The decision has been made: a new floor is coming. But as soon as you start looking, you'll be bombarded with technical terms. Will you choose a traditional laminate floor, flexible PVC planks, or that immensely popular herringbone PVC? And what on earth is the difference between 'Rigid click' and 'Glue-down (dryback)'?
At Bouwshop Utrecht, we understand that you might feel overwhelmed. A floor is an investment for years; it not only has to look beautiful but also be perfectly installed. In this guide, we'll explain in understandable language what you need to pay attention to and how to arrange everything smoothly in one go.
1. The great battle: PVC floor vs. Laminate floor
Although they both optically resemble real wood, they are entirely different products:
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The Laminate floor: Consists of compressed wood panels with a plastic top layer. It is budget-friendly, scratch-resistant, and ideal for bedrooms. The downside? It's less fond of moisture and can 'clatter' if there isn't a good underlayment.
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The PVC floor: Made of high-quality plastic. This means the floor is 100% waterproof (ideal for the kitchen or bathroom), extremely quiet to walk on, and the absolute king in conducting underfloor heating.
2. Rigid Click vs. Glue-down (Dryback) PVC: What's the difference?
If you choose a PVC floor (whether it's straight PVC planks or a herringbone PVC pattern), you'll encounter two installation methods. This is the biggest choice point for consumers:
Glue-down PVC (Dryback)
These are thin, flexible strips (usually around 2.5 mm thick) that are glued directly to the subfloor.
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The advantage: It offers the highest efficiency for underfloor heating, and you don't need skirting boards because it fits snugly against the wall.
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The pitfall: Your screed must be truly mirror-smooth. Every unevenness or grain of sand will immediately show through the PVC. Leveling is an absolute must here.
Rigid Click PVC (SPC)
This is the modern variant. This flooring has a hard, stable intermediate layer (often made of stone composite, also known as SPC) and a click connection.
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The advantage: The floor is extremely strong and can be laid floating over slight unevenness. Many variants even have an integrated underlayment.
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The pitfall: Although it seems easier to install, a stable, dry base and the correct expansion joint (working space) remain crucial to prevent the click connections from breaking over time.
3. Our Bestsellers: Favorites in Utrecht
Looking for inspiration? These are the absolute favorites and bestsellers from our assortment that you can perfectly combine with our professional installation service:
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Oneflor Soft Oak Greige Herringbone PVC Rigid Click: The perfect 'greige' shade (between grey and beige) that instantly adds warmth to any modern interior.
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OTIUM Calm Herringbone SPC Rigid PVC: A beautiful, 6 mm thick floor including an integrated underlayment and an ultra-matte finish, making it indistinguishable from real wood.
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Oneflor Sawcut Oak Natural Herringbone PVC Rigid Click: For those who love the robust, natural look of sawn oak wood.
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Beautifloor Click Vinyl Regione Veneto PVC: An extremely reliable, stylish, and comfortable choice for high-traffic areas.
Everything under one roof at Bouwshop Utrecht: Buy your floor and have it installed!
Buying a beautiful floor is step one. But did you know that a floor only truly becomes beautiful through the craftsmanship with which it is laid? Especially with herringbone PVC, precision work is meticulously important. One steering error at the beginning and your entire herringbone pattern will run crooked at the end of the room.
At Bouwshop Utrecht, we believe in everything under one roof. You don't have to struggle with glue, utility knives, or heavy packages yourself, and you don't have to look for an external freelancer who only has time in six months.
More than 20 years of experience in finishing & maintenance
Behind our construction shop is our own renowned contracting company: ZAHR & Zonen B.V. (formerly known as Algebra Klus & Onderhoud). With more than 20 years of experience in the complete finishing and maintenance of homes and commercial properties, our craftsmen know exactly how to prepare, level, and deliver a floor. We don't do half-measures; we ensure your subfloor perfectly meets the requirements so you retain maximum warranty on your floor.
Want to enjoy your new floor carefree? Leave the hauling, leveling, and precise installation to the professionals at ZAHR & Zonen B.V. Request a no-obligation quote directly via our quote page for floor installation service and discover how easy it is when everything is arranged under one roof!
