Flooring

The purpose of floor is to provide horizontal clean surface to support the

occupants of a building, furniture and equipments. The floor structure must
be strong enough to bear super imposed loads. The strength of floor
depends on type of flooring you use.

Types of Flooring
The following are commonly used types of flooring.

Cement Concrete flooring

Terrazzo flooring
Crazy Marble flooring
Brick flooring
Ceramic Tile flooring
Marble flooring
White Marble Flooring
Kota Stone flooring
Wooden flooring
Mud flooring
Asphalt flooring
Linoleum
Rubber Flooring
False Flooring
PVC Flooring or Vinyl flooring

Cement Concrete Flooring

Cement and concrete are main components of both commercial and
residential flooring. Cement is key ingredient in concrete products. It is
binding agent that holds sand and other aggregate together in a hard, stone-
like mass.
Concrete is produced by mixing cement with fine aggregate (sand), coarse
aggregate (gravel or crushed stone), water, and often small amounts of
various chemicals called admixtures which control such properties as setting
time and plasticity. When the water is added to cement, it forms a slurry (thin
semi-liquid cement) or gel that coats surfaces of the aggregate and fills the
voids to form solid concrete.
The ratio of water and cement is the key that determines the strength of
concrete whereas aggregates provide thickness, and decoration in some
cases. Cement concrete flooring consists of cement concrete in the ratio of
1:2:4 (1 part of cement, 2 parts of coarse sand, and 4 parts of graded stone
aggregate). Its thickness varies from 25mm to 50mm. The base concrete
should be provided with slopes.
Flooring in verandah, courtyard, kitchens, and baths should have slope
ranging from 1:48 to 1:60 depending on the location. Floors in water
closet should have slope of 1:30.
 Cement Concrete flooring

This is commonly used for residential , commercial and industrial building,

as it is cheap , durable and easy to construct.
The floor consists of 2 components.
i) Base concrete
ii) Topping or wearing surface
The 2 components of the floor can be constructed.
1. Monolithically – In which topping is laid after the base course is laid.
2. Non monolithically – In which topping is laid after base course
hardened.
Process of laying
• The base course is laid over well compacted soil.
• The thickness of base course may be 75mm to 100mm, either in lean
cement concrete (1;3;6 to 1;5;10) or lime concrete containing 40%
mortar and 60% aggregate.
• Properly compacted and levelled to rough surface.
• Once the base course is hardened the topping is laid in square or
rectangular panels by use of wooden battens or glass or plain strips set
on mortar bed.
• Cement concrete flooring consists of cement concrete in the ratio of
1:2:4 (1 part of cement, 2 parts of coarse sand, and 4 parts of graded
stone aggregate).
• Its thickness varies from 25mm to 50mm.
• Alternate panels are laid first.
• A coat of cement slurry is applied.
• Topping concrete is spread evenly and its surface is thoroughly tamped.
• Other alternate layers are then laid after 72 hours.
• The surface is then cured for a period of 7 – 14 days.
Terrazzo Flooring

It is popular flooring for residential as well as public buildings. Terrazzo tiles

have a smooth shine and are designed with marble or granite chips which
add attractive designs to them. It’s available in an excellent range of colors
and textures.
Terrazzo flooring is done on a this layer over concrete topping.
Terrazzo is a specially prepared concrete surface containing cement and
marble chips in proportion to 1;2.
When surface is set, the chips are exposed by grinding operation.
Marble sizes vary from 3mm – 6mm.
Process of laying
The concrete base laying is done in a similar manner as cement
concrete flooring.
The top layer is about 40mm thick ( 34mm thick cement concrete layer
and 6mm thick terrazzo topping.
Before laying the flooring, the entire area is divided into suitable panels of
predetermined size and shape. For this aluminium or glass strips are used.
The strips are jointed to the base concrete with the use of cement mortar.
Concrete of grade 1:2:4is then laid in alternate panels levelled and finished to
rough surface.
When the surface is hardened, the terrazzo mix ( cement, marble chips and
water )is laid and levelled.
The surface is then floated and trowelled, and left to dry for 12-20 hours, then
the surface is cured for 2-3 days.
Then grinding will be done in 3 stages. After grinding the floor is then washed
with dilute oxalic acid solution. Finally the floor is polished with polishing
machines.
MOSAIC FLOORING

