Does a more expensive floor mean better quality? Let’s take a look at how to recognise a high-quality floor.

Whether you’re choosing timber, laminate, vinyl or composite flooring, there’s always the question of why a particular floor is more expensive in one shop and cheaper in another. At first glance, they look the same and even have very similar specifications, yet the price often differs by tens of euros per square metre.

Differences in products containing wood or wood-based composites:

1. Wood processing

For products containing wood or wood-based composites, there may be differences in the processing and quality of the wood. During the manufacturing process, it is certainly important to dry the wood properly to prevent surface changes or mould growth after installation.

You will not find the price of the timber used for a particular plank anywhere. Each floor contains a different proportion of timber species and varies in quality, which also affects the price at which a particular timber species is available. It is not possible to compare the price of solid wood used for a table or other piece of furniture with the wood used in the floor manufacturing process.

2. Where does the timber come from?

Some manufacturers buy their timber, whilst others have their own sources. Companies are often concerned about the environment. Some flooring manufacturers therefore ensure that the timber comes from sustainable forestry. They ensure that, as well as being phthalate-free and harmless to health, the flooring can be recycled. Some of the waste can be reused, whilst some can be sent to a biomass power station. Of course, not every customer is willing to pay extra for this process and support the company’s philosophy.

3. Wood grading

Another important factor with timber is its grading. The smoother and cleaner the timber, the more expensive it is. Timber floors with so-called knots and cracks are cheaper.

The difference in joint quality in flooring

You cannot judge the quality of the joints in flooring intended for floating installation at first glance. And certainly not when you are only looking at a sample on display in the shop. Perhaps, once you have the pack of flooring at home and notice that the tongues of the so-called click joints are warped, you will realise that the click system is of poor quality. In the worst-case scenario, you may only realise this after installation, when the joints start to come apart and therefore do not hold together properly, particularly at the short joints between the planks. Some specialist flooring shops offer the option of borrowing a whole plank or purchasing a sample plank; in such cases, an experienced floor fitter will be able to assess the quality of the joint for you.

Differences in surface finish – the printed floor design and the protective layer

The design is the first thing that catches your eye on a floor. At first glance, you cannot tell what technology the manufacturers have used to apply the decorative layer to the plank. In some cases, the decor looks the same even after several years; in others, you may notice in areas subject to heavier wear that the surface layer is flaking off, indicating poor quality. 

You’ll particularly appreciate the quality if you’re looking for flooring for more demanding conditions, such as a large, well-lit room with large windows. In this case, the quality of the flooring, its dimensional stability and surface finish will really come into their own. 

The difference in the amount of material used

The amount of material used also applies to the wear layer. The thicker it is, the higher the quality of the flooring. This information is clearly stated in the technical data sheet. It is more difficult to ascertain the amount of high-quality material used in the composition of the planks themselves. Composite flooring is very popular today, and manufacturers often keep the ratio of materials used a secret as part of their production process. In such cases, one can probably only rely on reviews or the brand’s reputation. Similarly, with vinyl flooring, the quality of the material and, above all, its safety for health are very important.

The difference in the quantity of goods purchased

The price can, of course, also depend on the quantity of goods purchased. If you buy in larger quantities, specialist flooring shops in particular can often offer you a better price.

Difference in plank size

Wider floor planks are very much in vogue these days. This type of flooring will lend your home an air of luxury. Your interior will take on an exceptionally spacious look. However, large-format planks are more difficult to manufacture. This means you’ll pay a bit more for the larger size.

Integrated underlay or flooring without underlay

Did you know that some floors already come with an integrated underlay? This means there are no additional costs for purchasing a separate underlay, nor for its installation. The underlay can be made of cork, polymer or other materials. This is also a difference you can see on the planks with the naked eye. With flooring without underlay, you’ll need to factor in additional costs for its installation if it’s a click-lock flooring system. 

Certified flooring

Flooring manufacturers often promote their products as safe, eco-friendly, water-resistant and possessing other important properties. But be careful: some may make these claims without having any verified evidence to back them up. Tests are carried out on these products, and quality seals and certificates are issued. And, of course, these certificates come at a cost, which is reflected in the final price of the flooring. The question is whether you want to be sure that the flooring in question is safe and that all its properties are confirmed by a certificate.

Read also >> The most commonly used and best-known certificates found on flooring

So what should you base your decision on when buying flooring?

It’s important to ask yourself whether you’re willing to pay extra for the quality and benefits associated with the manufacturing process, or whether you’re looking for a cheap floor. Also, whether you prefer natural flooring or are looking for something more durable. A reputable flooring retailer should provide you with all the available information about the flooring. Unfortunately, in large department stores with a varied range, this isn’t always possible. Whilst they do have a relatively wide selection and are open at weekends, they provide little information about what they’re actually selling. 

We recommend visiting specialist flooring shops, where the staff are professionally trained and focus solely on floor coverings or a similar range of related products. Of course, the level of customer care and guidance throughout the purchasing process is also different.

Read also >> 15 most common questions you’ll face when buying new flooring