Embarking on a journey to buy a new home or seeking to revitalise your current living space with a touch of transformation/renovation? Amidst the excitement lies the daunting task of selecting the perfect materials that will define your future home's aesthetics and functionality.
Fear not, for in this exclusive renovation series, we delve into the vast array of options available in the bustling Singapore market. Allow me to be your guide, shedding light on the diverse materials at your disposal, as we aim to ease your decision-making process and inspire your home's grand transformation!
One of the popular choices homeowners choose for their flooring in Singapore is floor tiles, and two of the common types of floor tiles are:
Ceramic Tiles:
Ceramic tiles are a popular choice due to their durability, affordability, and wide variety of designs and colours.
They are water-resistant, making them suitable for areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic tiles can be glazed or unglazed, with glazed tiles being more stain-resistant.
They are relatively easy to maintain, but grout lines may require periodic cleaning.
Porcelain Tiles:
Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile that is denser and more durable.
They are highly water-resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Porcelain tiles come in various finishes, including matte, polished, and textured.
They are low-maintenance and resistant to scratches and stains.
Overall, floor tiles are also durable and long-lasting, can withstand heavy foot traffic, and are available in a wide range of designs, patterns, and textures, including natural stone and wood-like looks. Floor tiles are quite resistant to scratches and wear, maintaining their appearance over time, and are easy to clean and maintain; they can be mopped or swept regularly.
The next popular choice I believe will be vinyl flooring, and here are some of it's characteristics:
Vinyl Flooring:
Vinyl flooring is a versatile and budget-friendly option available in various styles, including planks and tiles.
It is more comfortable underfoot compared to floor tiles and it provides good sound insulation.
Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, allowing light mopping cleaning when necessary.
It is also easy to install and requires minimal maintenance.
Laminate Flooring:
Laminate flooring mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone.
It is cost-effective and relatively easy to install.
Laminate is not as water-resistant as vinyl or tile, so it may not be ideal for wet areas.
It offers good durability and is easy to clean.
Engineered Wood Flooring:
Engineered wood consists of a real wood veneer on top of layers of plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF).
It provides the warmth and elegance of hardwood at a lower cost.
Engineered wood is more stable than solid hardwood, making it less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to humidity changes.
Solid Hardwood Flooring:
Solid hardwood is a premium flooring option, offering timeless beauty and natural variations in grain and colour.
It can be sanded and refinished, providing longevity.
Solid hardwood is sensitive to changes in humidity and may require acclimatisation before installation.
It is not recommended for areas with high moisture levels.
Natural Stone Flooring:
Natural stone options include marble, granite, limestone, and travertine.
Each stone type offers unique patterns and colours, providing an elegant and sophisticated look.
Natural stone is durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.
However, it can be more expensive to install and may require sealing to prevent stains.
Micro Cement Flooring:
Micro cement is highly durable and more resistant to cracks, abrasions, and impact than cement screeding making it suitable for high-traffic areas and even commercial spaces.
It comes in a wide range of colours, and various finishes, such as matte, satin, can be achieved, allowing for customisations to suit individual preferences.
Proper installation of micro cement flooring requires skilled professionals due to its precise application process and the need to ensure a flawless finish.
Micro cement needs sufficient time to cure properly, which may affect the project timeline. It typically requires a few days to a week before it can handle light foot traffic.
The cost of micro cement flooring can be higher compared to conventional flooring options like tiles or laminate due to the specialised materials and expertise involved.
Here is the breakdown of the characteristics of the few flooring types; I hope it helps in your decision-making when renovating your home! Now that you are researching flooring, how about wall finishes? Learn more about lime wash paint finishes here!
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