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What flooring should be installed in an apartment? Wooden floor, tile floor, vinyl floor or carpet?
When choosing flooring materials for apartments, buyers are often confused 4 Popular choices are wooden floors, tile floors, and plastic floors and carpet. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different spaces and needs.
- Wood floors are highly aesthetic, increasing the value of the apartment but are very difficult to maintain.
- Tile floors are water-resistant and have high hardness, but they can easily cause slipping and cold feet.
- Cheap plastic flooring, suitable for people with limited economic conditions but who like beauty and quick construction time. However, this product has a relatively low lifespan.
- Tiling apartment floors with carpet brings outstanding advantages such as creating a soft, warm feeling and reducing noise. However, carpets also have some notable disadvantages such as easily clinging to dirt, difficult to clean, susceptible to mold and can cause allergies in sensitive people.
To choose the right apartment flooring material, we must:
- Choose a type with features suitable for the function of each space.
- Choose a model according to the general design style of the apartment.
- Based on economic conditions, choose a floor with an appropriate price.
- Estimate the time we can spend on construction.
Why are wooden floors, tile floors, plastic floors and carpets popular choices for apartments?
Wooden floors, tile floors and plastic floors are popular choices for apartments because all three bring high aesthetics. In addition, each type also has its own features, bringing practical benefits to apartment owners.
What is the reason to install wooden floors for apartments?
Many people choose wooden flooring for apartments because wooden floors bring warmth to the space, have a long lifespan, are good at soundproofing and insulation, and are easy to repair and replace.
Natural, warm beauty
Wooden floors bring a feeling of closeness to nature thanks to the unique wood grain lines, creating a comfortable and relaxing living space.
Long lifespan
Natural wood floors have a lifespan of up to 100 years if used properly. Laminate floors also have an average lifespan of 20-30 years.
Good sound and heat insulation
The floor has high thickness and the porous structure of wood helps absorb sound and retain heat effectively, creating a soft feeling when walking. Not to mention there is an additional layer of foam support underneath the floor.
Easy to repair and replace
If scratched or damaged, natural wood floors can be easily repaired by sanding and varnishing, or replacing individual wooden slats without affecting the whole.
According to a survey of real estate agents conducted by the National Laminate flooring Association (NWFA), apartments with wood floors sell faster and achieve 10% higher prices than those without. wood floor. This shows that wooden floors not only bring aesthetics but also contribute to increasing property value for the owner.
What are the limitations of wooden floors when tiling apartments?
However, wooden floors also have disadvantages that need to be considered such as: high price, the product cannot withstand water, and there is a risk of termites.
High price
Natural wood floors range in price from 500.000 VND - 3.000.000 VND/m², engineered wood floors are cheaper at prices ranging from 300.000 VND - 500.000 VND/m² but are still more expensive than ceramic tiles and plastic floors.
Easily affected by humidity
Wood is a hygroscopic material, so it is susceptible to blistering, warping, and mold if exposed to water for a long time. Avoid installing wooden floors in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Nowadays, there are many types of laminate floors treated to be water-resistant such as Robina (withstands 10 days of flooding), Egger Aqua (withstands 1.000 hours of flooding) that can withstand humidity, but cannot be installed in the bathroom.
Requires regular maintenance
Natural wood floors need to be cleaned and polished periodically to maintain beauty and durability. At the same time, we need to limit heavy, sharp objects from coming into direct contact with the wooden floor surface.
There is a risk of termites
You should choose termite-resistant natural wood floors like Teak, or laminate floors made from tropical forest wood like Robina. If not, we must spray termite thoroughly before installing the wooden floor and spray periodically to prevent termite attacks.
In general, wooden flooring is a flooring material suitable for areas without high humidity in apartments. Specifically, wooden floors are suitable for bedrooms because they create a warm and friendly feeling. In the living room, wooden floors represent luxury and class for the reception space.
Why should tile floors be installed in apartments?
Apartments should be tiled because of advantages such as high hardness and bearing capacity, good waterproofing and stain resistance, and a variety of designs and sizes.
High hardness and bearing capacity
Bricks have a solid structure and are less prone to cracking under the impact of impact or high pressure. According to the Mohs hardness scale, bricks have a hardness of 5 to 8.
Good waterproofing and anti-fouling
Tiles have an extremely low water absorption index of less than 0,5%, helping to minimize water seepage inside, preventing peeling and mold, ensuring durability. Some high-end tile lines are applied with Nano technology, creating a microscopic layer to protect the surface, preventing water and liquids from penetrating, maintaining the long-term beauty of the project.
Diverse designs and sizes
Tiles have hundreds of different designs, patterns, and colors, from stone and wood grain to vivid 3D. Tile sizes are also very diverse, from 30x30cm, 60x60cm to 80x80cm, meeting all design needs.
