When it comes to flooring, we begin a very important chapter in architecture and interior design.
If we think about it, flooring is a residential or workspace element on which we spend a lot of time, so it’s very important to choose a good flooring with good resistance to wear and impact. We can therefore say that we can save on everything, but not on the type of flooring.
When choosing flooring, we can choose from a wide range of products: porcelain stoneware, marble, stone, terracotta, mosaic, stone, and even seamless surfaces in micro-cement and resin. Changing the flooring material also changes its size and texture, which makes us realize that not all floors can be conceived and designed the same way.
Aspects to consider when laying flooring
There are several aspects that must be considered when installing flooring:
The screed creates the smooth support onto which the flooring will be glued with special adhesives;
The joint between the tiles, which in addition to its aesthetic value, is a functional and aesthetic solution that allows for the floor’s elasticity, as buildings are always subject to micro-movements;
The choice of tile type, whether extruded, beveled, or rectified, has substantial differences in the edges. Extruded tiles are untrimmed ceramics, whose edges maintain a natural appearance; beveled and rectified tiles are typical of porcelain stoneware and are characterized by edge finishing to ensure uniformity between tiles. The difference is that while rectified tiles have a sharp edge, beveled tiles have a beveled edge, which softens and supports the joint;
The flatness, or surface, of the tile is the fourth fundamental element. Not all tiles are smooth and straight; often, some are warped. This can, in the worst case, cause the edges to not be perfectly aligned, leaving some points protruding, potentially dangerous for walkers who could injure themselves or trip.
The skirting board is the last element to consider, although it’s often overlooked not only for its functional aspects but also for its aesthetic appeal. It enhances the room’s dimensions and, if created by cutting the same tile as the floor, creates an optical illusion by aligning the joints.
Floor laying
After analyzing the five elements described above, it’s important to decide what impression the floor should convey and which elements to highlight within the room. You can align the joints with the entrances rather than the stairs, or play with the symmetry of the tiles.
Laying Patterns
Designing a tile laying pattern is no quick and easy task. Many factors must be considered, primarily the size of the room and the tile chosen, as well as the geometry of the room—whether it is linear or narrow, with irregular corners or non-straight walls. Any tile waste must also be considered and minimized.
Mixed Textures
Starting with larger rooms, you can choose and develop a unique laying pattern by mixing different sizes and shapes. This blend of styles adds dynamism to the room and differentiates it from classic designs.
There are various types of floor installation, for which laying patterns must be prepared beforehand:
Straight: used primarily in bathrooms and kitchens. This involves arranging tiles parallel to the walls of the room, a solution suitable for many rooms and uses. It is especially recommended for modern, minimalist spaces that favor large formats and where jointing is essential.
Diagonal: used to increase the space’s width, but also to combine different tile formats. The tile is installed at a 45° angle to the wall, giving the room a rustic feel. This technique is used where the walls are not perfectly square. The diagonal effect camouflages any irregularities in the walls.
Staggered: used primarily for installing wood-effect stoneware floors, with the aim of recreating wooden planks. In this case, the tile is again installed parallel to the walls, but eliminating the continuity of the joint. The tiles are thus staggered, allowing the installation of even smaller rectangular tiles.
Herringbone is a typical wooden floor pattern, reminiscent of the classicism of noble residences. The planks are positioned at 45° or 30° depending on the needs and desired aesthetic.
Laying Outdoor Floors
Laying outdoor floors follows a completely different logic than that of interior floors, as do the materials used. The most common installation methods are:
Dry installation allows for direct application to the ground without the use of screeds, mortars, or adhesives. Its advantages include ease of installation and removal, as well as the fact that it allows for water drainage while maintaining the subfloor intact.
On concrete, this involves sprinkling the mortar bed with cement powder or cement mortar, moistening it slightly, and then proceeding with the installation of the tile. The next step involves tapping the floor to force the underside of the tile into the mortar.
On sand or gravel, this involves dry installation without the use of adhesives, but simply leveling the sand slab. This application does not require the intervention of specialized personnel and the design can be modified whenever you want.
Types and prices of floor installation
Before discussing the cost of installing flooring, it’s important to consider the different installation options: installing a floor from scratch, redoing an existing floor, or installing a floor over an existing one.
Installing a floor from scratch is the ideal solution for any installer. This allows you to choose the tile you like best and the thickness you prefer. What you need to consider is the depth of the subfloor and any subsequent finishing work.
Renovating an existing floor involves removing the existing flooring, paying attention to possible adhesive residue and the possibility of not having a perfectly smooth subfloor.
Installing a floor over an existing floor is the most economical solution, allowing for significant savings in labor and time, but at the same time limits the tile options, so much so that it is often used as a choice for installing laminate.
The cost of a floor must take several factors into consideration: the time required by the installer, the quantity of material used, which varies depending on the size of the tile and the surface to be covered, and the installer’s professionalism.
When installing flooring, whether indoors or outdoors, many factors must be taken into account. For best results, it’s best to rely on experts and choose high-quality materials.
La posa del pavimento, per interno o esterno, deve tenere conto di molti fattori, per avere una buona resa è bene affidarsi ad esperti e scegliere materiali di buona qualità.