Wood Flooring

As always, this question tends to create a lot of debate and discussion among homeowners and experts alike. In reality, there is no single right answer—only the solution that works best for you and the specific needs of your home. When choosing between these products, there are several important factors to consider. How do you live in your home daily? What type of heating system do you currently use or plan to install? What level of insulation does your property have? Consider also your family makeup—do you have young children, elderly family members, or pets sharing the space with you? What design preferences are you aiming for, and do those preferences change depending on the room in question? Additionally, what budget are you working within? All these questions and more need careful consideration, and different factors may carry more weight depending on your individual circumstances. In short, there are no perfect answers, and ultimately the decisions are yours to make. However, we always advise people to follow their heart while also listening to their practical side—a balance of both usually leads to the best results. To provide some context, we’ll share a few key points and honest insights about each product’s strengths in various areas.

Laminate timber flooring has greatly improved in quality over the last few years, making it a highly popular and practical choice for many different types of buildings and rooms. It is now by far the leading option for various spaces, especially bedrooms, where it is often preferred because it is much easier to keep clean and maintain hygienic compared to carpets. Additionally, laminate flooring is widely used in rental properties and older housing stock, particularly in living and dining areas, due to its durability and affordability. The introduction of waterproof ranges has further enhanced the versatility of laminate flooring, allowing it to be installed in areas such as hallways and entrances, which frequently experience moisture due to the often wet Irish climate. There is also a wide variety of colours, styles, and finishes available, making laminate flooring a perfect and cost-effective solution for homeowners and landlords alike.

Hardwood engineered flooring is indeed a highly beautiful product, offering a timeless appeal that can enhance the atmosphere of any home. Depending on your budget, it can be used throughout various areas of your living space, adding warmth and character to each environment. The flooring itself is hardwearing and durable, capable of being sanded and refinished multiple times over many years of use, which makes it a truly long-lasting investment. As a natural product, every plank has unique variations, so the patterns are never repetitive. The colours will subtly change and grow familiar to you, becoming a cherished part of your home over time. This type of flooring is widely used in functional rooms such as large dining areas and sitting rooms, where it provides both elegance and practicality. It remains a product that few people ever grow tired of. However, it is on the more expensive side, so depending on how your budget is allocated, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Additionally, with the increasing popularity of underfloor heating in many modern homes, hardwood engineered flooring is becoming less common, as other flooring options often work better with heating systems.

Vinyl flooring is a relatively new product on the market and is regarded as highly environmentally friendly due to its low environmental impact during production and use. It works exceptionally well with underfloor heating systems, making it a practical choice for modern homes. Additionally, vinyl flooring is easy to clean and offers excellent slip resistance, which makes it an ideal option for a wide variety of both new and older residential properties. Like all products, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Since vinyl flooring is still relatively new, its long-term durability and longevity have not yet been fully established through extensive use. One important consideration is that it requires a very level subfloor because of its nature. However, the installation process is typically quick and straightforward. Although the available range of colours and styles is still somewhat limited compared to laminate flooring, this variety is steadily expanding to offer more options for homeowners.