Tiling and Flooring Information Page

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Tiling and Flooring Information - Vinyl Flooring

• Vinyl is a cheap and versatile option for flooring.


• Vinyl is waterproof so is used more often in kitchens and bathrooms, than in living rooms and bedrooms, where it might look a little sparse.


• Vinyl comes in loads of patterns, styles and color ranges, so you are bound to find something that suits you.

  If you like something very modern, there are actually lots of very funky designs, from pictures of pebbles, raindrops, and lots of bold designs and bright colors.



• Vinyl is easy to clean and can be laid on concrete, plywood, hardwood or chipboard.


• If you lay vinyl over a concrete sub-floor, use a damp-proof membrane.


• If you lay vinyl over a wooden floor at ground level, make sure there is ventilation below.

  Don't lay vinyl flooring over any wood which has recently been treated with any preservative.



• Vinyl should always be laid over a flat sub-floor, with no unevenness.


• Choose from sheets of vinyl, which come in rolls, or vinyl tiles, or even vinyl planks, which can be used to achieve a pretty convincing laminate floor effect.

  We used vinyl sticky-backed planking in our kitchen and bathroom at our previous home, and it actually looked very effective, and was totally waterproof.



• Sticky-backed vinyl tiles are very easy to use, and are a good and inexpensive option for your kitchen or bathroom flooring.

  You can also get vinyl tiles which are not sticky-backed/self-adhesive - in this case, follow the manufacturers instructions regarding the adhesive.



• Vinyl can be backed or un-backed. The backed vinyl is usually cushioned, and is much softer underfoot - and usually warmer too!

Tiling and Flooring Information - Tiles

• Tiles are a reasonably expensive option, but are smart, quality and very durable.


• They are more complicated to lay yourself, so you would need to be a fairly competent DIYer. Instructions for tiling a floor yourself, here...


• If you are considering a tiled flooring, choose from slate tiles, quarry tiles or ceramic tiles.


• Slate is pretty pricey, but is durable, natural, and the tiles do have a quality, hand-made appearance with each tile having an individual appearance.


• Slate should be sealed before use to protect the appearance.


• Quarry tiles, too, are solid and durable. They are a very good choice for rooms that will get a lot of use.


• Ceramic tiles are also very practical, hard-wearing, and easy to clean. They come in many colors, and lots of different, decorative designs, so there is sure to be something to suit your room and your tastes.


• Although ceramic tiles are very hard wearing, do take a little care over them, as they can actually crack quite easily (well, they are ceramic!).


• Maybe choose mosaic floor tiles, if you want to go for a more unusual look.


• Do bear in mind that all tiles can be very cold on your toes in winter - so consider having underfloor heating fitted, if this is a concern.


• Don't lay any tiles onto a suspended wooden floor. Cover the floor or replace the floorboards, with a thick, exterior grade plywood, to make a solid and level base. A flat, dry, concrete floor is ideal for tiling onto.


• Tiles are best used in kitchens and bathrooms. In the UK we rarely use tiles in the rest of the home, but elsewhere in Europe, and the rest of the world, they seem to be pretty commonplace in living areas, and even bedrooms. Choose a neutral tone to match with any future decor or color schemes.

Instructions for tiling a floor yourself...

I hope this tiling and flooring information has been of interest and use. Have you decided which flooring to use for your next interior design project?

What about carpet? Read carpet ratings and information here.

Have you considered real wood or laminate flooring? Read the laminate vs wood flooring information guide here.

Why not try something very different, very new, and totally versatile and hardwearing? Have a look at this concrete flooring idea - concrete is not just for outdoors these days!





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