How to choose the best floor?
Your step-by-step guide to the best floor
A floor is more than a finishing touch. It’s the foundation of how you want to live.
So choosing the right floor isn’t just about style. It’s about comfort, quality and the confidence that you’ve made the right decision for years to come. Whether you already know what you’re looking for or you’re still exploring your options, this guide will help you move a step ahead, one step at a time.
Already know your floor type?
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Not sure yet?
Follow our 5-step guide and find the ideal floor for your home, your style and your everyday life.
Step 2: Define your look & feel
Step 3: Match your floor to your life
Step 1: Start with your space
Every room gets used differently. And your floor needs to keep up. Think about how the space is used – not just how it looks. Is it calm or busy? Dry or humid? Quiet or full of life? The answers will point you in the right direction.
Wet rooms: where life gets a little messy
Make sure your floor is:
- Resistant to water, spills and humidity
- Easy to clean and hygienic
- Safe underfoot, even during “rush hour”
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Comfort zones: a place to unwind
Choose flooring that’s:
- Warm and inviting to the touch
- Quiet to walk on – no echoes or vibrations
- Soft underfoot – even barefoot
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High-traffic areas: where life happens
Your floor should be:
- Resistant to scratches, dirt and daily wear
- Easy to maintain, even in busy households
- Tough enough for kids, pets and action-packed living
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Answer a few simple questions about your space, style and priorities. And get clear recommendations tailored to your home and how you want to live.
Step 2: Define your look & feel
Once you know where your floor will go, it’s time to decide how you want it to feel. Your floor sets the tone of a room. And it stays with you for years. So this is about more than colours or trends. It’s about creating a space that feels right, every day, today and tomorrow.
Consider your room: size, light, layout
Small changes in tone and layout can completely transform how a room feels.
- Small rooms: Open up the space with lighter wood tones like oak or ash. Making it feel brighter and more spacious.
- Larger rooms: Add warmth with deeper tones like walnut or charcoal. Bringing a sense of intimacy.
- Plank direction: Lay your floor lengthways to visually stretch your room. Or choose diagonal or patterned layouts to create a more dynamic look. How laying direction changes your space
- Natural light: Choose lighter floors to brighten darker (e.g. south-facing) rooms. Avoiding a heavy or shadowy look.
Tip: Always check samples at home – during the day and at night. The same floor can feel very different depending on the light.
Order your floor sample here
Match your style: now and in the long run
Trends come and go, but your floor stays. The key is to choose a look that fits your style today – and still feels right tomorrow.
- Modern interiors: Create a calm, uncluttered look with clean lines, soft neutrals and subtle textures.
- Function-first aesthetics: Go with strong, architectural forms and raw materials for an authentic, functional interior.
- Classic spaces: Add timeless elegance with natural wood looks and refined finishes.
- Play with contrast: Combine light floors with darker walls (or the other way around) to add depth and keep things fresh.
Add character: patterns and details
If you want your floor to stand out, patterns and laying styles can make a big difference!
- Herringbone: elegant, timeless, and full of movement
- Hungarian point: a more architectural, refined take on classic timber
- Wide or long planks: create a calm, open feel
- Narrow planks or tiles: add rhythm and detail
Find the colours that anchor your space
Colour isn’t just about looks. Your floor defines the whole mood of your space, day to day.
- Darker floors: rich and stylish, but may show dust and pet hair more quickly
- Very light floors: fresh and airy, but can reveal stains or marks more easily
- Mid tones: the most forgiving choice for busy homes
Step 3: Fit your floor to your life
Not the other way around! Your floor should be adapted to the needs of your space and those who live, work and play in it.
The right floor type makes all the difference. Each one has its strengths. Up to you to choose based on what’s most important to you.
