14 FINISHES – TYPES USED FOR WALLS, CEILINGS AND FLOORS – BOTH IN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

K. Sudha Rani

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1.   INTRODUCTION:

 

Finishes are a collection of materials and goods used for augmenting the aesthetic qualities and services of the constructed building in interiors as well as in exteriors. Finishes are either made in-situ or are pre prepared and laid on completed surfaces, such as the walls, ceilings and floors.

 

2.    LEARNING OJECTIVES

 

This chapter will create awareness on the types of:

  •   wall finishes for interiors and exteriors
  •   ceiling finishes for interiors and exteriors
  •   floor finishes for interiors and exteriors

3.  INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS

 

On entering a building, when one gains the perception of enclosed space and protection, by the bounding of different surfaces (such as the wall, ceiling and floor), and architectural elements (such as doors, windows and ventilators), it is referred to as Interiors or interior space. When the building relates itself to the site and the space outside the enclosure, it is referred to as exteriors or exterior s pace.

 

3.  WALL FINISHES

 

3.1 Definition:

 

A wall is defined as an architectural structure with a height and length forming an enclosure. Materials applied to protect the exterior surface and decorate the interior surface of this structure are called as wall finishes.

3.2.Types of wall finishes

 

3.2.1. Wood:

 

i) Wood shingles: are tapered, thin pieces of wood, available in different patterns, sizes and shapes. The process of applying shingles or any type of wood finish over the surface is termed as siding.

ii) Wood siding: are laid horizontally with overlapping wood boards. Vertical and veneer siding are also prepared using boards or panels of wood.

iii) Cork: made out of the bark of oak tree, this wood finish is less noisy.

iv) Baseboard: . They are made by utilizing planks, tongue-and-groove strips, and veneers. Both plastic and wooden baseboards are available.

 

3.2.2.    Stone:

 

i) Masonry blocks: They can be laid in positions similar to that of wall tiles. Decorative masonry blocks made of concrete are one of the traditional materials used over wall surfaces.

ii) Marble: Moderately hard, natural marble available in a variety of colours seems to be the most desirable high-ranking finishing material, as it can be polished to give a neat, smooth and rich look. Artificial black marble, marble panels and tiles are also available for exterior wall finishing.

iii) Natural granite: It is composed of feldspar, quartz, sand and mica, which has desirablefeatures such as high decorative quality, durability, and intense hardness, resistance to abrasion, weather and acids.

iv) Sandstone: .It is obtained from sedimentary rocks and it constitutes mainly of lime, silica and iron oxide.

v) Terrazzo: This expensive but durable material composed of marble chips bonded together with cement, is an appealing colorful finish.

 

3.2.3. Brick: Though commonly used in exterior, brick tiles of natural and synthetic colours such as buff, light brown or light ash are purposefully manufactured for interior walls. Thinner bricks are preferable to serve as a wall finish.

 

3.2.4.   Tiles: A ceramic surfacing unit, thinner than the surface of application, is called the tile. Wherever moisture is an issue, glazed or unglazed ceramic tiles can be used. They are easy to wash, durable and economical. Tiles are available as natural clay, mosaic, conductive, impervious, vitreous and non vitreous types.

 

3.2.5. Ceramic Murals: These modern finishing materials of high artistic value are formed by sticking ceramic veneer and slate. Each piece of ceramic mural is a thin plate, with a flat or embossed surface.

 

3.2.6. Stucco work: Stucco is a very popular decorative plastering for both exterior and interior walls. The modern stucco is made of Portland cement, sand and water. It serves as a background for application of paints or wallpaper to make it more effective.

 

3.2.7. Glass: Blocks of glass made walls that admit light, but maintain privacy are obtained as panels or sheets. Those with double insulated thickness can serve as partitions.

 

3.2.8. Metal and Non metal Finishes:

 

i) Decorative Aluminum Alloy Plate is anti corrosive and is rolled with specific beautiful patterns and colours. It also has strong light-reflecting ability.

ii) Decorative Steel Plate available in a variety of colours is suitable for interiors and exteriors.

iii) Plastic wall coverings: As plastics present fewer problems in application and are easier to match the seams, they blend themselves well to super graphics and large patterns.

 

3.2.9. Paint: Paint is applicable on wood, stucco, masonry, metal, asbestos and gypsum boards. A good paint will have resistance to sun, weathering, colour stability, alkali resistance, strong adhesive power, and will not chip. Paints are available as:

 

i) Oil-based – appropriate for exterior surfaces, can withstand heavy scrubbing.

ii) Water-based – could be applied on moist surfaces and are easy to clean

iii)  Resin emulsion- made from pigments, dries quickly, ideal for both exterior and interior walls.

iv) Plastic emulsion – consists of vinyl acetate and acrylate mixed with water; more ideal for interiors, as they are quite attractive.

v) Enamels – prepared from pigments and special varnishes; could be applied as high, semi or low gloss.

vi) Latex – a rubber based paint, normally thinned with water, dries quickly.

vii) Cement paint – made out of white cement and pigments, is a glossy paint resisting the alkaline concrete.

