When you enter a building, the first thing you notice is the floor. Why? Because that’s where you’re going to place your feet! What would you walk on, if not the floor? Floors too need careful planning and consideration, or else, you end up with a flooring disaster.
We know how tasking selecting a floor is; one needs to have an eye for design. And that is why we wrote this article for you. Not to mention that there are several different types of flooring. How do you know the one that would best fit your building?
Let’s get down to business, but first thing’s first:
What is Flooring?
A floor can be defined as the leveled flat surface in any building. Not only for functional purposes, such as a place to step our foot. But also for bearing weight, such as furniture and the people in the building. Additionally, flooring is made from tons of materials (metal, plastic, stone).
Correspondingly, ‘flooring’ pertains to the lower supporting surface within buildings. It is an equally lasting covering to put over the floor. Alternatively, flooring is also used to describe the process of installing floor material.
Two Necessary Elements of a Floor
- The Floor base: This is the lowest layer of a floor, situated just above the ground surface. It is also compacted with moorum (powdered rock) or filled with sand. In like manner is a second layer, which is situated directly over the floor base. This layer is called a ‘sub floor’, and it is also made of lean cement concrete or lime concrete to provide rigidity and stability.
- The Flooring: This is otherwise referred to as ‘floor covering’. It is the final layer. The selected flooring is laid on top of the sub floor. Finally, your finished floor!
Requirements of Flooring
- It should have strength and stability.
- It should have an adequate level of fire resistance.
- It should have an adequate level of sound insulation.
- It should be adequately damp resistant.
- It should have an adequate level of thermal insulation.
What are the Benefits of Flooring?
As flooring helps to refine your building, giving it beauty and comfort, here are some benefits of flooring. Keep in mind that good flooring could be a blessing or a curse. The following are four major benefits of flooring;
1. It enriches the overall look of your building
Flooring actually helps bring your building to life. Sure design fixtures and furnishings play an important role, as do your floors! The appeal of your home can be enhanced with great floors. This is why Calebella finds the best flooring that suits your building. Flooring adds aesthetics, warmth, size, and also a lasting first impression.
2. Ease of maintenance
For every flooring you choose, there’s a level of maintenance needed. They can easily be steam-cleaned, swept, or vacuumed. Imagine having to deal with sand fill or moored along with the unevenness!
3. Boosts your building’s value
If you hadn’t thought of it before now, beautiful floors equally mean more value. When your flooring is appealing, your building looks more inviting. Obviously, that’s a value booster! Especially when valuing properties for sale.
4. Adapts to all your decor theme
A particularly notable benefit is the versatile nature of flooring. It is able to blend into almost every kind of interior decor theme. The flooring will always accent your design tones and colors, complementing rather than detracting from its beauty.
“Choosing the right flooring material now saves you a lot of trouble later.”
Classifications of Flooring Materials
There are a number of materials used for flooring. Of course, some are more long-lasting, others more DIY, such as:
- Glass
- Plastic
- Wood
- Stones
- Metal
The Different Types Of Flooring And How They Best Fit Your Building Design
The following are the different types of flooring used in building:
Cement Concrete Flooring
Cement concrete flooring is one of the most common types of flooring. It is a mix of cement and sand. Nowadays, the design options for cement concrete flooring are very diverse. Moreover, it is also very durable, perfectly functional for not only residential but also public buildings. Want to know a little secret? This particular type of flooring is quite cheap.
Pros
- Durable and strong.
- High thermal insulation.
- Quick to install.
- Design options are numerous.
- Easy to maintain.
Cons
- Moisture susceptibility.
- Cracks will develop overtime.
- Low sound insulation.
- Slippery, cold and hard underfoot.
Granolithic Flooring
On the other hand, granolithic flooring is like cement concrete flooring. But unlike cement concrete flooring, the finishing used is a granolithic finish. Which is a coarse aggregate.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where cement concrete floorings could be used are:
The Kitchen:
It is the most used room in the building, and so it needs the most durable flooring possible. Cement concrete flooring can without a doubt withstand foot traffic and every other element. Dirt or spills can also be wiped off easily.
