Guide for floor selection

1. Linoleum

What we all know about the linoleum of communist childhood is the past. Currently, there is very good quality linoleum, roller or PVC, with prices varying according to manufacturer, technical specifications and design. The installation of this type of flooring should be done on perfectly smooth surfaces (it is recommended to cast equalizing screeds where required), bonded with a special adhesive and closed to the wall or to other surfaces with accessories provided by the same manufacturer, special for linoleum, complying with the installation instructions.

Can be used in bathrooms, kitchens and dining areas, on hallways or even in the living room, depending on the design chosen.
The advantages of using linoleum are the very small thickness and, implicitly, the level of the floor almost imperceptible. Certain types of linoleum have a very competitive price, being able to obtain a price per square meter smaller than ceramic flooring, only from the difference in workmanship and the price of the adhesive used in the two cases, not even taking into account the price difference between linoleum and tiles, for example. But, I repeat, and linoleum can be as expensive or even more expensive than a ceramic plating.

Another advantage is that it is a warmer floor than the natural sandstone or stone, less slippery and more friendly with bare feet, being preferred by families with small children, to the detriment of the tiles.

One of the disadvantages of this type of flooring is that it may not be as durable as a ceramic plating (depends on the type of linoleum chosen and the mode of operation) and it is not recommended to be used where there is heating in the floor because it can change its color in areas with higher heat, it can degrade more easily and some toxic substances from the heat can emanate.
When did I use linoleum? In those settings where the situation required finding a solution in which the level of the floor in a certain area did not rise far above the level of the adjoining area nor could the existing surface as a sublayer be broken to allow the use of another thickness coating bigger.In this situation it was the ideal solution, considering that we managed to meet all the requirements, both design (the chosen linoleum fits perfectly in the style of fitting), functional and technical as well as financial, the solution chosen being much cheaper than any other plating of that area, for which some subsequent changes would have been required due to that level difference that would have occurred.

Can we consider linoleum as a recommended floor in the arrangement of a dwelling? The correct answer depends on certain external factors and can only come after a thorough analysis of the concrete situation, which differs from the apartment to the apartment and from the beneficiary to the beneficiary.

2. Carpet

Many of us may have a slightly overlooked idea about carpeting if we reference and compare the products used in the past in the fittings. Currently, the carpet on the market meets the different traffic requirements, it is found in different colors, textures, thicknesses and sizes (rolled or tile-shaped) and is an increasingly sophisticated flooring solution for customers, both due to its enhanced comfort and its ever more elaborate design.

The installation of this type of flooring must be done on perfectly smooth surfaces (it is recommended to cast equalizing screeds where necessary), free from impurities, cleaned and degreased in advance, gluing is done with a special adhesive applied according to the instructions for use . Very important is the careful measurement of the space, the correct and efficient placement of the carpet and its cutting according to the sketch of the space (as a precautionary measure, it is recommended to cut a few centimeters (5-10 cm) to counteract possible measurement errors or imperfections of the camera).
The carpet can be used both in the residential area as well as in office buildings, hotels, restaurants, conference rooms, cinemas, etc., with the success of both categories of traffic. As with other types of flooring, the carpet should be chosen according to the destination of the space you have, the type of traffic in that area and, of course, depending on how the room was decorated.
The main advantage of using the carpet is the degree of comfort compared to other materials or the design, which can be customized on request, without omitting the very small thickness that causes the level of the floor almost imperceptible, the ease of assembly and the lack of dust, debris and disturbing noise , which we encounter in the case of ceramic or natural stone floors, for example. Classical elegance that carpet gives to the interior of a hotel, conference rooms, etc.is obvious, and there is no need to bring arguments in favor of this advantage.

Another advantage is the fact that it is a warmer and more comfortable floor than the parquet, much more enjoyable to the touch, providing a high degree of comfort, and which lends itself well to the spaces in which it runs very much without shoes in the bedrooms, children’s rooms, hotel rooms, etc.

