Types of finishing apartments: your guide to choose the right finish

With the wide range of tastes and budgets, various types of finishing have emerged, differing in quality levels, materials used, and execution methods. So if you’re about to finish your apartment, it’s essential to understand the available options and the differences between them—whether in the external look or the interior design—so you can make the best decision that suits your needs and expectations.

In this article, Design Hub, one of the leading interior design and décor companies, offers you a complete guide to the types of apartment finishing, highlighting the differences between finishing levels such as Lux, Super Lux, Deluxe, and Ultra Super Lux. We’ll also break down the classifications based on materials used and finishing stages, to help you choose what best fits your style, space, and budget.

What Are Interior and Exterior Finishes?

Finishing work is divided into two main types: interior finishes and exterior finishes.

1. Exterior Finishing

Exterior finishing is the first thing that catches the eye when looking at any building. It reflects the architectural style and indicates whether the property is modern, classic, luxurious, or minimalistic.

But exterior finishing isn’t only about aesthetics—it also serves a practical purpose by protecting the building from weather conditions like rain, humidity, heat, and sunlight.

Exterior finishing materials vary from heat- and moisture-resistant paints to natural or artificial stone, marble, granite, cladding panels, and more—each with different costs and installation methods.

The ideal type of finishing also depends on the building itself—whether it’s a villa, apartment building, or office tower—as well as its overall architectural style.

That’s why Design Hub relies on careful analysis of the location, surrounding environment, and the client’s preferences before recommending the right finishing style.

Check out: Cost of finishing per meter in Egypt

2. Interior Finishing

This includes everything inside the apartment—flooring, walls, paint, plumbing, electrical wiring, lighting, ceilings, doors, and cabinetry.

Types of Interior Finishing by Completion Stage

Interior finishing can also be categorized by how complete it is:

1. Core & Shell (Unfinished)

Also known as "red brick units," these apartments are delivered without any internal finishing. The walls remain in their raw brick form, without plaster or paint, and there are no floorings, plumbing, or electrical systems. This option suits those who want full control over the finishing process and materials, aligning with their personal taste and budget.

2. Semi-Finished

A semi-finished apartment has the basic infrastructure completed—like plastering, electrical wiring, and plumbing—but lacks final layers and decorative touches. It’s a good choice for buyers who want flexibility in choosing finishes later or plan to invest in the property long-term.

3. Fully Finished

This is the ideal option for those looking to move in immediately. A fully finished unit includes all final touches—flooring, wall paint, doors, windows, bathrooms, and kitchen setup. However, the level of quality and luxury can vary, and we’ll go through that next by breaking it down into Lux, Super Lux, Deluxe, and Ultra Super Lux finishes.

Types of Interior Finishing by Materials Used

Finishing types are not only categorized by stage but also by the quality and type of materials used:

1. Lux Finishing

Lux finishing is a great choice for medium-range budgets. It includes decent-quality materials and practical finishing that balances aesthetics and functionality.

Typically, this includes mid-range ceramic flooring, ready-made wooden doors, standard paints, and reliable plumbing and electrical installations without any extravagant detailing.

2. Super Lux Finishing

This is a step up in sophistication, using high-quality materials and modern design elements. It features decorative paints, hidden lighting like spotlights, luxury ceramic or porcelain tiles, and natural wood doors. It often includes gypsum board ceilings with carefully planned lighting to create a premium ambiance.

3. Ultra Super Lux Finishing

This is one of the most luxurious finishing levels. It combines the finest materials with high-end interior design. Think imported European materials like natural marble or premium parquet flooring, smart home systems for lighting, sound, and climate control. Every detail is polished to perfection, creating a sense of ultimate elegance in every corner.

4. Deluxe Finishing

Deluxe is a balanced choice between Lux and Super Lux. It offers high-quality materials and precise finishing without the steep price tag. It includes moisture-resistant doors, quality ceramic or porcelain tiles, and subtle decorative elements for a stylish yet practical look.

Design Hub is a pioneer in delivering this level of finishing, offering unique design solutions tailored for elite clients.

Explore: Finishing cost per meter in New Cairo

What’s the Difference Between Lux and Super Lux Finishing?

Many clients wonder about the difference between “Lux” and “Super Lux.” It’s not just about looks—there are differences in materials, attention to detail, and execution quality.

Lux uses good-quality materials with a relatively standard design, suitable for those who want decent results without too much complexity or cost.

Super Lux, on the other hand, is all about refinement. Wall colors are selected with care, flooring is made from premium materials like porcelain or marble, and ceiling designs are enhanced with modern lighting.

The design is personalized to the client’s taste, resulting in a visually and functionally elegant home.

What’s the Difference Between Deluxe and Super Deluxe Finishing?

If you’re aiming for the highest level of luxury, you’ll likely come across “Deluxe” and “Super Deluxe.”

Deluxe includes high-quality materials and can reflect either a modern or classic style. It’s ideal for clients who want a rich, elegant look without over-the-top detailing or complex technology.

Super Deluxe is the ultimate finishing standard, often reserved for villas and penthouse apartments. It features smart systems for lighting, curtain control, sound, and insulation. The finest flooring and wall finishes are used, along with a fully integrated interior design that includes furniture and accessories.

Design Hub stands out as one of the best finishing offices for delivering this prestigious level of detail—offering a full-service experience from concept to completion, all according to global standards.

Why Choose Design Hub for Your Apartment Finishing?

At Design Hub, we don’t just execute finishes—we provide a complete design experience starting with free consultation and ending with turnkey delivery. We believe every client is unique, so we carefully study the unit and client expectations before taking any step.

We offer a wide range of finishing options—whether you’re after functionality, elegance, or a mix of both.

Our team includes experienced engineers, skilled technicians, and creative designers working together to deliver the highest quality and precision. We also work with trusted suppliers to ensure durable, long-lasting results that meet your every expectation.