Different Types of Floor Finishes

Unlike in the past when most floors were made of wood, different types of floor finishes are now available to choose from in recent times. Before you do anything to your floor, it is crucial to know what type of flooring you have. You can find out by taking a look at the finish on your floor – is it shiny or matte?

Finishes come in many types, including matte, glossy, Vernis mat, lacquer mat, oil-based gloss, or satin. Which is best for you? This post will give you the answer! This article will discuss various floor finish types with their advantages and disadvantages.

See also: How to Choose the Right Material for your Home Furniture

18 Most Common Types of Floor Finishes.

Here are some of the most common types of finishes:

1. Tiles

Floor tiles are available in two finishes: matte or gloss. Gloss tiles are shiny and can be reproduced by adding gloss floor paint to the tile’s surface. Matte tiles (and floor paint) are less reflective than gloss tiles but can be more slippery when they get wet.

2. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are available in many color variations however, there are some that cannot be tiled at all due to their piecing patterns, texture, or shape. There are also highly glazed ceramic tiles with very thin surfaces which may require special care.

Avoid using heavy cleaning agents or hard-bristled brushes on them because this could easily damage the surface.

3. Linoleum

Linoleum is a flooring solution that has been around for more than 100 years. It is made of flax fibers embedded in a variety of compounds. They include natural fibers like jute and sisal, synthetic latexes, and resins.

To achieve different looks, linoleum can be decorated in different ways. For instance, it can be embossed, printed, or painted. Linoleum comes in three finishes: matte, gloss, and silk finish. The matte variety typically serves well in high-traffic areas because it wears well over time; it also repels water and oil-based stains.

4. Concrete:

Concrete is a flooring approach that has gained popularity in the last few years. It is made of an aggregate substance mixed with cement. Depending on how the concrete is finished, it can serve well as a floor covering.

Concrete can be polished to look like marble or even wood. It can also be left unfinished so that its natural texture is still visible. One of the most interesting things about concrete floors is that they can even be painted.

5. Vinyl

This type of flooring comes in many variations, including sheet vinyl (which comes in rolls), plank vinyl (which comes in planks), and tiles (which come in tiles).

Vinyl flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas, busy households, and homes with pets. It is a durable flooring option that can be cleaned by sweeping or mopping.

6. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring was introduced in the mid-20th century and has been extremely popular ever since. It has a top layer made of a type of plastic film printed to look like wood, tile, or stone. In other words, laminate is a type of vinyl flooring.

The base layer of laminate floors can be made from many different types of wood or particleboard. They also come in different styles and materials, such as engineered wood flooring. The different types of floor finishes made of laminate are:

• Hardwood

Hardwood and solid hardwood floorings are one of the most popular choices when it comes to wood flooring. It is durable and can be installed in almost any type of room, including high-traffic areas.

Hardwoods are water-resistant, which means they are less likely to get damaged by liquid spills. They are also resistant to stains, mold-growing fungi, pests, and many other problems. Hardwoods are therefore well suited for homes with children or pets. They can be stained or varnished for a custom look that is unique to your space.

• Engineered wood flooring

Engineered wood flooring is probably the most common type of laminate flooring. It is made of pieces of real wood – usually oak, maple, or birch – that are engineered to fit together under pressure. The pieces are then covered with a layer of waterproof material, which gives the engineered planks an artificial look that can fool seasoned interior decorators.

Engineered wood floors are comparable to hardwood floors in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. They can be costly but only for more popular varieties like maple or birch.

7. Natural stone

Stone flooring is naturally smooth and nice to look at. It comes in many varieties, including marble, granite, limestone, and slate stone. Stone floors are popular due to their natural appearance and the fact that they can be installed in almost any area of the home.

Stone floors can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and hallways. However, stone floors are more expensive than other types of flooring. They also require special care to keep them looking nice over time. Ensure that you never use acidic cleaners on stone floors if you want them to last for years.

8. Terracotta

Terracotta is a type of clay flooring that has been used around the world for centuries. It is made of clay and sand, which gives it ivory and pink-looking color. It is popular in Mediterranean climates because it is water and fire-resistant.

Terracotta floors can be installed in areas like kitchens and bathrooms however, they require proper ventilation. This is to allow moisture to escape the room. The tiles can fall apart if they constantly remain wet.

9. Gravel floor

Gravel floors are built from natural gravel (usually river gravel) and cement. They can be installed in any type of room, as long as it is well-ventilated.

Gravel floors require very little maintenance and never need to be sealed or polished however, they can be damaged by high heels or overly heavy furniture if not properly installed and maintained.

10. Rubber floors

Rubber flooring is designed to give a tough, bouncy surface that can withstand normal household wear and tear. It is still relatively new on the market so it may cost more than other types of flooring. It may also take longer to install than other options such as tiles or planks.

Rubber floors can be installed in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms because they are made of non-toxic materials. They can also be easily cleaned using a damp cloth.

11. Cork flooring

Cork flooring is a type of flooring made from cork tree bark. It is popular due to its durability and the fact that it has anti-skid properties similar to those of rubber. Cork floors also give the look and feel of hardwood floors at a lower cost than hardwood or engineered wood flooring.

12. Carpets

Carpet flooring is the most popular type of flooring in North America with a total value of 10.24 billion dollars in 2020 alone. There are different types of floor finishes considered to be under carpets. They include:

• Mats

Floor mats are useful in high-traffic areas because they can help protect your floors from heavy furniture and traffic that causes scratches and dents that would be expensive to fix otherwise.

There are many different styles of mats available, including area rugs (which cover a certain amount of floor space), runner rugs (which don’t cover much floor space but go across specific areas), and so on.

• Area rugs

Area rugs come in different shapes and sizes to suit your needs. They can be placed in high-traffic areas to improve traction and protect your floor from wear and tear. They can also make a dull room look more interesting, especially if you choose a vibrant color or pattern to match your decor.

Area rugs can be expensive but they are a good investment if you want a particular look.

• Carpet tiles

Carpet tiles are similar to area rugs but smaller, which gives them an advantage over area rugs when it comes to ease of installation and cleaning. Carpet tiles are also cheaper than area rugs, which makes them an affordable option for homes on a budget.

• Bathroom rugs

Bathroom rugs are small, non-skid rugs installed in tub and shower areas to improve traction and protect your floor from water damage.

They come in various sizes to fit most bathrooms; however, you can also install them in kitchens to protect against liquid spills. Bathroom rugs are relatively inexpensive and they are easy to clean. This makes them a good addition to any home.

Final words

We can say that flooring is very important for our home. There are different types of floor finishes you can choose from and the flooring you choose will affect your overall health and environment. There are many types of flooring available in the market for use at home. Be sure to select the best that suits your purpose.

All types of flooring can be installed yourself if you have some basic skills and the right tools. It’s always better to learn how to do it yourself than hire someone else because the cost will be lower and you will know how to handle repairs when they arise.