Free Essay

Types of Floor Finishes

In: Other Topics

Submitted By SarahZafar
Words 954
Pages 4
1. Wood laminates Floor Boards.
These are floor finishes made of HDF [High Density Fiber] and look like wood strips.
They are made from wood fibers that have been highly compressed making it harder than the more common MDF Fiber boards. They come in various natural wood veneers such as peach, oak or mahogany. The strips are joint together by grooves and are laid on top of an underlay which is laid on the concrete ground surface.
They are easy to fix by care should be taken to leave expansion joints at the edges to cater for expansion in hot weather. Failure to this, the floor boards will warp upwards and dislocate from the grooves.
They come in various thicknesses usually from 8m to 16mm and are used depending on the human traffic envisaged. The thicker they are, the more durable they will be. They should be avoided in wet areas.
They are relatively low cost.
2.Natural wood Floor finishes.
Parquet floor finish.
This consists of solid hardwood blocks fixed with an adhesive on the floor surface and arranged to form a pattern-the herringbone pattern is very common with this finish. The wooden blocks can be of various sizes and thicknesses.
Wood strips
These are hardwood strips joined together to form a floor finish on the floor. This kind of flooring is simple and takes less time to fix. The strips are laid in random length.
3.Ceramic tiles.
This type of floor finish is very common due to its durability and affordability and choice of design.
Ceramic tiles are the number one choice for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms due to its water-proofing capabilities.
Ceramic tiles also come in various sizes, patterns, colors and shapes.
Ceramic tiles are made from clay which is mined form the ground. The clay is crushed and dry-pressed when in a wet stage to form the shape using a pneumatic punching press. The tile is then dried and a glaze is applied on top. Glazing is the application of fine glass powder to the surface. The tile is then fired whereby the glaze particles melt into each other to produce a granite-like surface.
Italy is one of the world’s largest producers of ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are easy to clean.
Ceramic tiles are also easy to fix. They are stuck onto the surface using cement mortar in a ratio of 1:3 and hand-placed and positioned using plastic spacers to create an evenness. There is a special ceramic tile cutter that is used to cut the tiles into shape.
Ceramic tiles vary in pricing depending on the quality, colour and pattern. They are relatively low cost.
4.Granito tiles.
These are Porcelain ceramic tiles and are more durable and can be used in the out-door. They are made from porcelain granules and are fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic tiles.
They are common in sizes 450mm by 450mm up to size 600mm by 600mm.
They come in various colors and textures and are very aesthetically appealing and long lasting.
They are mainly used in corporate offices, banking halls, large shopping malls e.t.c since their large sizes [600mmby 600mm] can keep up with the large floor scales associated with commercial buildings and can also handle high human traffic in durability.
They are slightly more expensive than ceramic tiles.
5.Granite Tiles.
The word ‘granite’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Granum ‘ meaning the granules that characterize the texture and appearance of granite.
Granite is an igneous rock that is mined from the ground and cut and polished to the required tile sizes.
Granite as a floor finish is very aesthetically appealing due to its natural look. Its also expensive compared to other manufactured finishes such as ceramics.
Its very long lasting. It comes in sizes of 1.2m by 2.4 m which can be cut into smaller size tiles as desired. It’s also commonly used to make kitchen top surfaces.
6.Marble.
This is a metamorphic rock made from the joining of calcite[limestone] rock at high temperatures and pressure. This destroys any sign of fossils and sedimentary structure in the rocks to create characteristic swirls and veins from the impurities such as clay ,silt and iron oxides.
Marble comes in various colors shades according to the region that it is mined from.
It is mined, polished and cut to the desired sizes. It’s available in slab sizes of 1.2meters by 2.4 meters.
This is a very beautiful floor finish and very expensive. Since its very expensive to finish complete floor areas with marble, its usually placed in specific areas such as the entrance foyer where its most visible.
7.Terrazzo floor finish
This finish is desirable where there is high traffic due to its durability. Its also water proof so it can be used in wet areas and its easy to clean. It can also be laid on the out doors.
Once the concrete floor is laid, a 1 inch hick layer of concrete is laid then patterns are created using plastic dividing strips embedded on top of the wet concrete surface. A final layer of marble-chips of various colors is laid within each panel in the dividing strip then a roller is rolled on the surface.
When the terrazzo is completely dry, its grinded and polished using a special machine.
8.PVC floor tiles
The tiles come in an average size of 300mm by 300mm ant a thickness varying from 2.5mm to 4mm. The thickness used will depend on the human traffic that is envisaged for the particular floor.
These tiles are low cost and come in various colors.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Advantages of Twiiter

