Question 1

What is the most durable type of flooring?

Accepted Answer

For high traffic areas in the home, many people find laminate and [luxury vinyl flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/luxury\-vinyl\-flooring.list) a durable yet stylish pick. Alternatively, the strength of engineered and solid wood flooring also offers a long\-lasting quality you can enjoy for years. Not sure which is right for you? Speak to our in\-store experts at a flooring showroom near you or request a [flooring sample](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/flooring\-samples.list).

Question 2

What types of flooring are commonly used in homes?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to their soft or smooth feel underfoot, carpets and laminate flooring are probably the two most common flooring materials used at home. However, many people also love the range of colours and designs that you get with luxury vinyl flooring or the stylish collections of engineered hardwood flooring waiting at a local Homebase flooring showroom and store.

Question 3

What is laminate flooring?

Accepted Answer

[Laminate flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/laminate\-flooring.list) is a practical and cost\-effective alternative to traditional wooden, stone or even [oak flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/solid\-wood\-rural\-oak\-flooring/12829986.html). It's easy to fit and is tough and durable, so it's a great choice for busy areas of the house, especially if you have children and pets. To really see the difference between our floors, visit your local flooring showroom and store today.

Question 4

What is vinyl flooring?

Accepted Answer

[Vinyl flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/vinyl\-flooring.list) is more than simply stylish; it's designed to be life proof. It comes in a range of designs and installation types, from glue down to click systems.

It's made up of several layers – a sound absorbing base, a decorative printed layer, a durable vinyl layer and a fill layer that gives it extra strength. Because of this, you can purchase [kitchen vinyl flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/vinyl\-flooring.list) or options for [bathroom vinyl flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/vinyl\-flooring.list), along with any other room in your house. Visit your local flooring showroom and store and browse some luxury vinyl flooring.

Question 5

Can you lay laminate over carpet?

Accepted Answer

No, you should not lay laminate over carpet.

Carpet is not a suitable substitute for a proper laminate underlay as it does not provide a stable enough surface to support the [laminate flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/flooring\-tiling/flooring/laminate\-flooring.list). It may also cause mould and mildew and can allow dust and mites to accumulate which is dangerous for people with allergies.

For more information check out our guide on [how to lay laminate flooring](https://www.homebase.co.uk/ideas\-advice/decorating/flooring/how\-to\-lay\-laminate\-flooring/) and visit Homebase's flooring store and showroom to speak to one of our specialists.

Flooring showroom

Store Hours

Homebase Orpington Flooring Showroom & Store

Homebase Orpington Flooring Showroom Categories

Laminate flooring

Carpet tiles

Luxury vinyl flooring

Engineered & solid wood flooring

Vinyl flooring

Underlay

Edging

Tools and accessories

Flooring samples

Frequently asked questions