Which floor to choose: vinyl, laminate, wood or tiles?

The floor is the surface you touch every day — and a poor choice reminds you of itself for years. Let's go through the four most common materials with their strengths and weaknesses.

Vinyl flooring — today's all-rounder

Vinyl (especially rigid SPC) is currently the most sought-after apartment floor: fully waterproof, quiet, warm to the touch and a faithful imitation of wood or stone.

• Price installed: roughly CZK 900–1,600/m².
• Underfloor heating: an excellent choice — low thermal resistance.
• Where: anywhere including kitchen and hallway; prefer tiles in the bathroom.

Laminate — the cheapest "wood"

Laminate floors are affordable and scratch-resistant but sensitive to water and noisier underfoot. A quality underlay is a must.

• Price installed: roughly CZK 700–1,200/m².
• Underfloor heating: yes, with a suitable underlay.
• Where: bedrooms, studies, kids' rooms on a tight budget.

Wooden floor — the natural classic

Three-layer oak floors are a decades-long investment — they can be re-sanded and age beautifully. They do require stable humidity and gentler treatment.

• Price installed: roughly CZK 1,800–3,500/m².
• Underfloor heating: yes for fully glued three-layer floors; solid wood with caution.
• Where: living rooms and bedrooms where you want natural material and prestige.

Tiles — indestructible and ideal with heating

Ceramic tiles transfer underfloor heat best of all and shrug off water and sand. Large formats look modern; without heating they feel cold.

• Price installed: roughly CZK 1,300–2,500/m² by format.
• Underfloor heating: the best possible combination.
• Where: bathrooms, hallways, utility rooms, kitchens — and with heating, the whole ground floor.

Quick comparison

A tip from practice

Don't underestimate substrate preparation — screed flatness determines the lifespan of any floating floor. And if you plan underfloor heating, choose the covering by thermal resistance (ideally under 0.15 m²K/W). With our renovations, floors and substrate preparation come in one budget.