How we work
The choice between different types of wood or wood-effect flooring depends on three main factors: budget, intended use, and desired aesthetics. AC4 laminate floating flooring, which is our biggest seller today, combines excellent value for money with resistance to intensive use. It consists of a top melamine layer with a realistic wood effect (high abrasion durability), a high-density fibreboard core, and a bottom balancing layer. The top layer has an AC4 classification (suitable for intense domestic use or moderate commercial use) and withstands 25,000 abrasive cycles without visible wear. For standard domestic use, it lasts 15-25 years maintaining a good appearance. Its drawback is that although visually very realistic, it is not natural wood and cannot be re-sanded and varnished if damaged at any point. Solid parquet is the traditional option. Each plank is 100 per cent solid natural wood, typically oak, ash, or walnut. Much more expensive to purchase and install, but it gives a unique character to the room because each plank has a distinct natural grain. Its great advantage is indefinite durability. If it wears or gets damaged, it can be re-sanded and varnished multiple times throughout its life. This is what was installed in old high-end flats and what we recommend for premium home renovations where the budget allows. The most critical step is subfloor preparation. Floating flooring requires a subfloor with a maximum deviation of 3 mm over a 2-meter straightedge. If the subfloor has greater deviations, it must be levelled with self-levelling compound before starting. Without this levelling, the tongue-and-groove joints progressively separate, and visible gaps appear between planks after a few months of use.
