Which floor covering to use

CR does not test unfinished floors because much of what we analyze is related to the finish. There are plenty of reasons to opt for prefinished planks. Prefinished flooring also tends to be less expensive. Runner-Up: Engineered Wood Though it mimics the look of solid wood, engineered wood flooring has just a thin veneer of finished wood, such as oak or maple, attached to a plywoodlike substrate. Engineered wood provides several significant advantages over solid wood. And with an engineered product, you may be able to afford an exotic wood species, such as Brazilian walnut or tigerwood, both of which tend to be more scratch- and dent-resistant than oak or maple.

Engineered wood floors are also less susceptible to seasonal shrinking and swelling because the underlying support structure is designed to be more stable than solid wood. In fact, engineered flooring is often low-profile enough to install over an existing floor—representing a huge potential savings. Still, this choice lacks the longevity of solid wood, particularly for the very long haul. In certain household environments, a wood floor might need refinishing every decade or two.

Top Choice: Porcelain Tile This durable material will stand up to most of the abuse it gets in these rooms. Engineered wood flooring can also usually be installed over a concrete subfloor. In our tests, he says, vinyl does well with moisture and with ultraviolet rays like those in sunlight. And if the area floods, any porous material can absorb the water, expand, and buckle, Mackmiller says. First things first: Make sure to choose a flooring that is rated for installation over below-grade concrete.

This way the entire surface can shift as moisture and temperature levels change, without pieces of the flooring buckling or coming loose. Use our floor covering comparison table to see what floor finishes will work best with underfloor heating in your property. This depends upon the type of the UFH.

Please refer to the installation information for your chosen UFH system for details. Most floor coverings require a completely flat surface, so some preparation may be needed to make sure this is the case. Turning on underfloor heating for the first time will vary depending upon your chosen floor covering, but you should always heat up the floor gently to avoid shocking the floor finish with a sudden change in temperature.

We would love to speak with you to discuss your project — upload your plans for a free quote. Compare the different types of flooring suitable for underfloor heating and how they perform. Jump to information What is the best flooring for underfloor heating? What is the best flooring for underfloor heating? Comparing flooring suitable for underfloor heating We compare how easily different floor coverings transfer heat to the surface of the floor.

Floor covering Project type Floor level Heat transfer level Ceramic and stone tiles New build and renovation All floor levels Very high Polished screed and resin New build and renovation Ground floor Very high Vinyl and linoleum New build and renovation All floor levels High Solid and engineered wood New build and renovation All floor levels High Carpets and rugs New build and renovation All floor levels Medium.

The stone keeps cool for most parts of the year and hence is amongst the best house flooring types in India. Bamboo is a naturally occurring material, and flooring in this material resembles a hardwood floor. This type of flooring is fairly easy to maintain as it is water- and stain-resistant and can give your home a sophisticated look.

The only factors that can mar the uber-chic look of a bamboo floor are scratches that inevitably find a place on it. Humid weather can cause the bamboo planks to swell, so this flooring type is best used in moderately dry conditions. Concrete is a man-made concoction of cement, rocks, granite chips and other materials.

Flooring done in concrete is strong and probably among the most durable types of flooring. Concrete flooring is largely damage-resistant, except for slight chipping and scratching due to wear and tear.

However, moisture can adversely affect this floor with cracks and craters. Today, concrete floors are found in a wide range of colours and textures in Indian homes. Laminate flooring is gaining popularity in India for its sheer durability and sturdiness. Easy- to-install laminate flooring is fairly resistant to stains and water damage.

However, damage requires complete replacement as it cannot be repolished or redone. The diversity in the range of patterns and finishes makes this flooring type a good choice for various decor styles in Indian homes.

Linoleum is an eco-friendly flooring material produced from raw materials like linseed oil, cork, dust and resin. However, the soft surface is prone to dents and scratches from careless usage.

For such reasons, one should use this type of flooring in areas of the house that see low traffic. Terrazzo flooring consists of chips of granite and marble placed in concrete or similar materials. Today, these traditional tiles have been reinvented and are now stain-resistant and easy to maintain.

Due to its cost-effectiveness, brick flooring is widely popular in most parts of India. Known for their extraordinary strength, fire-resistance and extensive durability, bricks are also easy to clean.

November 9, Have some questions about putting vinyl plank flooring on stairs? We hear you. Vinyl plank is gorgeous, easy to install, and is among the most durable wood flooring alternatives out there. But: can LVP go on stairs? Do all types of vinyl plank work? And how do you even install vinyl plank […]. There are so many types of flooring out there to choose from; how can you know what will hold up well with dogs and other pets? March 5, Looking into waterproof vinyl flooring?

We get it! There are certain areas of the home that see a bit more splashing and spilling than others, and they require some additional planning.