Your flooring option is the first thing that catches your eye when you walk into a house, as it spans across the length and breadth of every room. It is also the surface that goes through the most wear and tear, and that’s why choosing the right material is of utmost importance.
With the range of flooring options available today, zeroing in on one is certainly difficult. That’s why we’ve given you a rundown of the different types of flooring option and their pros and cons to help you decide.

Granite

Granite is a popular choice in many homes and is also associated with kitchen countertops and backsplashes because of its rigidity and anti-staining quality. It comes in a variety of finishes such as sleek, glossy, muted, rustic, etc.

Pros

• Extremely durable and lasts for decades
• Resistant to scratches and stains
• Increases the overall value of the property

Cons

• Can be tedious to install as it is one of the heaviest flooring materials
• It is sensitive to harsh chemicals and hence maintenance can be time-consuming

Marble Flooring

A traditional marble floor brings warmth to your living room effortlessly and goes a long way in adding elegance to your home. Combining wood and marble further creates an ideal balance of natural materials. However, this sophisticated flooring comes with its benefits and shortcomings.

Pros

• Imparts an air of richness and radiates a royal look; case in point: the Taj Mahal, made of ivory-white marble
• It is a translucent material that glows when exposed to light, especially sunlight
• Eco-friendly – does not go through any chemical processing when manufactured

Cons

• Expensive as compared to other flooring materials
• Can be slippery, which makes it unsuitable if you have elderly members in your home
• Because it is a naturally occurring soft stone, it is prone to scratches and dents from sharp or heavy objects
• Periodic polishing and extensive maintenance is required

Wooden flooring

Wooden flooring lends a high-end cozy vibe to your room. You can go for plain and classy or opt for a pattern, and chose the wood according to its texture and age. Chevron floors add dimension and give your room a unique character. Depending on the impact you would like, the chevron pattern can be made as big or small.

Pros

• Durable and easy to maintain
• Increases your home’s resale value
• Extremely versatile as this flooring compliments almost all kinds of decor

Cons

• Prone to mold fungus and water damage
• Areas used most often may need frequent repolishing
• Vulnerable to scratches, which makes it pet-unfriendly

Tiles Flooring

Tiles are the most common and preferred type of flooring. They come in a variety of patterns, textures, styles and sizes, because of which they are not just restricted to flooring, but also used as kitchen countertops, bathroom walls, etc. (the applications are endless, really).

Pros

• Ideal low-maintenance flooring solution; durable and easy to clean
• Has a reflective quality that makes spaces look spick and span
• Impervious to stains, scratches and water damage
• Easy to install

Cons

• Cracks easily when something hard is on dropped it
• Can get really cold during winters, which makes it uncomfortable to walk on
• Grout, the paste that fills the crevices between tiles, is easily stained and might need to be cleaned often

Hand-Made Tiles

To add a colourful and ethnic touch to your home, go for handmade tiles on your floor. Whether it is ceramic or cement, these pieces of art can make the floor pop under your feet.

Pros

• Packs your home with elegance, style, and substance
• A wide range of colours and designs to choose from, and can even be customized
• Encourages local artisans and is environmentally friendly

Cons

• Can be expensive and difficult to source
• Cracks easily on impact

Mix And Match

Why restrict yourself to a single material when you can mix and match them? Different types of flooring can be used together to create zones, giving you a functional surface with a dose of design identity.
But remember that picking too many designs and materials will kill the look; and because these involve more than one material, you would need to keep in mind maintenance for all of these surfaces.

So, what’s your pick? If you are having trouble selecting the best flooring option and need a little help, consider contacting best interior designers in Chennai with great reviews.

Granite counter top has become an almost obvious choice for kitchen counter tops, owing to its classy aesthetics, and durability. It is natural for people to overlook the maintenance aspect of daily life of granite counter top. But proper cleaning is necessary to preserve the quality of the granite surface and increase the longevity of the material. Here’s how to maintain your granite counter top.

Everyday Cleaning

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Cleaning the granite counter top every day with a soft, damp cloth is the bare minimum, that you cannot skip on. But if you’re using cleaning agents, go for a mild detergent dipped in room-temperature or lukewarm water.  Also dry the surface with a soft cloth after, so there are no stubborn water rings. Finally avoid using harsh chemicals for daily cleaning, as they can cause abrasion of the material.

Use A Sealant For Counter top

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Granite is a porous material, and uncleaned spills can have a negative effect, in the long term. As a precautionary measure, apply a coat of sealant on the countertop, so that spills do not permeate through the tiny holes. For your modular kitchen in Chennai, you can consult an interior designer, to understand whether you should go for a permanent or an enhancer sealant.
Make sure to clean the top well before applying the sealant. Some sealants need reapplication once every few years, whereas other types may require recoating every 6 months.

Best Practices For Granite Counter top

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Even though this material can handle the hottest of your pans and vessels, you should avoid doing that. When the stone’s cold surface comes in contact with the heat of the utensil, the thermal shock can cause hairline cracks. This can lead to deterioration of the material over time.
Also, immediately blot up stains using tissue or cloth, so that it doesn’t break the sealant layer.
Pro-tip: Keep heat-resistant silicone mats like these handy, in the kitchen

Cleaning Agents

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You should, by all means, avoid using tub cleaners, window cleaners, bleach, and powdered alkaline cleaners. Vinegar and lemon are also a big no, owing to their acidic nature, that can erode the surface. A mix of baking soda and water is just right, to get rid of oil and tough stains.
Different types of granite stones have to be maintained differently. If you’re looking to revamp your modular kitchen in Chennai, engage a professional to understand what type of countertop works best for your needs.