The term flooring in English means floor. Where the floor is the lower surface of a room. The lower surface of traditional buildings such as traditional houses, gates, temples generally have classic interiors, namely wood and stone flooring. While the lower surface of buildings in modern times tends to have ceramic, vinyl or other types of flooring. If you want to have a room with the best flooring, of course it cannot be separated from the budget and the right choice according to the needs of the room. Each type of flooring has its own comfort for the user.
TYPES OF FLOORING
There are various types of flooring and the advantages and disadvantages of each, including:
- Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring types can be installed on various surface conditions because they have a high height. Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring made of PVC (polyvinylchloride) which is durable, resistant to moisture and easy to clean. With ease of installation and dismantling, vinyl flooring creates attractive appearance flexibility.
Excess :
- More economical and affordable
Using vinyl flooring does not have to cost a lot of money because its parameters are cheaper than parquet flooring.
- Non-slip and waterproof
Vinyl is made from a plastic mixture so it is non-absorbent and water-resistant.
- More durable
Compared to wooden floors, SPC vinyl is more resistant to weather changes, rainwater and sunlight. The advantage of vinyl flooring is that it can last for 15 to 20 years. This SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) material is what makes vinyl widely chosen by people as an addition to the interior of their homes.
Lack:
- Not suitable for outdoor use
Vinyl flooring is not suitable for outdoor use where it is exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.
- Vinyl floor color fades easily
If exposed to sunlight for a long time, the color and pattern on the vinyl floor will fade. If you want it to be more durable, choose premium quality vinyl.
- Not scratch resistant
The type of vinyl roll flooring is not scratch-resistant and is easily damaged. Cheap vinyl flooring is certainly not of good quality and increases your expenses.
2. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is perfect for homes with multipurpose rooms. This type of flooring has a variety of design types and smooth surfaces. Laminate flooring gives an impression of charm and warmth to every room.
Excess:
- Affordable prices
This floor has the advantage of being affordable. The economic price makes people interested in using this type of floor.
- Scratch resistant
Laminate has extra protection making this floor scratch resistant.
- Easy and fast installation
Laminate flooring has a locking system to make installation easier. Installing laminate flooring can be done independently, of course this helps in saving costs. However, if you want to look professional, you can ask someone who is an expert in installing this type of flooring.
- Easy to clean
If the laminate floor looks dirty, it can be cleaned easily by simply using a vacuum cleaner. If it is spilled, simply clean it using a slightly damp mop.
Lack :
- Not shockproof
Laminate flooring is not shock resistant, although it can withstand scratches.
- Cannot be repaired
If there is a crack or scratch on the inside, laminate flooring is difficult to repair. The thing that can be done is to buy a new floor.
3. Marble Flooring
Marble Floors have a connected pattern. The various motifs and colors make this type of marble floor look elegant and luxurious. In addition to being used on floors, marble can be used on the interior walls of a house.
Excess :
- Durable and strong
Marble has high and extraordinary strength. Made of natural stone and a series of crystals that are solidly united, making marble resistant to scratches and damage. Marble floors can last longer if supported by proper care.
- Variety and looks luxurious
Marble is formed naturally, making it a variety of ceramics. With various patterns and motifs, it adds to the beauty of this type of floor. The patterns formed look beautiful, giving a luxurious touch to every corner of the room, giving an attractive warmth to the residence.
- Gives coolness to the house
A cool house is the dream of every person and family. The cool thermal properties of marble floors are very suitable for homes in hot areas.
Lack :
- Hard to fix
Marble surfaces have quite large pores. The repair process will be difficult if the marble cracks. In terms of durability, marble is still inferior to granite tiles. In addition, various motifs if damage occurs, of course, require expensive costs.
- Expensive
The expensive manufacture and maintenance of marble floors is only affordable for a few people. This is because marble has a unique motif and is difficult to install and maintain.
- Difficult installation
In addition to maintaining the quality of the marble floor, the installation of this floor must also be careful because it maintains the cracks that occur. Professionals are needed in the installation of marble floors. Of course this will also add expensive costs.
4. Tiles Flooring
Tile floors are often found in home buildings. Generally, the tiles used are porcelain and ceramic types. Ceramics do not absorb much water so they are suitable for floors or walls in bathrooms. While the porcelain type is suitable for application in the hallway of the house, kitchen, or places that are often passed. This is because the porcelain type has a durable quality, is denser, and more waterproof.
Excess :
- Environmentally friendly
The raw materials for making ceramic tiles and the process of making ’tiles’ are greener, resulting in environmentally friendly materials. Tiles do not absorb Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
- Easy to clean
Tile floor types are easy to clean. We only need water to flush the dirt that sticks, not solvents containing chemicals.
- Various motifs and shapes
Tile floors have a variety of motifs and shapes. Thin tiles are usually square or rectangular. While the motifs on the tiles include checkered motifs, subway motifs, penny, terrazzo motifs and many other types. You can choose according to your taste.
Lack
- Cold temperatures during winter
Tiles have the same temperature as the surrounding air. Tiles are made of clay so when cold temperatures occur, tiles will easily absorb. You can add a carpet to reduce the cold on your feet.
- Easy to break and crack
Temperature changes that occur in both hot and cold on the tiles cause this floor to easily crack and break. The composition of the cement mixture with the wrong level can cause cracks.