Mosaic flooring is made of small pieces of broken tiles of china glazed or of

cement or of marble arranged in different pattern.
Process of laying
A concrete base is prepared as in the case of concrete flooring and over it 5-
8cm thick lime surkhi mortar is spread and levelled
Over this 3mm thick cementing material in the ration of 2;1:1 ( slaked lime,
powdered marble and puzzolana material) is spread and left to dry for 4
hours.
Then small pieces of marble pieces of different colours are arranged in
definite patterns and hammered into cementing layer.
The surface is gently rolled by a stone roller, water is sprinkled over the
surface so that cementing material comes up through the joints and even
surface is obtained.
The surface is allowed to dry for a day and rubbed with a pumice stone.
The floor is allowed to dry for 2 weeks before use.
 MARBLE FLOORING
It is a superior type of flooring, used in bathrooms and kitchens of residential
buildings, hospitals and temples.
Process of laying
The base concrete is prepared similar as cement concrete flooring.
Over this 20mm thick bedding mortar of 1:4 ( cement and sand)
Is spread.
The marble slab is then laid over it, gently pressed with wooden mallet and
levelled.
The marble slab is then lifted up and fresh mortar is added to the fill the
hollows of the bedding mortar.
The mortar is allowed to harden slightly, cement slurry is spread over it and
then marble slab is placed in position and gently pushed with wooden mallet
so that cement pastes oozes out from the joint which should be as this as
possible.
Then allow it to cure for a week.
Product Size Specification For Indian Marble Stone
Block Size Upto 300 x 200 x 200 cm
Random Slabs Upto 300 x 200 cm
30 x 30 cm, 30 x 60 cm, 40 x 40 cm, 60 x 40 cm,
Cut to Size
60 x 60 cm, 60 x90 cm
Thickness 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, 30mm
305 x 305 x 10cm, 305 x 610 x 10cm, 457 x 457 x
Tiles 12cm
Chamfered & Calibrated
Polished, Honed, Natural, Flamed, Bush
Finishes
Hammered
Marble is usually found as rectangular, square tiles or as whole slabs. One
side is smooth and the edges are beveled (sloping). Marble tiles provide
beauty for years and functionality to your home with low maintenance.
These tiles are durable and available in varieties of colors such as white,
pink, green, grey etc. these tiles come in plain as well as textured form. This
flooring provides an elegant, royal and decorative look to the room. They
are suitable for almost any place.
ADVANTAGES OF MARBLE FLOORING
Marble flooring is durable.
Marble with matte finishes makes high quality kitchen counter tops
exceptionally.
This flooring is known for its' superior, royal, decorative appearance.
Marble is also known for its' versatility in the art as from sculptures to
monuments and from wall tiles to floor tiles.
Cool surface of marble tiles can be quite pleasant and comfortable
underfoot.
Marble flooring is very easy to maintain and requires occasional
sweeping and polishing.
DISADVANTAGES OF MARBLE FLOORING
Marble flooring is very expensive.
Marble flooring is very cool under feet in the winter.
BRICK FLOORING
Bricks are very easy to install. As bricks are slip resistant you can avoid
danger of slippery even when the floor is wet. This is the cheapest floor
and is used in low category houses and temporary structures.
Process of laying
The subgrade is compacted properly, over this 100-150mm thick layer of
lean cement concrete (1:8:16) is laid.
Over which bricks are laid on 12mm thick mortar bed in such a way that all
the joints are full with mortar.
Then joints are rendered flush and finished and cured.
MUD FLOORING AND MURRAM FLOORING
Mud and Muram flooring are used only in low cost housing.
Process of laying of mud flooring
Over a well prepared ground, a 250mm thick selected moist earth is
spread and then rammed well to get a compacted thickness of 150mm.
Small quantity of chopped straw or cow dung is mixed with earth to
prevent cracks.
Sometimes a thin paint of cement and cow dung in 1:2 ratio is applied.
Advantages of mud flooring
It is cheap, hard, easy to construct and easy to maintain.
Good thermal insulation.
Fairly warm in winter.

