Glass Floor

For those who prefer luxury, there is Glass Flooring. It can be used in specific aesthetic areas within the house. It can be further enhanced by providing an aquarium below the glass floor, installing spot lights and setting up interior landscaping. Specially processed laminated toughened glass is used for this kind of flooring.

Laminated glass has a layer of Poly Vinyl Butane between glass sheets, which prevents shattering of the glass. The more laminated the glass it, the more expensive it becomes. The usual thicknesses of Glass Flooring is 15mm and 19mm.

If you are planning to install Glass Flooring in your Kerala House, approach experts beforehand and discuss the floor plan with them. Unlike other flooring materials, glass floors are not readily available in the market and have to be pre-ordered as needed in the design. Processing centers are located in cities like Bangaluru and Noida.

Glass floors are available in many colors. Prices vary according to color and thickness. Special stickers can also be used to create colorful patterns.

Anti-skid stickers are also used over the glass surface to make the floor non-slippery. Thermo-fused glass is used to create a chiseled appearance.

Glass floors are installed over a steel grid. It can be done in two methods. The glass can be fixed to the steel grid using specialized bolts- which is an expensive process. The glass sheets can also be stuck to the grid using adhesive, which is comparatively cheaper.

Glass floors are easy to clean using water and scrub. If they are not leveled properly, glass floors may produce cracks. The cost of glass floors in Kerala ranges from Rs1200 to Rs2000 per sqft.

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Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is manufactured in sheets made of the polymer- Poly Vinyl Chloride. They are printed with interesting patterns and can be laid on smooth finished floors.

They have print patterns that resemble wood or stone. Viny Flooring is available in various thicknesses. Although they are not popular is Residential houses, they have been used in low budget homes.

Thick Vinyl Flooring has a cushioning effect which is very comfortable for bare feet. They are also a waterproof material, but care should be taken to make sure that water does not seep underneath the sheets through the edges. The floor should be moisture free before laying.

It is advisable to provide pads for furniture legs to avoid scratches in the Vinyl sheets. Fibre coated Vinyl sheets are weather-proof and do not shrink or expand with changes in atmospheric conditions. Vinyl Flooring comes at Rs.30 to Rs.200 per sqft.

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Granite- Favorite for Kitchen counters & Charupadi

Granite is a natural stone available in various colours and patterns. In the Construction Market, Granite is available in polished form and is used mostly in the verandah and kitchen areas in Kerala Homes. The price normally ranges between Rs.65 and Rs,260 per sqft. Luxurious brands may even cost about Rs.275 to Rs.300 per sqft.

The price of black granite is around Rs.120 to Rs.140 per sqft. Sometimes a layer of chemical polishing is applied to avoid moisture absorption.

Flame finished granite can be used at places where you require a rough finish- like bathroom floors.

Granite is extensively used for charupadi and kitchen slabs these days.

Granite does not lose its color or lusture with time. You should be careful to assess the surface finish of the granite slab at the time of purchase.

Viewing the surface against bright light will reveal surface defects. Disadvantage of granite is that it easily forms surface scratches and the inability to rectify defects by polishing.

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Marble- Natural stone for Kerala floors

Although the popularity of vitrified tiles have diminished the usage of marble, they are still favourite among home-builders who prefer natural flooring materials. An advantage of marble is that scratches are not easily visible and that the floor can be re-polished to look as good as new over and over again.

The usual price is Rs.45 to Rs.120 per sqft. Labour charges including polishing would come around Rs 20 to Rs25 per sqft. 3 bags of cement will be required to lay 100sqft of marble floor, which is higher than that required for a tiled floor.

A variety of patterns of world re-knowned Italian marble is also available in Kerala. Marble from other countries is also available at different costs that range from Rs.250 to Rs.1500 per sqft. They are available in polished and unpolished varieties.

Composite marble is synthetically manufactured from crushed Italian marble and is priced at a range of Rs.250 to Rs.400 per sqft. Labour cost is around Rs.20 to Rs.30 per sqft. Jaisalmer marble from Rajasthan is priced from Rs.75 per sqft onwards.

The main reason for the decline of marble's popularity are the following- lack of varieties compared to tiles, more labour-intensive when it comes to cutting and laying the marble slabs and tiles, more time-consuming process, high polishing costs.

Most contractors prefer mirror-polishing rather than wax-polishing, although they are more expensive, as they make the floor smoother and shiny.

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Wood Flooring Options in Kerala

Solid Wood Flooring

Local and Imported Solid Wood Flooring is a highly durable material that can last for the lifetime of the house, if properly laid. It is an expensive flooring material with a price that ranges between Rs.150 to Rs.450 per sqft. including labour charges. Skilled workers are essential for laying wood floors.

Apart from imported varieties of wood, local varieties like Teak, Irul and Mahogany are also available in the market.

Many sellers provide a take-back guarantee for a period of 1 year. Although Chemical Coating can be applied for Water proofing, it is not advisable to leave stagnant water over the wooden flooring for longer periods.

Careful maintenance is required by cleaning frequently and avoiding waxing or polishing of the surface, so that the floor stays aesthetically supreme and functionally durable.

Laminated Wood Flooring

It is now a trend in Kerala Residential Architecture to have Interesting patterns in Laminated Wood Flooring, especially in Bedrooms. Long Laminated Wood Blocks are used for this type of construction.

Each of this blocks have a wood surface with a poly urethene coating, with a plywood base. They are available in the market in bundles of such blocks, which are clipped to each other using tongue and groove joints. The cost of laying the flooring is Rs.80 to Rs.250 per sqft., inclusive of labour charges.