Feature |
Laminate |
Vinyl |
Timber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for … | Busy family homes & high-traffic hallways | Living spaces & bedrooms with a premium feel | Natural look, premium look and premium feel |
| Water resistance | The only 100% watertight laminate floor | 100% watertight, guaranteed | More sensitive to spills but fine with a little extra care |
| Comfort underfoot | Firm, stable feel for carefree living | Soft & warm for ultimate comfort every day | Naturally warm with the feel of authentic materials |
| Sound | Moderate sound performance: perfect for comfort zones | Quiet & sound-absorbing: ideal for apartments or multi-storey homes | Soft, solid acoustics: naturally sound absorbent |
| Maintenance | Very easy to clean and keep it that way | Clear, hygienic and effortless maintenance | Requires a little more care and attention |
| Installation | The ultimate DIY-friendly solution | Super easy to install, even on top of existing floors | Professional installation recommended |
| Underfloor heating compatible | Yes, compatible with most systems | Yes, absolutely: the perfect solution | Compatible, but efficiency may vary |
| Price range | Budget-friendly | Mid-range | Premium |
| Lifespan / durability | Strong & scratch-resistant | Very durable & wear-resistant | Long-lasting – can age beautifully |
| Explore laminate floors | Explore vinyl floors | Explore timber floors |
What this means for your home
- Laminate is a great all-rounder. It combines good durability with easy maintenance. Ideal for busy households with kids, pets and lots of movement.
- Vinyl is built for comfort and practicality. Fully watertight, quiet underfoot and easy to live on. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and everyday family life.
- Timber brings unmatched character and warmth. It’s a natural material that evolves over time. The ideal choice if you’re looking for a premium, timeless look.
Step 4: Lay the perfect foundations
What you don’t see matters just as much as what you do! The right underlay makes your floor feel quieter, warmer and more comfortable. For a lifetime of enjoyment. It’s the difference between a floor that simply looks good, and one that truly works for your home.
Quiet comfort, every day
The right underlay quietly improves everything. More comfort, less noise and a floor that performs for years.
- Softer steps and reduced sound
- More peace and quiet – especially in apartments or multi-storey homes
- A stable, long-lasting foundation
- Smooths out small imperfections
Warmth where it matters
If you’re planning underfloor heating, your floor and the underlay need to work together seamlessly.
The right combination ensures:
- Faster, more efficient heating
- Even heat distribution
- A long lifespan
Good to know: all Quick-Step floors are compatible with underfloor heating, even our timber parquetry floors. But efficiency can vary.
Step 5: Choose your priorities
By now, you know what your space needs, how you want it to feel and which floor types fit your lifestyle.
Now it’s about the practical choices that turn a good decision into the right one. For your home, your budget and your peace of mind.
Plan your budget with confidence
A floor is a long-term investment. Plan it properly from the start and it will pay you back for years to come!
- Think beyond the surface: Don’t forget the underlay (if needed), skirting boards and finishing details
- Allow for cutting loss: Add around 10% extra to avoid surprises
- Consider installation: DIY saves costs, professional fitting ensures a flawless result
Choose how you want to live
The right floor doesn’t just look good. It should fit effortlessly into your daily routine.
Dark floors
Rich and elegant, but they can show dust and pet hair more quickly
Very light floors
Fresh and airy, but they can show marks or stains
Mid tones
The most forgiving choice for busy homes
Decide how you want to install
Installing a floor has never been so easy. Thanks to Quick-Step’s patented Uniclic and Unzip systems, putting down a new floor is almost child’s play. That said, a professional installer can add value, especially for trickier spaces and layouts.
- DIY installation: Fast, straightforward and cost-saving for many rooms
- Professional installation: Ideal for complex layouts, patterns or underfloor heating
How to install Quick-Step laminate floors
How to install Quick-Step vinyl floors
How to install Quick-Step timber floors
If you’re unsure, expert advice can make all the difference.
Look for lasting reassurance
A floor is something you live with every day. So it should come with lasting confidence.
- Long warranties give you peace of mind
- High-quality materials ensure durability over time
- The right choice today means fewer worries tomorrow
Whatever you choose, regular care keeps your floor looking its best with minimal effort.
Think ahead: sustainability and durability
Choosing a floor also means thinking about the future.
- Durable floors last longer and reduce waste in the long run
- Easy maintenance means fewer resources over time
- Responsible production helps lower environmental impact
- Recycling efforts like our Recover Program help close the loop
Because the best choice isn’t just right for you and your home, but for those who come next.
See it in real life: find a Quick-Step dealer
There’s nothing like seeing a floor with your own eyes – or trying it out underfoot! Experience the Quick-Step difference for yourself. And get expert advice on making the right choice for you and your home.