Types of Surfaces

Mark D. Elwell, owner and operator of Bamboo Flooring Hawaii in Honolulu, says there are over 1,000 types of bamboo species, but Moso bamboo is a good one to look out for. “There are some stores selling very cheap, immature bamboo flooring that is coated with only a few coats of finish that are unfortunately giving bamboo flooring a bad name,” he says.

If you are installing ceramic tile over another surface, it is important to follow specific recommendations and steps to make sure there will be proper bonding. Ceramic tile over wood, tile, concrete, or vinyl should be installed by using appropriate products that will allow the right adhesion between surfaces.

Cork flooring can produce a pleasant and comfortable walking surface. Cork flooring is a great choice for play areas or commercial spaces where there is a desire for a comfortable walking and standing.

Hardwood is a noble material that gives warmth and elegance to any floor. Whether in an exotic, rustic or modern decor, the natural beauty of hardwood creates a harmonious effect that adapts to all preferences.

Laminate flooring (also called floating wood tile in the United States) is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer.

Marble is a natural stone and all natural stone materials have porous surfaces. This makes marble susceptible to damage from a variety of stains and spills. To protect against stains, a new installation of marble should be treated with both a below-surface sealer and a surface finishing treatment.