Which floor is suitable for an apartment? PVC, laminate and soundproofing

Have you bought an apartment, or are you planning to replace the floor in your current one? Then it is important to look beyond colour and appearance alone.

In an apartment, soundproofing, the underlay and any rules set by the VvE (homeowners' association) also play an important role.

Because not every floor is automatically suitable for every apartment.

At NTU Vloeren and Budgetvloer in Utrecht we are happy to help you compare different floors and ask the right questions before you make a choice.

Why is the right floor so important in an apartment?

In a detached house, you usually have less to deal with in terms of noise travelling through the floor to the neighbours below.

In an apartment, things are different.

Footsteps, scraping chairs and children playing can cause impact noise. Through the floor construction, that noise can be heard in other homes.

That is why it is important to take into account the properties of the floor and the construction underneath.

A beautiful floor is lovely, but a floor that suits your apartment and the applicable rules is just as important.

1. PVC in an apartment: a popular choice

PVC is a popular floor because of its natural look, easy maintenance and wide choice of colours and designs.

From light oak floors to a stylish herringbone floor: PVC suits many different interiors.

But is PVC also suitable for an apartment?

In many cases it is, provided the complete floor build-up meets the technical requirements and any VvE rules.

Click PVC or glue-down PVC?

With click PVC, the planks are connected to each other. Depending on the system, a suitable underlay is used.

Glue-down PVC is bonded directly to a prepared subfloor.

With glue-down PVC in particular, it is important to realise that the floor does not automatically provide enough soundproofing.

Which solution is suitable depends on the construction of the apartment and the required sound insulation.

So get good advice before you decide.

2. Laminate in an apartment: what should you look out for?

Laminate is an attractive option if you are looking for a beautiful floor on an accessible budget.

The material is available in many different wood textures, colours and plank sizes.

In an apartment, however, laminate needs extra attention when it comes to impact noise.

A suitable sound-absorbing underlay can help reduce the transfer of footstep noise to other homes.

Its performance, however, depends on the overall combination of structural floor, underlay and laminate.

Not every underlay works the same way in every apartment.

3. Carpet: comfortable and sound-absorbing

Carpet is an interesting choice if you value comfort, softness and calm acoustics.

The material muffles footsteps and can reduce echo in a room.

For bedrooms and other quiet rooms, carpet can therefore be an attractive choice.

Carpet also gives a warm look and feels pleasant underfoot.

However, carpet does need regular maintenance and is generally less easy to clean than a smooth PVC floor.

4. What does a VvE's 10 dB requirement mean?

Many apartment complexes have rules for hard floor coverings.

A well-known requirement is that a floor construction must improve impact sound insulation by at least 10 decibels.

But note: this is not an automatic legal requirement for every apartment.

The exact conditions are set out in your VvE's applicable documents, such as the deed of division and the house rules.

It also matters which measurement method was used and on which floor construction a product was tested.

An underlay labelled 10 dB is therefore not automatically suitable for your apartment.

Our tip: request the applicable VvE rules before you order a floor. Bring these documents with you when you come in for advice.

5. Why does the existing floor construction matter?

Not every apartment complex is built the same way.

Some apartments have a solid concrete floor. Others have a floating screed or a timber structural floor.

That difference affects how sound is transmitted.

A sound-absorbing underlay that performs well on one construction may be less effective on another.

That is why it is wise not to choose a floor based on looks or price alone.

The technical properties of the existing floor help determine which solutions are possible.

6. Which floor works with underfloor heating in an apartment?

More and more apartments have underfloor heating.

When choosing a floor, you therefore also need to take thermal resistance into account.

Many PVC floors are suitable for underfloor heating, but certain laminate and wooden floors can also be used.

If you also need soundproofing, it is especially important to look at the total floor build-up.

After all, an underlay must not only reduce noise sufficiently, but also suit the heating system.

7. How to avoid problems before you buy a new floor

Good preparation can prevent a lot of hassle.

So check the following first:

• What conditions your VvE sets for hard floors.
• What type of structural floor the apartment has.
• Whether a specific sound-absorbing underlay is required.
• Whether the chosen floor system is suitable for underfloor heating.
• Which documents or test reports you need to show the VvE.
• Whether the existing subfloor needs to be prepared or levelled.

With this information, you can search more effectively for a suitable floor.

8. Compare different floors in our showroom in Utrecht

A new floor is usually a choice you make for many years.

That is why it is wise to see materials, colours and textures in real life.

At NTU Vloeren and Budgetvloer at Woonboulevard Utrecht you can compare PVC, laminate and other flooring solutions, among others.

Our staff can help you think through comfort, maintenance, underfloor heating and the points to consider for apartments.

And because our location is next to IKEA Utrecht, you can easily combine looking at floors with choosing your new interior.

Frequently asked questions about floors in apartments

Am I allowed to lay PVC in my apartment?

That depends on your VvE's rules and the properties of the floor construction. PVC is possible in many situations, but the total floor build-up must be suitable.

Is a 10 dB underlay always mandatory?

No. Not every VvE applies the same requirements. Check the deed of division and house rules of your apartment complex.

Is laminate suitable for an apartment?

Yes, it can be. Pay particular attention to impact noise and the combination of laminate, underlay and structural floor.

Which floor offers the best soundproofing?

Carpet naturally has good sound-absorbing properties. For hard floors, sound insulation depends heavily on the total floor build-up.

Can I get advice about my apartment?

Yes. At NTU Vloeren and Budgetvloer you can view different materials and ask for advice on the most important points to consider. Ideally, bring your VvE documents with you.

Visit NTU Vloeren and Budgetvloer in Utrecht

Would you like a new floor for your apartment, but are you not yet sure which solution suits it best?

Compare the options in our showroom and get advice on materials, appearance and technical considerations.

NTU Vloeren & Budgetvloer
Hollantlaan 26-28
3526 AM Utrecht
Woonboulevard Utrecht, next to IKEA

Bring your VvE's conditions with you and discover, together with our advisers, which floor suits your apartment and your wishes for your home.

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