Designed by | Inspireka Interiors
Flooring is a vital design element and also the first thing you see when you open the door. Therefore choosing the right flooring can instantly set the mood and style of a room. As well as add value to your property.
Flooring that looks good and lasts throughout time enhances the value of homes as they can make a significant difference in the appearance of your home. Fortunately there are many types to choose from.
Designed by | Beverly Home
Timber Flooring
A popular choice today is timber flooring. It is not only versatile, but also offers a timeless, streamlined look that complements virtually an interior. However if you are on a tight budget, opt for laminate timber flooring instead as this will be the more budget-friendly option to solid timber and engineered timber flooring.
Designed by | Desigva Interior
Noticeably, the majority of laminate flooring on the market today has such realistic finishes that it is hard to tell it apart from the real thing. But be wary as a low-cost laminate ay look fine on the surface, but after exposure to spillages, the material will soon swell causing no end of problems.
Wood floors are also low in maintenance and can be easily installed by you or a professional. They are also great for people with allergies. Unlike carpet, which traps dust mites and other allergens, wood can be easily swept and cleaned. The wide variety of woods available also makes it a great flooring choice for any budget.
Bamboo Flooring
Durable, versatile, sustainable and price-competitive, bamboo flooring has become the floor of choice for many people building or renovating homes with an eco-friendly edge. Bamboo floors are also very popular because they give a stunning look to any room and can be adapted to any decorating style. This type of flooring can be dyed into many colours and kept completely natural, finished or unfinished.
Ceramic Tiles
Clay-base ceramic tiles are an ideal choice for kitchens, baths, basements, porches, laundry rooms and other moisture-prone areas. These floor tiles are extremely durable, water-stain, wear-resistant and east to care for. An array of colours, patterns, shapes, and sizes are also available.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for bathroom floors as they are denser, more porous, and harder. In comparison to ceramic tiles, they offer greater stain and water resistance. Porcelain tiles also offer unmatched design versatility as they can mimic natural stone varieties, such as granite and limestone.
Designed by | Beverly Home
Stone Flooring
Stone floor are natural, beautiful and up to date. These are several types of stone flooring available in the market today.
Below are some of the popular varieties:
Granite
As one of the most durable and renowned building material, granite is technically the hardest type of flooring found in the market. As it is scratch, stain and heat resistance, it is best used for kitchen counter tops. However you can order granite for flooring or paving and wall cladding as well. Granite is suitable for use in either exterior or interior.
Slate
Slate is often used for roofing because the material is weather-proof and long lasting. But it can also be used for flooring and counter tops. Just like granite, slates are suitable for use in either exterior or interior.
Limestone
Limestone is convenient for building material use as this natural stone can be carved easily. They are typically used for flooring, wall cladding, vanity tops and furniture.
Sandstone
Sandstone is commonly used for flooring or paving materials. They are also suitable for use in either exterior or interior.
Marble
Marble is more aesthetically valuable and is available in a wide range of colours. Renowned for its beauty, strength and resistance to fire and erosion, marble has been widely used in buildings, monuments and sculptures. Today marble is frequently used for flooring and wall cladding.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a firmer and harder stone than marble. It is durable and can be used for exterior and interior flooring besides wall cladding and roofing.
Travertine
Travertine’s origin is from limestone that has been formed over a long time. It is typically used for flooring, wall cladding and vanity taps.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is typically made by exposing marble chips on the surface of concrete and polishing it until smooth. Available in tie form, this type of stone is long lasting and can be refinished repeatedly. However, terrazzo is quite slippery and can cause falls, hence it is not a good choice of flooring for families with young children or elderly folks but you may apply non-slip additives to the surface to prevent mishaps.
Alternatively, stone flooring’s naturally cool, hard surface can make it on ideal choice for used in warm climate as it does not harbour dust or allergens. However the amount and size of pores in stone, referred to as porosity, affects its strength and stain resistance. Therefore, if you plan to install stone flooring in a high-traffic area, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, choose granite or slate that is nonporous. Softer, more porous stones, such as marble, limestone and travertine will need regular applications of sealants and frequent cleaning to prevent staining and pitting.
