Building & Renovating

7 Stylish Floor Finishes That Are Not Made Of Wood

If you're building your home and looking for more sustainable and affordable flooring options, you might want to try these materials instead

Photography: Jilson Tiu (Main Photo)

When building your new home, one of the major decisions you will make is picking the right material or finish for your floors. After all, the flooring will cover half the entire area of your home!


We know that the ultimate floor finish everyone dreams of is wood. But with the current logging restrictions and the prohibitive price of the material, it is best to go for more sustainable—but just as beautiful—alternative floor finishes:

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Ceramic tiles


Ceramic tiles are a versatile and durable material for high-traffic areas, and come in thousands of textures, colors, and patterns. Other pluses: the tiles are waterproof, and clean up easily. Choose unglazed so it won’t be slippery underfoot.


CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

Best for: Entrances, corridors, living, kitchen, bathroom

Porcelain tiles


Ever wondered what the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles is? Porcelain is fired at a much higher temperature than ceramic, resulting in a harder and more durable material. Porcelain tiles are often carried by luxury brands, and are available in elegant colors and patterns.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Best for: Entrances, general living areas, kitchen, bathroom

Vinyl tiles


This is possibly the most affordable floor finish for the home, and a lot of variants can mimic the look of real wood. In terms of durability—depending on the moisture it is exposed to—vinyl can last for years.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Best for: Living areas, kitchen, bedroom

Concrete flooring


With the current trend for industrial-modern interiors, bare concrete floors are a popular and very cost-effective finishing choice, and it is very durable and can withstand high foot traffic. However, hairline cracks may appear over time.

Best for: General living areas; might need an area rug for bedrooms

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Carpeting and carpet tiles


If you’re going for sound absorption, carpet or carpet tiles are your best bet. It’s also great for bedrooms and children’s rooms, if safety and comfort are your priorities.

Best for: Audio-visual rooms, bedrooms, and playrooms

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Bamboo flooring

 


If you’re dreaming of the feel and warmth of actual wood, then bamboo flooring should be your choice. This finish is made out of compressed bamboo, with all the beautiful grains and knots made visible. The best part is that it’s sustainable!

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Best for: Living and sleeping areas

Patterned encaustic tiles


These traditional cement tiles imprinted with intricate or geometric patterns in rich colors are rustic, beautiful, and classic-Filipino all at the same time. Machuca is the one famous brand name for these encaustic tiles. The tiles are a bit of an investment, but these will last you a lifetime.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW


Best for: Entrance, general living and dining areas, kitchen, bathroom

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Read more stories about

Latest Stories

Common Misconceptions About Minimalism, According to an Interior Designer

A minimalist home can most definitely still have splashes of color, and as long as it's done with restraint, those well-placed hues can actually be the highlight of your home.

Did You Know That Yassi Pressman Has A Lakehouse Airbnb in Canada?

Get a tour of Redkey Lakehouse in Ontario.

Ward Off Mosquitoes: Products to Buy During the Rainy Season

Because we want our homes to be safe havens.

Minimalist Furniture 101: How to Pick the Right Pieces for Your Home

Create a space that exudes simplicity and sophistication by choosing the right minimalist furniture for your home.

We Tested Different Mattresses, Here Are Our Top 5 Picks

Our writer tested (and lay down on) the beds in these mattress showrooms to see what feels good and which ones would fit within your budget

20 Common Construction Terms, Decoded

Don't get lost in translation with your foreman and avoid mistakes with this handy, on-site guide by a project manager

Here Are 7 Hotel-Like Bedsheets You Can Buy Online

Invest in your sleep and add these to your cart.

This Airbnb in Zambales Seamlessly Blends Modern Design & Probinsya Feels

This property can comfortably fit up to 40 people!

Check Out Jennylyn Mercado & Dennis Trillo’s Charming Mountain Hideaway

It has a greenhouse, several viewing decks, and much more.

MUJI’s New Airbnb is the Perfect Place to Experience A Slower, More Sustainable Lifestyle

Its design marries the traditional Japanese aesthetic with MUJI's trademark minimalism.

8 Practical Ways to Give Your Bathroom a Relaxing Vibe

Learn how to transform your bathroom into a peaceful retreat with these practical tips and tricks. Create a spa-like atmosphere and enhance your relaxation experience.
Load More Stories