It can be somewhat redundant to establish definitions that everything seems to understand through common sense. Nevertheless, it is necessary to do so to establish with more certainty the types of floors that exist. A floor is not only useful for walking on it, but it also has an important influence on the types of floor finishes. Aesthetics is therefore important so that several styles can be chosen, such as minimalist, natural, traditional, “retro”, and so on.
Types of floor finishes
Remember that the floor must usually combine with the environment, for example: If it is a typical racho, it is illogical to use a marble floor, the most convenient to maintain the theme of the environment would be to use a clay floor, which in this case the one that It is classified as low-end does not exactly mean that it is economical, but rather addresses the theme of the environment.
Cement and concrete floors
Smoothed concrete is an ideal option for exteriors, although rustic interior environments are also very good looking. They are modern, durable and resistant, they can be coloured in an infinite number of variants, which include unbeatable finishes.
On the other hand, we have the stamped concrete floor, a technique of similar application to the smoothing, except that the surface is textured using moulds in the factory, achieving stamped concrete tiles that are placed on mortar (cement-sand) with a joint separated that is filled with light mortar to even the level of the slabs.
Stone and tile floors
These floors are a natural choice that is extremely resistant to friction, heavy traffic and moisture. They are easy to maintain, thanks to a curing process after being placed in blocks and cuts. They are usually custom-built only to order and are on the market in sheets with standardized dimensions, in different aspects ranging from rustic matte to glossy polish.
Red Brick Floors
It is a rustic aesthetic option, very durable and economical. Brick floors are laid on level, boxed or laterally contained floors or terrains, and can be fixed with cement mortar or placed on a simple sand bed. It can be common building bricks, or concrete, cement, and mix bricks and blocks.
They can be painted, lacquered, waterproofed and varnished in various finishes, and are ideal for exteriors, due to their heat-resistant capabilities, their flexibility and durability.
Wood floor
Somewhat more expensive but also much more aesthetic, wood floors can take elegant and classic finishes, or rustic and even modern. It can be obtained in natural tones, with visible grain, or painted and varnished in various finishes.
The use of longboards gives the wooden floor an unmatched rusticity, while the combinations of laying tiles and shortboards achieve parquet floors of inimitable beauty and elegance. It can be used indoors (with matt and glossy finishes, lacquered, varnished and others) or outdoors (ideal for decks around the pool and balconies).
Ceramic floors
On the one hand, the most common are the smooth, non-skid and rustic procured ceramic tiles, in standardized sizes and easily installed on an adhesive mortar that is used to stick on the installation surface. These have an unglazed layer, which is the one that must go down in their installation. They are very resistant to high traffic, easy to maintain and clean, and low annual maintenance, they only require daily cleaning and weekly waxing.
On the other hand, we have two-layer ceramic floors, an economical option that is highly resistant to traffic and wear thanks to its enamelled top layer. Its finish is more elegant and modern, bright, although through decorative techniques rustic finishes are also achieved.
Marble floors
Elegant, cold and sober, the marble floor is ideal for large-sized interiors and sober-style homes. Due to their texture, they can be somewhat slippery when wet, so they are recommended for homes without children, pets or the elderly. They have good resistance to daily traffic, although without maintenance they decay with wear. They can be laid in blocks, in cut tiles or in small pieces, like paving stones, joined together with pastines.
Granite Floors
The granite floors are extremely elegant and sober. Very resistant and classic, they are a somewhat expensive but durable and valid option. It is usually placed in large plates, for the economy, being cut to size, although it can also be placed in the form of tiles with a minimum joint. They require regular maintenance that consists of polishing them to maintain their shine because they are somewhat sensitive to scratches from wear.
Granite and Porcelain Floors
They are elegant, eye-catching and sumptuous options, very easy to maintain and good resistance to rubbing. They are placed on tiles or thin blocks in a taken joint, which makes them somewhat fragile, although well placed and without air bubbles underneath, they have ideal durability. Both can also be purchased in matte finishes, an expensive option for residences with a classic but not sumptuous trend.
Floating floors
These factory-precast floors are set on joists and decking, on the subfloor or on the existing floor. They are made of high-density wood, generally melamine, with a bright and striking finish, very elegant. They are a warm and expensive option, ideal for households with children and young families who can afford it. It is resistant to traffic, although sensitive to humidity.
Vinyl, linoleum, rubber floors
These options are placed over existing floors or subfloors perfectly smoothed and insulated, taking advantage of its soft texture with a playful and somewhat nostalgic appearance. It can be installed in rolls or in large tiles, mostly adhesive, which are cut to size as needed. They are options that can be economical or affordable, depending on the desired finish, which provide the environment with unmatched resistance to stains, extremely easy maintenance, warmth and insulation, although they are sensitive to shocks and falls from sharp elements.
Carpeted floors
An ideal option for existing floors in poor condition, to renew their appearance for much less cost. The carpets can be wall-to-wall, covering the entire room and fixed under the baseboards or with double-contact tapes and screwed or press-fit profiles. They can also be sectorized (carpets) to visually divide the room, give warmth and elegance, or give fun, depending on their style and finish. There are them in countless materials, colors and textures. When carpets are installed on floors and walls, special attention must be paid to the cleanliness of the site, to avoid the proliferation of mites, fleas and ticks.
Mosaic floors
The mosaics are much more laborious in their placement, although much more aesthetic and highly durable. It can be granite mosaics (two-layer, polished or rough, with a somewhat reduced durability although with the possibility of re-treating and polishing) or calcareous mosaics (easier to maintain and aesthetic, sensitive to wear but versatile in its finishes and possibilities).
