Different Kinds Of Flooring
The sheer number of different
flooring types and materials are enough to confuse even the most astute of
homeowners. However, you can arm yourself with a little flooring how to and
make ends of all the various kinds. With all the styles that have come and
gone, the popularity of carpeted floors has endured and so many are familiar
with this particular surface.
As carpet has been around for a long time, the traditional natural fibers are still the best materials to use. wool, sea grass, sisal, hemp, jute, and coir are still as fashionable as ever and will blend in most homes. Avoid synthetic carpet like that in the turf used in football stadiums. Not only do they look obviously artificial, some pose health hazards because of their composition. Carpets made from natural materials are timeless and will age well. They are more expensive when you first buy them, but they more than make up for it in the long term.
Laminate Flooring
This particular type of flooring is made by joining three distinct layers to form a sort of sandwich. A print layer containing the design and color is bonded with a clear melamine resin top and a fiber core backing. Any design can be incorporated into the print layer and most people can’t distinguish it with real wood or floor tile. Most laminates are made in either of two processes: high pressure laminate (HPL) and direct pressure laminate (DPL). In DPL, all layers are combined in a single step, whereas the HPL process involves more steps in that the laminate is built layer by layer – ultimately giving it greater durability.
A good thing about laminate flooring is that it is only as permanent as you want it to be. It can be laid out in a way that it is not bonded to the floor, but rather just resting on it. This makes for a continuous surface without any joints or seams. It is relatively inexpensive for the beauty, versatility, and longevity that it offers.
Stone Flooring
The oldest kind of floor, stone’s beauty continues to endure. Marble and granite have been around since the start of civilization and they are as relevant today as they were in ancient Greece and Rome. Marble is durable and beautiful and it will stay that way if it is properly treated. Marble is porous so it has to be sealed so that it does not absorb moisture and stain. A marble floor is not a weekend do-it-yourself project as a botched job is almost impossible to repair. Also, huge marble slabs are harder to manage than small floor tiles and you can get seriously injured in case you make a mistake. Granite is more versatile as it is not porous and can be used in areas exposed to a lot of moisture.
Wood
Highly popular, wood is as beautiful as ever. Hardwood, softwood, dark, patterned, or random, this type of flooring is very versatile. As many trees are there in the world’s forests, there is a corresponding type of wood. This gives interior decorators a huge creative license to go wild and match every room and theme in the house. The most popular kinds are: oak, maple, ash, walnut and cherry. With the spread of Asian influences, bamboo is also becoming a staple in wood flooring. Wood is very hard-wearing and all you need is a little wax and elbow grease.
As carpet has been around for a long time, the traditional natural fibers are still the best materials to use. wool, sea grass, sisal, hemp, jute, and coir are still as fashionable as ever and will blend in most homes. Avoid synthetic carpet like that in the turf used in football stadiums. Not only do they look obviously artificial, some pose health hazards because of their composition. Carpets made from natural materials are timeless and will age well. They are more expensive when you first buy them, but they more than make up for it in the long term.
Laminate Flooring
This particular type of flooring is made by joining three distinct layers to form a sort of sandwich. A print layer containing the design and color is bonded with a clear melamine resin top and a fiber core backing. Any design can be incorporated into the print layer and most people can’t distinguish it with real wood or floor tile. Most laminates are made in either of two processes: high pressure laminate (HPL) and direct pressure laminate (DPL). In DPL, all layers are combined in a single step, whereas the HPL process involves more steps in that the laminate is built layer by layer – ultimately giving it greater durability.
A good thing about laminate flooring is that it is only as permanent as you want it to be. It can be laid out in a way that it is not bonded to the floor, but rather just resting on it. This makes for a continuous surface without any joints or seams. It is relatively inexpensive for the beauty, versatility, and longevity that it offers.
Stone Flooring
The oldest kind of floor, stone’s beauty continues to endure. Marble and granite have been around since the start of civilization and they are as relevant today as they were in ancient Greece and Rome. Marble is durable and beautiful and it will stay that way if it is properly treated. Marble is porous so it has to be sealed so that it does not absorb moisture and stain. A marble floor is not a weekend do-it-yourself project as a botched job is almost impossible to repair. Also, huge marble slabs are harder to manage than small floor tiles and you can get seriously injured in case you make a mistake. Granite is more versatile as it is not porous and can be used in areas exposed to a lot of moisture.
Wood
Highly popular, wood is as beautiful as ever. Hardwood, softwood, dark, patterned, or random, this type of flooring is very versatile. As many trees are there in the world’s forests, there is a corresponding type of wood. This gives interior decorators a huge creative license to go wild and match every room and theme in the house. The most popular kinds are: oak, maple, ash, walnut and cherry. With the spread of Asian influences, bamboo is also becoming a staple in wood flooring. Wood is very hard-wearing and all you need is a little wax and elbow grease.
