Home » Misc » Home design flooring

Home design flooring


15 ways to create lasting style under foot |

The materials used underfoot can set the tone of a room – in these spaces the flooring ideas are the stars. The floor is one of a room’s largest surfaces, so careful consideration of flooring ideas is imperative to the success of any design. 

A floor’s appearance is important, naturally, but so too is how it feels to walk on, how it will stand up to the room’s activities and its atmosphere in the case of kitchens and bathrooms, and how much maintenance it will require.

Wood is eternally stylish and popular for many interior design schemes, but there are a dazzling array of additional options that might tempt and, here, we’ve put together flooring ideas for rooms around the home.

Flooring ideas

From hardwood and natural stone to clever lookalikes and soft and warm carpet and area rugs, these flooring ideas and expert voices can help inspire a room remodel.

1. Add charm underfoot with natural materials

(Image credit: Maddux Creative)

When it comes to entryway floor ideas, it pays to add interest to this welcoming space. Patterns can be subtle and sophisticated, particularly when decorating with natural materials in neutral colorways. Jo le Gleud, co-founder of interior design studio Maddux Creative , says the marble references for this London townhouse were from Villa Planchart (the house Gio Ponti designed for his clients Anala and Armando Planchart in Caracas, Venezuela). 

‘We use marble patterned like this for any high-traffic areas; the colors chosen resonate with the antique mosaic on the wall in this entrance-meets-boot room,’ says Jo. ‘All other areas are so much softer with the Parquet de Versailles, which was the default throughout the rest of the lower and upper ground floors of this house.

2. Add vibrancy with patterned tiles

(Image credit: Elizabeth Hay)

In a kitchen adding a patterned kitchen floor tile is a wonderful way to bring another decorative element to a room where it is mostly hard surfaces, says interior decorator Elizabeth Hay . She designed this kitchen with green-and-white floor tiles, teal cabinets, a teak table and rattan stools for clients in Singapore. Overhead is a light from Hector Finch and she’s added tongue-and-groove cladding to the ceiling for extra texture.

‘The kitchen is now the heart of the home and we want it to feel like a room we can relax in rather than just see it as a utilitarian space,’ says Elizabeth. ‘Adding a pattern to the floor is one way of creating interest and can be achieved in a practical way through floor tile ideas which are easy to keep clean.’ 

3. Introduce character with reclaimed flooring

(Image credit: Lykke Foged & Morten Holtum)

Salvaged floorboards instantly lend a room character. Anyone wanting to preserve or recreate a historic interior will find that perfectly matched boards in a uniform shade of brown will jar with antique furniture and fabrics. The best bet is to head to a salvage yard and pick up reclaimed timber instead. 

This room was designed by Maria Speake and Adam Hills of Retrouvius using salvaged boards and tile inlays from Emery & Cie for a family who like to entertain. Bear in mind that although reclaimed boards are cheaper to buy, they are more expensive to install. ‘Be creative with the direction that the timbers are laid – parquet can be used in numerous configurations,’ says Nick Hughes of Retrouvius.

4. Lay down traditional stone

(Image credit: Anson Smart)

Stone flooring types can sometimes risk looking beautiful but feeling cold – perhaps more so in northern Europe than in the sunny south. One way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to play around with shapes and colors to create visual warmth. The Australian decorator Tamsin Johnson brings her eclectic, bohemian eye to every project, mixing vintage and modern sculpture and art set against a clean, refreshing background. 

In this project for a hotel in Sydney’s Byron Bay, she chose travertine stone in various colors to create a patterned floor that sets the scene for other captivating pieces or art and furniture, including sculpted sandstone, rattan furniture and cotton and linen fabrics.

5. Make waves with pattern and paint

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Inject some fun and drama into a room by using the floorboards as a painted canvas. Choosing a bright color for an all over block effect is one option: regard it as another surface to introduce color that complements a design scheme. But you can go a step further by adding a stencil design or another hand-painted effect for extra character and interest. 

In this London sitting room, decorative artist John Harragan was commissioned by the owner to paint a series of irregular swirls across the length of the room. Made by using cut-out templates and painted in a smart black-and-white monochrome, the soothing waves make a strong design statement against the bold sea-blue rug and hot pink curtains

6. Fall for natural stone in the kitchen

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

Put stone on your list of possible kitchen flooring ideas. Using any of the different stone flooring types ensures your kitchen floor has the unique beauty that comes with a natural material. Natural stone will also stand up to the foot traffic of a busy family home – and is a wonderful flooring idea for entryways, hallways and bathrooms, too. 

