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Renovations and floor coverings: These are the product characteristics that Germans value the most.
Renovation measures, in particular the replacement of floor coverings, are among the most common renovation projects in German households. But what properties are most important to private renovators when choosing materials? The B+L refurbishment study 2024 has examined precisely this and provides exciting insights into the priorities in the choice of materials.
Robustness and durability
The most important property that German renovators value is the robustness and durability of the floor coverings. This is not surprising, since floor coverings are among the most heavily used elements of a living space. A hard-wearing floor covering can withstand daily stresses such as heavy foot traffic, moving furniture or children playing without quickly showing signs of wear. One example of this is high-quality laminate or design flooring without PVC, which has been specially developed for heavy use. Its durability ensures that they do not need to be replaced as often, which saves costs in the long term and minimises effort. A long-lasting floor covering is therefore a wise investment that brings stability and durability to your home.
Functionality and performance
Almost on a par with longevity is the Functionality and performance of a floor covering. These properties include characteristics such as moisture resistance, slip resistance and adaptability to different living areas. For those renovating, functional floor coverings are particularly important as they ensure that the floor meets the specific requirements of each room. For example, a bathroom floor requires a high level of moisture resistance, while a hallway floor should above all be non-slip and resistant to dirt and scratches. Modern design floor coverings offer such properties and are in high demand among consumers due to their versatility. High-performance floor coverings contribute significantly to safety and comfort in everyday life, making them a preferred choice for renovations.
Optics and design
Alongside practicality, the look and design of a floor covering is an important factor, albeit with a lower priority than robustness and functionality. Many renovators want their floor covering to fit seamlessly into their existing living concept and give the room an appealing and harmonious ambience. The market offers a variety of options here – from classically elegant wood imitations to minimalist, modern designs. Appearance plays a particularly important role in living and dining areas, as it significantly shapes the atmosphere of the room. Despite the aesthetic significance, the study shows that design alone is rarely the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a material.
Healthy living
One aspect that is of medium priority but is becoming increasingly important when choosing floor coverings is the Healthy livingSuitable materials are characterised by the fact that they do not release any harmful substances such as plasticisers, chlorine or formaldehyde. This is particularly relevant for families with children, allergy sufferers and health-conscious households. Flooring made from low-emission materials helps to improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks that could arise from vapours. The Renovation study 2024 shows that awareness of healthy-room products is growing, even if it is not yet the main criterion when selecting products. Nevertheless, it is to be expected that this aspect will become more important in the coming years.
Sustainability and environmental awareness
The sustainability of floor coverings plays a rather subordinate role in product selection compared to robustness. This includes aspects such as the use of grey energy during production and the origin of raw materials. The environmental balance of logistics is less often taken into account in the decision. Despite increasing environmental awareness, the direct focus of renovators remains on practical and aesthetic properties when choosing materials. Nevertheless, the study finds that the topic has become more relevant again in recent years. It is expected that the importance of sustainable criteria could change in the coming years, particularly with stricter environmental regulations and a growing awareness of the impact on the environment.
Conclusion: What matters to the reorganiser?
The 2024 renovation study shows that when choosing flooring, German renovators prioritise robustness, durability and functionality. Appearance and indoor air quality play an important but secondary role, while sustainability is less of a focus at the present time. For homeowners and renovators, this means that a balanced combination of practical and aesthetic properties is the deciding factor when choosing materials.
