15 Types of Flooring That Will Make Your Home Look Better Than Ever

In India, any time you mention the word “flooring” people often envision either tiles or marbles. But, the fact is, there is a large variety of types of flooring materials available today. A lot of these materials are commonly known, but there are a few that are not as commonly known.

Each flooring material comes with its own set of pros and cons- but, these pros and cons are not applicable everywhere. To choose the best option from the different types of flooring materials one first needs to take into consideration the purpose and needs of a particular space. Once that is determined, you can simply pick and choose a material from the types of flooring in India, keeping the pros and cons of each material in mind.

Another thing to keep in mind is your budget. While choosing the flooring material we always want the best, but then budget proves to be a major constraint – especially if you are working with a limited or tight budget.

When you consider all kinds of flooring materials and check their respective costs you will realise that the more durable, striking and long-lasting a material is, the higher it’s cost (of the material as well as the installation).

But, with the advent of technology, today lots of cost-effective and pocket-friendly alternatives are available for you to choose from. For example, luxury vinyl planks can help you achieve the natural hardwood look at a fraction of the cost, while marble tiles make a great alternative to natural marble.

Read on to know more about the things you need to consider while choosing flooring materials and the right type of floor tiles for specific rooms as well as the various types of flooring in India.

Rooms that Require Careful Flooring Considerations

1) Kitchens

The kitchen is often considered to be the heart and soul of a home; after all, it is not just the space where you prepare meals, but more often than not it doubles up as a space where you serve meals, entertain guests, and even work!

This results in a lot of footfall in the space. For this reason, it is important to choose a type of flooring material that can not only withstand this heavy footfall but can also withstand the spills and splashes that are inevitable in the kitchen. This means that the flooring also needs to be easy to clean, require minimal maintenance and also be resistant to water.

Another thing to keep in mind is that since you will be often mopping or cleaning spills and splashes, the surface might often be damp or wet. So, it is best to choose a material that does not become slippery while wet, to protect yourself and your loved ones from slipping and falling.

Usually, the most commonly chosen flooring materials in the kitchen are linoleum, natural stone, different types of tile (ceramic and vitrified) and wood (which has been sealed well against water damage).

Also Read: Transforming Your Interior with Stunning Hexagonal Flooring

2) Bathrooms

While the presence of moisture in the kitchen is a once-in-a-while deal, it is a constant presence in the bathroom. So, choosing a flooring material that will be able to withstand the constant onslaught of moisture – whether in the form of standing water, splashes or vapour – is a must.

Different types of floor tiles, such as ceramic or vitrified tiles and sealed natural stone tiles are some of the most popular flooring choices for bathrooms since they can withstand moisture and are easy to clean and maintain.

If you are looking for a more pocket-friendly alternative you can opt for vinyl tiles. But, be warned, vinyl tiles are not as durable as ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles or natural stone tiles. Another disadvantage of using vinyl sheets is that they end up looking very inexpensive, so if you want to give your bathroom a premium look, consider using luxury vinyl plank tiles.

3) Living Areas

For the living areas in your home, such as the living room or hall, dining room, study, etc. you have countless possibilities of flooring materials to choose from. The “right” material depends greatly upon your personal taste.

There are some who enjoy the warmth hardwood imparts to a space and make use of small rugs to demarcate the space and also have a soft footing. Some people prefer a wall-to-wall carpet look due to its timelessness.

The best way to select the flooring material for these spaces is by setting a budget and then narrowing down the options according to it. You can also order swatches and samples to see which kind of style or colour of a particular material works best for your space.

4) Bedrooms

When it comes to choosing a flooring material for your bedroom, you have a variety of types of flooring to choose from. A lot of times homeowners prefer to use area rugs and carpets to hone in on the comfort factor of the space.

However, if you are looking for flooring options that add to the functionality of the space without increasing the maintenance factor, tiles are the best option for you. Easy to clean, maintain and durable. But, during the colder months, tiles can prove to be cold, creating quite a cold underfoot.

Another great example of great flooring for the bedroom is laminate flooring. Laminates do not expand in summer due to heat nor do they contract due to the cold in winter. Laminate is also easy on the pockets and requires very little maintenance.

15 Different Types of Flooring Options to Consider

1) Vitrified Tile Flooring

Vitrified floor tiles are some of the most popular types of flooring and are most commonly used in India. Vitrified tiles are manufactured by combining materials such as silica, clay, feldspar and quartz together. This mix is then pressed down by a hydraulic press, creating a vitreous surface with a single mass.

These tiles are available in a variety of different colours, designs, sizes and textures.  These tiles can also create different flooring styles, replicating the look of natural flooring materials such as wood, marble, bamboo, cement, granite and other stones.

Vitrified tiles can be used both indoors as well as outdoors and are available in glossy, matte, super glossy, satin matte, rocker and lapato finishes.

