Flooring is an integral part of the interior design project as it serves a functional purpose as well as an aesthetic one. Flooring should be durable and strong enough to withstand foot traffic. When it comes to selecting the floor material for Dubai homes, you need to be extra cautious. This is because Dubai is associated with elegance, luxury, innovation, and cultural diversity, which should reflect in their homes. Amongst several types of floor material, such as porcelain, marble, ceramic, etc, selecting the best type is challenging. However, we have compiled different flooring materials used in Dubai to help you make an informed decision.
Commonly Used Flooring Materials in Dubai
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are the epitome of elegance and durability. Porcelain is a sturdy material that is composed of kaolin, feldspar, quartz, and clay. All these materials are heated at a high temperature to get porcelain. It is a versatile material to suit various home styles- polished finish for modern homes and textured surfaces to add a rustic look. Porcelain is one of the most preferred choices for floors for commercial and residential purposes.
Pros
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It can resist wear and tear.
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It can withstand heavy foot traffic.
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It has timeless elegance.
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It is available in multiple styles, colors, and patterns.
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It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas.
Cons
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It is a costly material when compared to others.
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It needs precision in installation, which adds to the cost. It can’t be done using DIY methods.
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It is heavy, which creates a hassle in moving it, especially for upper floors in older homes.
Hardwood Flooring
If you adore nature and want to bring in natural elements, opt for hardwood flooring as it is made from natural wood from forests. Hardwood is the best substitute for mundane old wood.
Pros
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It is highly durable if maintained properly.
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The hassle of selling hardwood floors is less due to its higher demand.
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It has minimal allergy and respiratory problems.
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It can withstand any level of foot traffic.
Cons
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Hardwood flooring can be expensive owing to its hardiness.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is an environmentally friendly flooring material made from cork and linseed oil. It is resilient because it is made from elastic materials. With proper and regular maintenance, it can last longer.
Pros
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Installation is simple and cost-effective.
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It is available in varied styles and designs.
Cons
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It is prone to water damage in high-moisture areas.
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It is prone to scratches and damage.
Marble Flooring
Marble flooring represents a perfect blend of timeless luxury and grandeur. It is loved for its natural beauty and unique patterns, which reflect class and elegance. The feeling of the cool and smooth surface of marble flooring underfoot gives a feeling of contentment.
Pros
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It is aesthetically pleasing.
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It is highly durable.
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It is a perfect blend of style and durability.
Cons
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It requires sealing due to its porous characteristics.
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Prone to stains and scratches.
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It is expensive.
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It feels cold underfoot.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet is also one of the most preferred flooring options as it brings warmth, softness, and comfort to homes. It is made either from natural or synthetic materials. Carpet flooring is appreciated for its reliability, owing to its techniques such as tufting, weaving, needle punching, and knitting.
Pros
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It is kid and pet friendly due to its high-end quality.
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It balances the impact of heat and cold factors and helps to insulate.
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Carpet gives a feeling of a soft blanket and provides warmth during chilly weather.
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It absorbs noise to create a peaceful ambience.
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It makes the floor look cleaner due to its dirt-concealing features.
Cons
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It needs regular deep cleaning.
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It can’t be installed in all parts of the home, except for the kitchen and bathrooms.
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It has a short lifespan, so frequent replacement is needed.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the most sought-after choice for modern homes in Dubai. The unparalleled versatility and functionality are highly appreciated. It’s a composition of white clay, talc, sand, feldspar, kaolinitic clay, dolomite, and calcite, which is fired at an extremely high temperature. As a result, the ceramic tiles emerge as a sturdy material that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Pros
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It is extremely durable.
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It is available in a wide range of styles and designs to suit different interior preferences.
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It is a low-maintenance material.
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It is resistant to stains.
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Highly preferred for commercial use due to its durability.
Cons
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It feels cold underfoot during chilly weather.
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It is heavy, hence not preferred for upper floors.
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As the surface is hard, prolonged standing can hurt.
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The installation could be tricky due to its hard surface.
Bamboo Flooring
Though it is named as bamboo flooring, it’s actually a type of grass that looks like wood flooring.
Pros
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It is a renewable material.
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It increases the market value of homes.
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It is available in different colors like natural, stained, and carbonized.
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It’s a perfect choice for modern homes.
Cons
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It is not suitable for all parts of the house, such as basements and bathrooms.
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Bamboo flooring may not suit all interior styles.
Laminate Flooring
It’s a cost-effective flooring option for Dubai homes, which extends the look of the hardwood or tile. Homeowners prefer laminate over other materials due to its durability, easy installation, and low maintenance.
Pros
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It is cost-effective compared to materials like stone or hardwood.
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It is resistant to scratches and dents.
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It has multiple options of colors and patterns.
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It requires low maintenance.
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It helps in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Cons
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Laminate flooring can sometimes be noisy underfoot.
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It’s difficult to refinish laminate flooring as it is softer than hardwood.
Conclusion
Selecting the flooring material for Dubai homes can be confusing; however, the varied options discussed in the article may help you find the right material. It’s advisable to analyse the pros and cons and then conclude because once installed, the flooring can’t be undone easily.