Lesson 5: Champagne Results on a Chianti Budget
Flooring Alternatives
Tile
Tile can often be installed over existing sheet vinyl that's in good condition and is tightly bonded to the sub-floor. You can use a floor tile on a countertop but not vice versa.
Clay-based tile, often handmade, is not too hard and the color is in the glazing, whereas porcelain tile is quite hard and has color all the way through. Glazed tiles can be slippery (with hard-to-clean grout) but they are great for wear and tear and don't need sealing. Terrazzo tile is made by setting chips of marble, granite, or onyx in concrete and polishing the surface. Terracotta tiles come in a large variety of styles and colors and are water and stain-resistant when sealed. In time the tile develops a rich patina. Can be expensive and looks it. Some new tile products are made from recycled materials.
Slate
Slate comes in sheets or tiles, and varies in color from gray to dark green (and purple) with a smooth or textured finish. Slate tiles are inexpensive and useful for entries and porches. It's skid resistant (with non-shiny finish), durable, easy to clean, and doesn't show dirt but it's hard and cold underfoot. Put a waterproof material underneath stone or slate if installing in wet areas.
Sheet vinyl
Popular and easy to maintain, sheet vinyl comes in thousands of patterns, and currently features the "natural" look. It's soft and quiet underfoot, hardwearing and waterproof. It's the least expensive hard flooring option, primarily because you pay for installation by the yard rather than by the foot. Preparation is important, though, as uneven floors underneath may show. Armstrong has a good overview of vinyl and its benefits, and offers a Guaranteed Installation Kit to help you install it yourself. Check the "wear layer" before you buy—that's the surface layer that protects the pattern. It will influence how tough and scratch-resistant the vinyl is, and how easily maintained. Also ask if the color goes all the way through the design, layer by layer ("inlaid").
Vinyl tile is heavier and denser than in the past. It is quick and easy to install but isn't as durable as sheet vinyl. Dirt can work its way in between the tiles and then underneath, causing tiles to loosen.
Laminates
Laminate flooring is a tongue and groove interlocking flooring system. It is installed over the top of the existing substrate and simply lays there. This has made it a natural for Europe and its older buildings. Plywood, concrete slab, sheet vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, or virtually any other basically flat hard surface is suitable for a "floating" laminate installation. The term "floating" means the new floor is not attached to the floor underneath. In a typical floating installation, only the joints are glued or attached. The body of the floor rests unattached to an appropriate underlayment.
Laminates have a fiberboard core bonded to a printed design which looks like wood or tile. They are scratch-resistant and easy to maintain, but become seriously damaged from water and can't be refinished, sanded, or easily repaired. Some are noisy to walk on. For more information on installing laminate flooring, visit Do It Yourself.com.
- Cork is quiet and warm, you can seal it to resist stains, and the tiles are inexpensive and easy to install. The downside is that they can be damaged by water and their texture and pattern are rather dull.
- High-fashion linoleum, made from natural materials, is making a comeback and can add to a Retro look. It's durable, generally low-maintenance, and quiet—but it's also costly and requires expert installation. Keep it polished or scuff marks may be a problem.
- Concrete makes a versatile, beautiful flooring material. Color is added when it's made or it can be stained or painted to look like an inlaid floor. Aggregate can be added for a rustic, earthy look. Double check your sub-flooring to be sure it's in good shape.