Vitrified Floor Tiles Price in India

The price of these tiles varies per brand. At Orientbell Tiles, the price of vitrified tiles starts from Rs. 55 per sq. feet and goes up to Rs. 178 per sq. feet. Getting these tiles installed can cost you anywhere from Rs. 90 per sq. feet to Rs. 150 per sq. feet, depending upon the size of the tile.

2) Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a popular types of flooring option available in planks, strips and parquets. While hardwood flooring is highly durable, it is also high maintenance. It is available in a variety of different hues, such as cherry, walnut, chestnut, mahogany, espresso, etc. These different shades ensure that hardwood floors work well with all kinds of designs and colour schemes.

The main disadvantage of hardwood floors is that they are not resistant to water and if left unsealed they can rot and get mildew if spills are left unattended. Another disadvantage is that it can be scratched and stained easily. Sometimes, with use, the wear and tear may result in creaking and squeaking sounds emanating from the floorboards.

While hardwood flooring options may be more expensive, especially as compared to some of the other flooring options, they still are a very popular choice due to the aesthetic they provide to any space that they are added to.

Hardwood Flooring Price in India

Depending upon the type of wood the cost of hardwood planks can vary from Rs. 400 per sq. feet to Rs. 1500 per sq. feet.  The cost of installation of hardwood planks can range between Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per sq. feet. To get an old hardwood floor sanded and polished expect to shell out anywhere between Rs. 80 per sq. feet to Rs. 250 per sq. feet.

3) Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a pocket-friendly alternative to hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring has a top layer of hardwood, but the base consists of various layers of ply. This addition of ply is what makes engineered wood better suited for use in damp environments.

Engineered wood makes for a great choice in spaces where you worry about hardwood warping or rotting due to high levels of moisture – such as basements. Additionally, since engineered wood flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring, it is a great choice for people in love with the hardwood look, but don’t have the budget for the same.

One of the biggest drawbacks of engineered wood flooring is that you cannot sand it down nor can you polish it as frequently as you can with hardwood. This is because engineered wood has a very thin top veneer layer which can easily get damaged if sanded or refinished often.

However, you can use the same kind of top coat for engineered wood as you use for hardwood, providing it with the same resistance to regular use and the wear and tear that comes with use.

As with hardwood, you can choose from a variety of shades and create the ambience of your dreams.

Engineered Wood Flooring Prices in India

Depending upon the type of engineered wood flooring you opt for, the price can vary from Rs. 20 per sq. feet (for particle boards) to Rs. 220 per sq. feet (plywood). The cost of installation ranges between Rs. 200 to Rs. 600 per sq. feet

4) Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is a type of grass that usually grows in tropical areas. The flooring made using bamboo shoots very closely resembles hardwood flooring. While organic, the amount of resin and chemicals used to manufacture bamboo flooring ensures that the flooring is not only easy to maintain but is also water resistant and difficult to stain. Bamboo flooring is also available at a pocket-friendly rate and works well for people with lower or median budgets.

The main disadvantage of using bamboo flooring is that it is very easy to scratch and even the slightest of dragging of furniture or even sharp toys will result in deep indents on the surface. Also, even though the bamboo planks are water resistant, constant exposure to moisture and even humid weather can cause the planks to swell up and look unsightly. Swollen planks can also prove to be a dangerous tripping hazard.

Bamboo Flooring Price in India

The price of bamboo flooring ranges between Rs. 150 per sq. feet to Rs. 300 per sq. feet. The installation cost of laying bamboo flooring is about Rs. 80 per sq. feet

5) Laminate Flooring

If you are looking for a budget-friendly flooring option in India, laminate flooring is your best bet. It is robust, long-lasting, easy to install and has a fair amount of resistance to water and stains. Laminates are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and finishes. This makes laminate flooring an ideal choice for Indian homes since it works very well with all kinds of designs and colour schemes.

The biggest disadvantage of laminate flooring is that if it gets damaged due to any reason, there is no way to salvage the existing floor. It cannot be redone, sanded or re-polished. You will have to get the whole flooring removed and completely replaced.

Laminate Flooring Price in India

The price of laminate flooring ranges from Rs. 80 per sq. feet to Rs. 300 per sq. feet. The cost of labour for installation is around Rs. 40 per sq feet.

6) Marble Flooring

Marble is a natural stone that is widely available in India. Available in a wide variety of colours – from pristine white to playful pink to modern grey to neutral beige – this stone is often said to be opulent and luxurious and is one of the most popular flooring materials in India.

While extremely durable (after all, take a look at some of our monuments that are hundreds of years old and still standing!), marble is also highly porous. This means that if marble is not sealed periodically it can absorb water and can stain very easily. But, when sealed regularly, the stone is easy to clean and will keep looking pristine for a long time.

