Types of Flooring Materials and Applications
There are various types of flooring materials. Hard flooring includes concrete, cement, glass tiles, and ceramic tile. These materials have unique properties, and they are used for interior flooring. For example, ceramic tiles are made of clay products that are fired to create a thin, uniform tile. The joints between the tiles are grouted. In addition to being non-slip, brick flooring is also fire resistant. Here are some examples of the different types of flooring materials:
Timber is another popular type of flooring material. While it is naturally resilient, it is hygroscopic and therefore not suited for high humidity areas. In order to improve its resistance to moisture, timber can be treated. There are two types of timber: solid timber and engineered timber. Solid timber is made of one single piece of timber, while engineered timber is made from three to four layers of wood that are glued together and are typically 14mm thick.
Linoleum, another type of concrete flooring material, is a product of oxidized linseed oil. Linoleum can be purchased in sheets or with designs printed on them. Asphalt is a highly viscous liquid form of petroleum that is mixed with sand. It is commonly used for flooring and has great thermal insulation. Some types are made from marble chips. Another direct product from nature is murram, a material that is formed by disintegrating rock and has similar characteristics to mud.
While hardwood floors are more expensive than other types, they are more durable, and they provide a warmer feeling to the room. If you are looking for a beautiful, warm, natural flooring option, hardwood is your best bet. There are so many species of wood to choose from and you can even buy pre-finished wood so that you don’t have to worry about on-site finishing. Although wood does provide warmth, it is also susceptible to liquids and moisture, which can cause creaking and squeaking. Proper installation is critical.
Laminate flooring is another type of flooring. It looks like wood, but it’s made of compressed fibreboard planks that are covered with a photographic applique layer. Laminate flooring is cheaper and less likely to scratch or dent than hardwood or other types of flooring. Many good quality laminates come with a 20-year warranty. The main advantage of laminate flooring is that it requires minimal maintenance, and it’s easy to install underfloor heating.
Vinyl is another material that is used in flooring. It comes in different forms, including tiles, rolls, and sheets, and can be easily fixed with glue. Another flooring material that is widely used is PVC, which is made from compressed grass. It is durable and water-resistant, which makes it a good choice for many settings. Although this type of flooring isn’t ideal for bathrooms, it’s a great option for basements, garages, and other wet areas.