Home Design Guides: Floors

Linoleum (or lino for short) is a popular floor covering, thanks mostly to its excellent durability and affordable cost.

Floorboards create a warm, classic look, while at the same time offering both strength and rigidity.

Floating floor offers a nice wood-like veneer for your floors without the cost or permanence of timber floorboards.

Polished concrete floors provide a smooth, high sheen finish that stands among the toughest wearing floors available.

Depending on your purposes, there are many other types of special finishes available with which to cover your floors.

Concrete sheeting can be used instead of particleboard as a base for another overlay, such as tiles, carpet or slate.

Because of their exposure to the elements, balcony floors need to be particularly durable and weatherproof.

A glass or acrylic floor, when designed and installed tastefully, can add a sense of luxury and class to your home.

Raised floors are used when a gap is required between the floor surface and the sub floor, normally for the purpose of wiring or piping.

Sprung floors are designed with a bit of give and bounce, and are ideal for gyms, dancefloors or similar areas.

Dense concrete floors easily absorb a great amount of heat - which is great in some climates, but far from ideal in others. Find out what kinds of floors are suitable for different types of climates, and why.

Underfloor heating is a popular heating option for dwellings that experience colder climates. Learn about the different types of underfloor heating available.

Consider using recycled materials in your floors for a more environmentally friendly and cost-saving solution. Read on to find out more.

The texture and design of your floor can do more than help control heat. To some extent, it'll also determine how effectively daylight is reflected into your home, and reduce your reliance on electric lighting.

Different floors are suitable for different locations. Read about how you can make the best match between your floor and your room.

Choosing floors and floor coverings is often a matter of finding a sensible balance between comfort and convenience.

Because of the amount of space it occupies, your floor's pattern and design will have a big impact on the look of your home.

The amount of bounce that your floor provides can make a big difference to your ability to spend a long time standing on it.

Knowing where to spend money and where to save money is a very important part of choosing the right floor for your home.

How long your floor will last is one part of durability - but you also need to consider how its looks will degrade as it becomes worn in.