Choosing indoor flooring is one of the most important decisions in any home or commercial renovation. It sets the tone for your space—visually, acoustically, and even emotionally. But beyond looks, the right flooring must also be practical, durable, and suited to your lifestyle or business needs.
At Wakol South Africa, we specialise in the high-performance products that make flooring last: from primers and levelling compounds to moisture barriers and adhesives for all major floor types. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting indoor flooring—and how proper installation can make all the difference.
1. Consider the Function of Each Room
Different rooms have different requirements. The flooring in your kitchen or entrance hall needs to withstand moisture and foot traffic, while the bedroom flooring should prioritise comfort and warmth.
Room-by-room recommendations:
- Living areas: Engineered wood, luxury vinyl, cork
- Kitchens and bathrooms: Waterproof vinyl, tiles
- Bedrooms: Parquet, cork, soft wood, or LVT
- Offices or studios: Laminate, vinyl, or hardwood with acoustic support
- High-traffic commercial spaces: Durable vinyl or resilient flooring systems
Wakol Tip: Pairing the right adhesive system with your flooring type ensures lasting durability—even in challenging environments like kitchens or retail spaces.
2. Evaluate Your Subfloor Condition
Before you choose your flooring, assess the condition of your subfloor. Is it uneven? Moisture-prone? Cracked? These hidden issues can affect your final result if not addressed.
Look for:
- Cracks or dips in concrete
- Moisture or humidity levels
- Old adhesive residues
- Surface dust, oil, or contamination
Wakol Tip: Our levelling compounds and moisture barriers prepare your subfloor for any surface—ensuring your new flooring performs as beautifully as it looks.
3. Match Style with Durability
It’s tempting to choose flooring based on looks alone—but lifestyle and traffic volume are key. Pets, children, or high-heel traffic? You’ll need something tough. Looking for elegance and comfort? Opt for natural materials with the right protection beneath.
Flooring durability scale (general guide):
- High durability: LVT, commercial vinyl, engineered wood
- Medium durability: Parquet, cork, bamboo
- Low durability: Softwoods, untreated timber
Wakol Tip: Using the right primer and adhesive extends the lifespan of even softer flooring options, by ensuring they stay bonded and protected from subfloor issues.
4. Think About Installation and Maintenance
Some flooring types are easier to install and maintain than others. Consider your timeline, budget, and willingness to care for your floor over time.
- Floating floors (e.g., laminate) offer quick installation
- Glue-down systems (e.g., vinyl, parquet, cork) provide greater stability and lifespan
- Natural wood needs periodic maintenance and sealing
- Resilient floors are low-maintenance and easy to clean
Wakol Tip: For glue-down installations, our low-emission adhesives provide a strong bond and healthier indoor air—ideal for homes, offices, and hospitals.
5. Don’t Skip the Essentials Beneath the Floor
What’s underneath your flooring matters just as much as what’s on top. A beautiful floor is only as reliable as the system that supports it.
At Wakol, we offer:
- Primers for strong surface bonding
- Moisture barriers to protect from rising damp
- Levelling compounds for smooth, even surfaces
- Adhesives tailored to each floor type for maximum grip and flexibility
Skipping these steps can lead to warped boards, bubbling vinyl, or flooring that lifts over time. The right prep means peace of mind for years to come.
Choose with Confidence—Choose Wakol
At Wakol South Africa, we don’t just sell products—we support quality installations that last. Whether you’re fitting resilient vinyl, parquet, hardwood, or cork, we’ll help you get it right from the ground up.
Need help choosing the right system? Our technical team is here to assist with product selection, application guidance, and moisture testing support.
Explore our product range or contact us for a personalised recommendation.