floorings

Flooring refers to the finished surface that covers a floor in a building. It provides durability, comfort, and style, while protecting the subfloor and influencing acoustics and thermal performance. Common flooring families include wood, stone, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, carpet, and concrete. Choice depends on foot traffic, moisture exposure, climate, subfloor condition, and budget.

Wood-based flooring includes solid hardwood and engineered wood. Solid hardwood is a single timber piece; engineered wood has a plywood or high-density core with a veneer surface. Both can be refinished and offer warmth, but are sensitive to moisture. Installation methods include nail-down or glue-down for solid wood, and floating or glue-down for engineered products.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles and natural stone are common in kitchens and baths for durability and water resistance. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are hard-wearing; natural stone such as marble or granite offers distinctive appearances but requires sealing and more maintenance. Concrete floors can be polished or stained and may be used with decorative finishes.

Resilient and synthetic options include vinyl flooring and linoleum, which provide water resistance and comfort at a lower cost. Laminate mimics wood but is less durable in moisture-rich areas. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and related products have improved wear layers and ease of maintenance. Subfloor preparation and underlayment are important for most installations.

Lifecycle considerations include cost, durability, and environmental impact. Durability varies: wood and stone last decades with care; vinyl often costs less upfront. Sustainability concerns focus on indoor air quality, adhesives, and end-of-life disposal or recycling.