Floor Guide 101: A Designer’s Guide to Flooring Options

When it comes to designing a home, flooring often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. But the truth is—your floors set the tone (and texture) for your entire space. From grounding your colour palette to influencing light flow and functionality, choosing the right flooring is both a design and lifestyle decision.

And with so many materials available—from earthy terracotta to sleek terrazzo—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here's an expert breakdown of popular flooring options to help you make an informed decision!

1. Concrete Flooring

Industrial, Raw, Durable.

Industrial, brutalist, and effortlessly cool—concrete flooring is ideal for those who love a pared-back look with personality. Made using cement, sand, gravel, and water, concrete flooring offers a sleek look that's both durable and cost-effective.

It is one of the most common types of flooring designs used in India, and they can be polished, stained, or textured for custom finishes. However, it does require proper sealing and insulation to prevent cracks or temperature discomfort.

2. Marble Flooring

Luxurious, Timeless, Cool to Touch.

An eternal favourite in Indian homes, marble is known for its natural beauty and upscale finish. Available in various colors and patterns, it adds a timeless appeal to interiors. It is a durable material that is naturally cool underfoot, making it ideal for the usually hot and humid temperatures of India. 

While higher-quality marble is somewhat easy to maintain, marble in itself is a porous material and thus is susceptible to staining or even chipping. The best maintenance tip for marble flooring is to avoid acidic/abrasive cleaning agents as well as not let any liquid sit on the flooring for too long!

Lower quality stones, especially, can yellow over time. Some people, however, do look forward to the yellowing of marble as it sets a new precedent for aesthetics! This yellowing is caused by aging and oxidation of the marble, causing a thin layer of patina to form on its surface. While some see patina as a con, others appreciate it for the vintage look it gives to the marble.

3. Ceramic Tile Flooring

Versatile, Affordable, Easy Maintenance.

Made using water, sand and clay, ceramic tiles are known for their affordability and variety. They are suitable for areas with moderate foot traffic and come in numerous designs and finishes. These tiles are also waterproof, non-absorbent and easy to clean.

Ceramic tiles work well in kitchens, bathrooms, and even living spaces.

While easy to maintain and clean, they can be brittle and may chip if heavy objects are dropped, thus requiring a bit more care in terms of installation and alignment. One can choose matte or anti-skid finishes for wet areas.

4. Vitrified Tiles

Highly Durable, Low Porosity, Versatile.

Vitrified tiles are made with mainly clay and silica, making them extremely dense and durable; and they are often glazed, making them non porous in nature. This makes their usage extremely versatile, and they can be used in both the interiors and exteriors of your home!

Vitrified tiles are a popular choice in India for flooring options for the same reasons. They are available in a wide variety of colours and designs, including options that mimic the texture/look of natural materials like wood, bamboo and stone. They are also available in glossy, matte, and textured finishes making sure that you have full control over the look and feel of your flooring. If you’re torn between ceramic and vitrified, think of vitrified tiles as the more premium, low-maintenance sibling!

5. Terracotta Tiles

Rustic, Warm, Earthy.

Made from natural clay which is then fired at high temperatures, terracotta tiles lend themselves to a rustic, lived-in charm. Terracotta is, however, a type of ceramic material and specifically a non-vitreous one, meaning it's porous and not waterproof. While these tiles are eco-friendly and sustainable, they require proper sealing to prevent moisture absorption and staining.

If you’re someone who craves that warm, rustic, organic vibe in your home, terracotta tiles might be the answer to your design dilemmas! They’re best suited to be used for covered patios or low-moisture interiors. While they can chip and stain, some people prefer this rugged look. You can, therefore, also use terracotta tiles for garden pathways and courtyards, where the worn texture of terracotta adds character to the cozy, rustic feel.

6. Vinyl Flooring

Water-Resistant, Comfortable, Budget-Friendly.

Made with mainly polyvinyl chloride or PVC, vinyl flooring is a versatile, affordable, and easy to install option for flooring in Indian homes. They are available in a variety of styles and looks, and are also available in options that mimic the appearance of wood or stone.

They're water-resistant and comfortable underfoot, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. It's great for homes with pets or children thanks to this cushioning and water resistance, but it can lack the tactile richness of natural materials. Vinyl flooring, however, can be prone to scratches and may discolor over time. 

7. Hardwood Flooring

Classic, Warm, High-End.

Hardwood flooring adds warmth, depth and a timeless feel to the interiors of any home. They’re rapidly becoming a popular choice in India due to their durability, sustainability and aesthetic value. Not only is hardwood durable, but it can also be refinished multiple times (upto 4-6 times for solid hardwood, and 1-2 times for engineered wood). 

However, it's sensitive to moisture which makes it not very ideal for humid climates without proper treatment. Proper sealing with common sealants like polyurethane or waxing help maximise your hardwood floor’s utility while protecting it from damage, thus increasing its overall lifetime. Oak, walnut, mahogany and teak are popular choices in India.

8. Granite Flooring

Strong, Polished, Heavy Duty.

