Latest News & Annoucements
Check out the latest news and annoucements. Find out what you need to know, tips-and-tricks, the popular choice and much more. We also share basic knowledge that you need to know on flooring.
April
02
Vinyl Flooring And Vinyl Floor Tiles
Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic floor covering made from plastic or polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC).
What Is Vinyl Flooring And Some Of Its Advantages?
Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic floor covering made from plastic or polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC). Unlike the thin PVC mats found in some traditional kampung houses, modern vinyl floorings come with multiple layers, making it gentle on the feet compared to standing on ceramic tiles for extended periods of time.
When it comes to designs and textures, homeowners have a huge variety to choose from, including styles that mimic hardwood floors, rough stone finish, and ceramic tiles. In our country, vinyl tiles designed for floors that carry a wooden theme are popular alternatives to timber flooring or parquet tiles.
Not only does it elevate the look of a home at a more affordable cost, but it requires little maintenance and is not susceptible to termite attacks!
What Are Some Disadvantages Of Vinyl Flooring?
Compared to ceramic or marble tiles, vinyl flooring can get damaged pretty easily from dragging sharp and/or heavy objects across the floor. It is also labour intensive to remove if glued down, which can damage the subfloor, and potentially have an impact on the resale value of a home.
While installation might seem easy, improper preparation of the subfloor, and uneven installation leads to faster wear and tear over time. Since vinyl flooring is made from PVC – a petrochemical product derived from petroleum, a finite resource – the entire lifecycle of the product (from manufacturing to the end-of-life stage) is unsustainable, polluting, and environmentally damaging.
Vinyl flooring and the type of adhesive used also poses the risk of emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home. These chemicals are released via a process called ‘off-gassing’ which can lead to adverse health effects like frequent headaches, nausea, dizziness, and long-term breathing complications.
Thankfully, the flooring industry is producing more low- or zero-VOC vinyl floors that can be installed without adhesives. An easy tip is to look out for brands that offer non-toxic vinyl products that are low-VOC certified.
Another way to identify low-VOC products is to see if you can sniff it out! Much like how that ‘new car smell’ is attributed to off-gassing, vinyl flooring will have a bit of a smell to it, which is normal, and should wear off in time. However, the smell shouldn’t make you feel ill.
Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic floor covering made from plastic or polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC). Unlike the thin PVC mats found in some traditional kampung houses, modern vinyl floorings come with multiple layers, making it gentle on the feet compared to standing on ceramic tiles for extended periods of time.
When it comes to designs and textures, homeowners have a huge variety to choose from, including styles that mimic hardwood floors, rough stone finish, and ceramic tiles. In our country, vinyl tiles designed for floors that carry a wooden theme are popular alternatives to timber flooring or parquet tiles.
Not only does it elevate the look of a home at a more affordable cost, but it requires little maintenance and is not susceptible to termite attacks!
What Are Some Disadvantages Of Vinyl Flooring?
Compared to ceramic or marble tiles, vinyl flooring can get damaged pretty easily from dragging sharp and/or heavy objects across the floor. It is also labour intensive to remove if glued down, which can damage the subfloor, and potentially have an impact on the resale value of a home.
While installation might seem easy, improper preparation of the subfloor, and uneven installation leads to faster wear and tear over time. Since vinyl flooring is made from PVC – a petrochemical product derived from petroleum, a finite resource – the entire lifecycle of the product (from manufacturing to the end-of-life stage) is unsustainable, polluting, and environmentally damaging.
Vinyl flooring and the type of adhesive used also poses the risk of emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home. These chemicals are released via a process called ‘off-gassing’ which can lead to adverse health effects like frequent headaches, nausea, dizziness, and long-term breathing complications.
Thankfully, the flooring industry is producing more low- or zero-VOC vinyl floors that can be installed without adhesives. An easy tip is to look out for brands that offer non-toxic vinyl products that are low-VOC certified.
Another way to identify low-VOC products is to see if you can sniff it out! Much like how that ‘new car smell’ is attributed to off-gassing, vinyl flooring will have a bit of a smell to it, which is normal, and should wear off in time. However, the smell shouldn’t make you feel ill.
April
02
What is Loose Lay?
Loose lay is a type of luxury vinyl flooring product comprised of not only vinyl, but also phthalate-free plasticizers for added weight and durability.
