Laminate flooring gives you the look of a timber floor at a lower price than SPC. Each board has a dense fibreboard core, a printed wood grain layer and a hard wearing clear top coat that resists scratches from chairs, pets and heels. Boards click together and float over the existing floor.

Excel Deco stocks 8mm and 8.3mm boards for bedrooms and living rooms and 12mm boards for a firmer feel and a quieter step in busy rooms. All grades are water resistant, which means mopping and the odd spill are fine, but laminate should not be used in bathrooms or where water stands. For wet areas choose SPC or vinyl instead.

In Nairobi laminate is a strong choice for dry bedrooms, home offices, rental upgrades and shops that want a warm wood look on a tight budget. A 1mm foam underlay is laid first and is sold separately as a 50m roll.

Installation is quoted after a free site survey. A standard bedroom takes half a day. Delivery within Nairobi is same or next day and boards are couriered to other towns. Bring your room sizes to Summit House, Moi Avenue, to see the grains in person.