For those of you stuck deciding on the massive amount of options and material out there, this is for you. Floors are one of the biggest elements in any home, so making the right decision based on your lifestyle is crucial to smart design.
Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs are the stuff of dreams: Giant hunks of raw aggregate, sand and cement, super industrial and oozing in sexiness.
Seriously, a concrete slab floor ticks all the boxes. Hard as nails, individually formed anyway you like and with structural integrity – concrete is a VERY versatile product.
Given a slab can be cold, insulating and including heating within the slab is a must in cold climates; hydronic heating pumps hot water through pipes laid in the concrete slab to heat it.
Concrete Veneer
A concrete veneer is an awesome option if you want a polished concrete look without the hassle of having a 70mm concrete slab poured through your home. Concrete veneer is a polymer mixture that replicates the look of a typical concrete surface.
It can be poured to as little thickness as 6mm, and along with aggregate and a typical polish, it’s a modern solution to achieve the raw, polished, concrete floor look.
Pangaea offers a huge range of colours and aggregate, and this versatile compound can be poured over anything from timber floors to tiles and existing slabs.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a treatment applied to a concrete floor; it gives a new lease on life to a drab and usually dated surface.
In a nutshell, it’s a super hard-wearing paint (resin based), very thick and commonly used in commercial and industrial spaces.
However, we’re starting to see some very unique and artistic applications of the resin that can be classed as homely. It’s a great option if polishing your slab is out of the question.
Slate
Slate and other stones, like tiles, are a great hardwearing solution for high-traffic areas. Natural in texture and look, organic stone can add bucketloads of character to any space.
When it comes to the product and service of laying and installing stone flooring, you’ll no doubt pay a premium price. However, in saying that, it’s also a floor type that will look like no other and easily create wow factor in any space.
Cork
Cork is that member of the timber family that doesn’t really fit in. We all have them; they don’t get invited to weddings or 21st birthdays, they always say the wrong things at the wrong time… you know, the black sheep of the family. But, weird is in these days, right?
They’re hard-wearing, super soft and cosy underfoot and visually even warmer than most timbers. Cork usually comes in tiles and must be treated (sealed); like timber, it can be costly, but for a super-green product that will always have a natural feel and a warm presence, cork is always going to be a winner.
Vinyl
Vinyl has come a long way since its colour explosion in the ’60s and ’70s. We’re now seeing vinyl tiles and boards imitating just about every surface under the sun. With such a high level of reproduction, it’s hard to see the copy from the real thing – even right up close. Don’t all jump for your wallets though, good-quality vinyl isn’t cheap – maybe 20 years ago but not anymore. Although you’ll get excellent wear (perfect for commercial applications), great finishes and an easy install that’s DIY friendly, vinyl is still – yeah you guessed it – vinyl.
Nothing beats the real deal, but this comes oh-so-close.
This article was sourced from www.realestate.com.au