Floor Coverings

Considerations when choosing flooring…..

Fairly permanent/long lived choice Durability: Especially high-traffic areas Cost: material quality, installation, and

maintenance. Aesthetic: Color, texture, client preferences Acoustic control Codes: Fire and building

Floor Treatments Hard: solid, strong, durable

Brick, Stone, Marble, Concrete, Tile, Wood Resilient: flexible, give, bounce

Cork, Fibers, Linoleum, Rubber, Vinyl Soft: soft, comfort, warmth

Carpeting, Area Rugs, Mats

Calculations Hard Flooring is priced by square foot Carpet/Vinyl is priced by square yard. Calculation formula:

Square footage: __ w X __ l = _____ sq. ft.

Square yardage: ___ sq. ft. ÷ 9 = ___ sq. yds. (there are 9 sq. feet in a yard)

Types of Hard Flooring:Wood & Tile

Advantage to Wood flooring:

DurableConsidered permanentComplements any décorVariety of colorsAverage to high costCare: dry mop, mild soap and water, can refinish

Parquet – Parquet wood flooring is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for a decorative design / pattern. The patterns of parquet flooring are entirely geometrical and

angular – squares, triangles or lozenges.  

Plank - Plank wood flooring is linear and has more width. Common widths of plank flooring are 3" - 8" and wider products are not uncommon although the wider the more concerns for effects by moisture.

Strip -  Strip wood flooring is also linear and is usually 1 1/2", 2 1/4" or 3 1/4" wide. Creating a linear effect, strip wood floor in a new room often gives the room a larger look. 

Laminate – Laminate flooring is a look alike for wood. It is made with particle board and vinyl combination. It is affordable and durable.

Tile/Stone Flooring:

DurableEasily CleanedCold feelExpensiveCan Crack/Break

Mexican Tile - Crude base made of clay from earth. Hand shaped and sun dried, limited range of colors. Durable, informal, inexpensive.

Ceramic Tile - One of the hardest most durable coverings. May be glazed or unglazed, comes in many colors, patterns and textures. Any size or shape.

Flagstone/Slate - Any flat stone that varies in size, thickness, quality. Versatile, durable. Color ranges from soft grays, beiges, reddish brown. Expensive.

Brick - Durable, little upkeep. Many textures, sizes, colors. Transmits moisture and cold readily, absorbs grease unless treated. Absorbs solar energy.

Marble & Granite - Hardest non-resilient material. Gives feeling of elegance. Variety of colors. Very expensive. Use anywhere, especially appropriate with classic styles. Must be sealed.

Resilient Flooring:One of the most popularFlooring is made of material that has some elasticity, such as vinyl. Less Expensive with great variety of color and patternWill need to replace sooner than wood or tile flooringCan imitate any flooringDamp mopped

Vinyl - Tough, resists stains, durable. Variety of patterns and colors. Comes on rolls or do-it-yourself tiles. Low cost to very expensive. Can be used anywhere.Soap and water, can use special cleaners. No waxing needed.

Vinyl Composition - Resists stains, very durable. Low cost to very expensive. Can be used anywhere. Can be waxed and polished.

Linoleum - Made of cork, linseed oil, color, gum and poured onto a canvas backing. Ecologically friendly- does not give off pollutant into the air. Highly durable with a smooth washable surface.

Soft Flooring: Carpet & Rugs

Muffle noisesInsulatesCost rangesProvided Cushion

Broadloom Carpet Wall to wall carpet is viewed as a standard

item in today’s homes. Large variety of colors and textures. Can

serve as a transition from one room to another.

Insulates well, warm, quiet, easier on body Average to high cost. (carpet, pad and

installation) Carpet Installation:

can be glued directly to the floor padding and tack board can be

placed under the carpet Vacuum daily = high traffic

Vacuum weekly = low traffic Stain removal with cleaner or shampooing

may be needed.

Padding is Necessary For:

Shock absorption Insulation Decreasing noise Extend life of carpet

Cost Considerations: Product (quality, upkeep and care) Labor Padding Need to install a Sub-floor?

Labor for floor removal if needed The Cost! per sq. yd or sq. ft.

Quality Depends On:

Fiber Content Construction Depth of Pile

Pile Density: Density of Pile—The closeness with which

yarns are tufted, woven or tied. The more dense, the more durable.

The plush type carpets are much softer to walk or lay on and they offer better sound and thermal insulation. They tend to crush and matt though when they are subjected to high levels of foot traffic.

Carpet Textures:

Frieze Loop (tufted) Plush Berber (type of loop) Shag

Loop (tufted)

Berber (a type of loop)

Frieze

Plush

Shag

Carpet Construction

Carpet Fibers Carpets can be made of a single fiber or a blend. Blends give positive qualities of each fiber Higher quality fibers perform better and last longer Higher quality = higher cost Carpet fibers can be woven and backed Carpet fibers can be glued or fuse-bonded

Carpet Fibers: Nylon: most expensive, softest. Resilient in high traffic

areas

Olefin: Highly stain resistant, fade resistant, mold resistant, good for indoor and outdoor. Not resilient…loop construction

Polyester: Not as resilient as nylon but cost efficient, stain resistant.

Acrylic: Substitute for wool, less expensive, fast drying, fairly stain resistant, wears out quickly, better for area rugs.

Wool: Naturally fire resistant, durable, long lasting, very expensive, not used often anymore.

Add softness and warmth Large variety, color and texture Provide character as accessories Can become a focal point in the room Can define and area of use

Area Rugs