As this is a naturally occurring material and has limited availability, marble is one of the most expensive types of flooring and is even considered to be a status of wealth in India.

Marble Flooring Price in India

The price of marble will depend on the type of marble you want. The average price ranges between Rs. 200 per sq. feet to Rs. 800 per sq. feet for marble tiles. The labour cost for laying marble ranges between Rs. 150 to Rs. 250 per sq. feet. Polishing an existing marble floor is possible and you will be charged anywhere from Rs. 60 per sq. feet to Rs. 100 per sq. feet for it.

7) Granite Flooring

Granite, a naturally occurring stone, is a great choice of flooring. It is available in multiple colours and can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space that it is used. Granite is a sturdy flooring material that can withstand stains and is easy to maintain.

But, it can easily get scratched, so take care to not drag sharp-edged things across the floor. Granite stays cool throughout the year and provides you with a cool and comfortable underfoot.

Granite Flooring Price in India

The price of granite flooring ranges between Rs. 150 per sq. feet to Rs. 400 per sq. feet. The labour cost for installation ranges between Rs. 120 per sq. feet to Rs. 200 per sq. feet.

8) Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is produced using materials such as cork, resin, dust and linseed oil. It is an eco-friendly flooring option that is not only pocket friendly but is also available in a large variety of designs and colours.

Linoleum has a soft surface that can easily be dented or scratched. So, if you keep some heavy furniture on it, it will definitely leave a mark on the flooring. Even high foot traffic can be detrimental to the appearance of linoleum, hence it is preferred that it be used in low-traffic areas of the home, such as bedrooms.

Linoleum Flooring Price in India

The price of linoleum flooring ranges between Rs. 80 per sq. feet to Rs. 300 per sq. feet. For installation labour charges would be somewhere around Rs. 70 per sq. feet.

9) Terrazzo Flooring

Terrazzo flooring is back on the list of the hottest floor trends and it looks like it is here to stay. Terrazzo is simply concrete or any other material that has chips of marble and granite spread through it, giving it a striking and mesmerising look.

Terrazzo floors are durable and long-lasting. You might remember seeing similar floors in old homes – maybe one belonging to your grandparents – since terrazzo flooring was very popular back in the 70s and 80s. Today, these tiles have been produced using modern technology and upgraded so that they are not only easy to maintain but also stain-resistant.

Terrazzo Flooring Price in India

The cost of terrazzo flooring ranges between Rs. 150 per sq. feet to Rs. 300 per sq. feet. The labour charges for installation should be between Rs. 100 per sq. feet to Rs. 150 per sq. feet.

10) Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a great choice for those who wish to opt for an eco-friendly flooring material. The flooring is made of harvested barks and does not lead to deforestation. Within 8 to 10 years the bark of the tree regenerates and can be again used to make more cork flooring, without having a long-term impact on the environment.

The look of cork flooring is very similar to natural wood, but cork flooring has an unusual grain that often has swirls and speckles in it. Cork flooring is available in both plank and tile form and has a structure that is very similar to laminate flooring – a striking top layer that is glued on top of a stable core layer.

While cork flooring is often pre-finished, it is best to seal your floor every three to five years to protect it from moisture-related damages, such as mildew and rot, and stains.

Cork Flooring Price in India

The price of cork flooring ranges between Rs. 150 per sq. feet to Rs. 500 per sq. feet. The installation cost of cork flooring is between Rs. 100 per sq. feet to Rs. 150 per sq. feet.

11) Ceramic Flooring

Ceramic floor tiles are some of the most popular types of flooring materials and the most common types of tile used in India. This is due to the fact that they are highly versatile and are available in a plethora of colours, designs, sizes, textures and shapes. It is this versatility that results in these tiles being used in almost any space, in any design or colour scheme.

Ceramic tiles are made by baking a mixture of clay at a high temperature in a kiln. Pigments are added to the clay mix to add colour to the tile, while the surface is printed using a special inkjet printer.

Ceramic tiles are durable, require minimal maintenance, are easy to clean and have low porosity – making them an ideal flooring choice in almost all the rooms in your home. For bathrooms and other wet spaces, opt for matte finish tiles to prevent slips and falls over the wet surface.

Ceramic Tile Flooring Price in India

The price of ceramic tiles varies according to brand. At Orientbell Tiles, ceramic floor tiles start at Rs. 37 per sq. feet and can go up to Rs. 85 per sq. feet. The labour cost for installation ranges between Rs. 105 per sq. feet to Rs. 120 per sq. feet (including grouting charges).

Also Read: Comparison of Different Floor Tile Materials and Their Durability

12) Carpet Flooring

Carpets are another flooring tile that is very versatile in nature. Not only are carpets available in a variety of materials, but they are also available in a large number of colours and designs for you to choose from. Wool, acrylic, nylon, polyester and polypropylene are some of the most commonly opted-for materials.