To make a small kitchen look bigger, and a larger room feel as spacious as possible, consider a large format tile which minimizes the grout lines that can make a floor look busy. ‘Also, if you choose a grout color that is complementary to the tile color, the grout will be less noticeable which again helps to open the space out,’ says Isabel Fernandez of Quorn Stone .

7. Elevate a living room with hardwood

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Jan Baldwin)

Hardwood flooring is the number one choice for living spaces for many people. It looks attractive when first installed, and with proper maintenance will become even more beautiful with age. 

Using wood is a great way to create a cohesive look for open floor plans and area rugs can zone the space while still leaving plenty of wood on show to make its warm and attractive impression. Taking this approach? ‘Living room rugs should always be considered early in the design process and can be used to anchor a space and plan furnishings and accessories around,’ says Noemie Deed, founder of Cosy Coco .

8. Make care easy with porcelain 

(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse Photograph: Arch.photos)

If stone is high on your list of bathroom flooring ideas, but keeping it looking its best is a concern, take a look at porcelain tile – it's a fail-safe, versatile flooring idea. ‘Large format porcelain tile can be used in a wide variety of settings as it is virtually indestructible and stainproof, as well as being impervious to water,’ says Jo Oliver, director of The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse . 

Porcelain can replicate the appearance of other materials, including marble or limestone, to give the room an upscale look without the associated care needs of real stone. ‘Thanks to advantages in technology, digital printing has allowed porcelain tiles to be produced with a “natural” variation from tile to tile just as you would see on the actual stone,’ says Jo. ‘This reproduction is so accurate that these imitation porcelain tiles are now often indistinguishable from the real thing.’

9. Bring pattern to an entryway

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Richard Powers)

Flooring for an entryway has to be hard wearing, easy to clean, and look welcoming as it’s the first part of your home visitors see. Patterned tile is an option that can fulfill all these criteria – and it makes a fabulous contribution to the decor, too. 

Choose from geometrically patterned ceramic or porcelain tile to create a sophisticated look. Porcelain is denser and less porous, but ceramic – provided it is a tile designed for flooring – can fit the bill. 

10. Add interest with parquet

(Image credit: Junckers)

Make a living room floor a feature by opting for parquet in place of wood planks. Herringbone or chevron versions are classic flooring ideas, but examine the potential of alternative patterns to make a decorative impression.

‘The trend for parquet floors sees no signs of abating and a newer addition to the classic look is a hexagonal parquet floor,’ says Richard Aylen of Junckers . Team a parquet like this one with plain neutral walls to make the floor the star of the show.

11. Pick wood for its versatility in the kitchen

(Image credit: Ledbury Studio)

One of the best reasons to choose a hardwood floor for the kitchen is that it can complement traditional, contemporary, and transitional room styles, as well as the increasingly popular organic/natural look. ‘Wood floors are one of the cornerstones of any interior and are versatile enough to adapt to any scheme,’ says Robert Walsh, founder and owner of Ted Todd .

Another reason it’s a favorite among flooring ideas for this room? ‘The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home and wood flooring is the perfect choice as it adds warmth and character to a room that already has so many positive connotations,’ says Robert.

12. Dress up a living room with patterned carpet

(Image credit: Brintons)

Be bold in selecting carpet ideas and swap plain neutrals for pattern from wall to wall. 

‘Patterned carpet is very versatile and is a contemporary and practical solution for the modern home,’ says Rupert Anton of the Carpet Foundation . ‘It has reinvented itself with fresh, modern styles, from stripes to plaids, botanicals to houndstooth, and the choice is huge. It adds glamour and makes a fantastic style statement in a room, providing an eye-catching result. On a practical level, it also hides a multitude of sins!’

13. Warm up the bathroom

(Image credit: Amtico)

For a bathroom that’s used by young family members, consider LVT (luxury vinyl tile) as a flooring option. It has the benefit of being more forgiving as a surface than other bathroom options and is warm for bare feet as well. It’s also hard wearing and resists stains.  

Think about mixing and matching LVT designs to personalize the room. Here patterned tile makes the bathtub the centerpiece with a stone-look tile beyond. 

