How to choose your wooden flooring and tips for installation

Tip: Easy to install because it comes in a simple peel-and-stick or click-together format.

• Wood-look Tile:

  As good looking as wood and as practical as tiles, these make for smart-looking options in the kitchen and bathroom.
  
  Tip: Makes a surprisingly great kitchen backsplash.



• Cork Flooring:

  Cork is obtained by peeling off the bark of the tree, leaving a protective layer intact that allows it to regrow. Cork floors offer natural cushioning and great heat insulation besides sound-proofing.
  
  Tip: If you’re looking for something to quiet your conscience and your home, this is the flooring to go with.

Brands to Look Out For:

Pergo is rather popular and has a wide range of options and GreenLam’s Mikasa has a beautiful range. Squarefoot is one of India’s oldest wooden flooring firms and offers LEED-certified eco-friendly options too.

Installation Do’s and Don’ts:

• Plan well and measure the floor area carefully before installation. Leave a half-inch gap for the flooring to expand if you are choosing an option that reacts to humidity. This can be concealed with base moulding
  
  
• Always order 10% more material than what you estimate, as on an average there is approximately 7% to 10% of the total area wasted due to cuts, planks damaged during installation, or courtesy measuring errors
  
  
• Start laying the floor lengthwise to the wall, starting with the longest side
  
  
•  For hardwood, laminate, bamboo and vinyl flooring, don’t forget to use an underlayment product to dampen sound, protect from moisture and provide thermal insulation. These are also easy to install and are usually sold in rolls that measure three to five feet in width. They can be used with floating, glue-down or nail-down installations