Best Materials for Flooring in Nepal
2024-05-07 16:50:08
Choosing materials for flooring in your home is a big deal. It's what people see first when they step inside. So, think wisely about what suits you best. Think about your lifestyle, budget, style before deciding on the perfect flooring for each room - living area, kitchen, bedroom, gym, you name it! It can be tough to pick the right one with so many options out there, especially in Nepal where floors matter a lot. Let's talk about some materials you can consider when sprucing up your floors.
1. Marble flooring
Marble floors are fancy and have stood the test of time. They add a touch of elegance to any space. Why choose marble? Well, it's tough and can last ages if maintained well. Plus, it looks great in various parts of your home - like living rooms or dining spaces. But wait - there are cons too! Marble is pricey and needs extra care to keep looking good. It can easily get scratched and stained too.
Why to use Marble flooring?
Marble is a durable natural stone that can withstand heavy loads and last for generations when properly maintained without losing its beauty and luster.
It gives a sophisticated look to your home that can be used in general halls, living room, dining space, foyers.
It is easy to install and easy to maintain as it only requires a regular polishing for new looks over years.
It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for different design options to suit different preferences and styles.
Marble has natural cooling properties, making it an ideal choice for warmer climates or rooms where you want to maintain a cool temperature.
However, marble flooring also has some cons;
Marble flooring is typically more expensive than other flooring options like laminate, vinyl. It gets easily scratched and is low acid resistant.
To cover a regular house a budget of around Rs. 2 lakh-3 lakh should be separated. The cost can vary depending on the quality of the marble, the size of the area to be covered, and installation expenses.
It is quite susceptible to staining and etching from acidic substances like wine, citrus juices, and cleaning products as it is porous.
Polished marble can be slippery, especially when wet so it should be avoided in the bathroom, kitchen.
2. Granite Flooring
Granite floors are another solid choice - durable, versatile, and beautiful. Why granite? It's strong (can handle heavy stuff without damage) and is heat resistant (great for kitchens). Cleaning is easy too - just sweep or mop with a mild soap! Still, granite has its flaws. It's cold to touch (not ideal in chilly seasons), pricey compared to tiles, and needs proper installation to avoid issues down the road.
Why to use Granite flooring?
Granite is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks as it can withstand heavy loads making it a long-term investment for homeowners.
Such floorings are highly resistant to heat making it an ideal choice for areas like kitchens where hot pans or cookware may be placed directly on the floor.
It is relatively easy to maintain as it is resistant to stains and spills more than marble. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent are usually sufficient to keep it clean.
It is a versatile material as it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be used on different spaces. It also doesn’t fade its natural color easily.
However, granite flooring also has some cons:
Granite tends to retain cold temperatures, which can be uncomfortable to walk on, especially during colder seasons. However, this can be mitigated by using area rugs or underfloor heating systems.
The handling and installing process of granite needs to be carried out with special care and equipment, increasing the labor and installation costs.
It is generally more expensive than tiles which might be a factor when it comes to choosing a budget friendly material.
Granite is porous like marble thus requires regular sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption.
3. Tile Flooring
Tiles are great if you want variety and durability. They're perfect for kitchens or bathrooms due to their resilience against wear and tear. Why go for tiles? They're long-lasting and easy to clean plus come in loads of designs and colors perfect for every space in your home. However, they can be high maintenance needing regular grout care and may chip over time requiring replacement.
Why to use Tile flooring?
Tile flooring done by the materials; ceramic, porcelain are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand load, making them suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.
Tile flooring is relatively easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and mopping with mild detergent, especially compared to other flooring options.
It provides a good finishing look which can be used for several purposes; kitchen, balcony, rooms, bathroom. Tiles are preferred more in the bathroom than marble or granite.
It offers a wide range of options in terms of materials, colors, patterns, and sizes making it to be a popular choice in the city area of Nepal.
It is quite affordable compared to other flooring materials especially when considering its durability and longevity.
However, Tile flooring also has some cons:
Over time, grout lines between tiles start appearing which require regular maintenance as grout may even deteriorate requiring repairs or regrouting.
Though tiles are durable, they may get cracked or chipped when a heavy or sharp object drops on it requiring replacement.
Tiles can feel cold and hard underfoot, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially in bedrooms and living areas during the winter season of Kathmandu.
Installing tile flooring requires skill and expertise so proper works must be done as improper installation can result in uneven surfaces, cracked tiles, or grout issues, necessitating repairs or reinstallation.
Cost Estimation of Marble/Granite/Tiles
(Above mentioned price is only the approximate price which may vary according to the types of the materials and brand or company)
This article might be a guide for you when it comes to choosing the best type of material for flooring in Nepal.
