Flooring - Commercial & Residential

When it comes to the types of flooring options for homes available in India, most owners generally think of marble or tiles. However, there are a large number of flooring types and materials for homes available in the market. Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons. The most common types of flooring are mentioned below.

Best flooring options for a home in India

Marble

Image Source: Property Geek

This flooring material is often associated with wealth and extravagance, hence acts as a “status symbol” for many homes. Moreover, marble flooring is long-lasting and expensive. However, some low-quality stones tend to turn yellowish over the years.

Vitrified tiles

Image Source: Katta Ceramics

Vitrified flooring tiles are one of the most popular types of flooring. These tiles have a low water absorption rate and are long-lasting. Moreover, it is one of the most economical types available and may be used both inside and outside.

Epoxy fillers, made from two types of resins, are gaining popularity over traditional cement material. Cement grout stains easily and absorbs water which makes it difficult to clean. The features which make epoxy grout better than regular grout are:

• Durability: Suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Waterproof and stain-resistant: Ideal for wet areas and resistant to harsh chemicals.
• Porosity: Epoxy does not need to be sealed due to its non-porous nature.

Image Source: Youtube

However, only skilled professionals can do epoxy grouting which comes with a higher price tag compared to other types. Also, epoxy has a sheen that can highlight imperfections in the application.

There’s a wide range of grout colours available, so you may be thinking about how to choose a shade which suits your tiles best. Also, there are some shades which need less cleaning comparatively. Grouting is available in blacks, whites, neutrals, metallic shades, and hues like purple, orange and red.

Image Source: Grit and Polish

To pick the right grouting colour, you must consider the following options:

• Match the shade with the tile to conceal the grout lines and the shape of the tiles.
• Contrasting colours enhance the overall look and feel of the space as the design of the tile is highlighted.
• Lighter grouting acts as a frame and increases the aesthetic value.
• The darker grout colour draws attention to the design of the tile.

Tiles have emerged as an essential part of home decor. The texture and colour of the floor tiles help set the tone of the room decor. While choosing tiles remember the following factors:

Image Source: Wallnut

• Effects: When you use a dark-coloured tile it will make the room look more compact and warm whereas using a light-coloured tile will make the room look bigger.
• Colour wheel: Select a combination from the colour wheel as these combinations have been tried and tested.
• Application: Consider the place where the tile will be used. Different floor tiles of different colours are used in a bedroom or kitchen.

Hardwood flooring is a durable and natural but expensive flooring type for homes. Vinyl flooring is a synthetic alternative that is cheaper but less durable. Although hardwood flooring is known for its aesthetical value, vinyl floors are gaining popularity over wood floors for their cost-effectiveness, easy-to-install process, and resistance to moisture. Following is a tabular representation of vinyl vs wooden flooring for better understanding:

Image Source: Pinterest

With so many different flooring options available in the market, selecting a flooring material for your home may seem daunting. To choose a floor type from different varieties like marble vs tile, you must weigh the pros and cons of each type. Made from concrete or cement, and available in various shapes and thicknesses, floor tiles come in glazed or unglazed forms. Their colour and appearance are controlled during the production process. Marble is made naturally due to the metamorphosis of rocks. A symbol of luxury, the durable marble flooring is used in homes, restaurants, and hotels.

Image Source: Aglasiangranito

Flooring is one of the most important components of a home. Many different types of flooring materials are available in the market. Here are the popular flooring materials with their cost per square foot:

• Vitrified tiles: Starting at Rs.80/sq.ft.
• Porcelain tiles: Cost for these flooring tiles is Rs.75 per square foot
• Ceramic tiles: Starting at Rs.40/sq.ft.
• Italian marble: Starting at Rs.400/sq.ft.
• Indian marble: These start at around Rs.80/sq.ft.
• Stone: It costs about Rs.50/sq.ft.
• Cement tiles: Starting at Rs. 140/sq.ft.
• Terracotta: Starts at Rs. 80/sq.ft.
• Hardwood: Starting at Rs. 650/sq.ft.
• Engineered wood: Starts at Rs. 200/sq.ft.
• Laminate: Starting at Rs.120/sq.ft.
• Vinyl: Starting at Rs.75/sq.ft.

