Floor coverings are provided to improve the appearance, cleanliness, noiselessness and damp proofing. Various types of materials are used and different treatments are done. The following types of floor coverings are generally employed.
19.3.1 Mud flooring
This is mainly used in unimportant buildings, particularly in the villages. They are cheap, hard, fairly impervious and easy in construction and maintenance. Thermal insulation properties are also very high. To prepare this a 25-cm thick layer of selected moist earth is spread over a prepared bed and rammed well to get a consolidated layer of 15 cm thickness.
19.3.2 Brick floor covering
It is employed for cheap constructions such as godowns, sheds, stores and barracks and where good bricks are available. Over well-compacted and levelled ground a layer of lean cement concrete mix (1:6:18) of 10 cm thickness is laid. Over this bedding, bricks are placed in proper bonds on their edges. They are joined with cement or lime mortar. Sometimes, the joints are pointed to obtain a better appearance. The only drawback of brick floor covering is that it absorbs water.
19.3.2.1 Merits
- It offers a durable and sufficiently hard floor surface.
- It provides a non-slippery and fire-resistant surface.
- It is cheaper in initial cost as compared to cement concrete, mosaic and terrazzo flooring.
- It is easy to maintain.
19.3.2.2 Demerit
- This type of flooring acts as an absorbent
19.3.3 Stone floor covering
Square or rectangular slabs of stones are used as the floor covering. Generally, 20–40 mm thick stone slabs of size 30 cm × 30 cm, 45 cm × 45 cm, 60 cm × 60 cm, 45 cm × 60 cm, etc. are used. The stone should be hard, durable, tough and of good quality. The earthen base is levelled, compacted and watered. On this surface a layer of 10–15 cm thick concrete is laid and properly rammed. Over this concrete bed the stone slabs are fixed with a thin layer of mortar. Before fixing the stone slabs in position, they are dressed on all the edges and the joints are finished with cement. The stone surface may be rough or polished. A rough surface is provided in rough works like godowns, sheds, stores, etc. and a polished surface is provided in superior type of works. A slope of 1:40 should be provided in such type of floor covering for proper drainage.