1.

Muram or Mud Floors- ground floor having its topping consisting of muram or mud . Having this kind of floor is easily and cheaply repairable. 2. Mosaic Floors-floors having its topping consisting of mosaic tiles or small regular cubes,square or hexagons, embedded into a cementing mixture.

2. 3. Brick Floors-floors having its topping consisting of bricks.

4. Tile Floor-floor having its topping consisting of tiles.

5. Cement Concrete Floor-floor having its topping consisting of cement concrete.It is also called Conglomerate Floor.

6. Bamboo Floor

7. Marble Floor

8.Slate Floor

9. Granite Floor

What you should look for when laying a new floor and the pros and cons of different flooring types. .

FEATURES
Cost
There are so many flooring options out there from budget to high-end - it's worth setting a price range first and looking at what's available in that bracket. The price may or may not include installation and some prices may vary depending on whether you are buying flooring for a single room or the entire house.

Traffic flow
The amount of traffic to an area should influence the floor type you choose. People tend to go for carpet in bedrooms and some living areas as the traffic flow is low. For high traffic areas such as stairs and hallways you will need a hardwearing surface that is easy to clean - a luxurious, plush carpet here just won't work.

Maintenance and durability

When making your flooring choice you must consider cleaning instructions, long-term maintenance and life-span. What seems like a cheap option now may not be the case if you have to replace it in a couple of years. Think about characteristics of the particular area and how they'll affect the floor such as direct sunlight, water spillages, furniture scrapes, termites and dirt from outside.

Comfort versus function

Comfort of flooring can refer to how it feels underfoot, its insulation properties and whether it carries sound. Polished concrete, for example, is extremely hard and may not be suitable for young families. The importance of comfort is dependent on the area of the house. For instance, comfort in the bedroom ranks more highly than function, whereas functionality in the laundry is more important.

Appearance
Appearance is often the most important aspect determining floor choice. Many designers suggest deciding on flooring before anything else in the home, even the paintwork. Different textures, patterns, colours and tones all create a certain effect.

Environmental considerations
What is your floor made from? Is this a renewable resource? If you are going with timber floors, ask the supplier if it's from a responsible resource. Some companies may use recycled materials. You should also consider the energy efficiency of the product for example; carpet has good insulation properties which will save you in heating and cooling bills.

Installation
If you are building a new house, installation of your new floor won't be an issue. However, if you are replacing an existing floor you must research the installation process because some floors are easier to install than others. Timber floorboards for example, will take much more work to install than a laminate floating floor.

TYPES OF FLOORING
Bamboo
Bamboo is a relatively new on the flooring market. It's a timber alternative that you can install yourself if you're feeling handy.

Pros
y y y y y y

Bamboo is a renewable resource that grows more quickly than timber High abrasion resistance Stable under both humid and dry conditions Low allergenic Easy to repair - damaged boards can be replaced without contrasting with surrounding boards Doesn't react to water, as do some timbers

Cons
y y

Fades in direct sunlight Is new to the market so long-term wear has not been tested

Carpet
Carpet will always be popular, especially in bedrooms, because of its comfort factor. Choose between wool, nylon, polypropelyne, or a combination - all with varying pile options.

Pros
y y y y

Hundreds of styles to choose from Great for cold climates Absorbs sound well Comfortable to walk on

Cons
y y y y y

Fades in direct sunlight Shows wear and tear Likely to absorb odours Collects dust - not always recommended for those with allergies Requires steam cleaning at least once every 12 months

Laminate
Laminate is most commonly used as a substitute for timber in floating floors. The laminate consists of a printed photograph of wood, adhered to a fibreboard plank. Other popular look-alikes are stone, brick and tiles.

Pros
y y y y

Can be installed on top of existing floors Extremely durable Will not fade, even in direct sunlight (check warrantee) Less maintenance than timber floorboards

Cons
y y

Not suitable for wet areas Some floating floors create a "tapping sound" when you walk on them

Brands
y y y y

Floor Master Pergo Vista KronoTex

Linoleum
Not to be confused with vinyl. Linoleum is a natural floor sheeting product made from linseed oil, rosin, wood flour, limestone and pigments.

