A typical flat interior includes a kitchen, wardrobes, a TV unit, a study, perhaps a pooja unit and some panelling. Each sees different conditions. Treat them separately and you can spend where it matters.
Room by room
| Area | Suggested grade to consider |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | BWR; marine at the sink |
| Bedroom wardrobes | MR in dry rooms; BWR on outer walls |
| TV unit and storage | MR or BWR depending on damp |
| Wall panelling | Thinner boards with a damp barrier on external walls |
| Bathroom vanity | Marine or BWR with sealed edges |
Where homeowners overspend
Using marine plywood everywhere, or paying for a premium laminate on the inside of every cabinet. It is more effective to put quality into the kitchen and the wardrobes you use daily.
Where they underspend
Using MR near damp walls, or leaving cut edges unsealed. These show up as swelling and peeling a year or two later.
Getting a clear estimate
Use the calculator for the whole-home estimate, or send your designer's list. Read the interior material buying checklist before you finalise.