Among the disadvantages of this type of flooring we can mention that it may not be as durable as a ceramic plating (depending on the type of carpet chosen, there are now specially designed models for heavy traffic, the material it is made of and the operating mode) and that it is not recommended that any type of carpet be used where there is underfloor heating because not all textures and thicknesses allow the transfer of heat to the habitat. Also, in relation to a ceramic or parquet flooring, the carpet will be dirty easier and its cleaning will be more difficult, although for the elimination of these disadvantages carpet models treated with anti-fouling substances have been created, as well as solutions and systems cleaning carpets much more professionally than in the past.

When did I use a carpet? In the arrangement of bedrooms and hotel rooms, where the comfort and elegance provided by this material were mandatory requirements in the arrangement. We also opted for this choice in situations where the existing floor looked bad and wanted to transform the surface immediately without a large investment generated by removing the degraded floor and replacing it with another one (eg in rented apartments where the customer is would use space for a specified period and the renovation costs would not have been settled by the owner).

Is carpet a recommended floor in a home arrangement? The correct answer can come only after a thorough analysis of the concrete situation, after a preliminary discussion with the client to determine his lifestyle and the exploitation of the living space, finally opting for the most advantageous variant for him.

3. Parquet

The parquet is known as a very elegant finish of residential interiors, reminiscent of our wooden planks, mounted in various geometric shapes. Hundreds of years ago, the parquet was only found in the nobility’s homes, but now it has become a very common finish in the vast majority of interior design, increasingly in competition with ceramic tiles.

From the classic parquet, to the layered parquet, from solid wood to laminate flooring, from the shape of small boards, with different joints, to long planks of various sizes and with various clamps (with click, clamps, gluing etc.) or even in the form of ceramic tile plates, the floor has evolved in multiple shapes, thicknesses, textures, materials, finishes and design, with various technical specifications and properties that distinguish the different types of parquet existing on the market. The installation of this type of flooring should be done on smooth surfaces (it is recommended to cast equalizing screens where the situation imposes it). If for the laminate flooring the mounting is made on a special support layer, recommended by each producer of parquet (there is also a general purpose foil, of medium quality and very affordable prices), it is recommended for the wooden parquet to be glued with various adhesives.

Can be used throughout the living area in the bathrooms, kitchen and dining area, on the hallways and in the living room, bedrooms and attic, but also in conference rooms, office spaces, etc. For each category of space and traffic, depending on the type of existing heating, manufacturers recommend different types of flooring, with properties and technical features tailored to the customer’s problems, currently in a very rich range of colors, essences, and finishes.

The advantages of using the parquet for other flooring materials, but especially for ceramic or natural stone plating, would be the speed of assembly, cheaper workmanship and increased comfort during assembly without dust and debris and the fact that the flooring is a much warmer and more friendly surface for barefoot feet, generally preferred by families with young children.
The advantages of using laminate flooring over layered wood flooring are the more affordable price, the lower thickness being much more appropriate to thermal transfer in case of underfloor heating and much more resistant to prolonged heating without working like wood and with increased resistance to humidity , making it better for bathrooms. Instead, in the case of wood flooring, we are talking about a natural, noble material that will have a different resistance in time, can be periodically cosmetic and that provides refinement and elegance to the space in which it will be used.

Of the general drawbacks of this type of flooring, we can mention that it may not be as durable as a ceramic plating, especially in places where there is moisture or direct contact with water, and it is not recommended to be used where there is underfloor heating (here we mean solid wood flooring) because it will work over time, contracted by excessive drying and creating increasing joints between parquet floors.

When did we use parquet in the fittings? Especially in the case of dwellings, where the parquet is very suited both from aesthetic point of view, offering warmth, family atmosphere and a variety of colors and textures, priced at any style used for the arrangement and technically, being an area suitable for families with children, comfortable to use, but also practical, easy to maintain. Also, the melamine flooring is also a very flexible version from the financial point of view, managing to create the desired design, fitting easily into the budget.