...New South Wales Government Procurement System for Construction Space Procurement Practice Guide Building project elements July 2008 Procurement Practice Guide Procurement method selection Important notices Current version The current version of this Procurement Practice Guide is maintained on the Internet at: http://www.nswprocurement.com.au/Procurement-System-for-Construction/Reference-material/Procurementpractice-guides.aspx Amendments Refer to the Procurement Practice Guide Amendments Log which is available on the Internet at: http://nswprocurement.com.au/psc/ppg/amendments.aspx Copyright This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. © NSW Government 2008 Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: NSW Procurement Client Support Centre: Telephone: 1800 NSW BUY (1800 679 289) Email: nswp_support@commerce.nsw.gov.au Using hyperlinks in this document This Procurement Practice Guide contains embedded hyperlinks and Uniform Resource Locators (URL). To follow a hyperlink or URL:   Right mouse click; and Select “Open in web browser” in the drop-down box. July 2008 ©NSW Government Page ii Building project elements Guidance notes  This guide is provided to assist with the preparation of GC21 tender schedules titled „schedule of information for “Schedule 3 – Progress Claims Worksheet”  This guide...

Words: 5739 - Pages: 23

Free Essay

Hgfgbdfbvgdfvdfb

...technologies (ICT) • the development and promotion of standards • education and professional development • raising awareness of universal design More information and updates on the website at: www.universaldesign.ie II Building for Everyone Booklet 4 – Internal environment and services The other booklets from the Building for Everyone series: Booklet 1 - External environment and approach Booklet 2 - Entrances and horizontal circulation Booklet 3 - Vertical circulation Booklet 5 - Sanitary facilities Booklet 6 - Facilities in buildings Booklet 7 - Building types Booklet 8 - Building management Booklet 9 - Planning and policy Booklet 10 - Index and terminology I Contents 4.0 Objectives 4 4.1 Introduction 5 4.2 Terminology 8 4.3 Design Issues 9 4.4 Surface Finishes 11 4.4.1 Floor finishes 11 4.4.2 Wall and ceiling finishes 21 4.4.3 Visual contrast 25 4.5 Lighting 27 4.5.1 Internal lighting 28 4.5.2 External lighting 32 4.6 34 4.7 Outlets, Switches and Controls 35 4.8 Ventilation 39 4.9 Acoustics 40 4.10 Hearing Enhancement Systems 41 4.10.1 Induction loop systems 43 4.10.2 Permanent induction loop systems 47 4.10.3 Portable induction loop systems 47...

