A concise, Kenya‑focused guide that explains materials, performance, and standards — with credible sources — so you can choose the right floor and avoid common marketing traps.
Kenya Nairobi • Mombasa • Malindi • Nationwide supply
Specs vary by brand/collection; always check the data sheet. Below is a typical, simplified comparison.
| Property | SPC (Rigid Core Vinyl) | LVT (Flexible or Rigid) | Laminate | Engineered Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core composition | Stone‑polymer composite (rigid) | Vinyl/PVC; flexible or rigid MMF | HDF core + decorative layer + melamine wear layer | Real wood top layer bonded to multi‑ply or HDF core |
| Water resistance | Excellent (joins must be sealed per brand) | Excellent–Good (varies by build) | Good–Moderate (check edge swelling protection) | Moderate; manage humidity and spills |
| Acoustics/underfoot feel | Firm; add underlay for comfort | Often quieter/warmer than SPC | Depends on underlay and HDF density | Warm, natural; can creak if poorly installed |
| Scratch/wear resistance | Very good with PU wear layer | Very good with PU wear layer | Rated by AC class (EN 13329) | Refinishable depending on top‑layer thickness |
| Subfloor prep | Rigid core hides minor telegraphing | Flexible types need better prep | Needs flatness; click systems are sensitive | Needs flatness; moisture management critical |
| Typical use‑areas | Homes & commercial (Class 33/34) | Homes & commercial (Class 32–34) | Homes & light–heavy commercial (AC3–AC5) | Premium residential & boutique commercial |
For LVT/SPC, look for products assessed against ISO 10874 use classes (e.g., 23/33/34) and MMF standard EN 16511 for rigid panels.
Leading Belgian/EU manufacturers (e.g., Unilin/Quick‑Step) design to European norms and publish technical data sheets and even Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for transparency. Look for compliance with EN 13329 (laminate wear), EN 16511 (rigid multilayer panels/MMF), and ISO 10874 (use‑area classes). This yields predictable durability and warranty support.
Quality comes from core density, precise milling and advanced click profiles that resist edge swelling and micro‑gapping. Many budget imports focus on headline thickness but vary in density and click accuracy, which affects lifespan and water resistance.
Thickness is easy to market, but what drives stability and click strength is the core quality. For laminate, a high‑density fiberboard (HDF) core with density typically in the 800–900 kg/m³ range will generally outperform a thicker but low‑density board. Better density = better edge strength, moisture resistance and dimensional stability.
AC (Abrasion Class) is a laminate‑only wear test from EN 13329 (AC1–AC6). Service Classes (21–23, 31–34, 41–43) are used across categories (vinyl, laminate, etc.) to indicate the use area intensity. They aren’t identical systems, but many brands give guidance that roughly pairs them for choosing the right product.
| Environment | Service class (ISO 10874) | Typical laminate AC (EN 13329) | Typical use examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic — light/moderate/heavy | 21 / 22 / 23 | AC2 / AC3 | Bedrooms, living rooms, busy family rooms |
| Commercial — moderate | 31 / 32 | AC3 / AC4 | Hotel rooms, offices, small shops |
| Commercial — heavy / very intensive | 33 / 34 | AC4 / AC5–AC6 | Retail floors, lobbies, public buildings |
Note: AC measures wear resistance of laminate; service class describes intended use intensity across categories. Always follow the data sheet for your exact product.
Compare real, source‑backed specs — then see curated Belgian collections for Kenya.
We include third‑party sources so this page reads as an independent guide, while still linking to curated products for Kenya.