Are you having construction done for the first time and are considering different floor tiles and flooring options? Are you comparing the benefits and downsides of using vinyl, hardwoods, laminated floors, and tiles, among others? Are you still uncertain of what to use for the different rooms of your home or commercial establishment? Fret no longer. We at Terrazzo Australian Marble are here to help.
The Elements of Your Floor
Having sturdy flooring is a must if you want to get rid of annoying floor problems such as tiles that are quickly broken, flooring that sags and squeaks, or when you have uneven flooring. Like all things where strength is vital, you need to ensure that your floor tiles or the floor covering that you choose will last for a long time. Here is a list of what are typically found beneath your flooring, what they are, and how they can help you:
- Joists – Sometimes you may feel that your flooring is bouncy, or that it is noisy or squeaky. While there may be many causes to this, oftentimes the culprit is the improper installation of joists. Joints sit atop your property’s foundation. During the construction, they are the crossbeams that you see that make up the frame of the floor.
- Subfloor – Having a flat, sturdy subfloor is instrumental if you are looking into using material other than floor tiles, such as vinyl. The subfloor is the material placed atop the joists, essentially protecting it while at the same time providing a sturdier base for your floor covering.
- Underlayment – Following the subfloor is the underlayment, which is essential to make your floor covering more comfortable to walk on and helps to reduce sound. At this point, you have to know what kind of floor covering you’re going to use, as sometimes you have to incorporate the kind of flooring into your underlayment. For instance, you may need a moisture-resistant underlayment if you’re installing stones or tiles that are grouted, since a pinhole in the grouting can induce moisture to seep through and to weaken and damage your floor tiles.
- Floor covering – The part of the floor that is visible to the naked eye, the floor covering is the design element that you’ve chosen to walk on. Having the right kind of floor covering can send a strong message to your visitors and potential clients, as well as enhance the appearance of your property. These are usually in the form of carpet, hardwoods, laminate, stone, tile, and vinyl, among others. When choosing floor covering, you have to be mindful of the floors conditions, as each type of floor covering has different requirements, such as the condition of the joists and subfloor, and the material that is required for the underlayment.
Choosing the Right Flooring
Now that you know what goes under floor tiles or other floor covering, it’s time to consider what kind of floor covering to use for each specific room. Here’s a nifty guide of what to look for in the most commonly utilized living spaces in homes and commercial establishments.
- Entryway – The foyer or entryway of each home or commercial space requires sturdy flooring as it sets the tone of your home. Before choosing tiling options, consider first if the area is expected to get high traffic. This will help you determine if you need to be concerned with scratched flooring or moisture-free floor covering.
- Dining Area – The dining area or pantry in offices can see lots of spillage, so it has to be moisture-proof and resilient to stains. Floor tiles are ideal options for dining areas.
- Bathroom – Lastly, the bathroom. Bathrooms may have high humidity that calls for moisture-proof flooring. You have to seal your floor covering with a protective coating to ensure that water splashes and spills won’t sip through the cracks and weaken your flooring.
These are just some of that are often present in offices, establishments, and commercial establishments. However, it is worth pointing out that no matter what kind of flooring you choose, you have to ensure that it complements the style and theme of your space. Floor tiles are oftentimes the most popular options, because they come in different colors and variations. However, choosing the right tile is only half the battle: you have to find a reputable company to supply your tiles and install them too. This is where we at Terrazzo Australian Marble come in.