A-Z of DIY & Building Guides Choosing Which Hard Floor Type

Date Published:

22/05/2008

Terracotta Tiles
These are unglazed tiles which are made from hand-formed clay and are available in a range of shapes and sizes.

They can be used to create decorative patterns and there's a wide range of textures and natural colours available - from smoky reds through to sun-baked oranges - to bring a European rustic touch to any space.

The tiles can be easily cut with an angle grinder making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts, and they are also widely available through most home improvement retailers. Fairly large and heavy so need a thick-bed adhesive.

Terracotta tiles are, however, porous and so need to be sealed with a linseed oil sealant and waxed for added protection. This will need doing once a week for a month, so if you're easily distracted or not good at finishing courses of medication, you might want to think about other floor types.

Terracotta tiles are also quite heavy and will require a thick bed adhesive. They should not be laid directly on concrete as migrating salts may appear as a white stain on the tile's surface. Over time terracotta tiles may crack or chip.

Marble, travertine and terrazzo

For that look of instance opulence, marble just can't be beaten. It is a by-product of volcanic activity, a metamorphosed limestone, and is very durable, won't scratch or fade and of course can offer a variety of colours through its rich veining.

Terrazzo tiles combine a face layer of marble chips set in cement.

Expense is the main prohibitive factor, and marble is also very heavy, so think twice before installing it in that luxury loft en-suite. Installation requires professional guidance.

Slate

Beautiful, but not always easy to live with, slate is a rock formed from mudstones and shale. Easy to lay as it is naturally thin, slate is usually cut into squares with edges that are left rough and uneven for a naturalistic appearance. While grey is by far the most common, variations on rust and wine reds can add real character to indoors. Slate can be expensive, and not always easy to source. It will stain and scratch if treated roughly.

Concrete

Sealed and polished concrete can provide a surprisingly attractive effect, perfectly in keeping with the more austere modernist aesthetic. It is cold underfoot, however, and can give a room the appearance of being unfinished.