MURAM FLOORING
Muram is a form of disintegrated rock with binding material

Process of laying of Muram flooring

150mm thick layer of muram is laid over prepared subgrade.
Over it , a 25mm thick layer of powder muram is spread and water is
sprinkled over it.
The surface is then rammed well.
After ramming, the surface is saturated with a 6mm thin film of water.
The surface is well trampled under the feet of workmen till the cream of
muram rises to the top.
The surface is levelled and kept in that state for a day and then rammed
again with thapies for 3 days.
When the surface is hardened it is rubbed with this paste of cow dung
and rammed again for 2 days.
GRANITE FLOORING
Its unique combination of durability and elegance. The kind of elegance
that can only come from natural stone.
It comes in a varied assortment of colors: in black, pink, green and
more. It also has different grains and patterns
Because it is hard-wearing, it is commonly installed in high foot traffic
areas like hotel and office lobbies. Since it can also withstand almost
any kind of acids or chemicals, it is heat and scratch resistant, it is also
used for table tops and counter tops. With proper care and
maintenance, it is also resistant to stains, molds and mildew.
Granite tile size usually comes in 12 by 12 inches, in thickness of 3/8
inches.
To prepare for installing granite on your floor, here are the things that
you will need:
Granite Tiles
Plastic Spacers
Wet Saw
Notched Trowel
Grout
Grout Float
Mortar
Grout Sealer
Rubber Mallet
Sponge
Level
Process of laying
Before laying down any granite flooring we must make sure the sub-floor is
clean
Plan the layout before permanently laying granite floor tiles. We can either
choose to start laying at the center of the space, or at the corner near the
entry door.
Mix the mortar according the ratio of 1:5,1 part cement and 5 parts sand
and then mix with water to achieve ideal smooth consistency.
Place the granite tile on top of the mortar and press it firmly on all corners,
and then twist it a little so it bonds better with the mortar.
Lightly tap the tile using a rubber mallet. This will ensure that the tile is in
proper contact with the mortar.
Place tile spacers and then place the next tile using the same procedure.
Set up spacers in between the tile and repeat this process until all the tiles
are set. Allow 24 hours to cure.
Mix the grout in small batches and begin spreading it out over the tile. Force
the grout into the space between tiles as you remove the spacers. Allow the
grout to cure for 72 hours and then clean off with a sponge and warm
water.
FLAG STONE FLOORING
Flagstone is a composite of a variety of natural stone types,
such as slate, quartzite, or limestone, resulting from a form of
sandstone being compressed into slabs.
Flag stone is any laminated sand stone available in 20-40mm tk
In the form of stone slabs of square 300x300mm,450x450mm
or rectangular 450x600mm.
Process of laying
Stone slabs are laid on concrete base.
The sub soil is properly compacted , over which 100-150mm tk
lime concrete or lean concrete is laid.
The flag stones are then laid over 20-25mm thick bed mortar.
When the stone slabs are properly set, mortar in the joints is
raked out to a depth of about 15-200mm and then flushed
pointed with 1;3cement mortar.
Then the work is properly cured.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
One of the most common uses of ceramic tiles is for flooring design in
homes. Ceramic tiles are affordable, have low-maintenance, and can
easily match with any room decor. These tiles come in various sizes,
shapes, thicknesses, and colors, and are either glazed or unglazed.
Ceramic tile may be the only flooring material that truly works in any room
of the house. It's most often used in kitchens and bathrooms as well as
foyers
Glazed ceramic flooring tiles have a hard protective top layer that makes
the tiles impervious to water and most stains, making them naturally
resistant to the ravages of high humidity conditions.
Ceramic flooring is extremely tough, and the tiles are difficult to crack. A
quality installation can last for hundreds of years if the floor is well-
maintained. If a single tile does crack due to a severe impact, the process
of replacing a tile is relatively simple.

Kota Stone Flooring

Kota stone is a flat rectangular limestone. It is available as rough natural
slab in natural blue, green and brown color. Kota stone is a natural stone
which provides value for money to common man. It is hard and strong and
remains undamaged for hundreds of years, yet it is cheap in prices. Kota in
its natural surface is useful for exteriors and high traffic areas like swimming
pool etc. It offers non slippery surface and good look
. Its polished surface finish is highly suitable for Interiors. It can be used in
bedroom, dining room, guest room, particularly in circulation area. in fact in
whole house, office etc.

Advantages of Kota Stone Flooring

Kota stone is a naturally available limestone with an elite blend of
shades. It is usually available in the Kota district of Rajasthan state
of India . Kota stone is well known for its attractive colors.
However, the brown color is the popular. Other colors are - Black,
Pink, Grey, and Beige. Physical properties like hardness, non- porous
and homogeneity make it extraordinary from other stones.
Kota stone is used in two finishes i.e. rough dress and polished
finish. It is an excellent building stone for Pathways, Corridors,
Driveways, Commercial buildings. It is also used in chemical
industries due to its resistant properties.

