Things to consider before buying flooring
Choosing the right floor is an investment in comfort and value. Keep these points in mind before you finalise:
- Usage & traffic: Choose AC4 for homes and AC5 or commercial grades for offices, retail and high-traffic areas.
- Moisture: For kitchens, bathrooms or humid areas prefer waterproof vinyl, SPC or hybrid laminate.
- Sub-floor: The base must be level, dry and clean. Self-levelling may be required.
- Look & format: Planks make rooms look longer; herringbone and chevron add a premium, classic feel.
- Budget: Include underlay, skirting, profiles and installation in your estimate.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer product with a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, a high-resolution decor layer and a protective wear layer. It looks like real wood but is more scratch resistant and economical.
Laminate vs Engineered vs Vinyl
| Feature | Laminate | Engineered | Vinyl / LVT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top layer | Printed decor | Real wood veneer | Printed PVC |
| Water resistance | Moderate / Hybrid waterproof | Moderate | Waterproof |
| Scratch resistance | High | Medium | Medium-High |
| Budget | ₹₹ | ₹₹₹₹ | ₹₹ |