Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. Both terms are used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials. Materials almost always classified as flooring include Vinyl, Wooden, Outdoor, Gym and Sports, SPC and Carpet. n almost every instance there is the floor covering, the underlayment, the subfloor, and the floor joists. This is what makes up your floors, and gives them structural integrity to keep you and yours on solid ground. Floors typically consist of a subfloor for support and a floor covering used to give a good walking surface.