Is the flooring a floor that is worth taking into consideration when planning a home? Definitely yes, but the final decision should be taken only after a thorough analysis of the concrete situation, analysis done with respect to all requirements and opting for the most beneficial variant for the beneficiary.

4. Ceramic tile

Ceramic plating is one of the earliest methods of covering the interior, horizontal or vertical, since ancient times, in Greece or Egypt, during the medieval period, taking advantage of their use among the Italian or French nobility, so that in the modern age evolving towards what we all know about tiles and faience. Today, the offer of ceramic tiles is very varied, both in appearance, color, size, as well as price and quality.

Taking into account the many variants that currently exist, it is beneficial for the beneficiaries to have a minimum classification of the ceramics, depending on the environment in which they will be placed, either inside or outside. The difference between them is mainly due to certain characteristics that outdoor ceramics must have in order to cope with high temperature differences, especially frost, but also to allow safer traffic for people. Thus, to meet all requirements and to enjoy it for as long as possible, this tile has a matte, slightly porous appearance to be slippery.

Depending on the manufacturing process, the sandstone can be glazed or glazed, the enamel obtained by baking mainly having a decorative or uncoated role, also known as porcelain red tiles, which is more resistant to shocks, bursts and scratches.
Another important classification of sandstone types, as in the case of laminate flooring, is in dependence on the wear resistance of slabs and has values ​​from PEI 1 to PEI 5, starting from very low strength for low circulation rooms and reaching to plates for intense, public and commercial traffic.

The main advantage of ceramic tiles is their resistance to time and wear, stains, etc., to all types of traffic, as well as the possibility of using them both indoors and outdoors. Getting designs with varied designs is currently facilitated by a huge variety of models, sizes, shapes, priced for all pockets, making the sandstone a favorite material for both architects and designers as well as beneficiaries.

The main disadvantage would be to assemble, requiring specialized knowledge, professional cutting equipment, the use of certain specific adhesives depending on the location, either inside or outside, in order to obtain the desired design, but also for a durable quality result. Unlike other floor finishing materials, the sandstone can not be mounted very quickly, with some time for preparing the mounting surface, cutting the boards by the required size, drying, grouting, cleaning, including the resulting dust and debris of its use. Due to the complexity of required operations and materials for surface sanding, the final cost will be higher than in the case of the Prosecutor’s Office, for example, this may be considered a disadvantage for low budgets.

In which situations have I opted for plating tile floors? Being one of the oldest and most used finishing materials, ceramic tiles are widely used for both home and commercial customers or in public spaces. They are recommended in any room with increased humidity, bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, but also on hallways, corridors or any day areas with increased traffic and high dirtiness.

In conclusion, ceramic platings have to be taken into account in the vast majority of interior or exterior design projects, except for bedrooms where pets are not allowed to be used, children’s chambers where they will play on the floor, in the offices where they work sedentary, many hours a day, or in any spaces where the coldness or hardness of the tile would create a real thermal discomfort or use.

5. Natural stone

The use of natural stone flooring since antiquity has now become more accessible to both domestic and commercial users due to its advanced processing technology, being preferred to ceramic tiles for its durability over time, and classical elegance of natural materials.

Beyond these obvious, aesthetic and strength advantages, natural stone can be used, with little exceptions, for both indoor and outdoor plumbing, in areas with excessive humidity, high traffic, in rustic or elegant arrangements alike. A particular advantage is that the stone has the ability to store the heat in the room, providing increased thermal comfort during the hot periods, but also allowing it to be released to the ambient environment when using a floor heating system.

The main disadvantage of using natural stone planks can be considered to be the total price higher than in the case of sandstone resulting from the higher cost of the stone, depending on its type, thickness, color, machining, of the special adhesive to be used for a quality, time-resistant, but also due to the increased labor cost due to increased difficulty.

When and where do we recommend this type of finish? Our sincere answer is “whenever the budget allocated to fitting allows.” The stone is a natural material of indisputable beauty that can be adapted, both chromatically and functionally, to a variety of design directions, creating modern, classical, rustic or elegant romantic interiors and good-taste.