Kota stone flooring is a fine, combine of magnificence and luxury

giving used in the interior and exterior to enhance the look of the
building.
Kota stone is hard, tough, oil resistant, and non-water absorbent,
non-slippery and have excellent stone resolvability.
They are available in slabs and tiles form and can be set in any
pattern of flooring.
Kota stone can be finished in various ways according to
requirement such as Natural Cleft both faces, one side Honed,
Both sides Honed, Hand Cut/Machine Cut/ Polished, Mirror Finish
and Calibrated etc.
Kota Stone is available in natural shades and it can be cut in to any
size and shape as per the requirement. Look at the natural shades
of kota floor:
It is an excellent building stone for humid regions and freezing regions,
and it is non-porous and non-observant to water.
Kota stone floors are heavy and they are set on strong base of base coat.
Kota Stone is the ideal flooring material in the building and out side the
building to impart a stronger and luxurious look to the floors
It is the cheapest stones among the other natural stones.
Kota stone are available in different sizes slab/ tiles of 30x30, 40x40,
30x60, 40x60, 60x60, 50 x50, 55x55, and 60x90 centimetres.
Kota stones can be used in Exteriors, Pathways, Corridors,
Driveways, and Balconies etc.

.
TIMBER FLOORING
Timber flooring is used for carpentary halls, dancing halls,auditoriums etc.
This type of flooring is used in hilly areas , where timber is cheap and readily
available.
Timber floors can either be of suspended above the ground or supported on
the ground.
The hollow space between the flooring and over site concrete is kept dry and
well ventilated by providing air bricks in the outer walls, and voids in the
sleeper wall.
The flooring consists of boarding supported on bridging or floor joists of timber,
which are nailed to the wall plates at their ends.
Sleeper walls are not spaced more than 1.8m to 2m.

Wooden block flooring

Where problems of dampness is not acute, timber floors may be supported on
the ground all along.
For this type , base concrete is first laid in 150-200mm thickness.
Over it a layer of mastic asphalt is applied.
Wooden block flooring is laid over it with sizes of 200x80x20mm
And are laid in suitable designs.
In order to fix the wooden floor on concrete slabs, longitudinal nailing strips are
embedded in in concrete at suitable interval.
Linoleum Flooring
This flooring is a mixture of linseed oil, gums, resins, pigments, wooden flour,
cork dust and other filling materials. It is available in rolls of width about 1.80
meters or 3.60 meters. The thickness varies from 2mm to 6mm. Linoleum
flooring is also available in form of tiles. Linoleum flooring should be laid
over an effective damp-proof area.
This flooring is attractive, cheap, durable, comfortable and moderately warm
and it can easily be cleaned. It reduces noise to a considerable extent and is
used for residential buildings, restaurants, railway carriage, pubic transport
buses, hospitals, schools, libraries, offices etc.
 Multicolored Linoleum flooring

Rubber Flooring
This flooring is a popular choice today. It is available in form of tiles and
sheets which are made from synthetic rubber. It comes in plain, ribbed,
fluted or other raised patterns. It is suitable for locations where a non-
conducting floor (where heat or electricity can not pass through) is required.
For e.g., laboratories, amusement parks, etc. This flooring is a mixture of
raw rubber, fillers such as fiber, corks, etc. and pigments. A small
percentage of ‘sulphur’ is added to speed up the process of vulcanization
(The process of making soft rubber harder by reaction with ‘sulphur’
naturally). The material is available in different colors for both sheet and tile
forms.
Rubber flooring can be laid over any smooth and dry surface. This flooring
is elastic, attractive, noiseless, sanitary, comparatively warm and soft but it
is affected by oil and grease. This flooring is used in hospitals, X-ray
rooms etc.
False Flooring
False Flooring is normally used in computer rooms for routing cables under
floor. The floor panel should be made of 35mm thick ‘Nova teak Super’
particle board, 2mm thick PVC tiles on top surface and the underside
should be coated with fire resistant paint. The edges of floor panel might
expose PVC edging. The entire floor should be capable to take distributed
load of 1200 kg. per sq/m. and a safe point load of 400 kg uniformly at the
center of panel with a maximum deflection of 2mm.
PVC Flooring or Vinyl flooring
This flooring is waterproof and is easy to clean. It is hard wearing and bears high
wear resistance and hardiness. It is unbreakable and flexible. You can easily
replace any damaged section of the flooring if you use vinyl-flooring tiles instead
of sheet. This flooring also comes in a large variety of finishes these days
including slip resistant vinyl flooring which is ideal for areas the public often
walks on. This flooring is bacteria-free and resistant to chemical as the surface of
Vinyl flooring offers resistance to attack from soft and diluted acids, alkali, petrol,
soaps and detergents. However, any chemical spilled on the surface should be
cleaned immediately to minimize any possible damage.
The sizes available normally are; width 1.5 meter in rolls and continuous length
up to 20 meter. The thickness 2 mm and 1.5 mm has many selected shades.
There are three main steps which occur during layout of floors.
First step: Leveling of the filled up earth including watering, ramming.
Second step: Laying fine sand and cement concrete for base coat.
Third step: Lying floor toping may be of any type of flooring i.e. Brick
on edge flooring, conglomerate flooring, terrazzo flooring, marble
flooring, ceramic tile flooring etc.
;

