Materials

Flooring for the whole home: parquet, tiles or vinyl – how to choose

Arch. Katerina Taneva8 November 20264 min read
In short

For living spaces we most often choose oak parquet (natural, warm, can be sanded) or quality vinyl (water-resistant, more affordable). For the kitchen, bathroom and entrance hall – ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware, often in a large format. If you want a unified look throughout the home, vinyl or large-format tiles can run through all rooms without thresholds. The choice depends on your lifestyle (children, pets), underfloor heating and budget.

The floor is the largest surface in the home and one of the hardest to replace. That is why choosing it is an important decision – it sets the colour base, the acoustics, the feeling underfoot and even maintenance for years to come. Here is how we compare floorings when choosing them together with our clients.

Comparison of floorings

FlooringProsCons
Solid / engineered parquetNatural wood, warm, can be sanded, long lifeSensitive to water and scratches
LaminateAffordable, many decors, easy installationNoisier, sensitive to water, can't be refinished
Vinyl (LVT / SPC)Waterproof, quiet, warm, suitable for underfloor heatingNot a natural material
Tiles / porcelain stonewareExtremely durable, waterproof, ideal with underfloor heatingCold without heating, hard
MicrocementJointless surface, modern lookNeeds an experienced installer and care
Flooring samples – parquet, vinyl, tiles and microcement
Always choose flooring from a sample, in daylight and next to the other materials.

Parquet – the natural solution

Engineered (three-layer) parquet is the most commonly used – the top layer is real wood (most often oak), and the base is stable and suitable for underfloor heating. Solid parquet is thicker and can be sanded more times, but it is more sensitive to moisture.

  • Pattern: straight planks, herringbone or chevron.
  • Finish: oil (natural, easier to repair locally) or lacquer (more stain-resistant).
  • Suitable for: living room, bedrooms, study, dining room.
Oak herringbone parquet in a living room
Herringbone adds character and movement even to a minimalist interior.

Laminate – the affordable option

Modern laminate imitates wood very well and is scratch-resistant. It suits a more limited budget and rooms without moisture. Choose wear class AC4 or AC5 for a home and a good underlay for quieter footsteps.

Vinyl – the practical choice

Vinyl (LVT and rigid SPC) has become one of the most sought-after floors. It is waterproof, quiet, warm to the touch and suitable for underfloor heating. It can be laid in the kitchen and even the bathroom, allowing the same flooring throughout the home. Choose quality vinyl with a thick wear layer.

Tiles and porcelain stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is the most durable flooring – it doesn't scratch, doesn't absorb and lasts for decades. Large-format tiles (60×120, 120×120 cm and more) have few joints and make the space calmer and larger. They are ideal with underfloor heating.

Large-format beige tiles in a kitchen and dining room
Large-format tiles with minimal joints make the space calmer.

Microcement

A thin jointless finish that can be applied to the floor, walls and even furniture. It gives a modern, monolithic look, but needs an experienced installer, a level base and a protective sealant.

Which floor for which room

  • Living room and bedrooms: parquet, vinyl or quality laminate.
  • Kitchen: porcelain stoneware or vinyl – resistant to water and stains.
  • Bathroom: porcelain stoneware, microcement or waterproof vinyl (outside the shower area).
  • Entrance hall: porcelain stoneware – resistant to mud and sand.
  • Terrace: porcelain stoneware with an anti-slip finish (R11) or thermowood decking.

One flooring for the whole home

More and more often we choose one flooring that runs through the whole apartment without thresholds. This makes the space bigger and more coherent. Vinyl and large-format tiles are suitable, or parquet with tiles only in the bathroom. Transitions are made with thin profiles, or without a profile if the floorings are at the same level – this is planned at the screed stage.

Choosing the flooring is part of the interior design project and must be decided before the screeds – see the right order of renovation stages.

“The floor is the backdrop to everything in the home. When it is chosen right, nobody notices it – everything just looks right.” – Arch. Katerina Taneva

Frequently asked questions

What is the most durable flooring?

Porcelain stoneware – it doesn't scratch, doesn't absorb water and lasts for decades. Of the “warm” floorings, quality vinyl is the most durable.

Can parquet be used with underfloor heating?

Yes, engineered three-layer parquet is suitable for underfloor heating, provided the manufacturer's temperature requirements are followed.

Vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl is waterproof, quieter and suitable for kitchens, while laminate is more affordable but sensitive to water.

What colour floor should I choose?

Medium warm wood tones are the most versatile – they don't show dust and scratches the way very light and very dark floors do.

When is parquet laid during a renovation?

At the end, once the screed is completely dry and the heavy works are finished.

Not sure which flooring is right for you? We will help you choose with samples at the showroom.

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Arch. Katerina Taneva
Arch. Katerina TanevaArchitect and founder of DOMO. Member of the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria, with more than 15 years of practice and 150+ completed projects.
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