Floor finishes are the final layer applied to a floor surface to protect it and enhance its appearance. They come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The type of floor finish you choose will depend on a number of factors, including the type of substrate, the amount of traffic the floor will receive, and your budget.

In this article, we will discuss the nine most common types of floor finishes and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. We will also provide information on the installation and maintenance requirements for each type of finish. So, whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or a contractor, this article will provide you with the information you need to choose the right floor finish.

How to Choose The Right Flooring

Choosing the right floor finish is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the appearance, durability, and lifespan of your floor. With so many different types of finishes available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs.

Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a floor finish:

• The type of substrate: The type of substrate you have will determine the type of floor finish you can use. For example, if you have a concrete subfloor, you can use a variety of finishes, including wood and tile. However, if you have a wooden subfloor, you will be limited to finishes that are compatible with wood, such as wood flooring or laminate flooring.
• The amount of traffic: The amount of traffic your floor will receive will also affect your choice of finish. If you have a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen or hallway, you will need a durable finish that can withstand heavy wear and tear.
• Your budget: Floor finishes can range in many prices. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
• Your style: The style of your home or business will also play a role in your choice of floor finishes. If you have a traditional home, you may want to choose a classic finish, such as hardwood flooring or ceramic tile. If you have a modern home, you may want to choose a more contemporary finish.

1. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floor finishes are very popular because of their characteristics, versatility and durability. As its name, hardwood floor finishes are made of real wood such as oak, maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany, beech and teak. Each wood gives different colours and patterns for your room.

But regardless of the colour and pattern, hardwood floor finishes have a timeless, authentic, and natural design for your room. Hardwood floor finishes are also available in 2 types, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. 

Suitable for: Hardwood floor finishes have the most potential to be in the living room, home office, bedroom, library or even conservatory room. 

Pros : 

• Durable and can last for many years
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons : 

• Expensive
• Can be slippery when wet
• Require regular maintenance

Our recommended products:

• Elka 12.5mm Real Wood Fawn Oak
• Lionvest Engineered – 415 – Dark Stained Lacquered Tumbled
• Ted Todd Classic Tones Bedgebury – Extra Wide Plank

2. Washed and Polished Concrete Floor

One of the types of floor finishes that give you a modern and elegant look. Concrete floor finishes also become some people’s favourites. They are divided into two unique methods used to finish concrete floors: “washed” and “polished”.

Suitable for: The best match of concrete floor finishes is the kitchen room because it is very durable and moist resistant. But please keep in mind that because of its material, it may not be suitable for kids or glass objects.

Pros : 

• Very strong and durable 
• Require little maintenance
• Can be finished in a variety of ways

Cons : Can be a cold surface

3. Ceramic/Porcelain Floor Finishes

Ceramic or porcelain floor finishes are available in various sizes and designs. With this type of floor finish you will get a shiny finish and look more luxurious at the same time. Of course, with the right cleaning and maintenance!

Suitable for: The best match of ceramic or porcelain floor finishes is the kitchen and conservatory room! This floor finish is durable for outdoor and indoor use.

Pros : 

• Durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons : Can be cold, noisy, and slippery

4. Stone Floor Finishes

Stone floor finishes are a type of flooring that is made from either natural stones or materials that resemble stones. The most commonly used natural stones for flooring are granite, marble, limestone, slate, travertine, and sandstone. These stones can be cut and resized as the customer wants.

Suitable for: Stone floor finishes are suitable for outdoor or indoor rooms. Such as kitchen, conservatory rooms, living room, bathroom, entryways or foyers. 

Pros : 

• Strong and durable
• Can add a touch of elegance

Cons : 

• Can be slippery when wet
• Requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best
• Expensive

5. Carpet Floor Finishes

Carpet floor finishes is a warm and luxurious floor covering that is crafted from a variety of materials such as wool, nylon, polyester, or a blend of fibres. When it comes to installation, carpets can be either stretched or glued onto the floor surface underneath, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Suitable for: Carpet finishes are suitable for living rooms, kids’ or family rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc. But stay out for moisture! 

Pros : 

• Can add a touch of luxury to any room
• Soft and comfortable underfoot.
• Can help reduce noise levels

Cons : 

• Difficult to clean
• Harbour dust and allergens
• Expensive to install

Our recommended products:

• Cormar Carpet Apollo Comfort Coyote
• Victoria Carpets Aura Bath Time
• Abingdon Deep Feeling Nickel

6. Laminate Floor Finishes

Laminate floor finishes imitate the look of real materials like wood or stone. It consists of multiple layers, including a strong core made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or particleboard, a printed layer with a lifelike image of the desired material, and a protective top layer. Laminate floor finishes also can be your alternative, if you want to install the floor finishes alone.

Suitable for: Laminate floor finishes are popular for kids’ rooms. This floor finish is also the best flooring for dogs. Other recommendations are living room, office, kitchen, and even bedrooms. 

Pros : 

• Affordable
• Easy to install 
• Resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture

Cons : Not as durable as solid wood

Our recommended products:

• Elka 8mm V-Groove Country Oak
• Elka 12mm Stoney Oak
• Quick-Step Classic Cocoa Brown Oak

7. Vinyl Floor Finishes

Vinyl floor finishes are a flexible and affordable option for your floors, created from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It comes in different forms like vinyl sheets, tiles, and luxury vinyl planks (LVP). Its strength, water resistance, and impressive ability to imitate the look of wood or stone. 

Suitable for: Vinyl floor finishes are a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or communal spaces. 

Pros : 

• Affordable 
• Resistant to scratches, stains, and fading
• Easy to maintain and clean

Cons : 

• Can be damaged by sharp objects or heavy furniture
• Not as environmentally friendly as other floor finishes

Our recommended products:

• Floorify Planks Coconut
• Karndean Knight Tile Rigid Core Smoked Concrete
• Luvanto Endure Pro Reclaimed Oak

8. Cork Floor Finishes

Cork floor finishes are a one-of-a-kind and environmentally friendly choice for your floors. It is crafted from the bark of the cork oak tree, giving it a distinct look. Not only does it have a soft and cushioned feel, but it is also known for its sustainable qualities.

Suitable for : Cork floor finishes are the best option for your kid’s playroom, bedroom, or any room that requires more safety. Even so, you still can use this type of floor finish for the living room or office but still stay out with water and moisture as far as possible. If there is a liquid stain, directly clean the surface.

Pros : 

• Soft and comfortable to walk on
• Hypoallergenic and mold-resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Eco-friendly 

Cons : 

• More expensive
• Professional installation recommended
• Not as resilient as other flooring

9. Rubber Floor Finishes

Rubber finishes flooring is a type of flooring that is made from recycled rubber. It is a durable and sustainable option that is also noise-reducing and slip-resistant. However, it can be expensive and difficult to install. 

Suitable for: Rubber finishes flooring is a good choice for high-traffic areas, such as gyms, playgrounds, and commercial spaces. It is also a good choice for rooms where noise reduction is important, such as home offices or bedrooms.

Pros : 

• Durable and sustainable
• Noise-reducing
• Slip-resistant

Cons:

• Expensive
• Difficult to install

The right flooring finish can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home. It can also help to improve the comfort and function of your space. With so many different options available, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s where TEKA Flooring comes in. We offer a wide variety of flooring and carpet finishes to choose from, so you can find the perfect look for your home. Our products are all high-quality and affordable. We also have a team of experienced professionals who can help you choose the right flooring for your needs and budget.

Visits our Flooring Store in Peterborough now or start a free consulting here.