
• Bathroom: porcelain tiles, natural stone or microcement (always with waterproofing underneath).
• Entrance and corridor: wear-resistant porcelain tiles or stone.
• Children's room: a warm, soft wood-based floor with an easy-to-clean rug on top.

Sound and neighbours

In apartment buildings, footstep noise reaches the neighbour below. A good acoustic underlay for floating wood and laminate floors, and insulation under the screed for tiles and stone, reduce sound transfer. The building's management plan may have rules on changing floors; check in advance.

“The floor is the surface you touch most in a home; choose it with your feet, not just your eyes.”

Conclusion

There is no single right floor; there is a floor that suits each room's use and the language of the whole home. Do not decide without seeing samples in daylight and evening light. We are with you in choosing materials through our interior design and consultancy services.

Frequently asked questions