Choosing the right flooring for your home or business takes thoughtful planning. Think about the atmosphere you want to create—whether it’s cosy, practical, or modern—and consider key factors such as foot traffic, maintenance requirements, and budget.
Here are some helpful tips to guide you in selecting the perfect flooring.
Does Usage Influence Your Flooring Choice?
Successful flooring installation starts with understanding how the space will be used. Before choosing a material, consider the room size, frequency of use, and how many people will regularly walk on it.
- High-traffic areas: Durable options like hardwood or laminate work best.
- Moisture-prone areas: Water-resistant flooring is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Children or pets at home: Stain- and scratch-resistant surfaces make maintenance easier.
Different Types of Flooring to Choose From
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to real wood and requires less maintenance. It comes in many styles and is ideal for high-traffic family areas and light commercial spaces. Laminate is durable, easy to clean, and damaged planks can be replaced individually.
Although it is stain-resistant and suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, laminate can become slippery when damp and is not recommended for stairs. Many laminate options are also compatible with underfloor heating for added comfort in winter.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers luxury, strength, and long-term value. It has a multi-layer core with a top layer of premium wood such as oak, walnut, or teak, making it more stable than solid wood. It resists expansion, shrinkage, and can be sanded or refinished multiple times.
Available in a variety of wood species, colours, and finishes, engineered wood is DIY-friendly and often comes with warranties of up to 25 years, making it a sound investment.
Cushion Vinyl Flooring
Cushion vinyl flooring is versatile, affordable, and available in countless colours, patterns, and designs. It pairs well with underfloor heating, is water- and slip-resistant, and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas.
The cushioned surface adds comfort underfoot, and its easy-clean nature makes it practical for busy households.
Contract Vinyl Flooring
Contract vinyl flooring is built for heavy use in commercial environments. It’s waterproof, slip-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it ideal for schools, offices, shops, and communal areas.
Hot-welded seams create smooth, safe, and wheelchair-friendly surfaces.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
LVT combines the beauty of natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramic with the practicality of vinyl. It’s durable, water- and stain-resistant, and available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs.
Perfect for any room—including bathrooms and kitchens—LVT is low-maintenance, easy to install, and even suitable for use on walls in classrooms or creative spaces.
Wool Carpet
Wool carpets are a warm, comfortable option for bedrooms and living areas. Their natural fibres provide insulation, helping with energy efficiency. Wool is durable, dirt-resistant, and easy to clean, offering long-term value despite its higher upfront cost.
Polypropylene Carpet
Polypropylene carpets are made from synthetic fibres, making them budget-friendly, durable, and stain-resistant. They can be cleaned with bleach solutions and are ideal for homes with kids and pets.
Choose a heavier pile for high-traffic spaces to prevent wear. These carpets are known for excellent colourfastness, ensuring they retain their vibrant look over time.
Carpets Empire – The Flooring Experts
At Carpets Empire, we stock a wide range of trusted flooring brands, each chosen for its quality and reliability. Choosing branded flooring ensures you get proven performance, durability, and design excellence.
Our expert team will guide you through our diverse range of colours, patterns, materials, and finishes to help you find the perfect flooring that suits your space and lifestyle.