Pros
y y y y y y

Made from renewable resources Hard wearing and durable Available in a range of colours and patterns Low allergenic Easy to clean - just mop with soapy water Cushioned underfoot - making it more comfortable that tiles or concrete Cons

y y y

Lacks warmth Can be dented or scratched by heavy objects Hard to repair

Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the most popular in India but porcelain and stone tiles are also available. Pros
y y y y y

Available in a wide range of designs, shapes and sizes Can be used in all areas of the home Durable Low maintenance Fireproof Cons

y y

Can be uncomfortable to walk on Can become slippery when wet Brands

y y y

Kajaria Nitco Johnson

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

Marbonite Endura Aparici Saloni Grespania Ergon Eternity Euro Varmora Somany Somany-Imported Rak Ceramics Oreva Kaneria Regent

Also see Types of Tiles Also see Ceramic Tiles Buying Tips

Timber
Timber flooring is available in a wide range styles and wood species. You have the option of solid planks that slot together, parquetry designs and floating floors that can be installed on top of the existing floor. Pros
y y y y

Strong home selling point High durability - if sealed properly Can be refinished Easy to clean Cons

y y y

Prone to expansion and contraction Unsealed timber floor can stain High traffic areas will need stripping and sanding every few years

Vinyl
Vinyl is floor sheeting made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Pros
y y

Hardwearing Good insulation properties

y y y

Affordable Easy to clean - just mop with soapy water Comes in hundreds of styles including imitations of other more expensive flooring such as timber and tiles Cons

y y y y

Lacks warmth Can be dented or scratched by heavy objects Hard to repair Is not a recyclable material

FLOOR MAINTENANCE

y y y y y y y y

Flooring Maintenance Guide Marble Flooring Maintenance Guide Porch Flooring Tips Types of Tiles Ceramic Tiles Buying Guide Vinyl Tiles Buying Guide Carpet Flooring Buying Guide Wood Floor Care Tips

Types Of Finishes
The following information is supplied by Timber Queensland the body responsible for researching and preparing industry standards. JB Floor Sanding is a member of Timber Queensland in order to maintain a high level of industry knowledge and ongoing staff development. Clients are welcomed to discuss any concerns with our professional staff or directly with Timber Queensland

Timber Floor Finishes

Timber floor finishes can be grouped into the four broad categories. These are the oil-based finishes, composite finishes (mixes of oil-based and solvent based polyurethane finishes), solvent based polyurethane finishes and water based finishes. With time all finishes will change in colour and film build as the wears. Therefore the ability to touch up becomes more difficult with time, however all coatings can be restored by recoating. In the long term a re-sand and refinish may be necessary depending on the wear and age of the floor. Commercial Jobs

Oil-Based Finishes
Oil-based finishes (alkyd/oleoresins) are the more traditional types of finish manufactured by reacting a natural oil (e.g. linseed and tung) with another chemical. Varnishes and the traditional tung oils fall within this category and are associated with the polished and waxed timber floors of the past. These types of finishes are still available and require greater regular maintenance than the other finishes. However, with the use of acrylic floor polishes, they have become easier to maintain. These finishes will darken with time. They are unlikely to edge Residential Homes bond boards.

Composite Oil-Based/Solvent Borne Finishes

Finishes containing oil-based alkyds with the addition of urethanes provide a finish with reasonably good abrasion resistance. Oil modified urethanes, which are one of the predominant floor finishes used in the USA and many of the tung oil based finishes are of this type. The odour during application is very strong but dissipates as the finish dries. These finishes provide a subdued, satin to semi-gloss appearance and are unlikely to edge bond boards. They darken with time and require more frequent maintenance particularly in high traffic areas. Acrylic floor polishes may be used to protect the finish. Renovations

Solvent Borne Polyurethane Finishes

Solvent based polyurethanes (one pack and two pack) provide a harder finish, generally with limited flexibility but much greater abrasion resistance. Consequently, this greatly reduces the level of routine maintenance. They currently provide some of the hardest finishes available today with gloss levels from matt through to a very high gloss. These finishes, as with the oil-based finishes, will generally darken with time. The odour during application is very strong with these products but dissipates as the finish dries. Due to their high strength and generally limited flexibility, edge bonding of boards can occur.

Stairs and Hallways

Water Borne Finishes

Some water based polyurethane/acrylic mixes of moderate durability are available but straight one and two pack water based polyurethanes with very good wear resistance are gaining in

popularity. These finishes are generally applied over a sealer (either solvent or water based), that not only enhances the colour of the timber but can significantly reduce the risk of edge bonding. Rapid shrinkage in the floor and the associated stretching of the finish at board joints has on occasions caused the appearance of light coloured lines at board joints. Matt through to gloss finishes are available and these finishes generally darken little with time. During application there is low odour associated with water based finishes. A curing additive (catalyst) may or may not be recommended by the manufacturer. Decks and Verandahs

Stabilized earth floors

KEYWORDS: Special properties Economical aspects Stability Skills required Equipment required Resistance to hurricane Resistance to rain Resistance to insects Climatic suitability Stage of experience SHORT DESCRIPTION: Earth floors are common in all developing countries, especially rural housing: the top soil (with organic matter) is removed and filled up with inorganic soil (clay, sand, gravel) well compacted. Surface coats of a clay - cow dung mix provide some stabilization, but have to be renewed frequently, to be effective. Natural, local material Low cost Low to medium Experience in soil construction Rammer or vibrating plate; soil blocks press Low, if water enters the house Low, if water enters the house Low Dry climates Experimental

