Article taken off livingetc.com
10 Flooring Ideas
Linoleum is tough, yet tactile and warm. It’s a natural and sustainable product, made of linseed oil, rosin, jute and limestone. It’s the ideal flooring for people with allergies, because it doesn’t harbour dust mites and is bacteria static – germs can’t live or breed on it.
Cool and chic, concrete is hard-wearing and can be poured straight onto an existing floor with no need for levelling. It only needs resealing every seven years or so. Using stone soap will help to maintain it.
Modern, high-quality vinyl can replicate all manner of flooring, from wood and stone to tiles and mosaics, through to contemporary materials such as glass and zinc. And it’s usually cheaper and easier to maintain than the real thing.
Ceramic tiles come in all shapes, sizes, colours and textures. Usually made from clay or other natural materials, they aren’t as pricey as porcelain tiles, but nor are they as hard-wearing, so avoid laying them in heavy-traffic areas, as they may crack. Plus, their edges aren’t always totally straight, resulting in thicker grout lines. They’re ideal for use in bathrooms, but be sure to choose a design with a textured or non-slip surface.
Still high on the most-wanted list, jute, seagrass, coir and sisal are great for heavy-traffic areas. Bear in mind, though, that natural flooring can be slippery, so avoid using it on staircases, and it can be a bit too scratchy for bedrooms.
Cool and chic, concrete is hard-wearing and can be poured straight onto an existing floor with no need for levelling. It only needs resealing every seven years or so. Using stone soap will help to maintain it.
Resilient yet soft and warm underfoot, rubber is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. It’s available in lots of colours and textures, including ribs and studs. Opt for a smooth finish or low-profile studs for easy cleaning.
Beautiful, renewable and recyclable, solid wood is sturdy underfoot, and adds a high-end feel. Solid boards may expand and contract more than other materials, so they’re unsuitable for damp areas. Wood can be finished with polyurethane lacquer or natural linseed oil, and most sealants only need to be reapplied every few years.
There are plenty of reasons to love the modern carpet - it's cosy, soft underfoot and available in myriad colours and patterns. It's also more hygienic than you may think - it traps allergens and dust, which can easily be removed with regular vacuuming. It absorbs sound, so it's ideal if you have neighbours downstairs, and, as it acts as a layer of insulation, it can lower your fuel bills. Carpet doesn't always need a level surface, so it can save you money on any sub-floor work.
Limestone, marble, basalt and granite are ideal for heavy-traffic areas, bathrooms and kitchens. Stone is porous and can stain, but a sealant, such as Lithofin Stain Stop, will protect it without leaving a coating. Any scratches will gradually disappear into the patina, which can make a five-year-old floor more beautiful than a brand-new one. Stone can be laid on any surface as long as it’s strong and rigid. You may need to reinforce the floor, so ask an expert.
