A floor is the underside of a floor or vehicle. Floors differ in many ways from simple dirt on a sidewalk to many-layered complex surfaces created with modern technologies. Floors can be wood, stone, carpet, rubber or any other durable material that will withstand the expected traffic load placed upon it.
Most floors are constructed with wooden beams and slabs that connect two or more floor levels. These floors are almost always placed under a roof, usually a wooden framing construction. The beams and other floor materials may be stacked on the ground or atop pre-cast concrete slabs. The floors are typically left in their original position until the subfloor is leveled and washed. This washing process exposes the underlying layers of drywall and insulation. When the floor is thoroughly cleaned and refinished, the old surfaces are often brought out to reveal their new finish.
As mentioned previously, there are many different types of flooring materials. There are gypsum boards, lumber floors, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl, ceramic tile, marble and granite. Each type of material has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important for each homeowner to research the pros and cons of each type of material they may choose. Certain flooring materials may contain asbestos, which is a health risk if inhaled, especially if one has chronic respiratory problems such as asthma.
Laminate flooring materials are fabricated by combining several pieces of wood or metal together under high pressure. Laminate is easy to clean and durable, making it an ideal flooring material for homeowners to use in their home. Laminate flooring is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, allowing it to match virtually every decorating scheme. Laminate is an extremely economical choice and many homeowners choose it as the flooring material of choice for their homes.
Carpet floors are made from a woven pile of materials including synthetic fibers, lint, and padding. Carpet floors provide excellent structural support and thermal insulating properties. In fact, many builders and architects consider carpet to be superior to hardwood, tile or marble in terms of both function and design. In terms of cost, carpet is the least expensive type of flooring. However, this low cost is also a downside, as carpets generally do not have the same longevity and durability as other floor covering materials such as wood and stone.
A raised floor slab is made of concrete or other solid surface. Installing a raised floor slab requires careful planning and precise workmanship. These floors are made by stacking layers of material, typically concrete, above a base board. When fully installed, these floors provide excellent thermal and structural support, which make them an excellent choice for kitchen floors and pool decks.
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