Good price
Compared to natural wood floors, ceramic tiles have a much lower price. Ceramic tiles range in price from 100.000 VND - 200.000 VND/m². Porcelain tiles range in price from 200.000 VND - 300.000 VND/m². Granite tiles range in price from 300.000 VND - 500.000 VND/m².
According to data from the Vietnam Construction Ceramics Association, Vietnam's ceramic tile output reaches about 700 million m²/year, ranking in the top 4 in ceramic tile consumption in the world and leading in ASEAN. This shows that ceramic tiles are a popular and popular material in Vietnam as well as around the world.
Disadvantages of tiling tile floors for apartments
The disadvantage of tile floors is that the surface is cold and hard, very slippery when wet, and complex and time-consuming construction.
The surface is cold and hard
Bricks have high thermal conductivity, so they feel cold when touched. The hardness of tiles also makes many people feel uncomfortable when walking or standing for long periods of time.
Slippery when wet
Glossy tiles are easily slippery when wet, causing danger to the elderly and children. It is necessary to choose rough surface tiles for areas that are prone to getting wet.
Construction is complex and time-consuming
The tile construction process is quite complicated, requiring many steps such as: leveling the floor, waterproofing, tiling, grouting... Therefore, the construction time is often longer than with wooden or plastic floors.
With a 100m project2 Tile floor construction takes 5 - 15 days depending on the type of tile and worker's skills, while wooden floors take about 2 to 4 days.
In general, tiles are a suitable flooring material for wet areas that require high heat resistance in apartments. Specifically, they are very suitable for bathrooms and toilets because of their good waterproofing ability. In addition, tiles are also often used for kitchens and balconies because they are easy to clean and heat resistant.
Why should you choose plastic flooring for your apartment?
Weak floors have a reasonable price, are comfortable to walk on, have good sound insulation, and have diverse wave patterns, so plastic floors are always a widely used material for apartments.
'Soft' price
Plastic floors range in price from 85.000 VND - 390.000 VND/mXNUMX2, much cheaper than high-end wooden floors and tiles. Construction costs are also lower because the process is simple and quick.
Good water and moisture resistance
Plastic floors are perfectly waterproof thanks to PVC material. You can comfortably clean it with a damp cloth and handle spilled water on the floor without worrying about its durability being affected.
Note: Water will significantly reduce the adhesion of the glue. To use well in humid environments, we should consider locking plastic floors instead of glued plastic floors or pre-glued plastic floors.
Soft feet, soundproof
The plastic floor surface is soft and elastic, creating a comfortable feeling when walking. The soundproofing and noise reduction ability of locked plastic floors is also superior to ceramic tiles.
Diverse and vibrant patterns
Plastic floors can be printed with extremely sophisticated imitation wood and stone patterns that are difficult to distinguish from real materials. Plastic floor colors are also very diverse, from light wood grain to modern neutral colors.
Plastic flooring is becoming the choice of many young families thanks to its low price, quick construction and variety of designs. According to Allied Market Research's forecast, the global plastic flooring market will reach a value of over 10.85 billion USD by 2029, growing with a CAGR of 11% from 2022 to 2029.
Disadvantages of plastic flooring when tiling apartments
However, everything has its downside. Here are some disadvantages of plastic flooring that users should know before installing it in apartments.
Relatively low lifespan
Plastic floors usually have a lifespan of 5-15 years, much lower than wooden floors (20-100 years) and ceramic tiles (30-50 years). However, with its low price, replacing plastic floors is also easier.
Easily deformed under the influence of heat and force
Plastic floors are susceptible to blistering and cracking if exposed to high temperatures or heavy objects placed on them for a long time. Do not place too heavy furniture on the plastic floor.
Plastic flooring is suitable for bedrooms and children's rooms because it has a soft surface, eye-catching patterns, and is easy to clean. Plastic floors are also suitable for living rooms because of their beautiful designs and easy to combine with furniture.
What makes carpets chosen by many people as apartment flooring materials?
What makes carpets chosen by many people as apartment flooring materials is:
- Brings outstanding comfort and warmth.
- Limit slippage and reduce injuries.
- Outstanding soundproofing and noise reduction ability.
Brings outstanding comfort and warmth
The soft, elastic fiber and hair structure of the carpet creates a soft, comfortable feeling for the feet when moving. Carpet surface temperature is usually 2-3°C higher than wooden floors and ceramic tiles. A study by the University of Manchester (UK) showed that 75% of users feel more comfortable when walking barefoot on carpet compared to hard floors.
Limit slippage and reduce injuries
Thanks to high friction and low slip coefficient, carpets help minimize the risk of slipping and falling. Data from the American Home Safety Association shows that using carpet helps reduce slip accidents in the home by 50-70%, especially for children and the elderly. The thick and soft padding of the carpet also helps reduce impact when accidentally falling.
Outstanding soundproofing and noise reduction ability
Carpets made of wool or felt have good soundproofing properties, providing a quiet living space.
