Beauty, practicality and maintenance: these are the watchwords for finding the best floor coverings… Which ones to choose with a market loaded with options? Follow the guide and deftly master the topic.
Inside
In addition to giving personality to your decor, they impact on the sound acoustic and the temperature of the room - among other things. How to know if they will do the trick? You simply need to identify what you are looking for (aesthetic, thermal or anti-allergenic qualities), while keeping in mind this data sheet.
1. Waxed concrete
Its coarse appearance makes it a trendy, hygienic and easy-to-maintain material. However, its application - already complex for a final result (which, over time, can crack) - adds up on the budget as another obstacle.
2. Vinyl
Offering a very interesting range of options, it is an inexpensive and easy-to-clean material. However, vinyl is impossible to repair and requires a perfectly flat surface for an adequate application. So make sure to enquire before starting!
3. Tiling
This easy-care material is also impact resistant, with the added convenience of simply replacing a broken tile rather than starting over with the entire floor. The only concern: the cold feeling it engenders.
4. Laminate
This chipboard support can be adorned with different effects: wood, concrete or even imitating tiling. Despite being very affordable in terms of price, it does not last as long.
5. Solid parquet
One of the most noble, but also the most delicate coatings. The price of this premium material is high, not to mention the cost of maintenance it incurs, and its fragility in wet places like Mauritius.
6. Carpet
Cheap and comfortable, this classic combines thermal and acoustic regulations. Carpet however, less hygienic than other options, is a big no-no for people with allergies and in humid areas such as Curepipe.
Outside
1. Slabs: Made of concrete, stone or turf (consisting of a honeycomb structure where sod is sown), to arrange your pathways.
2. Tiling: Perfect for terraces and easy to maintain, it however requires a lot of time to apply. For added security, use a coarser finish for a non-slip effect.
3. Cobblestone: Compliant to your budget, it will accommodate to stone or concrete according to your tastes for a resistant and durable finish. Be careful with weeds though.
4. Resin: With a smooth or gravel finish, this trendy material is to be applied to an existing floor (hence no invasive work when renovating).
5. Wood: Perfect for the landscaping of a beautiful deck or swimming pool beach, it is still an expensive material which requires diligent treatment.
Your smart checklist for a smarter choice:
• Material price
• Professional intervention
• Facility and application time
• Maintenance fee;
• Hygiene
• Sustainability
Natural options
How about using lawn to boost your garden’s biodiversity? Favouring a sod slab instead of concrete or stone will make your soil more permeable - maximising and capturing rainwater to maintain a soil suitable for growing plants.
Similarly, gravel enhances the soil’s permeability, decreasing the risk of water accumulation in case of heavy rains - a phenomenon more and more frequent in our country.
Ecological tips:
For deep-seated ecologists, two main criteria will allow you to evaluate the best flooring:
• The pollution index issued during production
• The carbon footprint (favour locally-made floorings)
More about home inspirations, products and services on our partner home deco website
