Flooring types
Each floor is installed differently. Here is what changes from one material to the next, and what that means for your plan.
- Laminate
Click planks on an HDF core. Floating installation with an 8–10 mm gap at every wall.
- Vinyl plank (LVT and SPC)
Flexible LVT or rigid SPC core. Waterproof surface, smaller gap, needs a very flat subfloor.
- Engineered wood
Real wood wear layer on plywood or HDF. Float, glue or nail; needs a 10–15 mm gap.
- Solid hardwood
Solid boards, nailed to timber or glued to screed. Largest gap and strict moisture rules.
- Porcelain and ceramic tile
Set in adhesive with grout joints. Layout lines, coverage and lippage control are everything.