14. Choose a contemporary tone for wood

(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd Photograph: Davide Lovatti)

If you are looking for bedroom flooring ideas that are easy to update, consider wood – but don’t just consider the different tones of brown wood flooring to create a neutral backdrop, and match it with bedroom rug ideas. Gray wood is a fabulous alternative and ideal for combining with other gray shades for walls and upholstery to create a contemporary bedroom design.

A gray finish has the advantage of leaving the grain and character of hardwood apparent, and it’s possible to pick warmer, darker takes on the color or lighter, Scandi-style options to complement the remainder of the decor.

15. Correct bedroom proportions with stripes

(Image credit: Kersaint Cobb)

When a bedroom’s proportions are awkward a striped bedroom carpet can perform a visual trick. It could make the space feel wider or longer as required as it draws the eye along the dimension. 

Striped carpet also ticks the boxes for softness and comfort for feet in a bedroom, so it’ll give the space a cozy vibe. This type of flooring idea might also be the right choice because it provides sound insulation as well as keeping the space warmer.

What is the most popular flooring in homes today?

Hardwood retains its desirability in many homes today, and offers many benefits. Adrienne Robideaux with Animal Cracker Studio  says, ‘Wood floors allow for continuity between rooms while providing a neutral canvas for the furnishings in each room to take center stage. 

‘Particularly in family homes, continuing a wood floor throughout the house allows each child’s bedroom decor to evolve as they grow while still connecting to the home as a whole. 

‘Reclaimed wood (much like vintage rugs) is a great choice for family spaces because it already has character. White oak is also an excellent choice for those looking for lighter floors (the darker the wood floor, the more dirt you see!) in a warm yet still neutral brown. ’

What are the flooring trends for 2023?

Flooring trends for 2023 frequently tend to the bold and the colorful but natural shades, sometimes as part of the subtlest of patterns, are equally part of the mix for those who prefer floors to be more understated.

For carpet, pattern is an important trend as well as bold color, while classic neutrals remain a fashion-forward option. Think hardwood flooring in either gray tones or very pale finishes for the latest look if that material is your preference.

Look out, too, for natural stone – or authentic lookalikes – with strong veining, the continuing presence of patterned floor tile, or the new take on tile which offers sophisticated metallic effects.

5 Flooring Trends Interior Designers Are Loving Now | Architectural Digest

With design of any kind, what goes around generally comes around—and flooring trends are no exception. In line with the fashion world’s current redux of the ’90s and Y2K, certain choices that were previously assumed a little passé are making a triumphant return. From wall-to-wall carpeting to a discerning touch of vinyl, here are the flooring trends that are top of mind for designers right now.

Though some designers are keeping concrete floors in regular rotation, others—like designer Travis London—are favoring materials like black marble. Here, it covers the floor of James Galanos’s Hollywood home, decorated by Philippe B. Oates.

Photo: Flores-Vianna Miguel

A cool-down on concrete floors

Sleek concrete floors throughout a home have long been seen as a minimalist’s dream, and they remain stalwart in many projects. “When ground and polished, natural concrete exhibits variation and texture and a level of durability that can’t be beat,” Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design Group says.

Yet some designers have seen them wane in popularity in certain markets. “People are wanting more personalization and personality, and you just don’t get that with concrete flooring,” Miami-based interior designer Travis London says. So, what’s a concrete-averse minimalist to do?

“At the moment, clients are requesting marble—not in white, but in black,” London says. “It fits with the aesthetic in Miami,” where real estate is booming, “and creates a nice clean background, and the cleanliness is what I think they’re gravitating to.”

Rolling out the carpet

While carpet isn’t the top choice for everyone, those who count themselves as acolytes are embracing it with abandon (case in point: CeCe Barfield Thompson’s fairytale-ready design for the Hill House Home offices).

“A favorite go-to flooring choice of mine is wall-to-wall carpeting that I can create into custom sizes for area rugs,” Dallas-based interior designer Traci Connell says. “The patterns have become more chic and the durability has improved, while providing lush texture on the feet. Many of the carpet selections have pet protection properties infused into the fiber, which makes it a win-win—not to mention they are often wool, which is a cleanable natural fiber. ”

A focus on longevity

Though it may sound obvious to pros, investing in flooring that lasts is a must. Still, you may need to make the case for your clients: Several of our experts mention steering customers away from choosing a surface or covering for purely aesthetic reasons—or to save money.