 

3.2.10. Wall pape rs: Ranging from plain to patterned, endless colours, and textures, they have the advantage of being easy to use, remodel and maintain; they are washable, and can be painted with oil paints.

 

3.2.11. Wall Fabrics: Different fabrics of varied dimensions are draped over, pasted, stretched on or hung on the walls to create visual appeal.

 

i) Non-woven wall cloth is processed without the weaving procedure, coated with resin and printed with colorful patterns. As it is permeable to air and moisture, this non-aging, non-dissipating material is not affected by mildew or moisture.

ii) Decorative wall cloth is made by coating the cotton calico with abrasion-resistant resin and printing it with certain patterns. It is more suitable for inner wall surfaces.

iii)  Grass cloth is a unique material made up of fibers taken from the honey suckles vines. The fibers are processed, and woven in different sizes and patterns and mounted on specific paper.

 

4. CEILING FINISHES

 

4.1 Definition:

 

Ceiling is defined as the upper limit of a room or any enclosed space. Generally, the ceiling is directly proportional to the floor of a building, and hence it also has to be “finished” or adorned with utmost care by the right surface treatment.

 

4.2. Types of ceiling finishes

 

4.2.1 Plaster: It is one of the oldest form of finishing a constructed building. Plain plastering serves as a foundation for further applications on it. Some interesting variations are

 

i)  Sand face – Cement and coarse sand in 1:4 ratio in first coating, followed by 1:3 ratio in second coating

ii) Rough cast – Sand and gravel mixture is splashed over the cement plaster when wet

iii)  Pebbled dash – Pebbles (6 mm) are splattered instead of gravel mixture on the wet cement plaster

   4.2.2. Stucco: refers to a type of plaster either with lime or cement. Work is done on a wet surface, with a hand float covered with a rough or smooth felt.

4.2.3. Drywall ceiling finish: Panels of gypsum boards compacted between sheets of thick paper and dried in kilns results in this cost effective material. This type of finish can be done with many varieties of boards and is quicker and easier to install than plastering.

4.2.4. Aluminum & Pressed Tin Metal Ceilings : They are painted beautifully or also available as designed tiles or panels. These are quite durable.

4.2.5. Wallpapering: Finishing ceilings with wall paper is a very handy measure as one could select patterns and textures from the innumerable choice. It comes with prepasted backing or unpasted paper that functions when moistened.

4.2.6. Wood Ceiling Finish: Normally applied using hard wood or sometimes lath. Lath is a slim, flat piece of wood that forms a foundation for supporting plaster. These are fixed horizontally over the vertical studs. This framework forms a base, over which several plaster coatings are laid to be solidified.

4.2.7. Ceiling paint: Normally ceiling paints come in white colour and are cheaper than wall paints. Oil based and water based latex finishes, in flat sheen, egg shell or satin categories are some of its varieties.

 

5. FLOOR FINISHES:

 

5.1 Definition:

 

A floor is the lower or supporting surface of any structure which is used for walking or moving around. A floor finish is any material applied over a floor structure or loosely laid above the constructed floor.

 

5.2 .Types of floor finishes:

 

5.2.1. Hard floor coverings: These could be selected based on the difference in moisture content of the floor and installed at the different subfloors of a structure. These are typically much more durable than soft floor coverings.

 

5.2.1.1. Stones:

 

i) Marble: It is a kind of metamorphic rock, formed due to extreme impact of heat and pressure. This elegant, all time quality finish appears veined generally, in many colors and designs. It is quite slippery.

ii) Granite: Granite is a type of igneous rock  formed by the cooling of molten magma.  It is expensive, but has good durability. It is a vailable only in limited colours and becomes slippery when wet.

iii) Limestone and Sandstone: Limestone has its origin from deposited organic materials (i.e. bones and shells) and wherever calcium carbonate is in excess. It will give a good look to the floor and a rusty and earthy appearance to any space.Sandstone is obtained from deposited sand grains i.e. quartz. It is an attractive floor covering as it features irregular natural design from stripes to speckles.

iv) Kota stone: A variation of limestone, this fine grained material can be beautifully finished in different ways such as hand cut, machine cut, mirror finish or polished. As these tiles are small sized only, they do not give the appearance of a seamless flooring.

v) Flagstone: is a standard flat stone obtained from splitting sedimentary rocks.. It is a variety of sandstone available in many colours,     which can add to the attraction of an area.

vi) Slate: It is a type of metamorphic rock that consists of silica, alumina and iron oxide, that can be easily split into layers. It has good durability and can withstand more scratches.

vii) Mosaic:. Mosaic tile is made by baking excellent ceramic dust into small and thin square, rectangular and hexagon ceramic pieces, and by sticking them adversely on a piece of cowhide paper. Very small, square, flat pieces of coloured stone, porcelain or glass are also used to make these glazed tiles.

viii)Pebbles: These are bigger than granules but smaller than cobbles. The y are usually available on the beaches and riverside as smooth stones of different sizes, textures and colours, which offer a wide range of applications.