Resistance to earthquake Low

 At Kassel College of Technology, Federal Republic of Germany, a rammed earth floor was developed, using a finely grained soil mix, stabilized with linseed oil: the clay content of the soil should be less than 15 %; no coarse sand or gravel; for 100 litres of dry soil, 3-4 litres of linseed oil (depending on clay content) are diluted with 1-2 litres of water. Several layers are required (see description overleaf) and the surface can be plain rammed earth in a grid of wooden lathing or small timber blocks embedded in the soil mix. Alternatively, compressed, stabilized soil blocks (made in a soil block press) can be used instead of the timber blocks.

On a well-compacted, planed surface, coarse gravel (15 cm) is laid to prevent moisture absorption by capillary action. This is covered by a 3 - 5 cm layer of fine gravel or coarse sand and sealed with a waterproof membrane. In cold regions, a 10 cm layer of insulating material (eg expanded clay nodules) can be placed before the first layer of stabilized soil is evenly spread out and tamped with a manual rammer or vibrating plate. A grid (1.80 x 1.80 m) of sawn timber (10 x 10 cm) is laid on the first layer and filled with the soil mix and tamped. A grid (30 x 30 cm) of wooden laths (2 x 4 cm) is placed on the second layer and the final layer is filled in and carefully tamped. The top surface is then smoothed with the edge of a trowel under considerable pressure, to get "shiny" appearance.

 After several months of hardening, the surface can be treated with a thin coat of hard wax polish, for greater durability and moisture resistance (however, the strong smell may be a problem). Instead of the last two layers of soil mix, wooden blocks can be laid and the joints carefully filled with the same mix. Alternatively, stabilized soil blocks, made with a block press (see ANNEX) can be used instead of timber blocks. However, the blocks must be well stabilized (eg with lime or cement) to resist abrasion and moisture

Burnt clay and concrete components

KEYWORDS: Special properties Economical aspects Stability Skills required Equipment required Resistance to hurricane Resistance to rain Resistance to insects Climatic suitability Stage of experience SHORT DESCRIPTION: These prefabrication techniques for ceilings were designed to achieve strong and durable constructions of qualities approaching those of reinforced concrete, but with considerably less cement. Ceilings and roofs can be constructed without or with considerably less timber formwork, than is required for standard reinforced concrete constructions. Saving on timber not only reduces costs, but also helps to conserve the rapidly diminishing forests. The materials and constructions are capable of withstanding all kinds of destructive agents in the same way as reinforced concrete. However, the main precondition for the implementation of these techniques is the availability of good quality bricks and tiles, a requirement that may not always be fulfilled by local brick production in rural areas. Reinforced Brick / Tile Panels Simple prefabrication systems, rapid construction Medium to high costs Very good Masonry skills and semi-skilled labour Standard equipment for masonry and concrete work Good Good Good All climates Experimental

Resistance to earthquake Good

 The brick / tile panels described here were developed in India. In principle, the panels are made by assembling bricks or tiles on an appropriate surface, laying reinforcing rods in the longitudinal joints and bonding the components with mortar. Reinforced concrete joists of relatively small crosssection are precast in lengths corresponding to the roof span. These are placed manually on top of the walls at distances slightly greater than the length of the panels. The joists are propped and the panels arranged in parallel across them. Reinforcing rods are laid along and at right angles to the joints. A 1: 3 (cement: sand) mortar is filled in the joints and concrete spread about 30 mm thick over the panels, thus forming a T-beam structure, with the deck concrete acting as the flange. The flat panels, developed by the Central Building Research Institute in Roorkee, are made of standard burnt bricks, forming 75 mm thick panels of 560 mm width and lengths of 1040 or 1200 mm. Similar panels have been developed at ASTRA, Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Extruded hollow tiles are used instead of solid bricks, thus reducing the dead load. The tile height of 50 mm also reduces the panel thickness while the tile dimensions of 250 x 125 mm result in panel sizes of 400 x 800 mm and 400 x 1050 mm with 9 and 12 tiles respectively. Arched panels can also be produced and used for ceilings. They are capable of carrying greater loads than the flat panels, but need more deck concrete to even out the curvature for the floor above. Structural Clay Joist and Filler Elements

Common floor finishes

KEYWORDS: Special properties Economical aspects Stability Skills required Equipment required Resistance to hurricane Resistance to rain Resistance to insects Climatic suitability Stage of experience Medium to high standard durable flooring Medium to high costs Very good Special skills Standard construction equipment Good Good Good All climates Standard constructions

Resistance to earthquake Good