Choosing finishing materials isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a home that stays comfortable and beautiful despite Ireland’s famously damp climate. Here, rain and humidity put serious demands on any building materials you pick. If chosen incorrectly, your finishing materials could fail prematurely, leading to costly and frequent repairs.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best materials to use in Ireland—focusing on moisture resistance, durability, and eco-friendliness. After all, your home should be both stylish and safe for your family’s health.
Why choosing the right materials is crucial in Ireland
Irish weather—characterised by mild winters, regular rainfall, and persistent humidity—means your choice of materials must include:
- Moisture and mould resistance
- Durability and reliability
- Eco-friendliness and health safety
Let’s dive into the details, starting from the ground up.
Flooring: style meets practicality
Laminate Flooring
Laminate remains a firm favourite in Ireland thanks to its versatility:
- Pros: Wide variety of styles, easy installation, and straightforward maintenance.
- Cons: Budget laminates can swell or warp in moisture.
Always choose water-resistant laminates with a high durability rating—it’s worth the investment.
Vinyl Flooring
Rapidly growing in popularity in recent years:
- Pros: Excellent moisture resistance, easy to install, good sound insulation.
- Cons: Cheaper vinyl might release volatile compounds in high temperatures—always select reputable brands with environmental certificates.
Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
The classic Irish solution for damp areas:
- Pros: Extremely durable, fully waterproof, vast selection of designs.
- Cons: Can feel cold; often needs underfloor heating to remain comfortable.
Great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
Engineered and Natural Wood
Nothing beats the natural look of wood:
- Pros: Classic aesthetic, natural warmth, long-lasting, eco-friendly.
- Cons: Requires moisture treatment and regular maintenance.
Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms—less suitable for wet areas.
Wall Finishes: balancing looks and practicality
Interior Paints
Ireland’s most common interior finish:
- Pros: Quick, easy, endless colour choices.
- Cons: Not all paints resist mould and humidity effectively.
Use specially-formulated anti-mould and moisture-resistant paints. Recommended brands include Dulux Easycare, Fleetwood Weather Clad, and Crown Kitchen & Bathroom.
Wallpaper
Stylish, but proceed carefully:
- Pros: Wide range of patterns and textures, adds character.
- Cons: Susceptible to peeling or mould due to humidity.
Opt for vinyl or washable wallpapers, and limit their use to dry rooms.
Decorative Panels (PVC, MDF)
A practical and quick fix:
- Pros: Easy installation, moisture resistance, minimal maintenance.
- Cons: Can lack eco credentials—always check for certified, environmentally-safe brands.
Excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and entrance halls.
Natural Decorative Plaster
A favourite for eco-conscious homeowners:
- Pros: Natural components regulate humidity, mould-resistant.
- Cons: Higher cost and skilled application required.
Perfect for living areas and bedrooms.
Ceilings: reliability and moisture protection
Stretch Ceilings (PVC)
Gaining popularity in Irish homes:
- Pros: Completely waterproof, protects against leaks, easy to clean.
- Cons: Can slightly lower ceiling height, requires professional installation.
Highly recommended for bathrooms and kitchens.
Suspended Ceilings (Plasterboard)
Common in living areas:
- Pros: Allows creative lighting designs, improves acoustics.
- Cons: Requires thorough moisture-proofing and ventilation to avoid mould growth.
Always choose moisture-resistant plasterboard with proper ventilation.
How to effectively combine materials?
Smart combinations ensure durability and style:
- Choose waterproof materials for moisture-heavy areas (bathrooms, kitchens, halls).
- Living rooms and bedrooms give you more flexibility for decorative and natural options.
Ideal Combinations:
- Bathroom: Vinyl flooring + PVC decorative panels + stretch ceiling.
- Living room: Engineered wood flooring + moisture-resistant paint or decorative plaster walls + treated plasterboard ceiling.
Final tips to remember:
- Don’t compromise on moisture resistance and eco credentials—it’s an investment in comfort and your health.
- Always verify materials’ ecological certifications.
- Good ventilation is key—proper airflow keeps humidity levels healthy and prolongs your finishes’ lifespan.
Selecting the right finishing materials in Ireland means your home stays beautiful, comfortable, and mould-free for years without unexpected expenses.
Still unsure? Drop us a line—we’re always here to help you choose the perfect materials for your Irish home.