Warmer, quieter, and more realistic underfoot — LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) outperforms rigid SPC in real Kenyan conditions: acoustics in Kilimani & Kileleshwa apartments, comfort in Karen & Lavington family homes, and long-term durability from Ruiru to Daykio Bustani. Along the coast in Mombasa and Malindi, LVT’s construction handles humidity swings with ease.
By Decomagna — Exclusive distributor of Quick-Step® Belgium in East Africa.
LVT’s flexible, multi-layer construction is warmer and softer underfoot than SPC. It absorbs sound — ideal for Kilimani and Kileleshwa apartments where quiet matters and for multi-level residences in Rosslyn, Muthaiga and Runda.
With hyper-realistic surfaces and advanced embossing, Quick-Step LVT delivers the most convincing wood & stone looks. It’s the go-to finish for high-end homes in Rosslyn, Muthaiga and Runda, and contemporary projects in Ruiru and Daykio Bustani.
LVT is engineered to be water-resistant and easy to maintain. In coastal climates like Mombasa and Malindi, LVT’s resilient construction copes comfortably with humidity and temperature swings.
Tip: Avoid steam mops; they can compromise any vinyl click system over time.
As Quick-Step’s Kenyan distributor, we champion European engineering and strict production standards for low emissions and long life — a healthier choice for families and hospitality spaces alike.
| Feature | LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) — Our Pick | SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Type | Flexible, resilient vinyl core; comfortable and forgiving | Rigid limestone/PVC core; dense and unforgiving |
| Comfort & Acoustics | Warm, quiet — perfect for Kilimani & Kileleshwa apartments | Harder, colder, noisier underfoot |
| Design Realism | Best-in-class textures (oak, rustic grey, rosewood) & patterns | Often limited or repetitive prints |
| Moisture & Climate | Handles humidity swings (Mombasa, Malindi) with resilience | Highly water-resistant, but can be affected by prolonged water, subfloor cracks or hydrostatic pressure |
| Subfloor Tolerance | More forgiving; easier to achieve premium finish | Can transmit subfloor issues; risk of joint stress on uneven bases |
| Use Case | Premium homes (Rosslyn, Muthaiga, Runda), family homes in Karen/Lavington, commercial interiors | Budget-sensitive, fast-turn projects where comfort is secondary |
| Value | Long-term comfort + aesthetics = higher lifetime value | Lower upfront cost; potential compromises on feel & finish |
In Kenya, SPC is frequently marketed as “100% waterproof”. It is indeed highly water-resistant; however, real-world results depend on installation and subfloor conditions. Prolonged standing water, hydrostatic pressure, or a compromised subfloor can lead to edge lifting, joint failures, or visible cracks.
Verdict: SPC is robust, but not a silver bullet. For premium comfort and finish, LVT wins.
LVT is a quiet, neighbour-friendly choice with excellent acoustic performance — perfect for Nairobi’s vertical living. Warm underfoot for early mornings and cool evenings alike.
For estates and luxury villas, Quick-Step LVT offers deeply realistic textures that rival hardwood — with none of the moisture or maintenance concerns.
LVT’s resilience across humidity and temperature swings makes it a natural choice on the coast — and a design-led upgrade for fast-growing nodes like Ruiru and Daykio Bustani.
“SPC is often cheaper and rigid — but if you want premium comfort, realistic design and a quieter home in Nairobi or the Coast, LVT is the benchmark.”
Quick-Step LVT uses robust click systems for rapid, low-dust installs. A clean, dry, level subfloor ensures the perfect finish (we’ll advise on prep). For apartments and offices, pair with quality underlay for standout acoustics.
Sweep or vacuum regularly; use a damp mop with LVT-safe cleaner. Avoid steam mops and harsh solvents.
Book a free consultation and samples for your project in Nairobi, Ruiru, Mombasa or Malindi. We’ll advise on design, subfloors and the best Quick-Step LVT for your space.
Discover why Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring from Quick-Step outperforms SPC in Kenya’s real conditions. From Kilimani and Kileleshwa apartments to Karen, Runda, and coastal homes in Mombasa and Malindi — LVT offers superior comfort, acoustics, warmth, and European-grade quality for the modern Kenyan lifestyle.