Words: 19969 - Pages: 80

Free Essay

Pm592

...increasing.   WBS 1 Acquisition & Planning 1.1 Grounds 1.1.1 Franchise Fee 1.1.2 Purchase Land 1.1.3 Hire Architect 1.1.4 Review & Approve Blue Prints 1.1.5 General Contractor Solicitation 1.1.6 Hire General Contractor 1.1.7 Submit Blue Prints to City 1.1.8 Purchase Permits 1.1.9 Order Utilities 2 Construct Building 2.1 General Contractor 2.1.1 Land 2.1.1.1 Excavate Land 2.1.1.2 Prep Footing & Foundation 2.1.1.3 City Inspection - Footing & Foundation 2.1.1.4 Pour Concrete - Footing & Foundation 2.1.1.5 Frame Building 2.1.1.6 Install Floor Sheathing 2.1.1.7 City Inspection - Framing 2.1.2 Sub Contractors 2.1.2.1 Roofer - Install Roofing Materials 2.1.2.2 Masonry - Install Chimneys 2.1.2.3 Plumber - Rough-In Plumbing 2.1.2.4 Electrical - Rough-In Electrical 2.1.2.5 HVAC - Rough-In HVAC 2.1.2.6 City Inspection - Sub Contractor Work  2.1.3 Exterior Finishes 2.1.3.1 Install Brick Veneer 2.1.3.2 Install Trim 2.1.3.3 Pour Driveway with Black Top 2.1.3.4 Prep Sidewalk...

Words: 2649 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Tiles Competitor Analysis

...properly sealed and maintained * many wood types and hues to choose from | * Susceptible to water damage * darkens with age * price range: expensive to very expensive | Pros – Beautiful, warm, soft on the feet, fairly durable, long-lasting if properly sealed and maintained, can be refinished, many wood types and hues to choose from, can be painted or stained for more color options, helps tie kitchen to other rooms in an open floor plan. Cons – Susceptible to water damage, darkens with age, expensive to very expensive, softer woods can dent easily, harder to keep clean than vinyl or laminate – water and spills need to be cleaned immediately. Dust everywhere with refinishing or new installation of unsealed wood. Tip - Material must acclimate for 48 hours before installation.   Stone – Granite, Marble, Limestone, Slate Advantages | Disadvantages | * Beautiful and durable * many color and pattern choices * Tumbled or honed finishes give good traction | * Cold and hard on the feet * Price range: Very expensive * Glossy finishes are slippery when wet and must be polished regularly * Stone is heavy and may need a stronger subfloor. | Pros – Beautiful and durable, with many color and pattern choices. Nearly indestructible. Tumbled or honed finishes give good traction. Granite is the strongest. Cons – Cold and hard on the feet. Very expensive. Slate is more affordable, but can be rough and can peel. Glossy finishes are slippery when wet and must be polished...

Words: 955 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Basics of Cost Planning & Cost Estimate

...of COST PLANNING & COST ESTIMATE By Victor Lau B.Sc., M.Sc., MHKIS, MRICS 28 February 2006 COST PLANNING & COST ESTIMATE • DEFINITIONS, TERMS & PROCESSES • TYPES OF PRE-CONTRACT COST PLANNING • FACTORS AFFECTING COST ESTIMATES/PLAN 2 DEFINITIONS, TERMS & PROCESSES A. Classification of Areas B. Terms of Cost Estimate & Cost Plan C. Pre-Contract Cost Planning Processes 3 DEFINITIONS, TERMS & PROCESSES A. CLASSIFICATION OF AREAS GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA) GFA is the area contained within the external walls of the building measured at each floor level (including any floor below the level of the ground), together with the area of balconies and the thickness of external walls (for submission to Planning Authorities) Note : Carpark & plant room areas are usually excluded, but this is NOT a fixed rule CONSTRUCTION FLOOR AREA (CFA) CFA is the covered areas fulfilling the functional requirements of the building measured to the outside face of the external walls or external parameter. Areas occupied by partitions, columns, internal structural walls, bay windows, stairwells, lift shafts, plant rooms, water tanks, carparks, open covered areas and the like are included. 4 DEFINITIONS, TERMS & PROCESSES B. TERMS OF COST ESTIMATE & COST PLAN ELEMENTAL QUANTITY • No. of door • Area of wall finishes • Volume of concrete structure • Elemental quantity per CFA (i.e. Element Quantity / CFA) • Average cost per unit elemental quantity (i.e. Total Cost of Element / Elemental...

