Floor finishes are the top layer of flooring that you walk on and are typically decorative.

Wood flooring

Planks of wood kept together leaving no void in between. Popular in cold countries as wood is a poor conductor of heat, maintaining a warm temperature in the building. Wood flooring may have a veneer finish to enhance the look. It may also be finished with stains, rub in oils, varnish, paint, wax or wood preservers.

Advantages of wood flooring

·        It can last a long time if cared for properly

·        It can be easily detached and shifted to other rooms if required

·        It can be recycled easily

·        It looks good

Disadvantages of wood flooring

·        It can be costly to maintain due to finishes

·        It requires upkeep

·        It can be easily devoured by termites if not treated with chemicals

·        It can be limiting to interior design as not all colours may complement the wood.

Concrete flooring

Concrete flooring is versatile in its finishes and types, which include:

·        Polished concrete

·        Stained concrete

·        Terrazzo-style concrete

·        Epoxy flooring

·        Concrete tyle

It is popular in places with hot weather conditions as it maintains a cool temperature inside the house.

Advantages of concrete flooring

·        Cost effective as no additional finishes are required to be applied on top

·        It can withstand a heavy loading and footfall

·        It is resistant to any kind of insect

·        It can last several years in any condition

·        Polished concrete is also water resistant

Disadvantages of concrete flooring

·        A sanding and sealing process is involved in laying and must be done by experts

·        Micro cracks can occur due to excessive loads or severe earthquake conditions

Laminates

Resembling wood and available in various shapes and sizes, a laminate is a board made of fibre and compressed to make a thin flat plate. On the surface is an image or materials such timber, stone, marble or tiles.

Advantages of laminate flooring

·        Low maintenance

·        Easy to install

·        Comes in different designs, offering a wide variety of choice

·        Low cost compared to other flooring

·        Scratch and stain resistant

Disadvantages of laminate flooring

·        Harder than real wood and can be noisy to walk on

·        When a plank loses shine or gets damaged, it cannot be refinished or repaired. Instead, a replacement plank must be provided.

Rubber flooring

Made from synthetic or natural rubbers, these can be recycled making it environmentally friendly. It can offer a great amount of elasticity. Best used in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms, and children’s play areas.

Advantages of rubber flooring

·        Due to its elasticity, it is extensively used on dance platforms to make the floor non slippery and bouncy.

·        Durable

·        Helps keep temperatures stable inside a room

·        Scratch resistant and waterproof (can be used in bathrooms)

·        Cost effective

·        Good absorption of sound

Disadvantages of rubber flooring

·        If one area is damaged, the entire floor will potentially need to be replaced as patch flooring is not possible

Carpet

Flooring made from woven fabric, often soft underfoot. However, not suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Advantages of carpet

·        Adds warmth, colour and comfort to a room

·        Less expensive than hardwood or tile flooring

·        Visually appealing

·        Easy to install

·        Provides insulation for heat and sound

Disadvantages of carpet

·        Holds dust and other allergens

·        Productive environment for dust mites

·        Retains moisture

·        High cost and needs to be replaced often

·        Not eco-friendly as made from synthetic materials

·        Can be difficult to clean and maintain

Linoleum and Vinyl

Linoleum (Lino) is a natural product made from linseed oil mixed with plant material such as cork. Vinyl is made from synthetic petroleum-based materials. This type of flooring has many different styles and is best suited for kitchens and bathrooms.

Advantages of lino and vinyl flooring

·        Less expensive than other flooring types

·        Easy to install

·        Waterproof

·        Stain-resistant

·        Easy to clean

·        Variety of colours and patterns

·        Has a softer/ more padded underfoot feeling

Disadvantages of lino and vinyl flooring

·        May have a shorter lifespan than other floors

·        Can have discolouring

·        Doesn’t have a resale value in the same way wood would

·        Visually, not as realistic as other floors like laminate

Stone flooring

Extremely hard-wearing floor and well suited to kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and utility rooms.

Types include:

·        Marble

·        Granite

·        Slate

·        Limestone

·        Flagstone

·        Sandstone

Advantages: of stone flooring

·        Eco-friendly

·        Durable material

·        Easy to clean and maintain

·        Helps control temperature

Disadvantages of stone flooring

·        Most natural stones are highly porous and absorb stain marks easily

·        Laying stones can be time consuming

·        Some stones are brittle and susceptible to chipping or even cracking

·        Is a relatively expensive type of flooring

Tiles

Thin and long lasting, floor tiling is usually square or rectangular, and can be made from materials like:

·        Ceramic

·        Clay

·        Porcelain

·        Stone

·        Metal

Advantages of tiling

·        Easy to maintain and clean

·        Durable

·        Resistant to water

·        Anti-static

·        Affordable

Disadvantages of tiling

·        Hard and cold under foot

·        Slippery when wet

·        Loud to walk on

·        Doesn’t resist shock and can crack

·        Grout between tiles needs to be maintained

·        Easily dirtied