Oxide flooring, known for its durability, vibrant appeal and eco-friendliness, is a preferred flooring solution for regions with tropical climates like India. You can find this flooring if you visit any of our heritage homes, colonial buildings and old mansions. This flooring is a blend of traditional and modern appeal. Manufactured using cement, iron oxide pigments along with other natural ingredients, you achieve a smooth and seamless surface that you can polish to a high sheen. From traditional reds to modern greens, the deep hues of this flooring can give your spaces a warm and inviting feel that resonates with timeless charm.
With excellent cooling properties and resistance to wear and tear, oxide flooring is ideal for homes in the tropical regions. Besides, the longevity of these floorings has made it the most popular choice for areas experiencing high foot-traffic. Are you renovating your old flooring or looking for a sustainable and durable flooring solution? Red oxide flooring is the solution. From selecting the materials to ensuring a flawless finish, this blog guides you on everything about the flooring’s manufacturing and laying processes.
Oxide Flooring: What Is It?
It’s a traditional and unique flooring option that has remained a popular choice in Indian homes for decades. Manufactured by mixing natural oxides, cement and other aggregates, the blend results in a durable and smooth surface. You achieve highly polished floors that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.
Are you bored seeing the same red oxide flooring everywhere? Whether you love the classic red colour or contemporary shades like black or blue oxide flooring, you have extensive colour possibilities. Besides, this flooring comes in your choicest colours, designs and patterns. Thus, you can choose a design that complements your interior décor.
You can customise the patterns in your oxide flooring, giving a unique and personalized look to your interiors. Besides the aesthetic appeal, these floors are popular for their functionality. The rich earthy tones of the floors add warmth and character while keeping your rooms cool. Therefore, these floors are an excellent choice for the Indian climate.
Manufacturing Process of Oxide Flooring
Materials Required for Oxide Flooring
Known for its smooth texture and rich hues, the colour cement flooring requires specific materials to achieve the desired look and feel. The primary ingredients required to manufacture the popular flooring include the following:
- Oxide pigments of your choice
- Cement
- Fine quality sand
- Aggregates
- Agents used to for mixing the ingredients like water
- Plasticisers
Systematic Way of Installing An Oxide Flooring
Here’s a systematic breakdown of the essential stages involved in the oxide flooring laying process:
Preparing the Surface
Before installing the flooring, clean and level the floor. Your floor must be free of any impurities, such as dirt and debris. If you install oxide flooring on an unclean surface, it will never set. If your floor has any uneven surfaces, it will hinder the final finish. Does your floor have cracks or holes? Ensure to fill and smooth them with suitable fillers.
Mixing the Oxide Compound
After preparing the surface, you must combine the oxide compounds. These involve combining the natural oxides, cement and aggregates in perfect proportions to form a consistent paste. The paste stands as the core material that experts apply on the floor. Ensure that the pigments mix well, or else, it will cause colour inconsistencies in the final flooring.
Applying the Mixture
Now, it’s time to apply the mixture on the floor. Spread the flooring mixture evenly on the floor with the help of trowels and ensure that the layer is free of lumps. Application of the mixture is an art. One must apply it in small sections and ensure its smoothness and thickness. Since the compound begins to dry immediately after its application, the professionals must work quickly and efficiently. Achieving an even application is vital to obtain a uniform finish, preventing visible flaws.
Polishing
After applying the flooring solution, you will notice that it begins to harden. Once set, the next step involves polishing. Are you looking to achieve a smooth and glossy finish? Then, you require specialised polishing tools. Witness the richness of the oxide colours after the completion of the polishing process. Your floors will obtain a sleek and reflective finish.
Curing
The installation of your oxide floor ends with curing. The newly installed flooring requires some time to cure for maximising strength and durability. The floor must have some moisture content at a stable temperature, which will help set the mixture and bind it together. Curing boosts the durability of your floor and prevents issues like cracking and premature wear and tear.
Tips You Must Follow to Maintain Oxide Flooring in Good Shape
Clean the Floor Regularly
Do you want your floors to maintain the same look and feel for years? Sweep the floor regularly with a broom to remove dust and dirt. Ensure to use a soft bristled broom. Alternatively, you can also use a vacuum cleaner brush attachment to prevent scratching the surface of your oxide flooring designs. Besides, you will require mopping the floor at least once a week. For best results, use warm water. Ensure to wring the mop well to avoid excess water on the floor. Exposing your oxide flooring to excess water will damage the floor.
Protect the Floor From Scratches
Areas that receive high foot traffic such as entryways, hallways and areas under furniture experience premature wearing. You can prevent this by placing rugs and mats. Alternatively, you can also attach felt pads to the legs of your furniture, which will prevent them scratching the floor during movement. Moreover, you must never drag heavy objects across the flooring. It will cause deep scratches and permanent damage. Use furniture sliders when moving heavy objects, as it will prevent your floor from experiencing damage.
Never Use Harsh Chemicals
Often homeowners use cleaning agents to clean and disinfect the floors. If you are one of them and have an oxide flooring, remember never to use harsh chemicals on your floors. Instead, opt for mild cleaning agents or pH-neutral floor cleaners. Besides being gentle, these cleaners are effective in removing dirt and stains without compromising the integrity of your flooring. Never use cleaners that contain chemicals like ammonia, bleach or acidic cleaners, which can discolour your floor and wear down the glossy finish. Instead, you can mix a bit of mild soap with water for routine cleaning.
Re-Polish the Floors
With regular use, your oxide flooring texture will diminish and the shine will decrease over time. Therefore, you must re-polish your oxide floors regularly, which requires applying a special polish or wax. The application will restore the shine and protect the surface. Besides enhancing the appearance of the floors, you also extend the lifespan of your flooring.
Repair Damages
Never ignore any damage caused to your oxide flooring. You must promptly address any chips or cracks to prevent further damage. You can avail an oxide floor repair kit in the market that can be used to repair small cracks and chips. The kit includes a patching compound and colour pigments that match the existing floor. However, if your floor experiences a large or a severe damage, it’s best to seek professional help for a seamless repair. Do not forget to inspect your floor regularly to identify the development of an issue at an early stage. Early detection allows you time to repair the floor and prevent further damage.
Conclusion
Oxide flooring is a blend of tradition and sustainability. With its unique properties and modern design, this flooring is a timeless solution. Furthermore, with proper installation and maintenance, you can make your floors last for years.
As a leading construction company in India, Brick & Bolt offers the best flooring solutions tailored to meet each client’s expectations. When it comes to installing your favourite red oxide flooring, our experts ensure to use the best materials. The professionals associated with the organisation execute each flooring project with precision, ensuring longevity and boosting the overall beauty of your homes. Brick & Bolt commits to provide superior artisans and customer support, making the company a reliable choice for homeowners seeking premium flooring solutions for their spaces.