What Are the Common Types of Finishes?
A floor finish is a liquid which is applied to a resilient tile floor and dries to a hard, durable and smooth film. This film is about the thickness of waxed paper and is expected to protect and extend the life of the floor while providing an attractive appearance and slip resistant surface.
The options from the experts of every flooring company in Buckeye AZ for your home or office are almost limitless. There are many different types of flooring installations that may be used to create different styles and patterns using various materials. And it’s important to choose a floor finish to complement and work with your chosen theme.
To help you decide, here’s a guide on the common types of floor finishes you can work with:
Concrete
Concrete finishes tend to be cost-effective, especially since no other additional floor finish will be added to the cost. It’s basically a coloured cement-based floor screed that comes with a high shine finish. With the popularity of modern industrial style interiors, concrete or cement flooring has become a go-to option when it comes to finalizing the floor finish in a space. It’s very easy to clean, extremely robust, and a winner when it comes to design. You can create a truly stunning visual effect and as it’s available in different colours, also it is durable and can withstand hard traffic.
Natural Stone
Natural stone flooring refers to mountain born materials like marble, granite, or slate. Since they come from the earth, each tile that you get is unique when it comes to streaks, color, and composition. Marble and granite are the most common choices, but limestone and slate are getting more popular lately. Stone flooring doesn’t come cheap but can be a great choice as it’s very durable. These are best for high traffic areas and can be used both indoors and outdoors though installation and maintenance can also be a bit costly.
Hardwood
Hardwood continues to be a popular choice for flooring, with some of the most common forms being oak, maple, birch or hickory. Most can attest that hardwood flooring can last for decades—especially with proper maintenance like keeping it dry and sanding once every few years. Its timeless aesthetic and recyclability make it more valuable than most popular flooring finishes. High quality hardwoods can create a luxurious feel and can bring elegance to any space though it can be pricier and can now be hard to acquire.. They’re also extremely durable and easy to clean, and can be sanded and refinished after a bit of wear and tear.
Laminates
The composition of laminated flooring consists of a clear coat with a photographic appliqué with melamine resin and fiberboard core. It often simulates wood and also comes in various sizes and shapes. Laminates are more sophisticated now than ever before. Most laminates tend to mimic wood or stone, and today it’s almost impossible to tell the difference visually, although they are a much more affordable option. It is budget-friendly, easy to install, and remove.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from sand and other natural materials and it can come in glazed and unglazed qualities. These pieces are often installed using tile grout applied in between the gaps of the tiles.
Ceramic tiles have been a clear flooring favourite around the world for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to see why. They’re durable, easy to clean, and are suitable for a wide variety of situations. Aside from being very affordable, ceramic tiles can cover a wide range of faux finishes, even those mimicking wood grains.You could go for a simple, elegant design in your hallway, a bright splash of colour in the kitchen, or get creative with your patterns in the bathroom.
Resilient Flooring
Carpets are textile floor coverings which provide warmth and comfort. It is a good acoustic insulator—making it a popular floor finish for home theaters. However, once stained, it can be difficult to remove these and it can harbor dust mites and other insects because of the pile.
Linoleum is made from natural materials, mainly of linseed oil. It is easy to install and easy to clean. However, it can be prone to discoloration when exposed to extreme sunlight. It is recommended for indoor use.
Vinyl is often used in sheets and comes in various finishes and patterns. It is highly durable and can last for almost 15 years if well-maintained. It’s important to note that vinyl is also prone to dents and tears if not installed properly.