In residential and commercial construction, flooring is extremely important. It serves as a base of a building, provides comfort, and plays a role for visual and design. As many recognize its importance and with growing innovation in the industry, there has been an increasing demand for the flooring market across the globe.
According to a leading market research firm, GMI Research, the flooring market size touched USD 257 billion in 2021 and would reach USD 403.5 billion in 2029. This rapid development is due to the growing urbanization, rapid population growth, and the rising demand for innovative flooring in the construction sector.
What are The Types?
In the flooring market, there are several types that can be options for contractors or end-users in their building.
- Parquet and wood
Wood flooring offers various kinds such as oak, ash, and walnut. Wood solid floors are long-lasting because they can be sanded multiple times. Parquet floors durability and their ability to be sanded depend on the thickness of the top layer. Due to their resilient nature, it is suitable for installation in various areas of a house. While wood tends to be a warmer material in comparison to others, wooden floors should not be installed in bathrooms as the moisture can deteriorate over time.
A major weakness of wood flooring is its expense which includes not only the material costs but also the installation charges.
- Laminate flooring
Laminate floors typically feature a bottom layer composed of wood fibers and a top layer made of plastic. These floors typically feature mechanical joints similar to those in wood flooring that make them straightforward to install. You can often find the surface layer in a range of designs including wood and stone imitations. While it is tough and water-resistant, its plastic outer layer means it cannot be rejuvenated by sanding.
Its appearance can sometimes seem artificial in comparison to genuine wood flooring which depends on its quality. The thinner profile of laminate flooring means that once the surface layer is worn or damaged, it cannot be refinished and sanded down as you can with genuine wood flooring.
- Vinyl
Similar to laminate, vinyl floorings come in various styles. They feature a comparable layered construction including a robust surface layer, a decorative layer, a vinyl core, a glass fiber layer, and a base layer. The softness of vinyl and its ability to absorb sound make it ideal for environments with high noise levels such as rooms for children.
The disadvantages include its susceptibility to dents from heavy objects and punctures from sharp items. It is also challenging to remove when glued down. Another weakness includes its incapability to endure high temperatures. It can also fade when exposed to too much UV radiation.
- Linoleum
Linoleum floors are typically composed of renewable resources such as linseed oil. It offers durability but is not ideal for environments with high moisture. Like vinyl, it is soft and helps to dampen the sound.
- Tile and stone
Tile and stone floors are highly durable. If opting for stone flooring, you might want to consider underfloor heating particularly in colder climates where indoor temperatures can be affected. Certain stone floors may be difficult to maintain without stains based on their color. Nevertheless, they are suitable for various areas of the home such as bathrooms and hallways.
- Textile flooring
Textile flooring was once a popular choice in homes. It has experienced a decline in popularity but is now making a comeback as many individuals choose to install carpeting in many areas of their homes. They offer a soft walking surface and excellent sound absorption. But they are difficult to clean and tend to attract mites and dust.
In the flooring market, selecting the ideal one for your home involves considering multiple factors which can differ based on the specific room. Every room in your house has specific needs. For example, bathrooms and kitchens require flooring that can endure moisture. Meanwhile, high-traffic areas like living rooms and entrances need durable floors. Factors such as having pets or children and the level of direct sunlight in a room also influence the flooring choices. When considering all these factors you will discover that each flooring type comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