Words: 1428 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Nt1330 Unit 3

...2) Windows and ventilators will provide the required ventilation and day light without effecting privacy and security. 1.2.5 Ground and upper floors A single storeyed building has only one floor which directly rest on the ground is known as ground floor. Multi-storeyed buildings have other floors also in addition to ground floor. Some times, one or two storeys of building are constructed under ground level, such floors below ground level are called “basement floors”. Functions of floors: 1) The function of floor is to provide clean, smooth, durable, strong and water tight leveled surface for users. 2) The upper floors divide the building into number of storeys and provide heat, sound and fire insulation. 1.2.6 Sills, lintel and sunshades...

Words: 874 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Sponsorship

...WORKING DRAWINGS HANDBOOK This page intentionally left blank WORKING DRAWINGS HANDBOOK Fourth Edition Keith Styles and Andrew Bichard Architectural Press An imprint of Elsevier Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP 30 Corporate Drive, Burlington, MA 01803 First published 1982 Second edition 1986 Third edition 1995 Reprinted 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003 Fourth edition 2004 Copyright © 2004, Keith Styles and Andrew Bichard. All rights reserved The right of Keith Styles and Andrew Bichard to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright holder except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London, England W1T 4LP. Applications for the copyright holder’s written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier’s Science & Technology Rights Department in Oxford, UK: phone: ( 44) 1865 843830, fax: ( 44) 1865 853333, e-mail: permissions@elsevier.co.uk. You may also complete your request on-line via...

Words: 46330 - Pages: 186

Premium Essay

Design Cost Planning and Control

...All students are advised to keep a duplicate copy of all work submitted for reference. DECLARATION I certify that this assignment is my original work expressed in my own words. Any reference made to the work of other authors in any form (eg ideas, figures, text, tables) are acknowledged at their point of use. Signature/s of student ……………………………… Date of submission: ……………………… Below this line for office use only ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… School of the Built Environment Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh EH14 4AS Scotland UK Tel: 0131 449 5111 Fax: 0131 451 3161 Date Stamp Assignment: A high –level report, advising the client on the viability of the proposed project, a three storey Health Center, 4500 m2 Gross Floor Area (GFA). 1 Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 BCIS Analysis Data………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Sustainability………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Building Research Establishment Assessment Method………………………………………………8 Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9 References……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15 Introduction Construction Cost Estimating is considered one of the most essential tasks in the budget development of any project. In most cases, it...

Words: 3580 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Leaf Charcoal

...substances modifying the paint properties. 2.Explain the difference between the terms paint, varnish and lacquer * Paints will have pigments, that is coloring molecules that are in suspension in a liquid (but not dissolved). Pigments are more stable than dyes, but you have to work harder to keep them in suspension, what is why one has to stir paint to make it uniform. * Varnish is a clear, hard solution that is principally applied to wood to give it a glossy finish while forming a protective film around it. Varnish consists of a resin, a drying oil and a thinner or solvent. Since varnishes have very little color, they can also be applied over a wood stain to enhance the shine of the wood.  What is Lacquer?  * Lacquer is a type of solvent-based product that is made by dissolving nitrocellulose together with plasticizers and pigments in a mixture of volatile solvents. Lacquer also contains a solution of shellac in alcohol that creates a synthetic coating, causing it to form a high gloss surface. The name lacquer derives from the Portuguese name 'lac,' which is a form of resin expelled from certain...