Image Source: Pinterest

While doing tile laying work check the following points:

• Hollowness: Tap the tiles with a specialised mallet to check if there is an unusual sound in the tile.
• Warping: Use a leveller to check if the tiles are laid in a straight line.
• Tile joints: Ensure that the spacing between the tiles is equal.
• Grouting: Tile joints have to be filled with cement or epoxy grouts to ensure that there are no gaps.
• Slopes: In dry areas, there is no need for a slope, whereas in wet areas the tiles should slope so that the water can drain out.
• Damages: Always check for chip-offs and slight shade variations in tiles.

Image Source: Rubi

Most people tend to get confused about the difference between vitrified, double-charge, and digital floor tiles. The differences between these are:

Vitrified tiles are ceramic tiles made from clay and silica. A popular choice for wet areas, these tiles have a natural sheen and are also great alternatives to granite and marble.

Double-charge tiles are formed by mixing two layers of vitrified tiles. These durable tiles contain a blend of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica. Easy to maintain, these tiles are ideal for high-traffic areas.

Digitally printed tiles come in a variety of designs and patterns. Used along with vitrified tiles to create accent walls, these are suitable for kitchens.

Image Source: McCoy Mart

Choosing the right size of the tile is much more than what will fit in your space. Although there are standard tile sizes for certain areas, you can choose from a wide range of tile sizes to match the overall look of your home. When choosing the standard size of tiles, you should take into consideration the following factors:

Factors to consider while choosing tile size

Image Source: Pinterest

Choosing a tile relative to the space

The easiest way to choose the right-sized tile is to select a tile relative to the dimensions of your space. Large areas like living rooms or open-floor kitchens will be able to handle large tiles. While medium spaces like bathrooms will look nice with medium tiles. Similarly,  small mosaic tiles will work well in a small area.

Tile sizes for different appearances

Different tile sizes give a

Read More >>

To choose the perfect flooring for a home with pets, you should check that the material is easy to maintain and durable. Although hardwood floors, laminated floors, stone tiles, and carpet tiles are used by many homeowners, Vinyl is the best flooring material for homes with pets. A good quality vinyl floor with cushioning fits wall-to-wall and is easy to wash. It comes in a wide range of designs and sizes. It is good for traction and ensures that your pet’s limbs are not affected.

Image Source: Flooring America

While design experts use many different tricks to make a small room look bigger, one of the most popular methods is by choosing the right floor colour. Selecting light-coloured flooring that compliments your furniture can increase the perceived size of any room and give an open feel to the space.  For example, you can use neutral-coloured stone tiles or whitewashed wood flooring.

Image Source: The Carpet Guys

On the other hand, dark flooring can also make a room look bigger when paired with light-shade cool walls. Additionally, you can use the same flooring throughout the house as it gives a seamless look to the space.

Read More >>

Tile grout colours are mostly available in earthy tones, with black and white being the most popular. Shades like beige, brown, light grey and green are used frequently. Some important tips to keep in mind while selecting are:

• Size: The size of the space dictates the colour choice. For example, if you go for complementary grouting in a small space, it will make the room look bigger.
• Pattern: If you go for a plain grid like in the case of a subway tile, you can opt for a matching grout colour. If you have mosaic tiles, go for contrasting colours as it will enhance the design of the tile.
• Maintenance: Darker colours are easier to maintain compared to lighter colours which collect dirt in high-traffic areas.

Image Source: Ezicleen

Vitrified tiles are made up of clay, silica and quartz pressed together to make a solid tile. There are four commonly available types of tiles – polished, glazed, double-charged, and full-body. Vitrified tiles are available in many different sizes in India, such as:

• 300 x 300 mm
• 600 x 600 mm
• 600 x 1200 mm
• 800 x 800 mm
• 800 x 1200 mm
• 1000 x 1000 mm
• 1200 x 1200 mm

These tiles are value-for-money options for the user.