What are the minuses of carpet flooring?
The carpet's hair structure makes it a "paradise" for dirt, bacteria, and mold to "dwell". If not cleaned regularly (at least 4 times/week), the carpet will become a "nest" containing dangerous pathogens. This can cause respiratory diseases, allergies, infections, and is especially dangerous for young children and sensitive people.
The carpet's good moisture absorption ability makes it susceptible to mold if the room humidity is below 60% for a long time. Mold not only damages the carpet, causing unpleasant odors, but also negatively affects your health. To thoroughly remove dirt and bacteria on the carpet, you need to use a specialized vacuum cleaner (1000W capacity) or a professional carpet cleaning service.
How to choose the most suitable apartment flooring material?
To choose the most suitable type of flooring, you need to consider the following factors:
- Functions of each space: For wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, priority should be given to floors with good waterproofing properties such as ceramic tiles. The bedroom should choose wooden or plastic floors because they create a warm and comfortable feeling.
- General design style of the apartment: If you pursue a modern, minimalist style, you should choose neutral-colored ceramic tiles and concrete (cement) faux stone flooring. Classic style is suitable for dark brown wooden floors and elaborate patterns.
- Economic conditions: If you want to save construction costs, you should prioritize plastic floors, laminate floors, and ceramic tiles. Natural wood floors and granite tile floors have a higher price but in return have a long lifespan, increasing the value of the apartment.
- Construction time: Plastic floors and laminate floors have the advantage of quick construction, which can be completed in 1-4 days for an apartment of 50-100m². Ceramic tiles and natural wood floors are more complicated to install, so they take more time.
Advice from experts when choosing flooring for apartments:
- Choose a floor type suitable to the functions and characteristics of each room.
- Consult with architects and interior experts for a harmonious combination.
- Choose a reputable, quality material supplier with a good warranty policy.
- Maintain and clean your floors regularly to maintain long-term durability and beauty.
Frequently asked questions when buying apartment flooring materials
What is the difference between natural wood floors and engineered wood floors?
Natural wooden floors are made from 100% whole wood, with higher durability and value. Meanwhile, Laminate flooring is only made from HDF wood core and has a natural wood imitation surface layer. Laminate flooring is cheaper but less durable and resistant than natural Laminate flooring.
Does wooden floor smell harmful to health?
Most types of natural wood floors have a characteristic smell of wood, this smell is completely natural and is not harmful to health. However, some types of laminate flooring use contained adhesives Formaldehyde can cause unpleasant odors and affect health if present in high concentrations.
What is the difference between Ceramic tiles and Porcelain tiles?
| Ceramic tiles | Porcelain tiles | |
| Material | Red, brown or white clay is not very pure. | White clay, free of impurities. |
| Advantages | Low cost | Good water resistance, strength and high color fastness. |
| Disadvantages | Not as durable as Porcelain tiles | Expensive |
| Color | Only on tile surfaces | Throughout the entire tile |
Are ceramic tiles toxic?
Standard ceramic tiles produced by reputable manufacturers must undergo strict testing and meet safety standards for lead, cadmium, and VOC (Organic Compounds) content. volatile)... so it is completely non-toxic and safe for users' health. However, you should avoid using cheap ceramic tiles of unknown origin because they may contain toxic chemicals that affect your health.
Is faux Laminate flooring the same as real Laminate flooring?
Faux wood plastic flooring has a very sophisticated printed surface with patterns, colors and imitation wood grain, up to 80-90% similar to natural wood floors. Just looking with the naked eye, it is difficult to distinguish between real wood floors and fake wood plastic floors. However, when touching the surface, plastic floors still feel more cramped than real wooden floors.
Does plastic flooring have a toxic smell?
All types of PVC, Vinyl floors... that meet production standards must undergo strict testing for lead, mercury, formaldehyde, styrene and other VOC compounds. Therefore, high quality plastic floors do not cause toxic odors at all, and are safe for the health of users, including children and pregnant women..
However, you should avoid using cheap plastic floors of unknown origin because they may contain high levels of contaminants and affect your health.
What is the common way to cover carpets?
- Wall-to-wall carpeting Creates a feeling of more spacious and seamless space. However, installation requires high skills and is more expensive.
- area rugs Brings flexibility in layout, easy to move and replace. The carpet size should be 20-30cm wider than the space between furniture to create a feeling of balance and harmony.
Choosing which flooring to put in an apartment (wooden floor, tile floor, plastic floor or carpet) needs to be based on personal preferences, economic conditions and characteristics of the space used. Each family should consider carefully to choose the most suitable type of flooring, bringing satisfaction and comfort to daily life.
Kim Hoa Consultant with experience in the field of exterior & interior decoration.
Kim Hoa Always dedicated to consulting and providing appropriate solutions according to the needs of each customer. From there, choose quality products, bringing aesthetics at optimal cost.
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