Flooring is one of the house parts which has to endure for years unchanged. Natural materials have been favorite for some people for this part of the house. With recent development in wooden floors, their versatility makes them suitable for almost anywhere in the home.

Marble

In slab or mosaic form, marble is hard wearing, cool and elegant but because it is very expensive, hard and noisy not especially suitable for domestic use.

Slate

Quarried naturally in Britain in Wales and Cornwall and also available from Africa, Thailand (a cheaper variety) and Samoa, many shades are available in a smooth matt, textured or with a slight sheen finish. Slate is hard, cold and noisy but inherently slip resistant. It should be professionally laid.

WATCHPOINTS

• To create a feeling of space, carry the same flooring color throughout. For example, wood on the ground floor and neutral carpets in the bedrooms.
• If money is tight, paint and varnish a wood or concrete floor, Stencil checkerboard designs to look like quarry tiles.