Granite is a hard natural stone that offers a luxurious look. It's resistant to stains and scratches and its cool surface is particularly beneficial in warmer climates.

Granite flooring stands the test of time—both visually and structurally. High density and a polished sheen makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. Granite can, however, be prone to slipping and skidding, making occasional rugs crucial to good, safe design. 

While granite is very low maintenance, it may require sealing every 5-8 years to maximise its longevity. Initial sealing and professional installment also ensures a long life span for granite. While more expensive than tiles, granite flooring’s durability and its low maintenance can make it a more value-for-money option over time for those who can afford it.

9. Laminate Flooring

Cost-Effective, Wood-Like, Easy Installation.

Laminate, alongside vinyl, is one of the most affordable flooring options available in the market. Like vinyl, laminate flooring can replicate the appearance of wooden flooring at a budget-friendly price point. It is somewhat durable and fairly easy to install and maintain, however laminate flooring is susceptible to water damage, making it unideal for Indian homes where water is used daily for cleaning.

Using the correct underlay is also another important factor in installing laminate flooring. Without the correct underlay, laminate flooring’s lifespan can be cut down by half due to issues such as warping and instability. Laminate flooring can however be a concern for homes with children or pets, as these laminates often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air by a process known as “off-gassing”. Off-gassing can especially be a problem in highly humid and/or poorly ventilated spaces. 

Laminate’s medium life span and high affordability also mean that you can switch up your flooring more often, giving your home an instant renovation by just installing new floors! 

10. Terrazzo Flooring

Speckled, Durable, Retro-Modern.

Once held in high regard in the Indian architectural space and then fizzling out of style, terrazzo is now making a massive comeback in the interior design space with its artsy look and feel. Terrazzo is made by the fusion of chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, shell, or other suitable materials. It uses either a cement or epoxy matrix as the binder, resulting in a speckled, mosaic-like appearance.

It's surprisingly durable, resistant to stains and water damage, and very low-maintenance, offering a blend of retro and modern aesthetics. It is cold underfoot, making it especially beneficial in India’s hot and humid climate. However, its slippery nature also demands the use of anti-skid rugs to ensure safety. While customisation is endless, it needs skilled labour for seamless application.

Quick Glance.

Parameters >	Maintenance	Cost	Foot Traffic	Design Perspective
Concrete	Medium — occasional sealing recommended to prevent cracks or staining.	Low to medium.	Excellent for high-traffic areas; extremely durable.	Suits industrial, minimalist, and modern interiors. Works well in living rooms, hallways, and kitchens.
Marble	Medium to high — needs regular sealing and prompt cleaning to avoid stains.	Very high.	Handles moderate to high traffic but prone to scratching, chipping and oxidising.	Ideal for luxurious, traditional, or classic interiors. Common in living rooms and pooja rooms.
Ceramic	Low — easy to clean and maintain.	Low to medium.	Moderate — may chip or crack under very high traffic.	Versatile; suits contemporary, traditional, or eclectic interiors. Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies.
Vitrified	Very low — highly resistant to stains and water.	Medium.	High — tougher than ceramic, perfect for busy households.	Extremely adaptable; works in modern, minimal, or rental settings. Great for any room and even exteriors.
Terracotta	Medium — porous; requires sealing to prevent water absorption.	Medium.	Low to moderate — not ideal for very busy areas.	Best for rustic, bohemian, and earthy themes. Suited to patios, balconies, courtyards or heritage-style interiors.
Vinyl	Low to medium — waterproof and easy to clean.	Low.	Moderate — may dent or tear under sharp/heavy objects.	Great for rental units, kids’ rooms, or casual spaces. Can mimic wood or stone finishes affordably.
Hardwood	High — sensitive to water; may need refinishing every few years.	Very high.	Moderate — prone to scratches and dents.	Perfect for classic, colonial, or Scandinavian interiors. Great for living areas and bedrooms in dryer regions.
Granite	Low — stain and scratch resistant.	Medium to high.	Very high — highly durable.	Suits grand, formal spaces or kitchens and hallways due to its strength and shine.
Laminate	Medium to high — easy to clean, but water-sensitive and needs proper underlay.	Low.	Moderate — durable but not suitable for wet or very busy areas.	Ideal for budget-conscious modern homes, bedrooms, and home offices.
Terrazzo	Low to moderate — long-lasting and doesn’t stain easily.	Medium to high.	High — excellent for heavy-use areas.	Works well in art deco, eclectic, or fusion-style homes. Ideal for living rooms, foyers, and creative studios.

Final Thoughts.

We’re often led to believe that selecting the appropriate flooring involves considering factors like aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and budget. However, it also involves taking into account factors like who the space is being built for, what the lifestyles of the residents entail and the optimal ways to streamline the home with the functionality required by its inhabitants. 

And that’s where we come in.

At Spazay, we guide you through this process, ensuring that your flooring choice not only complements your overall design vision but meets your practical needs.

Because at the end of the day, flooring isn't just what you walk on—it's the foundation on which your entire home stands.