The Entryway/Foyer:
An absolutely great way to make a remarkable first impression is with stylish entry flooring. It can definitely handle heavy foot traffic and clean easily. Undoubtedly, being the perfect choice for this busy area where water, dust or dirt, mud, or snow could get tracked in.
The Bathroom:
When selecting flooring for a bathroom, you want something durable, moisture resistant, stylish, as well as low maintenance. Guess which flooring fits that description? You’re right, cement concrete!
The Basement and Garage:
Cement concrete flooring works exceptionally well for basements and garages. Likely owing to its moisture resistance, and its ability to avoid mold and mildew. The design possibilities are endless!
Commercial Buildings:
Unlike most flooring, cement concrete flooring has durability for heavy use, especially for high-traffic buildings. Similarly making it a perfect choice for offices, schools, churches, retail stores, medical infrastructures, restaurants, bars, and industries. What’s more, you can incorporate your company logo (including theme and colors) into the floor.
Brick Flooring
Brick flooring is another type of flooring for building design. As its name denotes, it is flooring made out of bricks. As a matter of fact, bricks are quite cheap, not to mention easily available, making their usage comparatively affordable. It should be noted that the bricks for the walls are absolutely different from those used for flooring.
Pros
- Durable and strong
- Not slippery surface.
- It is very cheap.
- Fire resistant.
- Easy to maintain.
- Can be recycled.
Cons
- Stains susceptibility.
- Requires sealing.
- Cold and hard underfoot.
- Very porous.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where brick floorings could be used are:
The Bathroom:
Brick flooring is an excellent choice for a bathroom. If you’re going for something stylishly durable and cheap, look no further. Again, it is moisture and wear-resistant, and also easy to clean. They aren’t slippery, so it’s definitely a choice worth considering.
The Kitchen:
Brick flooring works for kitchens too. The coloring and aesthetics of this flooring make it easy on the eye. Brick flooring can undoubtedly withstand the heavy foot traffic kitchens are known for.
Cottages, Stores, Warehouses:
Clearly, brick flooring is a match for stores and warehouses as they would have heavy foot traffic and heavy equipment. Old cottages built decades ago sports brick flooring. It is perfect for fireplaces and gives coziness to cottages.
Outdoors:
In areas outdoors, like pavement, or gardens, brick flooring can conveniently be used. Because of its characteristics, it can serve for a long time. Besides, it is very affordable.
Flagstones Flooring
Another really great type of flooring is the flagstones. Flagstone flooring is made from a type of sedimentary rock. Flagstones themselves are gotten by splitting along bed planes. Additionally, it is a form of sandstone consisting of iron oxide, calcite, and silica. Tiles of different sizes and shapes are manufactured from flagstones, especially used in roofing, flooring, and also walkways
Pros
- Easy to maintain.
- Durable.
- Waterproof.
- Wear resistant.
- Thermal insulation.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- It is not smooth.
- Hard to install.
- Although waterproof, it is prone to water damage.
- Cold and slippery when wet.
- Expensive.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where flagstones floorings could be used are:
The Kitchen:
Flagstones flooring is ideal for kitchens, as it is a heavy traffic area. Its look and texture match almost any interior decor. And, flagstones are known to last for a long time.
The walls:
Flagstones work great on walls too, blending seamlessly into the floor. It creates a more spacious look when flagstones are used for both your floors and walls. Definitely ideal for residential homes, or hotels going for a rustic look.
Driveway, Walkway:
Because of the hardness and durability of flagstones flooring, they are perfect for driveways and walkways. Places that experience heavy traffic and bear tons of weight.
Patios and Balconies:
It is appealing enough to help your balconies and patios stand out, while also withstanding regular usage as it remains durable.
Marble Flooring
Marble flooring is one—if not the most attractive type of flooring. Indeed, this flooring is particularly used in upscale high-class buildings, like mansions or palaces. It is well known for its beauty, luxury, style, and elegance. It is also derived from a type of natural metamorphic rock. Marble flooring pieces are hewed from the natural stone into marble slabs, and it is laid on floors like tiles.
