Gólf

Gólf is the Icelandic term for floor, the finished surface of a room that people walk on and that forms part of a building’s structural system. In construction and interior design, gólf denotes both the subfloor assembly and the final surfaced layer, chosen to provide support, insulation, durability, and aesthetics.

Common gólf materials include wood (solid or engineered), ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone, concrete, vinyl, laminate, and carpet. Wood floors are often finished with oil, varnish, or polyurethane; tiles and stone offer high durability and moisture resistance, while vinyl and laminate provide economical options. Underfloor heating is commonly used in Nordic homes and can be paired with several gólf types.

Installation methods depend on material: nail-down or staple-down for wood floors; glue-down for engineered wood, vinyl, or some tiles; and floating installations for laminate, vinyl planks, or certain engineered products. The subfloor must be flat, dry, clean, and properly insulated; underlayment can improve comfort, acoustics, and moisture protection. Finishes affect appearance and wear resistance.

Maintenance includes routine cleaning and periodic refinishing or resealing as needed. Protecting the floor from excess moisture and heat prolongs life, and some finishes require reapplication over time. Floors have evolved from simple earth or wooden boards to highly engineered systems that balance aesthetics, durability, and sustainability.