“The tricky thing about floors is that it is very tempting to prioritize the ‘look’ over the functionality,” Kirkpatrick says. “But, as we know, floors must perform first and foremost, or they become very disconcerting to the homeowner.”

“People choose the cheapest option when they should think of the long term and also resale [value],” London says. While he personally advises clients against carpet, rugs can be a smart alternative. “When it comes to rugs, choose fibers that age well—silk is fragile, but wool is a great choice because the upkeep is easy and it lasts long and ages great. Nylon is basically indestructible. Make sure you get a rug with high knots to determine the durability. ”

Rotem Eylor, director of Republic Floor, agrees that trying to save money upfront has its risks for clients later on. “Another mistake people have been making, especially in the last year, is using thinner flooring to cut costs. This makes [it] more exposed to the elements underneath it, like concrete. It can also cause shifts in your foundation as a house ages, and it will break down over time.”

A laser-cut vinyl floor mat by Arzu Firuz adds a bit of texture and contrast to the floor of this primary bath designed by Richard Mishaan.

Photo: Roger Davies

Vinyl redux

Though it’s not the gaudy, sticky variety you might recall from your childhood, vinyl is no longer the dud it once was when it comes to interior flooring. That said, it’s important to still be discerning.

“Luxury vinyl plank is making a major comeback in vacation homes and commercial properties,” Connell says. “The look of wood has come a long way.”

While vinyl doesn’t have the best reputation from a sustainability perspective, many of today’s iterations are improving. Stone plastic composite (SPC) vinyl, for example, uses a combination of stone powder and polymers for its core—though some contain more plastic than others. In order to adhere to strict EU sustainability laws, Eylor says his company’s R&D department developed a product that is 90% stone powder and 10% polymers, making it one of the stronger and more stable in the industry, with lower VOC levels.

“SPC is definitely the fastest growing material in the market right now due to its easy installation and it being low-maintenance,” Eylor says. “The current style is French oak grain and clean looks that are moving away from the rustic feel. Coloring is moving away from gray and into light natural oak.”

At Ulla Johnson and Zach Miner’s Montauk abode, wood rules the kitchen—over tile or any other material. The space was renovated and furnished by architecture firm Studio Zung and interior designer Alexis Brown.

Photo: Pernille Loof

A wealth of wood

Despite the many alternatives, sometimes you can’t beat the charm of real wood flooring, our designers say. “My go-to at the moment is herringbone-pattern wood floors—I love a nod to the past, and they give you just that,” London says.

Connell points out that wood can also work in areas where you might usually use tile. “Since we have many lake house projects, our clients are looking for very durable products that can take the wear and tear of water from dripping towels and bare feet, spills from numerous house guests, and muddy paws running in from the lake,” she says. “We are suggesting prefinished engineered hardwoods that have a top wood veneer followed by a sealant that is water-resistant. You’d never know that water won’t harm it, and it’s much warmer on the feet than tile.”

Floor coverings: selection and design advice


March 13, 2021

Floor and wall coverings set the tone for the entire interior. This is the base on which the rest of the interior elements are superimposed: furniture, decor, lighting. And if a sofa or a lamp can be easily replaced, then the flooring is usually laid "once and for all." That is why it is so important to evaluate whether the selected flooring suits your interior according to all criteria. For what? Learn from the advice of professional designers.

Article content:


Porcelain stoneware: durable and versatile

Porcelain stoneware is a popular alternative to natural stone. Just as strong and durable, it is much less demanding in care and provides almost limitless opportunities for creative experiments.

material features. The versatility of porcelain stoneware is expressed in different aspects.

Firstly, it can be laid both on the floor and on the walls, and also used as a cladding for furniture facades. This allows you to create harmonious spaces, uniformly designed in horizontal and vertical planes. It is possible to purchase only one type of porcelain stoneware in different sizes and thus completely eliminate the risk of a visual "conflict" between the floor and wall coverings.

Secondly, porcelain stoneware flooring is appropriate in most rooms of the house and in any public spaces. Bathroom, hallway, dining room, kitchen, dressing room, pantry, office or living room - almost everywhere porcelain tile is a powerful competitor to other types of flooring. Unless in the bedroom and children's porcelain tiles they prefer parquet and carpet.

Interior use.

Designers value porcelain stoneware for its huge selection of colors and patterns. Often, porcelain stoneware imitates other, more expensive and capricious materials: marble and wood. By the way, it is almost impossible to distinguish high-quality marble imitation from natural stone by eye, experts confirm.