Pros
- Elegant and upscale.
- Long-lasting.
- Waterproof.
- Easy to polish.
- Adds real estate value.
- Smooth and even.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Very porous, hence requires sealing.
- Stains and scratches easily.
- Cold, brittle and slippery underfoot.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where marble floorings could be used are:
The Kitchen:
Marble flooring is becoming a more popular choice for kitchens. This flooring gives off a vibrant, upscale look not only for cooking areas but also for dining areas. Any kitchen would look superbly elegant because of its radiant and smooth feel. It is also great for heavy traffic too.
The Bathroom:
The longevity of marble flooring and its elegance make it a great option for bathroom flooring or for shower walls. You get the wow factor, durability, and longevity.
Foyers, Sitting Areas, Hallways:
First impressions are super important. When building, you want flooring that would make such a grand first impression when people walk in. What is grander than marble flooring in your front entryway? In your hallways and sitting areas, marble shows elegance, portrays high-class. It also bears under heavy traffic and is durable!
Glass Flooring
A complete show-stopping type of flooring is glass flooring. This flooring is used to make a great visual impact, as the light is transmitted to the floor below. It is a shift from mundane to dramatic and daring. Again, this type of flooring is available in the form of tiles or slabs. They could either be transparent or translucent. But, this is not a common type of material for flooring. This type of floor requires a suitable framework for fixing glasses.
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing.
- Very functional.
- Resistant to water, dirt, and stains.
- Low maintenance.
- Durable.
- Smooth and even.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Hard to install.
- Vulnerable to scratches.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where glass floorings could be used are:
Interiors for Residential and Commercial Buildings
Glass flooring in the entire house isn’t unheard of. Especially in areas for entertaining, like sitting rooms, dining rooms. Also, bathroom floors can be in glass, as it is eye-catching, waterproof, and easy to clean. Commercial spaces like clubs, bars, restaurants, install this flooring in their main spaces. Its aesthetic allure draws the customers in. The sturdiness of glass flooring makes it quite capable of handling heavy traffic.
Outdoors for Sidewalks and Pavements:
Glass flooring makes outdoor spaces very enticing. Particularly when LED lights are attached. It is sturdy enough to handle heavy traffic and the outdoor atmosphere. This is because the glasses are treated to suit these conditions.
Tiles Flooring
The second most commonly used type of flooring is tiles flooring. They are beautiful, shiny, and appealing, available in diverse patterns and colors. Tiles are formed out of clay or cement concrete or terrazzo. Afterward, they are produced in a number of shapes (square, polygonal, rectangles amongst others). Also, they vary in thickness and size. Terrazzo, Marble, and Mosaic are types of tiles.
Pros
- Durable.
- Waterproof.
- High level of appeal.
- Easy to maintain.
- Not porous.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Hard to install.
- Slippery and cold underfoot.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where tile floorings could be used are:
Residential Buildings:
Tile flooring is great for your indoor floor finishing. It is sturdy, strong, and durable. It can withstand heavy traffic while giving you aesthetic appeal. It is definitely perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other living spaces in the house, for walls and other surfaces.
Commercial Buildings:
Public buildings like offices, hotels, restaurants, and bars, can spot tile flooring. It is strong enough to handle heavy traffic and other heavy materials to be placed upon it. Also, bear in mind its easy maintenance and a strong allure.
Swimming Pools:
If your building has room for a pool, the best type of flooring for it is tile flooring. It rinses off easily, doesn’t retain moisture, has strong appeal, and is highly durable. The patterns and colors of tile flooring offer a stream of endless choices.
Plastic or P.V.C Flooring
A very recent-trend type of flooring is plastic or P.V.C flooring. Polyvinyl chloride flooring is made from thermoplastic, which is a plastic material. It is a completely synthetic flooring, unlike another natural stone flooring. They are cut in tile shapes and are typically assembled over concrete floors. Similarly, they come in sheets too. They could also be laid over wooden floors but the installation is very expensive and difficult.
