Floors for all

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Maple wood flooring. Courtesy of National Wood Flooring Association.

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European Oak from Junkers.

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Mocca flooring from Admonter.

As the Middle East moves away from its obsession with ceramic flooring for commercial spaces, CID takes a look at some functional alternatives.

Within the Middle East it used to be the case that flooring in commercial areas, such as offices, was predominately ceramic tile.

Times are changing though and far more emphasis is being placed on the function of the space and the most suitable flooring to go with it.

Aesthetics still plays a part in this image conscious region but it seems that trends and fashions are being heavily imported with the growing expat community.

Angela Schaschen, managing director, Deutsche Messe Dubai, organisers, Domotex Middle East explains: "In the past and still to an extent now, office flooring was predominately ceramic tile or marble."

"But because of the number of expats bringing their tastes with them we are seeing an increase in wall to wall carpet, resilient flooring, as well as more wood and laminate."

Shahriar Khodjasteh of Al Aqili Furnishings explains the trend many offices in the Middle East are experiencing with relation to flooring: "In hallways you might see parquet and then in the management offices and boardrooms you'll see a mix carpet, which is sometimes custom made, and parquet to give an expensive and stylish look."

"Then in the communal areas where people relax you might have a more homely type of carpet." Wood has reigned supreme in Europe and the US for centuries in both the consumer and contract markets.

Its entry into the consciousness of Middle Eastern designers and developers is a relatively new thing but it is now viewed as a practical alternative to ceramics, marble and carpet in the region.

Nikolaus Gregorcic, area sales manager, Admonter outlines the benefits of choosing wood. He says: "As flooring is one of the central elements of interior design the first question is what kind of atmosphere the designer wants to create." Wood is comforting and warm.

"It creates a balanced room climate. It is also a beautiful piece of nature, which allows almost unlimited design possibilities." Being a natural material wood has a few limitations, which must be taken into consideration.

The most important quality criteria to check are the hardness of the wood floor, the dimensional stability, finishing and the maintenance.

"The most suitable wood for high traffic commercial areas are strong hardwoods such as Robina, Oak and Ash," adds Gregorcic. Interior designers should shy away from short-term finishes like polyurethane or UV oil in high traffic areas, if sanding is to be avoided.

Maintenance issues also go hand-in-hand with the installation of a wood floor. A natural oil finish ensures the longevity of wood flooring. The floor can be easily refreshed when necessary by applying a new coat of oil.

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