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The different floor types
Choosing the right floor type not only makes the house look beautiful, it also helps to avoid double expenses in case you choose the wrong type. Photos by Esther Oluka.
If you give thought to specific parts of the house while ignoring others like the floor during construction, you might end up paying twice.
Three years back, Andrew Muyinda, a businessman, built a house after renting for 10 years. He started with a cemented floor saying it was what he could afford given the little money he had at the time. But as time went on, he realised the need to upgrade the appearance of his house from a cemented floor to a tiled one.
“It was after visiting one of my friends that I got inspired. I realised I had an old fashioned floor that needed upgrading. Immediately, after installing the tiles, the appearance of my house completely changed,” he reveals. Therefore, just as the decor pieces are looked at as beautifying items, a floor is another thing that can bring about a difference in the appearance of the house. It will not only contribute on the resale value but also enhance its ambiance.
Anthony Nakedde, a civil engineer, says it is better to start with the floor when planning a room’s décor. “This makes it easier to change things like paint, curtains and furniture than it is with the floor,” he explains
He adds, “The choice of floor should be guided by the home setting, lifestyle and one’s financial status. There are many types of floors which include; marble, tiles, ceramic, stone, quarry, rubber laminate, Linoleum, PVC, Cork, Vinyl, wood, Bamboo, carpet and rugs, cement slurry and terrazzo among others.”
FLOOR TYPES
Marble
Anthony Nakedde, a civil engineer, says the particular type is available in a range of shades/colours depending on one’s taste. They can even be got from local manufacturers who also provide a fitting service as well, according to the expert.
The marble tiles are high end, classy, elegant and come at a high price.
The cost ranges between Shs275,000 and Shs350,000 per linear metre. The maintenance is easy; one only needs to polish them a little to preserve the beauty. However, David Wanangwe, an architect working with National Housing and Construction Co. Ltd, reveals that this particular type is best used in the living room as a centre piece and in the kitchen as worktops for beauty. “Marble cannot be used on the whole floor because it wears out quickly as compared to terrazzo. It cannot withstand heavy traffic,” he says.
Quarry
Quarry is a type of tiles that are often used on the exterior. However, Nakedde explains that they can be adapted to the interior as long as they blend with the décor.
A square metre costs Shs7,000. You need to clean them regularly to maintain their beauty.
Stone tiles
This type is textured with a natural stone colour that brings about the beauty. The surface may be polished to maintain the natural beauty.
The cost varies from Shs35,000 and above, depending on where you source them. They are long lasting; maintenance is low and can withstand heavy traffic.
Rubber laminate
These are not very common. Nakedde notes that they can be used in places where hygiene is paramount like the living room and kitchen. These usually have very few joints, but smooth. They are easy to clean, waterproof and warm under foot. This particular type according to the Nakedde requires specialised workmanship and care when handling them. “Rubber laminate comes in different colours. However, they can be used throughout the house but not in wet areas as they are not slip proof though durable,” he explains.
Linoleum flooring
This type is not a common in Uganda; it has a natural look, durable and available in a variety of colours and patterns. It is good for living rooms and bedrooms because they are warm under foot.
PVC tiles
These are common, warm and usable all over the house, even in wet areas. They come in different sizes and colours. PVC tiles are readily available on the market and are easy to clean. However, they are easily scratched and stained as this may require a protective coating. They ranges from Shs5,000 per square metre and above depending on the type.
Vinyl sheeting
This is a close relative of PVC tiles only that this comes in the form of sheeting. It is glued to the floor in one operation. They aren’t very common but are affordable. They can be used throughout the house because of the worth they offer. They are easy to clean, durable and can absorb sound. Just like PVC, they get scratched and stained easily which may require a protective coating.
Cork
These are warm under foot, comfortable and can absorb sound and vibrations. Although they are not common in Uganda, they can be used throughout the house. They go for Shs55,000 per square metre.
Timber (wood) flooring
This is got from different hardwood tree varieties like eucalyptus, mahogany and pine. It is durable and expensive. Wood floors require very dry timber for durability. Timber makes very earthy floors and elegant and with minimal maintenance. They require regular polishing for them to maintain the shine.
They can be used throughout the house apart from the bathroom.
Nakedde says wood is normally blended with ceramic tiles as borders and patterns for beauty.
With wood, he notes that it can be water proofed with a water proof vanish to prevent it from being damaged by water and also treated with a wood preservative chemical (spunk) to prevent it from being damaged by termites.
Cement
This is the commonly used type of floor. It is easily maintained by mopping and vanishing but can easily be damaged depending on the material used during construction. A bag of cement ranges from Shs23,000 and Shs25,000.
Terrazzo
This is another decorative form of concrete. It’s made from white Portland cement and crushed aggregates. It is durable, easy to clean but cold. The cost of laying terrazzo ranges between Shs25,000 and Shs45,000 depending on who does it.
Therefore, using a particular type of floor will depend on how much an individual can afford and where they want to put it because not every room can bear certain floors. Before deciding on which floor to use in your house, Wanangwe states that one needs to focus on their test, affordability and function of the room.
Ceramic tiles
According to Anthony Nakedde, a civil engineer, these come with a variety of finishes, tones, textures and in a wide range of colours. The cost of a square metre ranges from about Shs35,000 and above depending on where one gets them.
Ceramic tiles are currently one of the trending types, but they tend to be cold, especially in the morning. Ceramic tiles can be used throughout the house. They are durable and easy to maintain.
Lessons
Recommendation. Use cement treated floor finishing because it’s affordable and easy to maintain. The same type can be beautified with different colour pigments such as green, yellow and red depending on what you want.
Trending. About the most trending floor finishing, the expert reveals that ceramic and granite tiles are trending. They are easy to fix provided one has the knowledge. They are easy to maintain, affordable and durable.
Caution. Always inquire about the best tile type before buying because many people mistake wall tiles for floor tiles. It is important to note that wall tiles are slippery which puts people’s lives at risk.