- Installation costs are expensive
The cost of installing tile flooring depends on the type of tile. Porcelain tile is more expensive than ceramic. The factor that causes the cost is the shape of the tile, for example, non-square because the craftsman must cut the tile to fit the room, large sizes are more difficult and risky.
5. Granite Flooring
If you want the room to look luxurious, then the right choice of flooring is granite. Granite has a denser and more waterproof quality. So it is very suitable to be applied to the bathroom. It is not difficult to clean granite floors from dirt that sticks because granite floors look smooth and clean.
Excess:
- Durable and scratch resistant
Granite is made from natural stone with a manufacturing process that is fired at high temperatures so that granite is a type of strong floor. High durability and durability make granite resistant to scratches.
- Low water absorption
The firing of granite is quite high, reaching 1,230˚c, so the pores are very small and do not absorb much water. This affects the maintenance and cleaning of granite. Small pores make it difficult for water and stains to enter the granite.
- Resistant and strong against heavy loads
Granite is made of hard materials, namely silica sand and feldspar, then fired at high temperatures and then compacted. It is no wonder that granite can withstand loads of up to 300 – 450 kg / cm
Lack:
- Installation is quite difficult
Granite has a heavy load made of solid natural stone, so it affects transportation and installation. Therefore, a strong bottom flooring structure is needed to keep it neat.
- Expensive price
The high price of granite is due to the processing of granite is not easy. Granite is taken from natural stone. Granite maintenance is also not cheap plus the complex design and type of granite makes the price of granite quite high.
- The granite surface looks smooth
If exposed to dust, water or not properly maintained, of course granite will look slippery. Therefore, proper care is needed in the application of granite floors at home. The use of granite types also affects the condition of slippery floors. Avoid using harsh chemical products and immediately mop or sweep dirty granite floors.
6. Wood Flooring
If you like a room with an aesthetic feel, then the type of wooden flooring is the right choice. Many types of wood can be used as flooring according to your comfort. The type of wooden flooring is suitable for use in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and hallways. You can choose the type of wood based on the texture, color and thickness according to the interior of your home. And don’t forget to add a wood coating so that your floor is durable against temperature, weather changes and scratches.
Excess:
- Looks classic and aesthetic
The natural pattern of wooden floors is a special attraction for people who want their homes to look classic. In addition to being natural, wooden floors also add an artistic nuance, giving a sense of simplicity and looking elegant. This makes people want to try the trend of wooden flooring materials.
- Stabilize indoor temperature
The material in the wood contains positive ions so that it can absorb heat during the day, conversely at night it can warm the air. The room will remain stable at all times and of course with this choice of wooden flooring will provide comfort to your home.
- Resistant to dirt and spills
Wood floors will be resistant to dirt and spills if they are properly cared for. Simply use a damp cloth without mixing chemicals or any kind of chemical soap. Clean the dirty floor area until it is clean and shiny.
- Increase the selling price of the house
Choosing a house with a wooden floor type can increase the selling price of the house in a long-term investment. This is because the selling price of a wooden floor house is higher than a granite or marble floor. The timeless beauty and simplicity of wooden floors provide a uniqueness that attracts people’s attention.
Lack:
- Prices tend to be expensive
Many factors make wood floors tend to be expensive, including original wood floors are more expensive. Types of wood with variant prices also increase the price of wood floors, and large wood dimensions have high prices.
- Prone to scratches
If the wood used on the floor is not coated with a protector, it is certainly susceptible to scratches. Improper care using harsh chemical cleaners can quickly damage the wood. Placing wooden floors in cold temperatures can quickly rot the wood. When pushing or shifting heavy property, if you are not careful, it will cause scratches on the wooden floor.
- Can expand or contract at extreme temperatures
The disadvantage of this type of wood flooring is that it can expand or shrink to extreme temperature changes. When the temperature is hot, the wood will shrink because the water in the wood will evaporate and cause the wood joints to loosen. Also during the rainy or cold season, the wood absorbs water from the air and expands. These conditions change the surface of the wood floor to be uneven.
ASPECTS OF FLOORING SELECTION
In addition to knowing the types and advantages and disadvantages of each flooring, you must know what aspects can help you in choosing flooring, including:
- Strength and durability of flooring materials
In choosing flooring, you must understand the materials and materials used. The changing temperature conditions in your home will affect the flooring you use. For example, if the temperature in your home is quite hot, then ceramic flooring can be applied.
- Texture on flooring
The provisions in choosing textures on flooring are very important. Placing flooring that is textured without considering the function of the room will interfere with your activities in the house. For example, avoid excessive floor textures or patterns in the bathroom, because it will be disturbed when the floor is cleaned.
- Color and design
The color design of the floor is very important when choosing a residential home floor. Color and design certainly provide a special nuance aspect because it adds comfort to everyone. Therefore, choosing the color and design of the floor is adjusted to the shape and color of the walls of the house. Bright colors and motifs give a spacious impression to the room, on the other hand, many motifs will seem crowded and look narrow.
You have learned the types of flooring, their advantages and disadvantages and aspects in choosing the quality of flooring. Of course, everyone has a different perception regarding the beauty of the type of flooring. All elements of flooring have their own qualities and disadvantages, depending on how to determine the flooring that is suitable for your home. If you are confused about choosing the type of flooring, please see the products from PT. Sumber Selamat and we provide consultation services if you want to ask. PT Sumber Selamat is happy to assist you.