Cork Flooring
Cork floor tiles are comparable to parquet but have added benefits of insulation
against both temperature and noise. Cork is a soft fiber board available in planks
and smaller tiles. It is practically alternative to wood flooring. This type of floor is
soft, noiseless and has no allergic effect on the health of occupants of the house.
Being soft in nature it saves the cost of carpeting. It is right choice to use this
flooring in children’s room, family room, music room etc. Cork flooring is tough
resilient, water resistant. It observes sound and provides acoustic excellence.
Gives beautiful look.
Available in wide range of color such as green, red, and chocolate and black.
Anti-allergic.
Elastic and anti static.
Soft in nature, saves the cost of carpeting.
Durable and insulated against sound, noise and temperature.
Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring can be defined as several
layers of any type of epoxy resin that is
applied on a floor surface. This type of
flooring may be used on both on the flooring of
homes and Industries. Epoxy flooring has
many advantages as it is slip resistance,
durable, clean and easy to maintain and it
comes in several colors as clean white, slate
and silver grey and can also have a specific
color
Epoxy flooring may be generally defined as several layers of any type of
epoxy resin that is applied on a floor surface. The applied epoxy on the
flooring should have a minimum of 2mm in thickness.
Epoxy flooring is applied to places where the floors need to be slip
resistant. These places include pedestrian lanes, warehouses, loading
bays, and areas where there is constant traffic by load carrying trucks.
This type of floor coating is also used where there is a need for clean,
dust-free, easily maintained environments. Facilities that manufacture
electronic, chemical, cosmetic and food products are
industries that need high sanitary measures

When applied correctly, epoxy floors are extremely durable and resistant to
chemical spills, stains and dust. It is also slip-resistant and easily cleaned.
The epoxy flooring comes in with several colors that includes clear, slate or
silver gray, and can also have specific colors like white or dark based color
tinted.

BAMBOO FLOORING
Bamboo flooring is manufactured from “Moso” species of bamboo plant so it is
environment friendly. Bamboo flooring is gaining popularity day by day. It is
easy to install and is also good for those who suffers from allergy because
bamboo flooring do not encourage dust etc
There are many types of bamboo flooring; which differs in its
manufacturing process and is based on economic viability and local
preferences.
Thin bamboo stems are most commonly used. They are cut to similar
lengths and can be stained, varnished, or simply used. They are nailed
down to wooden beams or bigger pieces of bamboo stems. This form
results in more space between each bamboo stem, flatness and tightness
is not emphasized. This technique is usually used on stilted houses,
resulting in better air circulation
The other types of bamboo flooring is made with the bamboo by splitting
and flattened, dried, and then laminated in layers with glue under high
pressure. Manufactured bamboo floors are typically made available in
planks with either vertical- or horizontal-grain orientation.

Strand woven bamboo flooring is another type of bamboo flooring which is

prepared with strand bamboo which are woven and treated with adhesive.
The material is compressed until it setup. After this it is cut according to the
required length for flooring.

Advantages of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring are that it is light in weight.
Bamboo flooring is very easy to clean and maintain.
It is durable and hard.
It has an attractive look.
Bamboo flooring is not too cold during winter season and not too hot in
summer season.
Raw material used for bamboo flooring is easily available.