Image Source: Civil Concepts

Read More >>

A wide range of flooring types is available in the market in different materials, styles, and textures. In the case of your kitchen, it is important to choose a flooring option that is durable and practical. Some of the popular options are:

Image Source: Pinterest

• Stone or tiles are a good option for areas with heavy traffic as they are durable.
• Limestone gives an old-world feel and is a natural material.
• Cork is water-resistant, durable, and available in different colours.
• Prefinished wood flooring is durable and can withstand heavy traffic.
• Vinyl is one of the most cost-effective flooring options for a kitchen. It is available in a wide range of styles and colours.

A wide range of outdoor tiles is available in the market to add to the style quotient of a space. While choosing outdoor tiles for the home you must consider the following factors:

Image Source: Sefastone

• The tiles should be strong, durable, and slip-resistant so that they can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent injuries.
• The amount of sunlight your patio gets will determine the tiles you select. If your space gets less sunlight, go for brighter tiles. If the area has high exposure to sunlight, go for tiles that will not get discoloured.
• Additionally,  choose from various types of outdoor tiles for the home, like decking tiles, carpet tiles, wooden finish, rubber finish, and interlocking plastic tiles.
• These tiles are cost-effective as prices start at around Rs. 60 per sqft.

It is important to select the right flooring for your home. Many people get confused about whether or not flooring should match throughout the house. Although your flooring choice ultimately depends on your personal preference, experts suggest using uniform flooring in a house due to the following reasons:

Image Source: Weekend Builds

• It unifies the overall look and feel of a house.
• Makes a house look more spacious and airy.
• It is easier to clean and maintain.
• Using the same type throughout the house is cost-effective as you can buy in bulk.
• Reduced risk of tripping compared to different flooring which has varied plank thickness.

While there is no rule that states that you should have dark floors, a darker floor makes the space look more attractive and grounded. The combination of lighter walls with darker flooring creates an illusion of space which makes this a preferred style among homeowners.

Image Source: The Flooring Girl

However,  you can use the opposite combination of lighter flooring with opposite walls when you have a low ceiling in order to create an illusion of height.

Read More >>

When you are buying engineered wood flooring it is essential to understand its suitability and usage. Therefore, you must check the AC Rating or Abrasion Criteria in the flooring before buying.  These ratings measure the floor’s resistance to wear and tear and stains from level AC1 to AC5.

Image Source: Addicted2DIY

AC Rating in flooring:

• AC1 Rating: For light use, suitable for bedrooms.
• AC2 Rating: Light to moderate traffic, can be used for dining rooms.
• AC3 Rating: Moderate traffic areas like living rooms and hallways.
• AC4 Rating: General traffic areas like offices, boutiques, and salons.
• AC 5 Rating: Busy areas with high traffic like restaurants, department stores, and showrooms.

Read More >>

Cleaning hardwood floors is quite easy. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep your hardwood shining:

Image Source: Family Handyman

• Vacuum or sweep your floor regularly with a broom.
• Do not let your spills stay for long. Clean it immediately with a damp paper towel.
• Use floormats at the entrance of doors to prevent dirt from getting accumulated.
• Use a good quality cleaner occasionally.
• You can also add plastic gliders and felt pads to prevent the furniture’s feet from touching the floor and keep the hardwood floor clean.

Read More >>

There’s a wide range of grout colours available, so you may be thinking about how to choose a shade which suits your tiles best. Also, there are some shades which need less cleaning comparatively. Grouting is available in blacks, whites, neutrals, metallic shades, and hues like purple, orange and red.

Image Source: Grit and Polish

To pick the right grouting colour, you must consider the following options:

• Match the shade with the tile to conceal the grout lines and the shape of the tiles.
• Contrasting colours enhance the overall look and feel of the space as the design of the tile is highlighted.
• Lighter grouting acts as a frame and increases the aesthetic value.
• The darker grout colour draws attention to the design of the tile.