Loose lay is a type of luxury vinyl flooring product comprised of not only vinyl, but also phthalate-free plasticizers for added weight and durability. Designed for easy installation, loose lay is generally 5mm in thickness and requires an adhesive only for planks or tiles surrounding the perimeter of the room. The remaining pieces inside the perimeter are simply installed by laying pieces down without an adhesive; the added weight of the product and the specialized backing provides traction needed to stay in place without an adhesive.
April
02
Types of Flooring
When it comes to types of flooring available, most homeowners commonly think of either marble or tiles. However, there are a number of flooring options out there. Some of them are common while others are lesser-known. Each of these options have their own merits in terms of aesthetics, cost, durability and other factors.
Marble
Marble is a naturally occurring material that you can find in regions throughout India. Associated with luxury and opulence, marble is available in a variety of colours, including pink, grey and white, making it one of the popular flooring types.
The material is highly porous and fairly easy to maintain, sometimes lasting more than 25 years, making it the best flooring for house. However, some low-quality stones tend to turn yellowish over the years. Because of its natural occurrence and limited availability amongst types of flooring, this one is priced steeply and hence serves as a sort of ‘status symbol’ for many Indian households.
Vitrified Tile
Vitrified flooring tiles is one of the most popular types of flooring in India. This type of flooring is composed of a mixture of clay and other minerals like silica, quartz and feldspar baked at high temperatures. Generally coated with an external glaze, these tiles have a low water-absorption rate and are durable. They come in a large variety of designs, colours, prints and textures.
Vitrified tiles can also simulate natural materials such as wood, bamboo and even marble. One of the most affordable types of flooring available, it is suitable for both interior and exterior use. Vitrified tiles are available in glossy, matte and anti-skid finishes. Read all about the Differences between Marble and Vitrified Tiles here.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is one of the most common types of floors in India and another versatile option that is available for people who want stylish alternatives at an efficient cost. Available in designs that simulate hardwood and stone finishes, vinyl is one of the relatively inexpensive options in India. Stain-resistant and water-resistant, this is one of the most durable types of flooring available.
Marble is a naturally occurring material that you can find in regions throughout India. Associated with luxury and opulence, marble is available in a variety of colours, including pink, grey and white, making it one of the popular flooring types.
The material is highly porous and fairly easy to maintain, sometimes lasting more than 25 years, making it the best flooring for house. However, some low-quality stones tend to turn yellowish over the years. Because of its natural occurrence and limited availability amongst types of flooring, this one is priced steeply and hence serves as a sort of ‘status symbol’ for many Indian households.
Vitrified Tile
Vitrified flooring tiles is one of the most popular types of flooring in India. This type of flooring is composed of a mixture of clay and other minerals like silica, quartz and feldspar baked at high temperatures. Generally coated with an external glaze, these tiles have a low water-absorption rate and are durable. They come in a large variety of designs, colours, prints and textures.
Vitrified tiles can also simulate natural materials such as wood, bamboo and even marble. One of the most affordable types of flooring available, it is suitable for both interior and exterior use. Vitrified tiles are available in glossy, matte and anti-skid finishes. Read all about the Differences between Marble and Vitrified Tiles here.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is one of the most common types of floors in India and another versatile option that is available for people who want stylish alternatives at an efficient cost. Available in designs that simulate hardwood and stone finishes, vinyl is one of the relatively inexpensive options in India. Stain-resistant and water-resistant, this is one of the most durable types of flooring available.
While vinyl can be the best flooring for house in India, it requires special care to protect the floor from scratches. People looking for a warm material that replicates the appearance of cold flooring materials like hardwood and stone find this flooring type to be the ideal choice. One negative point with vinyl is its susceptibility to discolouration when it comes into contact with rubber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one particular product or type of flooring that withstands the test of time the best?
One of the products that’s really developed over the last two or three years is water-resistant laminate. Laminate in its original state performed very poorly in high-traffic areas. However, today, I would definitely recommend luxury laminate and vinyl. It’s scratch-resistant (hardwood is not), moisture-resistant and looks like incredibly realistic wood or tile. It’s very durable and will last a long time.
What’s the best flooring option for kids? Pets? Highly-trafficked areas?
How often does flooring need to be replaced?
Is there a flooring type you consider “timeless”?