Words: 5310 - Pages: 22

Free Essay

Comparison of Flooring Types

...Top Five Flooring Types By Juan Rodriguez, About.com Guide The type of flooring could make a significant difference in the appearance and finishing of your project. Good looking flooring could enhance the value of the home and could possibly attract new customers. Let’s read about the most popular flooring types from which to choose for your home. 1. Hardwood Flooring One of the favorites types of flooring. Hardwood flooring presents a combination of beauty and durability that you would rarely have on a flooring type. Hardwood flooring comes in Maple, Pecan, Beech, Cherry, Oak, Pine, Birch, Walnut, Hickory and more. This type of flooring provides a long-lasting product, wear resistant surface that could be refinished if necessary. However, certain types of hardwood flooring might darken with age and some others could shrink and expand creating gaps in the floor surface. 2. Bamboo Flooring One of the latest additions of flooring types, the bamboo flooring could be a greener solution when compare to traditional flooring materials.Bamboo flooring is durable, elegant and comes in a variety of colors usually ranging from honey brown to light tan. It provides a strong, clean surface, but could darken over time or when exposed to sunlight.Bamboo flooring should not be left wet. Manufactured bamboo floors are typically made available in planks with either vertical or horizontal-grain orientation. In vertical bamboo floors, the component pieces are stood vertically on their narrowest...

Words: 1755 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

About Rak Ceramics

...About Company RAK Ceramics (Bangladesh) Limited, a UAE-Bangladesh joint venture company, was incorporated in Bangladesh on 26 November, 1998 as a company limited by shares under the Companies Act 1994 and started its commercial production on 12 November, 2000. The Company engaged in manufacturing and marketing of ceramics tiles, bathroom sets and all types of sanitary ware. Within the short span of eight years RAK has firmly established itself as one of the leading manufacturer of high quality ceramic wall, floor tiles, gres porcellanato and sanitary wares products in Bangladesh. RAK Ceramics (Bangladesh) Limited is an ISO 9001:2008 certified organization. RAK Ceramics PSC, UAE incorporated in 1989, is the parent company of RAK Ceramics (Bangladesh) Limited. In October 2003 RAK Ceramics PSC, UAE was listed on Abu Dhabi Stock market (ADX). RAK Ceramics Group as whole has a manufacturing facilities in UAE, Bangladesh, China, Sudan, Iran & India. The company opted for a long-term policy; to produce quality products, to be a respectable partner and to keep its customers satisfied. RAK Ceramics PSC, UAE drive for excellence and an insatiable appetite for quality and customer satisfaction were accredited with the ISO 9001 certification by CICS (Ceramic Industry Certification Scheme), UK in 1997 & ISO 14001 in 2008. At present, the company’s products are being exported to more than 135 countries across five continents & has well established dealer’s distribution network in more...

Words: 1537 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Formaldehyde in the Home

...concentrations it has a strong, pungent odor and can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and lungs. Formaldehyde is released into the home from a variety of indoor sources. Some resins, or glues, used to bind wood chips or fibers into plywood, particleboard, and other pressed wood products, contain formaldehyde. Cabinetry and some floor and wall materials are often made from such products. Formaldehyde is also used in fabrics to impart wrinkle resistance or to fix color, and in some consumer products it is used as a hardening agent or preservative. Also, formaldehyde is a by-product of Cabinetry & gas appliances are common sources combustion processes, such as wood burning, gas appliance use, and cigarette smoking. Formaldehyde is usually present at lower (but not necessarily healthful) levels in outdoor air; it is emitted in car exhaust and from some industrial sources, and is also created from chemical reactions in the air among combustion pollutants, such as those in automobile exhaust. SOME COMMON SOURCES OF FORMALDEHYDE INDOORS Pressed wood products: particleboard, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF); often used in cabinetry, and wall and floor materials Consumer Products: fingernail hardeners, nail polish, wallpaper, some other paper goods, paint, coatings; often a preservative in...