Pros
- Durable.
- Easy to install.
- Low Level of maintenance.
- Resistant to moisture.
- Comfortable underfoot.
Cons
- Unfriendly to the environment.
- Susceptible to wear.
- Difficult to patch up.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where tile floorings could be used are:
The Kitchen and Bathroom:
Plastic flooring is built to last while handling a significant amount of wear from heavy traffic. This undoubtedly makes it a good choice for frequently-visited areas. It is also one of the easiest types of flooring to install yourself. It is non-absorbent too, making it a great choice for your design.
The Basement:
P.V.C flooring is the best choice for basements because when subjected to persistent moisture and dampness, it doesn’t spoil. Apart from its durability, it isn’t cold underfoot, eliminating the chills associated with basements.
Wood/Solid Hardwood Flooring
An equally great type of flooring is wood flooring. It encompasses so many different types but they all have one common feature—strength. They are made of solid hardwood, hewn in strips and planks of varying sizes. Along with being aesthetically appealing, they call for low maintenance. There are so many types of solid hardwood flooring, based on the fact that they all come from trees. Here are a few:
- Oaks
- Walnut
- Bamboo
- Hickory
- Maple
- Cork
- Pine
Pros
- Extremely long-lasting.
- Unmatchable elegant look.
- Durable.
- Versatility.
- Low maintenance.
- Reduces allergens.
- Adds real estate value.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Susceptible to scratches and gouges.
- Noise and creaks with age.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where solid hardwood floorings could be used are:
The Kitchen, Entryway:
Using hardwood flooring for these areas prone to heavy traffic is the best option. Wood flooring such as oak or hickory can handle the pressure better than soft pine.
The Bedroom, Home Office:
Spaces that do not experience as much traffic are also great places to install hardwood flooring. Softer woods, such as black walnut or soft pine, or black cherry, are suitable for these areas. The flooring is still 100% durable, elegant, and easy to maintain.
Commercial Buildings:
The rustic edge of hardwood flooring is very useful in B&B’s and retreat centers. It is inviting, cozy, and super elegant. Similarly, the coloring of the wood floor gives a sense of history and fine aging.
Carpet Flooring
A really cost-friendly type of flooring is carpet flooring. It is an inexpensive material that is completely synthetic, quiet, and soft. Carpets are created when synthetic fibers are threaded through large sheets of backing material into closely spaced loops. Moreover, some natural-fiber carpets (cotton or wool) exist. But the most used are synthetic materials (nylon or polyester).
Pros
- Soft and warm underfoot.
- Water resistant.
- Less expensive.
- Versatile designs.
- Sound insulation.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Short lifespan.
- Retains stain.
- Wears are easily visible.
- Unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
How it fits into your building design
The best places where carpet floorings could be used are:
The Bedroom:
Carpet flooring is a top choice for bedrooms. Zero sudden chills when you get out of bed, soft underfoot, durable. Along with its secret weapon — it muffles sound! Different sizes and colors are available to match your decor.
The Living Room:
Living rooms are highly trafficked areas, and clearly, carpet flooring gives a cozy feel. It also gives off a warm atmosphere for relaxing or conversing.
The Play Room:
Carpet flooring is a perfect option for rooms where kids frequent and spend a lot of time in. It is unquestionably soft, limiting injuries. Similarly, children most likely spend quite a number of time sitting or lying on the floor. Falls and scrapes will be cushioned.
The Stairs:
Putting carpet flooring on stairs is such a great idea. It provides an additional grip. Carpet flooring also muffles and absorbs sounds.
Which flooring best suits your building design?
Choosing flooring that matches your building design and decor could prove challenging. Nevertheless, knowing the purpose of your building helps ease the challenge. That’s where Calebella comes in. We know there is the perfect flooring for your building. We just need to clear up a few details. Like the expected traffic, real estate value, elegance, or usability. Regardless of the building design you choose, there’s the flooring for you.
Let’s help you find it.