Flooring contractors often give you a guarantee of 10 years, with a damage repair clause. Wood laminates are available in various patterns. Bamboo Laminated Floors are also available in the market.

They are not recommended in areas with heavy foot traffic, as they may wear off and fade. Adequate termite protective treatment is also required.

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Aluminium Fabricators in Kerala

JOFAB INDUSTRIES
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: JOJO THOMAS
jofabindustries,kathrukadavu , kaloor, Pin Code: 683517, Ph: 0484-2330559, Fax: -
Services: Aluminum framed insects screens opening,sliding or roll up for windows matching & wooden colour powder coating & professionals in Aluminium Fabrication
Email: jofabindustries@gmail.com

Kevin Industries
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: BEENA
45/769 Peediackal Korrea Rd Pchlm-682012. Phone: 0484-2394425

KMS Aluminium Fabrications
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: SUNIL KUMAR
Ceeyem Shpng Cmplx Companyppady Jn Aluva-683106. Phone: 0484-2622358

Max-Win
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: Jaya Tourist Home North Paravur-683513. Phone: 04862-2447024

Mini Aluminium Fabricators
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: 8 1058 SNgr Kpdm-682002. Phone: 0484-2210457

Modern Aluminium Fabrication
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: ARUN
Kottankavu Rd Vnla-682032. Phone: 0484-2341988

Net Traders India
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: saji thomas
Vattamala estate,K.P Vallon road,Kadavanthra,Cochin, Pin Code: 20, Ph: 04843245716, 9495514397, 9895175538 ,04716458037, Fax: -
Services: Leading Mosquito Screen,aluminium fabricaton manufacturing ,distributing,sales and servicing compaly.
Email: info@nettradersindia.com
Website:www.nettradersindia.com

Royal Interiors
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: BOBBY JOSEPH
53/1309 P.K.Road Thevara-682013. Phone: 0484-2664399

Sherbrooke Aluminium Products
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: KOSHY K CHERIAN
Kadavil Court Arangath Cross Road Pullepady-682018. Phone: 0484-2367966

Sherin Aluminium Fabricators
Category: Aluminium Fabricators - Ernakulam
Contact: PRINCE
34/1198-A BKM Rd Edp-682024. Phone: 0484-2344979

AROMA FABRICATORS, EKM, KOCHI
mig-462,5th street,9th cross road,
panampilly nagar,kochi-36, kerala,
pin-682016, ph: 0484 4017979, 4028607,
fax:0484 2363930 email:aromablinds@yahoo.co.in,
mr.joseph kochiery(M.D):99470 05007

HORIZON GROUP, KOCHI, ERNAKULAM
hi tech fabricating company, abdulla complex,
karukappally junction, kaloor,
kochi-682017, ph: 0484 3209102,
contact mr.sinil: 98474 30800,
email: horizon fab@gmail.com

HTTP://WWW.AROMABLINDS.COM/
aroma associates, corporate zone,
2ancharage off foreshore road, palliyil lane,
kochi, kerala, pin-682016, ph: 0484 2364440, 2364414,
fax:0484 2363930 email:aromablinds@yahoo.co.in,
mr.joseph kochiery(M.D):99470 05007

HTTP://WWW.ASSETGROUP.CO.IN/
aluminium solutions, near mosque:(international stadium),
palarivattom, janatha bus stop, cochin-682 025,
email: gsunilasset@yahoo.co.in,
ph: 0484 3215501, 3215502, 3215503,
mr. g. sunil:9447048473

HTTP://WWW.CLASSICALUMINIUM.COM/
all types of aluminium works, door no. 569/A,
civil line road, thrikkakara cochin-021,
ph:91-484-2425764,2425357,
mrabdulkhadir:9846096150,
mail:classic aluminium@rediffmail.com

K. P. JOSEPH WORKS, ERNAKULAM, KOCHI
alumninium fabricators, kandakkadavu,
kochi-682008, ph: 0484 2247802,
contact mr. joseph, mob: 98950 24890

TECHNO FAB, ERNAKULAM, KOCHI
Techno Fab,Chalikavattom 0484 -322843

UNIVERSAL, ERNAKULAM, COCHIN
aluminium fabricators,kappalandimukku,
12/826,cochin-682002,Ph: 0484-6542426, 9447123531.
e-mail:universal4@hotmail.com

Ceramic Tiles- Kerala Flooring Options

Last week we discussed 'Vitrified tiles' on our Blog. The difference between Vitrified Tiles and Ceramic Tiles is that while the former is fully consolidated, Ceramic Tiles are polished only on the top surface. They are available in various shapes, colours and patterns. Their prices also vary according to the quality, and are available for Rs.30 to Rs.100 per sqft.

Rough finished 'Rustic tiles' can be used to pave bathroom floors and cost about Rs.80 per sqft. Glossy and smooth Ceramic Tiles, Leather Finished Ceramic Tiles etc. are available at various price ranges.

Do make sure that the floor is properly levelled before laying Ceramic Tiles, because they have a tendency to break, if unevenly laid. They may also absorb water and fade. Low quality Ceramic tiles are also prone to break at the edges. The labour cost for laying Ceramic tiles is around Rs.8-10 per sqft.

Ceramic Tiles had ruled the Kerala market for a few decades before the advent of Vitrified Tiles. They are still used extensively for dadoing and flooring of bathrooms, kitchen counter walls and for facade tiling.

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