While doing tile laying work check the following points:

• Hollowness: Tap the tiles with a specialised mallet to check if there is an unusual sound in the tile.
• Warping: Use a leveller to check if the tiles are laid in a straight line.
• Tile joints: Ensure that the spacing between the tiles is equal.
• Grouting: Tile joints have to be filled with cement or epoxy grouts to ensure that there are no gaps.
• Slopes: In dry areas, there is no need for a slope, whereas in wet areas the tiles should slope so that the water can drain out.
• Damages: Always check for chip-offs and slight shade variations in tiles.

Image Source: Rubi

While design experts use many different tricks to make a small room look bigger, one of the most popular methods is by choosing the right floor colour. Selecting light-coloured flooring that compliments your furniture can increase the perceived size of any room and give an open feel to the space.  For example, you can use neutral-coloured stone tiles or whitewashed wood flooring.

Image Source: The Carpet Guys

On the other hand, dark flooring can also make a room look bigger when paired with light-shade cool walls. Additionally, you can use the same flooring throughout the house as it gives a seamless look to the space.

Read More >>

Tile grout colours are mostly available in earthy tones, with black and white being the most popular. Shades like beige, brown, light grey and green are used frequently. Some important tips to keep in mind while selecting are:

• Size: The size of the space dictates the colour choice. For example, if you go for complementary grouting in a small space, it will make the room look bigger.
• Pattern: If you go for a plain grid like in the case of a subway tile, you can opt for a matching grout colour. If you have mosaic tiles, go for contrasting colours as it will enhance the design of the tile.
• Maintenance: Darker colours are easier to maintain compared to lighter colours which collect dirt in high-traffic areas.

Image Source: Ezicleen

It is important to select the right flooring for your home. Many people get confused about whether or not flooring should match throughout the house. Although your flooring choice ultimately depends on your personal preference, experts suggest using uniform flooring in a house due to the following reasons:

Image Source: Weekend Builds

• It unifies the overall look and feel of a house.
• Makes a house look more spacious and airy.
• It is easier to clean and maintain.
• Using the same type throughout the house is cost-effective as you can buy in bulk.
• Reduced risk of tripping compared to different flooring which has varied plank thickness.

While there is no rule that states that you should have dark floors, a darker floor makes the space look more attractive and grounded. The combination of lighter walls with darker flooring creates an illusion of space which makes this a preferred style among homeowners.

Image Source: The Flooring Girl

However,  you can use the opposite combination of lighter flooring with opposite walls when you have a low ceiling in order to create an illusion of height.

Read More >>

When it comes to the types of flooring options for homes available in India, most owners generally think of marble or tiles. However, there are a large number of flooring types and materials for homes available in the market. Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons. The most common types of flooring are mentioned below.

Best flooring options for a home in India

Marble

Image Source: Property Geek

This flooring material is often associated with wealth and extravagance, hence acts as a “status symbol” for many homes. Moreover, marble flooring is long-lasting and expensive. However, some low-quality stones tend to turn yellowish over the years.

Vitrified tiles

Image Source: Katta Ceramics

Vitrified flooring tiles are one of the most popular types of flooring. These tiles have a low water absorption rate and are long-lasting. Moreover, it is one of the most economical types available and may be used both inside and outside.

Epoxy fillers, made from two types of resins, are gaining popularity over traditional cement material. Cement grout stains easily and absorbs water which makes it difficult to clean. The features which make epoxy grout better than regular grout are:

• Durability: Suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Waterproof and stain-resistant: Ideal for wet areas and resistant to harsh chemicals.
• Porosity: Epoxy does not need to be sealed due to its non-porous nature.

Image Source: Youtube

However, only skilled professionals can do epoxy grouting which comes with a higher price tag compared to other types. Also, epoxy has a sheen that can highlight imperfections in the application.

Tiles have emerged as an essential part of home decor. The texture and colour of the floor tiles help set the tone of the room decor. While choosing tiles remember the following factors:

Image Source: Wallnut

• Effects: When you use a dark-coloured tile it will make the room look more compact and warm whereas using a light-coloured tile will make the room look bigger.
• Colour wheel: Select a combination from the colour wheel as these combinations have been tried and tested.
• Application: Consider the place where the tile will be used. Different floor tiles of different colours are used in a bedroom or kitchen.

