Learning the basics of each flooring material will allow you to determine which option is right for your floor area, traffic and cleaning routine.
1. Ceramic Floor Tiles
- Perfect for rooms with water, ceramic floor tiles create a floor that is waterproof, stain-resistant and easy to maintain. The downside is a cold hard surface that won’t cushion your legs when you stand on it. A ceramic floor is also slippery when wet. Add a soft, fluffy rug to cushion your feet and it also provides a little safety from slipping.
2. Glass Mosaic Tiles
- Glistening glass mosaic tiles shimmer like mother-of-pearl, offering a moisture-proof, high-end look that particularly suites bathroom installations. Many glass tiles are now created from recycled glass for an environmentally-friendly installation.
3. Stone Mosaic Tiles
- Stone offers a lifetime of durability and luxury and rugs offer elegant patterns that define an area within a room. Get the best of both worlds by installing a ‘rug’ created from soft tones of stone mosaic style.
4. Sheet Vinyl
- Vinyl flooring has come a long way since its popularity in the 1970’s. Embossed textures and trend-conscious patterns have elevated, what was once a kitchen eye-sore, to a floor covering suitable for any room in the house.
5. Laminate Tiles
- Laminate square tiles can imitate granite, slate, marble or any other natural stone. They are durable and easy to clean because there is no grout. Laminate tiles are a cheaper option to the real thing, an option if you are on a tight budget.
6. Laminate Planks
- Over the years do-it-yourself laminate flooring has become a huge trend, as a quick fix to unsightly floors. Although laminate flooring looks like wood, it is made of plastic and a high-density fibre pressure-laminated to make 6mm to 12mm thick planks. A high-quality image, imitating the grain and colour of natural hardwood floors, is clear coated with a resin on top. This will protect the floors from fading, stains, impact and scratches.
7. Cork
- Cork is an especially popular option for flooring in high-traffic areas, as it is water and mould resistant. Cork is a sustainable material and therefore a ‘greener’ option over wood. Cork trees regenerate every 9 years, while trees such as oak and cherry wood can take more than 30 years to grow.
8. Linoleum
- Linoleum is made from biodegradable materials and is warm, soft and quiet to walk on. The material is antibacterial and antistatic properties make it ideal for hospitals. Linoleum was first used in kitchens in the 40’s and 50’s it has made a comeback and is used worldwide.
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