Manufacturers are not limited to imitation of marble and parquet and create unusual collections, for example, imitating concrete, crocodile skin or even Persian carpets. Bold and exotic!

Porcelain stoneware does not always pretend to be something else. It is also good on its own when decorated with designer prints, ancient ornaments or, for example, embossing.

Porcelain stoneware can be painted over to the full depth, and then if the top layer is damaged, the aesthetic effect will not change. But with mechanical damage to the surface pattern, the body of the tile will become noticeable.

Glossy porcelain stoneware 一 is the choice of perfectionists. The space becomes more airy, and the floor literally sparkles with cleanliness. But only if it is really perfectly clean: after all, every mote and speck of dust on a glossy surface is especially noticeable.

Matte surfaces are less demanding on perfect cleanliness, and also less slippery, therefore they are recommended for bathrooms and hallways where there is a risk of slipping.

Italian hob 5804-1 BELTRATTOItalian hob 5804-1 BELTRATTOItalian hob 5804-1 BELTRATTO

Marble: natural perfection

And yet, marble does not lose ground in the ranking of the most popular flooring. Many designers believe that no analogues can replace the beauty and uniqueness of a natural pattern. And although marble is capricious in care, interiors in classical and palace style will always be true to this material.

material features. Durable and wear-resistant, marble is quite demanding in care. Detergents with abrasives and acids are prohibited. Marble requires regular polishing and treatment with compounds that prevent the absorption of dirt. In general, marble flooring is heavier than porcelain stoneware and more difficult to install. The thickness of marble slabs directly depends on their length. And, unlike porcelain stoneware, marble can significantly hide space, which is often critical for rooms with low ceilings.

Marble is a cold material, so those who like to walk on the floor barefoot are advised to install a heated floor.

Interior use.

Marble has long been used in luxurious and exclusive interiors. Palace, classical and neoclassical style 一 is a direct indication for laying marble floor. Usually, light marble is chosen for such interiors, which sets a solemn atmosphere.

Marble glares in the light, so you should think over the lighting scenario in advance so that the glare looks beautiful, and not like a flaw.

A lot of marble 一 always runs the risk of making the room too cold and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is undesirable to use marble immediately as a floor and wall covering in a home interior. In a room with a marble floor, it is recommended to actively use “warm” materials for contrast: wooden furniture, fluffy carpets, accessories made of fur, straw and clay.

Parquet - best for apartment no

Wooden flooring differs from marble and porcelain stoneware in its "warm" character. Modern parquet 一 is a large selection of wood species, colors and laying methods.

material features. Wood is a natural material with a warm surface that is pleasant to walk on barefoot. The tree is afraid of water, high humidity and sudden temperature changes. But modern parquet is treated with compounds that help the material survive adverse conditions painlessly. Wooden parquet has a beautiful natural pattern.

Interior use.

Wooden flooring 一 is a classic that is appropriate in a variety of interiors: from Provence and country to loft and Scandinavian style. Of course, shabby chic parquet for a high-status study and dining room will be very different in color and pattern.

Traditionally, parquet is laid in the bedroom, dining room, living room and office. But modern moisture-resistant options are also used in the hallway and even in the bathroom.

It is generally accepted that defects in raw materials in the form of chips or knots reduce the class of parquet: such a coating is definitely not suitable for classic interiors. However, country, shabby chic or Provence will take such features as a "zest".

Motley and bright parquet looks good in spacious rooms, where the floor becomes a prominent part of the interior. In small rooms, it is worth giving preference to neutral shades and patterns.

Hood SWEET PELTROXItalian hob 5804-1 BELTRATTO

Laminate - practical choice

Laminate is absolutely ubiquitous. As a flooring, it is used in all rooms of the house: from the bathroom and hallway to the kitchen, bedroom and living room.

material features. High-quality laminate can be a good alternative to parquet. Visual and tactile characteristics are almost the same, while the laminate is much less finicky to clean and affordable. The main complaint about laminate 一 is the potential health hazard. But this does not apply to the premium segment laminate, which even passes such strict certification as the German The Blue Angel.

Interior use.

Laminate compares favorably with parquet in a variety of colors and textures. Laminate, like

and porcelain stoneware, is prone to imitation: popular designs are concrete, sandstone and marble. Designers recommend using a wide board in a small room to expand its boundaries. The life hack seems paradoxical, but it really works.