Hardwood flooring is a durable and natural but expensive flooring type for homes. Vinyl flooring is a synthetic alternative that is cheaper but less durable. Although hardwood flooring is known for its aesthetical value, vinyl floors are gaining popularity over wood floors for their cost-effectiveness, easy-to-install process, and resistance to moisture. Following is a tabular representation of vinyl vs wooden flooring for better understanding:

Image Source: Pinterest

With so many different flooring options available in the market, selecting a flooring material for your home may seem daunting. To choose a floor type from different varieties like marble vs tile, you must weigh the pros and cons of each type. Made from concrete or cement, and available in various shapes and thicknesses, floor tiles come in glazed or unglazed forms. Their colour and appearance are controlled during the production process. Marble is made naturally due to the metamorphosis of rocks. A symbol of luxury, the durable marble flooring is used in homes, restaurants, and hotels.

Image Source: Aglasiangranito

Flooring is one of the most important components of a home. Many different types of flooring materials are available in the market. Here are the popular flooring materials with their cost per square foot:

• Vitrified tiles: Starting at Rs.80/sq.ft.
• Porcelain tiles: Cost for these flooring tiles is Rs.75 per square foot
• Ceramic tiles: Starting at Rs.40/sq.ft.
• Italian marble: Starting at Rs.400/sq.ft.
• Indian marble: These start at around Rs.80/sq.ft.
• Stone: It costs about Rs.50/sq.ft.
• Cement tiles: Starting at Rs. 140/sq.ft.
• Terracotta: Starts at Rs. 80/sq.ft.
• Hardwood: Starting at Rs. 650/sq.ft.
• Engineered wood: Starts at Rs. 200/sq.ft.
• Laminate: Starting at Rs.120/sq.ft.
• Vinyl: Starting at Rs.75/sq.ft.

Image Source: Pinterest

While doing tile laying work check the following points:

• Hollowness: Tap the tiles with a specialised mallet to check if there is an unusual sound in the tile.
• Warping: Use a leveller to check if the tiles are laid in a straight line.
• Tile joints: Ensure that the spacing between the tiles is equal.
• Grouting: Tile joints have to be filled with cement or epoxy grouts to ensure that there are no gaps.
• Slopes: In dry areas, there is no need for a slope, whereas in wet areas the tiles should slope so that the water can drain out.
• Damages: Always check for chip-offs and slight shade variations in tiles.

Image Source: Rubi

Most people tend to get confused about the difference between vitrified, double-charge, and digital floor tiles. The differences between these are:

Vitrified tiles are ceramic tiles made from clay and silica. A popular choice for wet areas, these tiles have a natural sheen and are also great alternatives to granite and marble.

Double-charge tiles are formed by mixing two layers of vitrified tiles. These durable tiles contain a blend of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica. Easy to maintain, these tiles are ideal for high-traffic areas.

Digitally printed tiles come in a variety of designs and patterns. Used along with vitrified tiles to create accent walls, these are suitable for kitchens.

Image Source: McCoy Mart

Choosing the right size of the tile is much more than what will fit in your space. Although there are standard tile sizes for certain areas, you can choose from a wide range of tile sizes to match the overall look of your home. When choosing the standard size of tiles, you should take into consideration the following factors:

Factors to consider while choosing tile size

Image Source: Pinterest

Choosing a tile relative to the space

The easiest way to choose the right-sized tile is to select a tile relative to the dimensions of your space. Large areas like living rooms or open-floor kitchens will be able to handle large tiles. While medium spaces like bathrooms will look nice with medium tiles. Similarly,  small mosaic tiles will work well in a small area.

Tile sizes for different appearances

Different tile sizes give a

Read More >>

To choose the perfect flooring for a home with pets, you should check that the material is easy to maintain and durable. Although hardwood floors, laminated floors, stone tiles, and carpet tiles are used by many homeowners, Vinyl is the best flooring material for homes with pets. A good quality vinyl floor with cushioning fits wall-to-wall and is easy to wash. It comes in a wide range of designs and sizes. It is good for traction and ensures that your pet’s limbs are not affected.

