Types of Flooring in Architecture

Flooring is a permanent covering of a floor and is generically used to describe any finished material that is applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface for the user so as to have the comfort he desires.

Flooring helps enhance the look of the space and thereby adds value to it. Regardless of the design style that has been chosen, selecting a complimentary flooring option is necessary however with that follows a reality that floorings can easily break or make space, as the first interaction with a space is visual and then touch, hence floorings can impact the success of the project, therefore selecting the right desired flooring for your project is in your hands, so choose wisely.

Here’s a list of flooring types that will make it easier for you to decide what’s best for your space

Vinyl Flooring
Laminate flooring
Hardwood flooring
Marble flooring
Granite flooring
Bamboo flooring
Concrete flooring
Linoleum flooring
Terrazzo flooring
Red Oxide flooring
Quartz
Brick flooring
Carpet flooring
Tile flooring

1. Vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is an extremely durable and cost-effective material at the same time.
Vinyl is made from plastic that consists of acrylic, PVC, and other similar polymers.
Has a luxurious style and is durable.
Available in planks, sheets, or tiles.
Waterproof, functional, scratch- and stain-resistant.
Stylish and aesthetic.
Ideal for heavy traffic areas like kitchens and hallway
Easy to install.
Vinyl can be installed in rolls or in different shapes. Vinyl can have various installation methods like peel and stick, adhesive, and so on.
It can also be installed on an existing floorboard.
Vinyl plank flooring is made to look like hardwood.
Vinyl tile flooring is made to look like high-end stones such as marble.

2. Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring gives off the look of real wood, tile or stone flooring.
Has an affordable price.
Less maintenance than traditional types of flooring.
Scratch-resistant, waterproof, noise-resistant
Easy-to-install.
Laminate can come in ways such as in tiles, squares or planks.
Features interlocking tongue-and-groove assembly.
Simplified installation.
Durable laminate flooring options can withstand wet bathroom floors, kitchen spills and wear and tear from pets.

3. Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is durable.
Provides a timeless, elegant look.
Expensive
Aesthetic and attractive.
Hardwood has a longer life span.
Can be self-installed.
Hardwood is available in many different types of wood, such as red oak, white oak, cherry, walnut, and maple.
Waterproof, scratch, and dent-resistant options.

4. Marble

A naturally occurring material that is found in various regions throughout India.
Provides luxury and opulence.
Marble is available in a variety of colours.
Marble is a porous material
Can last more than 25 years and is easy to maintain.
Most common and best flooring for Indian house interiors.

5. Granite

Granite is an elegant option which is a naturally occurring stone.
Various colours and patterns are available in India.
Granite flooring can bring a note of sophistication.
High stain-resistance and durability.
Easy to maintain.
Protection from scratches is required.
The stone is cool and hence makes the space cooler.
Best flooring for Indian households.

6. Bamboo

Bamboo is a naturally occurring material
Resembles hardwood floors.
Fairly easy to maintain.
Water- and stain-resistant.
Gives the space a sophisticated look.
Inevitable scratches.
Swelling can occur in the material due to humidity of the climate.

This flooring type is best suitable for places with moderately dry temperature.

7. Concrete

It's the most common flooring in India.
It's made up of a mixture of cement, rocks, granite chips and other materials.
Flooring done in concrete is strong.
Most durable type of flooring.
Concrete flooring is largely damage-resistant.
Slight chipping and scratching causes wear and tear.
Due to moisture content, crack can be seen on the material.
Wide range of colours and textures can be established in Indian homes.

8. Linoleum

Linoleum is an eco-friendly flooring type.
Made up from raw materials such as linseed oil, cork, dust and resin.
Very cost-efficient and highly versatile in terms of design.
Very popular in Indian homes.
The soft surfaces on the material are prone to dents and scratches.
Uses in areas that see low traffic.

9. Terrazzo

Terrazzo consists of chips of granite and marble that is mixed in concrete.
It is also commonly known as China Mosaic.
Terrazzo is a very durable material.
Now stain-resistant
Easy to maintain.

10. Red oxide

Cost-effective flooring
Red oxide flooring is famous for its timeless elegant look.
Easy-to-maintain.
Found popular mostly in tropical climate.
Shades of red oxide like green, blue, yellow and black are also available.
Difficult to install and requires skilled masons.

11. Quartz

Meant for high-traffic zones.
Durable and easy to maintain.
Non-porous material and resists staining.
Quartz floors don’t chip or crack easily,
Ensured durability.

12. Brick

Cost-effective.
Widely popular in most parts of India.
High strength.
Fire resistance and extensive durability.
Bricks are also easy to clean.
Brick is a porous material
Due to its porous nature it can chip off easily.
Very aesthetically versatile as the brick can be laid in different patterns.
Maintains a moderate temperature
Brings a hint of rustic style to the space.

13. Carpet flooring

Versatile and affordable options. becoming available.
Adds charm to the house.
Good fit in bedrooms.
The house looks cosy, comfortable, and inviting with carpet flooring installed.
Cheaper than wood or ceramic flooring.
It is known to trap dust, stain, and odour which might result in allergies and other diseases.
Loop pile, cut loop pile, level loop pile, Saxony, twist, frieze, and velvet are some of the types of carpet flooring.

14. Tile flooring

Long-lasting
Less maintenance
Varied textures available that mimic wood, stone and fabric.
Perfect for high-moisture rooms like bathrooms, kitchen and basements.

a. Ceramic tile is made from clay and is durable enough. It is softer in comparison and hence more comfortable to walk on.

b. Porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tile, making it more durable, less porous and even more water-resistant than ceramic. It is also more expensive than ceramic tile.

c. Vitrified tile

Vitrified tiles are very popular throughout India.
It is made up of clay and other minerals like silica, quartz, and feldspar that are then baked at high temperatures for its purpose.
The water absorption rate of this material is low and hence is more durable
It comes with an external glaze, however, they are also available in a large variety of designs, colors, prints, and textures.
Most affordable types of flooring.
Suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Vitrified tiles are also available in types such as glossy, matte, and anti-skid finishes.

Now that we’re all covered with the wide range of different floorings for your design, what are you waiting for? Dive right in and choose the flooring that suits your next project with much more thought and clarity.