The use of one floor covering for all rooms creates a feeling of a solid interior, allows you to visually unify the space. A useful technique for small apartments, and the laminate will help to apply it.

Add softness! Carpets and rugs 一 for comfort

The carpet is both functional and decorative element of the interior. And also 一 mobile: bored in the living room 一 was transferred to the bedroom. The carpet differs from the carpet fundamentally 一 as a full-fledged floor covering from the "cape".

material features. Carpets are made from different materials: from natural cotton and wool to synthetic. Handmade carpets are of the greatest value, often created using traditional technologies by hereditary craftsmen. Carpet is often synthetic or semi-synthetic.

Interior use.

Carpets are a symbol of luxury and status. It is logical, because a handmade Persian carpet 一 thrown under your feet is a clear sign of well-being in the house. Carpets make any interior expressive and cozy.

If there is a lot of natural stone and metal in the room, you definitely need a decor that will balance the cold of these materials and enliven the interior. Carpet does the job best. Carpet is usually used in the children's room. This safe, soft surface is great for kids and minimizes the risk of serious injury from a fall.

In the classic version, porcelain stoneware is chosen as the flooring for the bathroom, parquet for the living room, and parquet combined with a carpet for the bedroom. But modern production technologies and design trends make it possible to break the rules: for example, choose parquet for the bathroom and kitchen, and porcelain stoneware for the living room. The main thing is that the coating matches the overall style of the interior. In small spaces, it is better to give preference to a neutral solid color flooring. Cold materials are best balanced with wooden furniture and textile decor. And the carpet will add coziness to any interior, whether it is a palace style with its predilection for marble or a cozy Provence with its love of nature and attention to detail.

Expert opinionInterior flooring


Come visit us for original ideas!
We are located at: 1st Shchipkovsky per. , 4
Daily from 10.00 to 21.00

Types of floor coverings: 10 modern options for an apartment

Choosing the finish for the floor is not easy. But this must be done correctly, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to live in the house. The new floor should not only be beautiful, but also strong, safe and durable. Well, if it will be easy to care for him. To make it easier to make a choice, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of different types of flooring for an apartment.

Listed flooring options in video

All about modern flooring

Finishes
— Laminate
— Parquet
— Parquet board
— Engineering board
— Ceramic tiles
— Marmoleum
— Carpet
— Quartz vinyl cladding
— Self-leveling floor
— Cork
What is better to choose

The choice of floor finishes is very large. They are laid “solo” or two or even three materials are combined. It turns out beautiful and functional. Consider the pros and cons of modern flooring to figure out which one is best for your home.

1. Laminate

The undoubted leader in demand among other materials. Laminate is a multi-layer cladding with a core of high-pressure pressed wood board. On both sides it is covered with protective layers of polymer. Under the top is a decorative layer. This is paper with a pattern printed on it that imitates a variety of materials: wood, stone, fabric. The top layer of the laminate can be smooth or embossed.

The slats are mounted using a locking connection. They are inserted one into the other and snap into place. Laying is most often carried out according to the type of "floating" floor. Varieties that are attached to glue exist, but are considered obsolete, and are very rare.

Pros
Cons

Pexels

Pexels

2. Parquet

Premium piece flooring. Made only from natural wood. The upper part of the slats is veneer from valuable species. He determines the pattern on the wooden planks. The parquet is laid piece by piece on a special glue. Some models are sold partially assembled in the form of small modules-blocks. They are easier to install. The layout of parquet planks can be different: straight, diagonal, herringbone, ladder, etc.

Pluses
Cons

Pixabay

Pexels

3. Parquet board

Something between parquet and laminate. Like the first, it is a completely natural material. Like the second one, there is layering and locking. The bottom layer of parquet lamellas is made of plywood, the next layer consists of cross-laid planks. They are covered with valuable wood veneer. It is he who determines the appearance of the coating. To emphasize the structure, the veneer is treated with stains and impregnations. A protective layer is applied on top.

The multi-layer structure ensures the hardness of the parquet board, its strength and durability. The coating lasts 50 years or more.

