Flooring has the power to make or break a room. As you walk in, some floorings steal your breath away, while others go unnoticed, or worse, are noticeably distasteful. Therefore, it’s understandable that designers, architects and homeowners often choose premium flooring based on the overall design style and aesthetics to pull the room together.
However, it’s important that you do not let the hunt for the perfect design distract you from the type of material you choose. Floorings are supposed to resist prolonged use while also maintaining their stunning appearance. Some rooms are used more often than others and some are exposed to moisture and other elements, all of which need to be considered before settling on a flooring option.
To assist you in picking the perfect flooring based on room requirements, we’ve compiled a list of flooring options that are offered by all the best flooring brands across India.
Type of floorings
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring, contrary to popular belief, is made of melamine plywood, not plastic. Melamine, a formaldehyde-based compound, is used to make these plywoods. It is important to note that melamine-formaldehyde has more firmly bonded formaldehyde than urea-formaldehyde (UF), hence reducing emissions and potential health hazards.
Laminate flooring is also multilayered, making it extremely durable. It is also easy to clean and maintain, scratch-resistant, and cheaper compared to other floorings. Though these floorings are not recommended for use in spaces exposed to moisture, it can be used in areas of the house that have heavy foot traffic.
Laminate flooring is ideal for:
- Living rooms
- Dining areas
- Hallways
- Bedrooms
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring, also known as resilient flooring or PVC vinyl flooring, is a popular choice for both home and commercial applications. It is made up of synthetic and natural polymer components arranged in cyclic structural units. Vinyl flooring sheets can now be made to mimic hardwood, marble, or stone thanks to new advancements in its manufacturing.
They are perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic. If you’re wondering what’s the best flooring for the kitchen, vinyl flooring is the answer. Vinyl floorings are stain-resistant and water-resistant. However, they are not scratch-resistant and will easily fade under constant exposure to sunlight.
Vinyl floorings are used in:
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
Hardwood flooring
This is a very popular, high-maintenance choice of flooring. Hardwood floorings come in strips, planks and parquet patterns to satisfy designers’ creative ideas. Unlike carpets or tiles, hardwood floors can be refinished to prevent any kind of fading or dullness, making them a cost-effective option.
One issue though, is that hardwood floorings are not resistant to moisture and tend to warp when used in rooms that are damp. Hence, hardwood floorings are not the best choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms or kitchens.
Hardwood floorings are commonly used in:
- Living rooms
- Halls
- Bedrooms
Engineered wood flooring
Engineered wood floors are made up of many different layers of hardwood and plywood. They are designed to mimic the look and feel of hardwood flooring. The flooring mainly contains a dense plywood core with a thin hardwood coating to achieve its appearance.
Although engineered wood flooring is not waterproof, it performs better in humid environments than hardwood. This flooring is less prone to warping and swelling due to its robust structure. Some engineered wood flooring can be further enhanced by incorporating a protective layer over the hardwood veneer to enhance protection against water spills and damage.
Engineered wood is used to make:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
Vitrified tile flooring
Vitrified flooring tiles are made from a combination of clay and other minerals such as silica, quartz, and feldspar baked at high temperatures. These tiles, which are usually coated with an exterior glaze, have a low water absorption rate, are long-lasting and are recommended as the best flooring for a bathroom.
Since vitrified tiles absorb very little water, they are resistant to moisture and stains. As a result, cleaning these tiles is quite easy. Dusting and wiping vitrified tiles on a regular basis is all that is required to keep them sparkling.
Vitrified tiles are commonly used in:
- Almost all rooms
- Kitchens, popularly
There you have it: Five unique and appealing flooring options for your next project. Although granite has long been the preferred flooring choice in many Indian homes, there are various low-cost alternatives that have shown to have greater appeal and benefits than granite.
If you’re having trouble deciding what the best flooring for a house is, or even the best flooring for caravans, reach out to us at Apple Ply. We are one of the best plywood companies in India with experts on board to help you make the right decision for your construction projects.
If you’re interested in knowing more about flooring options or simply wish to browse for the best flooring laminates, request a callback and we’ll be with you in a flash!
