The choice of flooring is one of the most important decisions you have to make when undertaking a home renovation, so should be one of your top priorities. It will make all the difference between contrasting looks, feel, warmth and quality.
Choosing the right type of flooring not only influences the feel of your space but can also set the foundations for your room design. We are here to take you through the most popular ones to make the selection process easy and enjoyable.
Tiles
Tiles have been used throughout the centuries as they are hard-wearing, practical and easy to clean. As designs have evolved, interior tiles have become more decorative and interesting, and will inject a large dose of style into your home.
Floor tiles come in various shapes, colours, sizes and textures and you can mix and match them to create a floor with custom patterns. The three most popular types of man-made tiles for interior flooring are porcelain, encaustic & terracotta.
Encaustic Tiles
They have hit the current trend with a bang, with a wonderful array of patterns and colours. Instantly injecting personality into your home, they also cleverly bridge the gap between using a contemporary tile in a period property, as well as making a real design statement. They are inherently porous but can be easily sealed and are very hardwearing (they are made from concrete).
Terracotta Tiles
Traditional in style and exuding rich earthy tones, they are a versatile choice for your flooring if this is your look. They come ‘unglazed with a rustic feel’ or’ shiny glazed’ for a more polished style. They do need to be sealed to prevent staining.
Natural Stone
Stone is a high-quality option and adds a luxurious feel to any space. Stone can add elegance and sophistication with its natural and timeless beauty, and it will never go out of fashion. As it is a completely natural product no two pieces are the same, and it will give a natural stylish look to any house. The most common types of stone are marble, slate, granite, and limestone. Stone is one of the most expensive flooring options and whilst it is very hardwearing, it is also porous, so must be sealed.
Limestone
One of the most popular natural stones, limestone has a beautiful natural patina that exudes a classic elegance. The large choice of different finishes and tones create many different styles; from honed limestone to create a contemporary feel, a tumbled finish which looks lightly aged to a distressed seasoned limestone, to look like it’s been in the building for years. Must be sealed.
Sandstone
With shades that are similar to the beach and desert sand, and colours that range from brown and tan to gold and red, this stone flooring suits interiors that are warm in tone. Often with subtle fossil markings this stone works well whether you are restoring or replicating a period look, or integrating it within a really sharp, contemporary design. Must be sealed.
Marble
A classic timeless look, marble is very popular choice for a sleek Italian look, often chosen in bathrooms to give that super luxe look. In a myriad of different colours, marble can resist moisture but is of high maintenance as its prone to staining and scratching. Available in polished, honed or tumbled finishes. Must be sealed.
Slate
To give interior or exterior spaces instant impact, slate is a rich, dark natural stone that oozes dramatic appeal. It has inherent veining and characteristics that make each and every tile unique. It can be used to enhance a classic or contemporary décor and give the wow factor. It is generally contrasted with lighter materials to achieve a balanced monochromatic look. Must be sealed.
Concrete & Resin
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete flooring is a relatively new and popular design trend, especially in modern homes, and is a stunning solution to create a seamless and innovative space. Concrete is now available in a wide range of natural colours, textures and finishes and is hardwearing and has a simplistic purist beauty. Larger spaces will need an expansion gap line.
Concrete as well as hard-wearing and stylish, also retains heat well so it is ideal for underfloor heating. A low-maintenance and easy to clean flooring, perfect for households with pets and in rooms with high levels of foot traffic. This non-slip type of flooring is ideal in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
Resin
Resin is another good option for a poured floor, and unlike concrete does not require expansion gap lines. They have a more uniform look but can be brushed during install to create more movement in the resin.
Wood
A wooden floor is beautiful, durable and warm under foot. It works well with both contemporary and classic interiors. Wood floors are valued for their natural beauty and warmth. Many types of wood grain, textures and colours are available, to create the perfect match with your scheme. The laying pattern is also a big consideration with wood flooring; from planks to parquet to add character.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
This is made from one single piece of hardwood cut from a tree of your choice, most commonly from oak, cherry or walnut. All types of wood have a hardness score showing how easily they can be damaged by everyday wear and tear. They can be sanded and refinished many times ensuring durability and flexibility, but they are more prone to movement and some solid floors are not guaranteed with underfloor heating.
Engineered Wood Flooring
This versatile option consists of a thin layer of natural wood glued onto a plywood substrate, making it more stable and resistant to moisture and heat than solid hardwood. It looks exactly a like solid wood floor but is cheaper and generally more suitable to use with underfloor heating, and in areas where humidity fluctuates such as kitchens.
Parquet Flooring
First introduced in France in the late 17th century, parquet blocks come in fixed dimensions that can be laid in intricate geometric patterns. It’s a great way to introduce pattern in a subtle, stylish and enduring way. Often showcased in hallways and reception areas, it adds interest, warmth and beauty in most interior schemes. It can be manufactured as solid wood or engineered wood parquet flooring depending on your needs. Classical parquet flooring is laid in herringbone pattern.
A more contemporary trend is for the clean lines of a chevron-style parquet, where the design lines up in a smart stripe effect.
There are many different patterns or parquet flooring, ranging from traditional Versailles to more intricate, abstract layouts.
Whatever your budget there are plenty of flooring solutions available. But remember the flooring you choose will become part of the fabric of your home, so choose a timeless style you won’t tire of, and that matches seamlessly with your décor and style.