Words: 4274 - Pages: 18

Free Essay

Chenes Cheverlou

...actually seen in practice * Feedback that can be given to the company or institution * Benefits gained * Problems encountered D. Appendices * Company brochure and/or pamphlet * Copy of the Endorsement Letter * Copy of the Training Plan * Copy of the signed Waiver Form * Daily Time Record * Quarterly Performance Appraisal Forms * Certificate of Completion 1 II. 2 Walls and Doors Check walls and doors daily for spots or smudges. Use cleansers that will not strip the wall of paint or finishes. Apply cleanser and scrub spots lightly in a circular motion with a sponge or damp cloth until spots are gone. In general wash walls at least once a month and doors at least once a week. 6 Kitchen Cleaning Wash kitchen dishes daily. Clean sinks with disinfectant cleaner, and wash countertops with clean hot water and disinfectant cleaner. Sweep kitchen floors each day. Mop kitchen floors at least once a week. Clean cabinets once a month, and perform a spot check in the refrigerator each week, disposing of food that will not be eaten. Clean refrigerators and freezers each month. Empty trash receptacles each day as needed. Restroom Cleaning Keep restrooms clean and odor-free at all times. Hot water and germicidal disinfectant are the key cleaning elements. Restrooms should be cleaned each day. Clean...

Words: 495 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Business Plan

...1200 E01 E02 C 1200 1740 D08 INSTALL NEW ILLUMINATED VODAFONE SPEECH BUBBLE SIGNAGE TO UNDERSIDE OF BULKHEAD D08 B P1 E01 INSTALL NEW ILLUMINATED VODAFONE SIGNAGE TO UNDERSIDE OF MALL BULKHEAD 1220 LAN RACK ACCESSORIES T1 P1 SAFE ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES P1 INSTALL DIGITAL SCREEN, RECESSED INTO SHOPFRONT PORTAL M1 ACCESSORIES C1 C1 DESK RETAIN EXISITING SINK AND WASTE POINT CLAD EXISTING DOOR ENCLOSURE IN M1 M1 ALUCOBOND C1 C1 P1 P4 EDB SECURITY RETAIN EXISTING EDB C.O.S 1000 TYPE 2 P.O.S E01 C P4A SECURITY PANEL TO BE MOUNTED AT 1500MM AFFL LINE OF EXISTING BULKHEAD OVER, SHOWN DOTTED HSB A P4A RETAIN EXISTING BOH DOOR HSB 1215 600 P1 2430 HSB TYPE 1 E 1945 MIRROR 1200MM H X 500MM W FRAMELESS MIRROR TO BE MOUNTED TO BOH DOOR 150 HSB 1200 P1 1 90 4945 P1 RETAIN EXISTING BOH SHELVING SIGNAGE P1 P1 2275 RETAIN EXISTING DOWN PIPE INTERTENANCY WALL CLAD BY ADJACENT TENANCY P1 P1 RETAIN EXISTING BOH SHELVING T1 RETAIN EXISTING SHOPFRONT BI-FOLD DOOR AND CLOSURE P1 CLAD SHOPFRONT PORTAL IN M1 M1 ALUCOBOND RETAIN EXISTING DESK PROVISIONING TABLE 2240 100 END PANEL REQUIRED TO WALL BAY FIXTURE SIDE FACE 740 ACCESSORIES WALL FIXTURE WITH MOUNTED SHELF...

Words: 471 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Cableing Factors

...cable installation are nature of material, voltage level and current carrying capacity. Also fire protection. The support system for cabling and equipment is a vital component of a properly designed data-communications system. The acceptance and use of the eia/tia-569 Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces by architects and engineers has proven the importance of a carefully designed and maintained cable-support system. There are six major types of cable supports: cable runway, center-rail systems, cable tray, wire basket, bridle rings or cable hooks, and wireway. Each is designed for specific purposes. One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of a network designer`s job is the specification of a cable-support system. Specifying the requirements of the design can be a difficult process. It may be helpful to consider six key areas when specifying a cable-support system: •load capacity •grounding requirements •materials •amount of mechanical protection required •finishes •plenum requirements Load capacity The maximum cable load allowed on the system is called the load capacity. Span (the distance between supports) and load (the maximum cable weight) dictate the load capacity of a cable-support system. Different standards may use different terms when referring to load capacity but it all boils down to span and cable weight. Although load capacity can be measured in various ways, the most common methods are based on standards produced by...

Words: 2699 - Pages: 11