A quick tip to determine the quality of the carpet: take a look at the fibre density count. The higher the density, the better the carpet will fare with respect to use and wear and tear.

Carpets provide a soft and comfortable underfoot but can be easily squashed and damaged due to the placement of heavy furniture or due to heavy foot traffic. Most carpets are also not waterproof and if spills aren’t wiped off quickly the moisture will get absorbed into the inner layers and it will be very difficult to dry it completely. Stains are also difficult to remove if not cleaned immediately.

Carpet Flooring Price in India

The price of the carpet depends upon the material used as well as the fibre density. On average the price of carpets ranges between Rs. 50 per sq. feet to Rs. 500 per sq. feet. Installation costs of the carpet will depend largely upon the base you use (Sponge or no sponge) and the kind of adhesive you use (Fixed or removable). On average labourers charge between Rs. 80 per sq, feet to Rs. 300 per sq. feet to install carpets.

13) Real Stone Flooring

Natural stone flooring is one of the most expensive types of flooring options available. This is because the stone is a naturally occurring material and is very limited in quantity, driving the price up. Natural stone floor tiles can be made using various different stones such as marble, granite, limestone, slate, travertine and ledger. While tiles are made using stones such as sandstone too, since sandstone is softer it isn’t as durable as the rest.

As a rule of thumb natural stone needs to be sealed periodically – harder stones such as marble or granite can be sealed every four to five years, but softer stones, such as sandstone, need to be sealed every year so that the stone maintains its pristine look.

Real Stone Flooring Price in India

The price of the stone flooring will depend upon the material you choose. On average the price ranges between Rs. 16 per sq. feet and Rs. 1,000 per sq. feet (and in some specialised cases even beyond). The installation cost ranges between Rs. 80 per sq. feet to Rs. 250 per sq. feet depending upon the size and weight of the stone.

14) Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is one of the most commonly used flooring materials in India. This is because they provide an elegant and versatile look at a low cost. The designs available replicate the look of materials such as hardwood, marble, granite and other stones, providing you with the look of these materials at a fraction of the cost.

Vinyl is quite durable and is resistant to stains and water, making it an ideal choice for Indian households. But, it can get scratched easily and you need to take ample care to protect it. Another disadvantage of vinyl is that it gets discoloured when it comes in contact with rubber, so those rubber topped stands for the bed, sofa and TV unit and rubber-topped legs of chairs need to go!

Vinyl Flooring Price in India

The price of vinyl flooring ranges between Rs. 70 per sq. feet to Rs. 150 per sq. feet and installation costs are about Rs. 50 per sq. feet.

15) Polished Concrete Flooring

Polished concrete is one of the latest flooring trends that imparts a very futuristic and modern look to any space. Concrete can be coloured with various dyes to give the space a very personal and unique touch.

Multiple finishes, such as trowel finish, stamped finish, broom finish, and salt finish can be used to add texture to your space. Concrete is extremely porous and needs to be sealed periodically in order to protect it from moisture damage. Concrete is also not a good insulator – meaning be ready for cold floors in winter and hot floors in summer.

Polished Concrete Flooring Prices in India

The cost of polished concrete flooring ranges between Rs. 60 per sq. feet to Rs. 200 per sq. feet.

Flooring Options in a Snapshot

Take a look at all those flooring options at a glance

So, as you can see, there are various options for flooring available at your disposal. All the flooring materials come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so consider both in the light of your needs from the space before taking a call.

How Can Orientbell Tiles Help You?

Looking for tiles for your space? Click here to check all our tiles online. Want to buy them offline? Head to a store near you and our tile experts will help you in every way possible.

FAQs

• What are the latest trends in flooring?

Recent flooring trends include sustainable materials like tiles which come in diverse designs, including nature-inspired designs like stone and wood. Also, textured and pattern tiles are gaining popularity these days, as they add visual interest.

• Which type of flooring is best?

Vitrified tiles are the best flooring type for most spaces while porcelain tile choices are good for wet areas. They are not only cost-effective but also offer diversity in design, allowing you to creatively design any floor space.

• Which type of flooring is costly?

Real nature stone flooring options like marble and granite are the costliest flooring options you can come across. However, you can enjoy a similar charm of natural stone in your space by opting for natural stone tiles, which are available at just a fraction of real stone costs.

• What is the cheapest type of flooring?

Polished concrete flooring comes at the least cost. The linoleum and vinyl flooring option is also quite cheap.

• Which flooring material lasts the longest?

Vitrified tiles can last the longest with minimal upkeep. Unlike natural stone, these tiles are dense and do not absorb water or stains, retaining their beauty for years. Also, their easy-care and scratch-resistant properties help extend their lifespan significantly.