Flooring Types and Finish Materials

Interior designers often have a say in what goes into a flooring's finish. While we may not necessarily specify its frame work (that's left to the architects and structural engineers), we still have play an important role in how it looks when finished. And how it is finished is often based on how the floor is framed.

There are three main types of framing systems: wood, steel, and concrete. Wood framing systems are either light frames, that uses joists, or heavy timber which uses beams and girders to carry the loads. Oftentimes wood framing systems are used in residential buildings. Steel framing systems are actually very similar to wooden ones. They use light gauge steel joists or structural steel for a beam and girder system. Steel joists typically have an open web structure whereas wood joists would be solid 2 x 8/10/12s. There are a few different types of concrete framing systems but they fit into two main categories. The first is cast-in-place, in which the form is built on site and the concrete is poured in place. The second type is pre-cast slabs that are poured in a factory and assembled on site. 


These framing systems can be finished in many different ways. Concrete systems can be finished to reveal the concrete. Bricks, stones, and tile can all be laid down as well. There needs to be consideration to the weight of such finishes because the framing system may not be able to safely hold the finished floor. Lighter, or softer finishes (ones that provide some form of give) typically include carpeting or rugs. Wood finishes are very popular for floors. There are many different types of woods and patterns that can be used to create an interesting and unique flooring. It can also be more sustainable and eco-friendly if the wood is sourced locally. One consideration with wood flooring is how it is finished and sealed. Oftentimes these finishes contain high VOCs and harmful ingredients. As designers we need to be careful of what finish is used. Other flooring finishes include cork, rubber, linoleum, and terrazzo to name a few.

    


Carlson's Flooring:
Being able to visit and tour Carlson's Flooring was very interesting. Not only were we able to see the variety of flooring that they had, but we were also able to speak with the owner and get an inside scoop on how they deal with sustainability. Lisa, the owner, told us that they showcase a few different sustainable brands, such as SmartStrand by Karastan. They also had some wool carpeting available which can be sustainable and ecofriendly. The main benefit of wool is that it is a renewable resource and it lasts a very long time. One of the negatives of wool flooring however, is that it is a common allergen and so it can't be used in many spaces. Lisa also talked with us about some of the ways they try to recycle flooring. She did explain that it can be rather difficult because of the bulkiness of carpet, but another factor was that companies can be difficult to reach. Typically a company or brand would try to take their carpet back after use to recycle or dispose of it but that doesn't always happen. 


Overall it was a really interesting trip. We were able to meet with the owner and get more of an inside scoop on what they did. It was also beneficial to see the variety of flooring options that they had and the difference between them. 









Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 2, 2021 at 8:03 AM

    Kelly,
    I enjoyed reading your post because you really took us through the breakdown of the framing systems in a clear concise way. When you addressed the importance of weight, I thought that was very important, being aware of the weight in finishes and whether the framing system can support that or not is something we need to consider. I also mentioned how wool is sustainable, but I liked your added point about the common allergen and so it limited.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 2, 2021 at 9:10 AM

    Kelly,
    I liked your post and how you talked about the basics of framing systems and how there can be sustainable efforts made during the construction process. I like your images from Carlson's Flooring and how you talked about their variety of products and sustainability associated with the carpet! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Professor VanderNoordaaOctober 4, 2021 at 5:01 PM

    Kelly,
    This is a very comprehensive and informative Blog post. Your summary of the various floor framing systems and how they could be finished was concise and covered the most essential elements necessary to understand the flooring process. You also mentioned various issues of sustainability and safety such as considering how wood flooring is finished and sealed.
    I also appreciated what your learned from Carlson's, particularly the breakdown on the positives and negatives of wool carpet and some of the more sustainable brands such as SmartStrand by Karastan. 50/50 pts.

    ReplyDelete

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