Flooring Guides & Comparisons

Quick answer: There is no single best floor — there is a best floor for each room. Vinyl plank handles water and pets well and suits kitchens and bathrooms; laminate is budget-friendly for bedrooms and living rooms but hates standing water; tile is the toughest wet-room choice; hardwood looks best and lasts decades but costs more and needs care. Measure the room, add 10% for cuts and waste, and let new flooring acclimatise in the room before fitting.

Subfloor prep decides the result. A floor laid over an uneven, dirty, or damp subfloor will bounce, gap, or fail early. Check for level, moisture, and squeaks first — fixing those is unglamorous and essential.

Click-lock vinyl and laminate are the most beginner-friendly installs. Glue-down tile and nailed hardwood need more skill, tools, and time; a bad tile job is expensive to redo, so be honest about your level.

What This Hub Covers

  • Vinyl plank vs laminate: water resistance, feel, noise, and lifespan compared
  • Tile floors: layout, adhesive, grout, and sealing for kitchens and bathrooms
  • Hardwood and engineered wood: solid vs engineered, finishes, and refinishing
  • Carpet vs hard floors in bedrooms: warmth, allergies, and upkeep
  • Underlay and underfloor heating compatibility, room by room

Planning Your Budget

Costs vary a lot by region and city — labour rates in London or Sydney are not the same as in a small US town, and material prices shift with supply. Treat every range on this site as a planning starting point, then get two or three local quotes before you commit.

Safety first: hire a licensed pro for electrical, gas, and structural work. If a mistake could flood your home, cause a shock, start a fire, or affect the structure, it is not a DIY job.

Guides in This Hub

Related Hubs

Common Questions

What is the best flooring for a kitchen?

Vinyl plank and tile are the usual winners: both handle spills and wet feet. Laminate can work in a kitchen if spills are wiped up promptly, but standing water damages it. Hardwood needs more care around sinks and dishwashers.

Can a beginner install vinyl plank flooring?

Yes — click-lock vinyl plank is one of the most beginner-friendly flooring jobs. You need a straight cut (utility knife or saw), spacers for the expansion gap, and a level subfloor. Leave the expansion gap at walls or the floor can buckle.

Is laminate or vinyl better for pets?

Vinyl usually wins for pets: it resists scratches and accidents better, and it is quieter underfoot. Laminate is cheaper but can swell if pet accidents sit on it.

How much extra flooring should I buy?

Add about 10% over the room’s area for cuts and waste, more for diagonal layouts or rooms with many angles. Keep a spare box for future repairs.

Do I need underlay under vinyl or laminate?

Many vinyl planks have attached underlay; laminate almost always needs it for sound and minor levelling. Check the manufacturer’s instructions — the wrong underlay can void a warranty.

Planning a project? Check our cost guides before you budget — costs vary by region and city.