Flooring accounts for a significant proportion of the visible surface area in any room and has a major influence on how the space looks, feels, and performs. Getting the flooring right in a renovation is important not just for aesthetics but for durability, practicality, and budget management.
For open-plan ground floors in extensions and refurbishments, continuity of flooring material between the kitchen, dining, and living areas creates a sense of space and cohesion. Large-format porcelain tiles, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl tile are all popular choices for this application. Each has different characteristics in terms of how it feels underfoot, its response to heat and moisture, its durability, and its cost.
Porcelain tiles are extremely durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Large-format tiles of sixty by sixty centimetres or larger create a sleek, contemporary appearance and can be used both indoors and outdoors to create a continuous level surface when combined with bifold or sliding doors. The disadvantage of tiles is that they are cold underfoot unless heated by underfloor heating, and they are hard and unforgiving if something is dropped on them.
Engineered hardwood is a popular choice for kitchen-diners and living rooms. It provides the warmth and character of natural wood at a lower cost than solid timber, and because it is constructed with a thin hardwood veneer over a stable core, it is less susceptible to movement from humidity changes than solid wood. Engineered hardwood can typically be used with underfloor heating within the manufacturer specifications for the heating temperature.
Luxury vinyl tile, often abbreviated to LVT, has become extremely popular in residential renovations over the past decade. Modern LVT products replicate the appearance of stone and wood convincingly, are waterproof and extremely durable, comfortable underfoot compared with tiles, and significantly less expensive than natural materials. They are particularly suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
For bedrooms, carpet remains a popular choice because of its softness, acoustic properties, and warmth. Wool or wool-blend carpets are more durable and more naturally fire-resistant than synthetic alternatives, and they maintain their appearance better over time with proper care.
For stairs, durability and slip resistance are important considerations. A fitted carpet with a good quality underlay is the safest and most durable option. Hardwood or LVT stair nosings with carpet on the tread is a popular combination that gives the appearance of hard flooring while maintaining grip.
RCB Design and Build incorporates flooring supply and installation in many of our refurbishment projects, providing guidance on material selection and coordinating the installation within the wider construction sequence.