Decomagna Ltd, the official distributor of Quick-Step flooring in Kenya. We specializing in laminate flooring, engineered wood, and click vinyl, made in Belgum.

blog-image

Laminate vs SPC Flooring in Kenya: Myths, Facts & the Premium Choice

Many shoppers hear “SPC is 100% waterproof” and assume it’s automatically better. The truth is: daily life is more about scratches, impact, comfort and longevity. Here’s why premium European laminates (e.g., Quick-Step) remain the high-end choice.

Kenyan family lifestyle on premium laminate flooring

Premium Look & Feel—Built for Real Homes

With Belgian craftsmanship, realistic textures, and robust surface technology, high-quality laminates deliver a warm, natural underfoot feel—and the durability you need for Nairobi apartments or Mombasa’s coastal humidity.

  • Scratch & wear resistance: advanced melamine wear layers (often with mineral reinforcement)
  • Impact performance: dense HDF core that resists chips and dents
  • Comfort & acoustics: typically 8–12 mm thick—quieter and warmer underfoot
  • Water resilience: modern water-repellent edge treatments for everyday spills
Laminate flooring exploded layer view

Laminate: wear layer, design layer, HDF core, balancing layer

SPC flooring exploded layer view

SPC: UV coating, wear layer, printed vinyl, stone-plastic core

Thickness comparison: laminate vs SPC

Typical thickness: Laminate 8–12 mm vs SPC ~4–6 mm

1) Scratch Resistance

Premium laminate uses a durable melamine wear layer (often reinforced with hard particles) that resists scratches from pets, chairs, toys and daily cleaning. Many SPC products rely on a thinner top layer that can show scuffs faster—waterproof doesn’t mean scratch-proof.

2) Impact Durability

The dense HDF core in laminate absorbs shock better and is less prone to chipping. SPC’s stone-plastic core is rigid but can be brittle—heavy impact or subfloor irregularities may lead to cracks or clicks that fail under pressure.

3) Comfort & Acoustics

Laminates are generally thicker (8–12 mm), feel warmer, and—with a proper underlay—reduce noise. SPC is usually thinner and harder, which can feel cold and transmit more footfall sound in living spaces.

4) Water: The Real-World View

For day-to-day life, spills, cleaning and humidity are handled well by modern laminates with water-repellent edges and tight click joints. SPC is waterproof through the core, but that doesn’t address the most common long-term issues—surface wear and impact.

Feet standing on wood floor—no more carpets

Installed Right = Luxury That Lasts

Laminate is a high-end product that shines when professionally installed—subfloor prep, acclimatization and expansion gaps are key. Our certified teams deliver flawless results and after-sales support you can count on.

  • Expert site survey & subfloor assessment
  • Professional installation & finishing trims
  • Guidance on care for long-term beauty
Book a Free Consultation

Why European Laminate? Consistent Quality & Standards

European laminates (e.g., Quick-Step, made in Belgium) follow strict, transparent standards—from EN 13329 wear resistance and E1 low emissions to PEFC responsible sourcing and CE compliance. Many low-cost SPC products are mass-produced for price competitiveness, leading to highly variable performance. Choose the European seal of quality and local after-sales support you can trust.

Laminate vs SPC — At a Glance

LAMINATE (EU) SPC (TYPICAL) Scratch resistance Melamine wear layer Thin UV top layer Impact durability Dense HDF core (tough) Rigid core (can be brittle) Thickness & comfort 8–12 mm, warmer & quieter ~4–6 mm, harder & louder Water in daily life Water-repellent edges, tight clicks Waterproof core (surface still scratches) Install quality Pro install = luxury finish DIY often = gaps/peaking Quality signals EN 13329, E1, PEFC, CE Varies widely by factory

See, touch, and compare the difference in person. We’ll guide you to the best option for your space and budget.

Visit Our Nairobi Showroom

Discover why premium European laminates outshine SPC in Kenya—scratch resistance, impact durability, comfort, and Esporeal-certified quality.

Quick-Step Incizo 5-in-1 Profile in Kenya | Flooring Transitions & Stair Nosing
Prev post

Quick-Step Incizo 5-in-1 Profile in Kenya | Flooring Transitions & Stair Nosing

Next post

Premium Laminate & SPC in Kenya – Quick-Step Luxury Floors for Homes, Hotels & Offices

Premium Laminate & SPC in Kenya – Quick-Step Luxury Floors for Homes, Hotels & Offices