Unique Flooring Materials

Wood, vinyl and ceramic are very popular and common flooring materials. But there are many other options available, some as old as building itself, others representing the latest in high-tech materials science.

Sandstone

Sandstone has been used as a building material for thousands of years. In ancient structures it often formed sturdy walls that endured for centuries or even longer. Today, used as flooring, sandstone tiles can provide a warm, old-world look yet stand up to modern punishment. Sandstone has an earthy hue that is as attractive as it is natural looking. Its durable surface is also easy to maintain.

Travertine

Another material that has been in use for millennia is Travertine. And yet, as a flooring material in modern homes, its use is only now being rediscovered. This natural stone was used in constructing the Roman Coliseum. Contemporary homes look both classic and up-to-date with travertine floors.

Similar to in appearance to marble, though typically with less sheen, travertine provides an ultra-durable surface that looks very stylish. This stone forms over thousands of years with high pressure acting on materials that occur naturally in subterranean springs and underground rivers.

Smooth and dense with a natural cream color, Travertine floors can give your home a touch of Italy.

Slate

Slate is another natural stone material, one that contains a mixture of quartz, mica and other minerals. It is formed from  intense heat and pressure in continental coastlines so it has already endured more punishment than your children could ever give it. It will literally last forever.

But it is not only durable, it's easy to care for and its surface resists stains well. Its surface is also naturally non-slip. Even smooth slate flooring has microscopic ridges that help prevent falls.

Last, but far from least, slate is universally perceived as a rich, beautiful flooring material. Its dark, sensual color provides a touch of elegance to any room.

Porcelain

More modern in origin, porcelain is always fashionable. In the West, techniques for forming Porcelain into flooring material were developed relatively recently in historic terms. The 18th century saw considerable advances in its production. But as a home flooring material it is very up-to-date.

Hard, ultra simple to clean and available in dozens of colors, porcelain can be used in a homogeneous color or a mosaic design. A solid, pink cream can make a bathroom look soft and elegant. A multi-colored mosaic of porcelain tiles can create a cheery or artistic look limited only by the imagination of the designer.

Cork

While cork has been utilized for centuries for wine stoppers, its introduction to the flooring scene is relatively recent. Due to modern hardening and reprocessing methods, it can formed into an ideal floor material.

Even when hardened to become highly durable, cork retains its natural elasticity. That gives your floor a softer feel. Because of its porous nature, it is also an excellent sound absorber. And now, thanks to a natural waxy compound called Suberin, it is highly moisture resistant. That makes cork flooring easy to clean and resistant to mildew.

Look into some alternative flooring materials. There's no such thing as too many choices when you're designing your home.