In short: SPC flooring at Excel Deco costs from KSh 2,200 per sqm and is waterproof, warmer and quieter than tiles, while tiles cost roughly KSh 1,800 to KSh 4,000 per sqm plus cement and labour. SPC suits Kenyan living rooms and bedrooms and can often go over flat tiles; see samples at Summit House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi CBD.

SPC vs tiles side by side

Which one should you pick?

• Living rooms and bedrooms: SPC
• Kitchens: SPC, or keep good tiles
• Showers and wet rooms: tiles
• Verandas and outdoor steps: tiles or WPC decking

Picture a family in Buruburu with 1990s tiles in the living room. Breaking them out meant dust for a week. SPC went over the top in a day and the room felt warmer that same evening.

Cost worked out for a 2 bedroom flat in Kilimani

Take a two bedroom flat with 55 sqm of floor in the living room, corridor and bedrooms. Here is how the floor material compares.

• SPC 4mm: 55 x KSh 2,200 = KSh 121,000.
• SPC 5mm: 55 x KSh 2,500 = KSh 137,500.
• Tiles: 55 x KSh 1,800 = KSh 99,000 up to 55 x KSh 4,000 = KSh 220,000. Then add cement, adhesive, grout and labour.

SPC fitting is quoted on WhatsApp. The big hidden saving is demolition. If your old tiles are flat and firm, SPC can go straight on top. No hacking, no rubble and no week of dust in the flat. Read can you install SPC flooring over tiles to check your floor. Then use our guide on how many boxes of SPC you need to firm up the order.

Ask us to check the floor before you buy so you only pay for what the room needs.

Room by room: where each one belongs

Most homes end up with both. SPC in the dry living spaces and tiles where water stands or sun beats down.

Think about noise too. In apartment blocks, hard tiles carry the sound of heels and dropped spoons to the flat below. SPC softens that. If you rent out units, quieter floors mean fewer complaints between neighbours.

Mistakes when switching from tiles to SPC

1. Ignoring hollow tiles. Tap the floor. A hollow sound means a loose tile. Fix it before SPC goes on top.
2. Forgetting the doors. SPC adds a few millimetres to the floor height. Some doors may need a light trim at the bottom.
3. Taking SPC outside. Keep it indoors. Use tiles or WPC decking for open balconies.
4. Buying the thinnest board for a busy shop. For heavy traffic, step up from 4mm to 5mm or 6mm.
5. Skipping the floor check. Ask us to look at the floor before you buy. A short visit can save a costly redo.

Weighing the downsides too? Our SPC pros and cons guide gives the honest list.

Caring for SPC compared with tiles

Tiles look tough but the grout lines tell another story. In Nairobi, red soil and dust settle into grout and turn it brown. Scrubbing grout on your knees is nobody’s idea of a good Saturday.

• SPC: sweep or vacuum, then damp mop with warm water and a little mild soap. There is no grout to stain.
• Tiles: mop daily and scrub the grout every few months. Reseal it if water starts to soak in.
• Both: put a good mat at each outside door. It stops the grit that scratches any floor.
• SPC: use felt pads under chair and table legs. Lift heavy furniture instead of dragging it.

Want the full picture on wet rooms? Ask us which rooms in your home suit SPC and which should stay tiled.

Want to see it fitted before you buy?

Real jobs filmed on site by our team. Tap play and watch how the work is done.

Want the same in your space? Chat on WhatsApp

Shop the products on this page

Herringbone SPC FlooringKSh 2,799SPC Flooring Click LockKSh 2,200Commercial Carpet Tiles, Office & High Traffic Modular FlooringKSh 2,499Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks and TilesKSh 1,250

Questions buyers ask

Is SPC better than tiles?

For living rooms and bedrooms, many people prefer SPC for warmth and quiet. Tiles are better in showers and outdoors.

Can SPC go over tiles?

Yes if the tiles are flat and firm. See our guide on SPC over tiles.

Is SPC cheaper than tiles?

Fitting is faster and there is no breaking out, which saves labour. Compare full quotes for your room.

Does SPC last as long as tiles?

SPC lasts many years in homes. Tiles can last longer but crack when hit.

Is SPC cold underfoot like tiles?

No, SPC feels warmer than tiles. That makes a real difference on chilly Nairobi mornings in June and July.

Will SPC make an upstairs flat quieter?

Yes, SPC is quieter than tiles when people walk on it. Your downstairs neighbours will hear less heel noise.

Which SPC thickness should I choose for a home?

4mm works well for most homes. Choose 5mm for a busier home or 6mm heavy duty for shops and offices.

Shop and read next

• SPC flooring
• Can you install SPC over tiles?
• SPC flooring price
• SPC vs vinyl vs laminate