Flooring is an important part of any building’s interior, as well as a significant part of its exterior appearance and functionality. Flooring can be categorized as either concrete, stone, wood, mosaic, tile, carpet, synthetic and many other sub-categories of materials used to cover floors.
Floor covering is the term generally used for the work of putting up a permanent surface covering, such as a flooring structure. Floor covering includes a wide variety of materials and is used on both residential and commercial properties. Some of the most commonly seen types of floor covering are: hardwood flooring, carpeting, tile flooring, tile patios, laminate flooring, laminates, tile flooring, marble tiles, stone flooring, linoleum, etc. Most other types of surface covering, including vinyl, linoleum and tiles, have an additional layer that will protect the flooring from the harshness of the elements.
In each case, there are specific requirements for the kind of floor covering that will be best suited to the application, in terms of the type of construction, the intended use and so on. For example, concrete may be the most commonly used flooring material, but when applied to a building that is made from brick or slate, a special type of concrete overlay may be required.
Tile is also a common floor covering, as it is aesthetically pleasing and requires relatively little maintenance. However, if the floor is to be used on a concrete floor, some care must be exercised in order to avoid damage to the underlying concrete. A thin layer of sealant or stain will protect the tile from the elements and keep the surface smooth and shiny. However, if the flooring is to be installed over an existing tile surface, this sealant or stain needs to be reapplied periodically to maintain the flooring’s integrity. The cost of cleaning, sealing and repainting tile surfaces is much greater than the costs involved in cleaning and re-sealing concrete surfaces.
If the floor is to be used on a surface made of concrete but with a sub-floor made of stone, the first flooring material usually chosen is tile. Although granite flooring has been popular for some time, its high cost makes it a poor choice in residential settings. As a substitute, a product called “skelevett”mortarboard” tile is often used, which can be installed over any type of concrete surface.
Many commercial buildings, especially shopping malls and other multi-storey structures, are built on a cement foundation, which is made of sand, gravel, clay or rock. Floor covering is not necessarily required in these situations. However, flooring can be an essential part of the design and function of these buildings, as they require a durable and waterproof surface to which shopping displays and other items can be mounted.