FLOORING IN SOCIAL HOUSING
AS expectations around affordable and social housing continue to evolve, flooring specifications are changing too.
Housing associations, local authorities and developers are increasingly looking beyond initial cost and focusing on products that deliver long-term value, ease of maintenance and improved resident satisfaction. One clear trend emerging across the sector is the move from traditional sheet vinyl toward LVT.
Once considered a premium choice, LVT is now becoming an increasingly common specification in social housing developments, as providers seek solutions that combine practicality with a more residential feel.
According to Richard Allen, VP of sales at Karndean Commercial, the shift reflects a wider change in how affordable housing is viewed and delivered.
‘For many years, sheet vinyl was viewed as the default flooring solution for social housing because it delivered durability at a competitive price point. Today, we’re seeing housing providers take a much broader view of value. They want flooring that performs well, looks great and contributes to creating homes that residents are proud to live in.’
Historically, flooring decisions in social housing were often driven by upfront cost. Today, providers are taking a more strategic approach, considering whole-life performance and maintenance requirements. Unlike sheet vinyl, individual LVT planks can be replaced if damaged, reducing disruption and extending the life of the installation.
Richard adds: ‘When comparing flooring products, it’s important to look beyond the initial installation cost. High-quality LVT offers excellent lifecycle value through its durability, ease of maintenance and repairability. Being able to replace an individual plank rather than an entire floor can make a significant difference over the lifetime of a property.’
Alongside practical considerations, design is playing a growing role in specification decisions. Many affordable housing developments are now being built to the same standards as neighbouring private homes, creating greater demand for products that help deliver attractive, contemporary interiors.
‘Affordable housing doesn’t have to mean basic specification. Residents rightly expect attractive, well-finished homes, and flooring plays an important role in creating spaces that feel welcoming and comfortable.’
A recent example of this trend is the Hospital Close development in Leicester, where Lovell Partnerships has specified the Knight Tile collection from Karndean Commercial as part of a major regeneration scheme for Leicester City Council.
Located near Leicester General Hospital, the development will provide new homes for the local community and reflects the growing appetite for design-led flooring specifications within the social housing sector.
The project features a selection of wood-inspired designs from the Knight Tile collection, including Limed Washed Oak, Russet Character Oak and Grey Limed Oak. The flooring will be installed throughout the communal areas, living areas and bedrooms, creating a consistent, high-quality finish across the development. Installation is being carried out by Lacey’s Floors & Walls.
‘The Hospital Close project demonstrates how social housing providers are increasingly specifying flooring that supports modern living environments. The selected Knight Tile products help create interiors that feel warm, welcoming and contemporary, while also meeting the practical requirements of busy residential settings.’
For Karndean Commercial, the growing adoption of LVT reflects wider changes across the sector, where specification decisions are increasingly influenced by residents expectations and the long-term quality of the housing stock.
‘There’s no reason social housing residents should have to choose between performance and aesthetics. Modern LVT allows providers to deliver both.’
With significant investment planned across affordable housing developments in the coming years, demand for specification solutions that combine practicality, longevity and residential-style design is expected to continue growing.
‘As new social housing projects come forward, we expect to see continued adoption of LVT as providers increasingly recognise the benefits it can deliver for residents and housing stock.’
As projects such as Hospital Close demonstrate, the shift from sheet vinyl to LVT is well underway, helping social housing providers deliver higher-quality homes without compromising on practicality.
www.karndeancommercial.com