Image Source: Flooring America

Tile grout colours are mostly available in earthy tones, with black and white being the most popular. Shades like beige, brown, light grey and green are used frequently. Some important tips to keep in mind while selecting are:

• Size: The size of the space dictates the colour choice. For example, if you go for complementary grouting in a small space, it will make the room look bigger.
• Pattern: If you go for a plain grid like in the case of a subway tile, you can opt for a matching grout colour. If you have mosaic tiles, go for contrasting colours as it will enhance the design of the tile.
• Maintenance: Darker colours are easier to maintain compared to lighter colours which collect dirt in high-traffic areas.

Image Source: Ezicleen

Vitrified tiles are made up of clay, silica and quartz pressed together to make a solid tile. There are four commonly available types of tiles – polished, glazed, double-charged, and full-body. Vitrified tiles are available in many different sizes in India, such as:

• 300 x 300 mm
• 600 x 600 mm
• 600 x 1200 mm
• 800 x 800 mm
• 800 x 1200 mm
• 1000 x 1000 mm
• 1200 x 1200 mm

These tiles are value-for-money options for the user.

Image Source: Civil Concepts

Read More >>

A wide range of flooring types is available in the market in different materials, styles, and textures. In the case of your kitchen, it is important to choose a flooring option that is durable and practical. Some of the popular options are:

Image Source: Pinterest

• Stone or tiles are a good option for areas with heavy traffic as they are durable.
• Limestone gives an old-world feel and is a natural material.
• Cork is water-resistant, durable, and available in different colours.
• Prefinished wood flooring is durable and can withstand heavy traffic.
• Vinyl is one of the most cost-effective flooring options for a kitchen. It is available in a wide range of styles and colours.

A wide range of outdoor tiles is available in the market to add to the style quotient of a space. While choosing outdoor tiles for the home you must consider the following factors:

Image Source: Sefastone

• The tiles should be strong, durable, and slip-resistant so that they can withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent injuries.
• The amount of sunlight your patio gets will determine the tiles you select. If your space gets less sunlight, go for brighter tiles. If the area has high exposure to sunlight, go for tiles that will not get discoloured.
• Additionally,  choose from various types of outdoor tiles for the home, like decking tiles, carpet tiles, wooden finish, rubber finish, and interlocking plastic tiles.
• These tiles are cost-effective as prices start at around Rs. 60 per sqft.

It is important to select the right flooring for your home. Many people get confused about whether or not flooring should match throughout the house. Although your flooring choice ultimately depends on your personal preference, experts suggest using uniform flooring in a house due to the following reasons:

Image Source: Weekend Builds

• It unifies the overall look and feel of a house.
• Makes a house look more spacious and airy.
• It is easier to clean and maintain.
• Using the same type throughout the house is cost-effective as you can buy in bulk.
• Reduced risk of tripping compared to different flooring which has varied plank thickness.

When you are buying engineered wood flooring it is essential to understand its suitability and usage. Therefore, you must check the AC Rating or Abrasion Criteria in the flooring before buying.  These ratings measure the floor’s resistance to wear and tear and stains from level AC1 to AC5.

Image Source: Addicted2DIY

AC Rating in flooring:

• AC1 Rating: For light use, suitable for bedrooms.
• AC2 Rating: Light to moderate traffic, can be used for dining rooms.
• AC3 Rating: Moderate traffic areas like living rooms and hallways.
• AC4 Rating: General traffic areas like offices, boutiques, and salons.
• AC 5 Rating: Busy areas with high traffic like restaurants, department stores, and showrooms.

Read More >>

Cleaning hardwood floors is quite easy. Here are some important tips and tricks to keep your hardwood shining:

Image Source: Family Handyman

• Vacuum or sweep your floor regularly with a broom.
• Do not let your spills stay for long. Clean it immediately with a damp paper towel.
• Use floormats at the entrance of doors to prevent dirt from getting accumulated.
• Use a good quality cleaner occasionally.
• You can also add plastic gliders and felt pads to prevent the furniture’s feet from touching the floor and keep the hardwood floor clean.

Read More >>