Pros
Cons

Pexels

Pexels

4. Engineered board

Refers to new types of flooring, considered to be a competitor of parquet board. The appearance of an engineer, as the masters call her, is similar to piece parquet. But that's where the similarity ends. This is a multilayer material with a base of two or three layers of plywood. The fibers in them are located perpendicular to each other, which makes the board resistant to any deformation and allows it to be laid in wet rooms. This distinguishes it favorably from parquet boards.

The plywood is covered with veneer of precious wood species: oak, ash, walnut. It is treated with impregnation and varnished. An engineering board is produced for installation in a floating and adhesive way, sometimes combined installation is used.

Pros
Cons

Pexels

Pexels

5. Ceramic tiles

Fired clay cladding. There are many varieties of ceramics: tiles, porcelain stoneware, majolica, clinker, etc. All have floor models. If earlier tiles were laid most often in bathrooms or bathrooms, now they are laying them in any rooms. Therefore, it can be considered one of the best floor coverings for an apartment if it is intended to lay a single finish everywhere.

Thanks to different production technologies, the type of tiles can be completely different, so it is easy to choose the right option for the interior. In addition, they produce interesting imitation models of a variety of materials. Ceramics are mounted on a leveled base with a special glue.

Pros
Cons

Pexels

Pexels

6. Marmoleum

It is considered a novelty in the market of finishing materials, but this is not entirely true. A coating with the same name and similar properties appeared in the century before last. It became the "progenitor" of the well-known linoleum. Modern marmoleum is completely natural. It contains resins, ground wood and lime, linseed oil. Coloring pigments are also only natural. This mass is applied to a fabric, and more often a jute base and pressed. A durable wear-resistant coating is obtained. It is produced in the form of tiles, panels or rolled strips. Mounted on glue or mastic on a rigid base.

Pros
Cons

ShutterStock

ShutterStock

7. Carpet

Very carpet-like room flooring. The difference is that the carpet covers the entire floor. It is most often monophonic or with a small repeating pattern. Depending on the composition of the raw materials, the material can be natural, synthetic or mixed. It is also distinguished by the length of the pile. There are lint-free, short-nap and long-nap products. Carpet is placed on a hard, even base. It is attached with glue, double-sided tape, or simply pressed to the base with skirting boards.

Pros
Cons

ShutterStock

ShutterStock

8. Quartz vinyl tile

This type of flooring belongs to modular flooring. It is made from PVC. In addition, the composition of the material includes quartz sand, which gives the tile increased strength. Modules are produced with and without locks. The first are mounted in a floating way, the second - with glue. Lock-type planks are thicker and stronger. They better imitate wood or stone. The slats are thin, similar to cut linoleum.

Pros
Cons

ShutterStock

ShutterStock

9. Self-leveling floor

Polymer monolithic coating, which is also called a liquid floor. According to the composition of the main components, it can be epoxy, polyurethane, methyl methacrylate, cement-acrylic. After hardening, the bulk mastic forms a monolithic surface. It closes small cracks and crevices, levels small height differences. For a decorative effect, paint, slices, glitter are used, drawings are applied.

Pros
Cons

ShutterStock

ShutterStock

10. Cork

Made from crushed cork tree bark. They are produced in the form of plates or rolled strips. Like any other natural material, cork finish has a unique pattern. The cladding is mounted on glue on a leveled rigid base.

Pros
Cons

ShutterStock

ShutterStock

The choice of floor finish is not only determined by its appearance and price. It is important to consider the conditions in which the material will be used. To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a table with a comparison of flooring and recommendations for their use.

Moisture resistance Sound insulation Thermal insulation Strength Mounting Disadvantages Where to bed
Laminate medium low medium medium simple moisture sensitive, "noisy" bedroom, living room, children's room
Parquet low good high medium complex difficult maintenance, regular special treatments, costly and complex installation all rooms except rooms with high humidity
Parquet board medium good good high simple moisture sensitive all rooms except bathroom and bathroom
Engineering board good good good high relatively simple complex adhesive installation any room
Marmoleum high good good high simple brittleness any room
Ceramic tiles good good low sufficient complex shock sensitivity, cold surface bathroom, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or nursery for heating system
Carpet low good good low simple complex maintenance nursery, bedroom, living room
Screed good good good high complex complex assembly bathroom, bathroom, kitchen, hallway
Quartz vinyl tiles good medium medium high relatively simple the substrate must be carefully leveled before laying any room
Plug low good good low relatively simple sensitivity to moisture and mechanical damage bedroom, nursery, living room

The choice of floor finishes is very large.

Learn more