 

5.2.1.2. Bricks: are a very common architectural element mostly made of clay, kaolin and shale available thinner, as pavers. Bricks are laid either flat or on edge arranged in herring bone fashion or set at right angles to the walls. Due to its good durability and hardness, this finish can last for several years if well maintained.

 

5.2.1.3. Tiles:

 

i) Ceramic: suitable for both interiors and exteriors, they are least affected by moisture and stains. Glazed tiles are slippery and poor quality tiles sometimes chip off. A good underlay helps in long lasting of the material.

ii) Vitrified: These tiles have gone through the process of nitrification that makes it less porous and moisture absorbent. These tiles have good stain resistance, but are slippery and are less eco friendly.

iii) Quarry tile: As an unglazed form of a baked clay product, it is quite durable and impact resistant, but chips off easily on severe blows.

 

5.2.1.4. Concrete:

 

i)  Plain cement concrete: They are normally inexpensive, but to create beautiful effects in interiors, they have to be masked with other sheets like vinyl or linoleum or soft finishes.

ii) Colored concrete: It is a recent development which is quite durable and l long lasting, if proper sealants are used. Due to availability of many acids, numerous co lour options are available to create unique designs.

iii)    Terrazzo : It is a   man-made product   which consists of   marble chips  embedded ontoconcrete surface and polished smoothly. This flooring can be prepared in situ or pre made and laid as slabs or tiles. It is quite economical.

 

5.2.1.5. Terracotta: This is prepared by firing refined brown or special red clay mixtures at high temperatures Compared to other ceramic materials, terracotta floors are quite tough, but not very cold, which makes them more preferable.

 

5.2.1.6. Wood: Timber from pine, spruce or any other hard wood is appropriate for wood flooring. This material should be well preserved to make them more durable and rot free, as well as properly seasoned to get a well dried product for further usage. Hardwood flooring matches with any style of decoration, be it modern or traditional.

 

5.2.2.    Resilient / smooth floor coverings:

 

Resilient floor coverings are made from materials that have springing capacity or elasticity. These are used in areas where noise needs to be minimised, such as study room or libraries as well as on wooden or stone floors..

 

5.2.2.1. Linoleum: When natural substances such as powdered cork, linseed oil, fillers, resin and pigments are compressed and baked at high temperatures, linoleum is obtained in a variety of colours and designs. . A major benefit is its versatility to appear as expected, i.e., like a stone flooring or wood flooring or any other material.

  5.2.2.2 Rubber: Natural or synthetic rubber is available in sheet or cut tiles fo rm. It is manufactured by mixing pure rubber with fillers such as granulated cork or asbestos fiber. Foam rubber backing serves as a good sound insulator for the sheets.

 

5.2.2.3. Asphalt: It is made up of mineral fibers and pigments along with asbestos. It is ideal for utility areas as it has good resistance to mild acids, oil and grease.

 

5.2.2.4. Vinyl: This flooring material emerged as a competitor to other resilient floor finishes due to their wide choice in color and design application.. If installed carefully and maintained well, it can last for more than ten years.

 

5.2.2.5. Cork: It is sliced out from blocks of renewable granulated bark of oak tree and packed together with binding agents. This material can be obtained in various sizes, shades and thicknesses. This material gives a good cushioning effect to the feet.

 

5.2.2.6. Plastic or PVC: This highly reputed plastic material called polyvinyl chloride is inexpensive, easy to install and has good durability. As this material has a backing of foam or felt, it is comparatively softer than wooden flooring.

 

5.2.3. Soft floor coverings:

 

Soft coverings are the rugs and carpets, which give more comfort and warmth to the area where they are used. These luxurious floor coverings can create accent to the décor of any area as well as portray the theme required appreciably.

 

5.2.3.1 Rugs: A rug is a thick, single piece of floor covering in a specific shape, and generally not intended for covering the entire floor. Available in vast range of plain, patterned, colourful or textured varieties, it is constructed as a flat weave or pile weave from animal skin, trimmed fabric or from woven strips of rag. Normally, they are used as a centerpiece of flooring or as a foot rug for the entrance, sofa or bed.

 

5.2.3.2. Carpets: It is a thick floor covering usually made from extra yarn called the ‘pile’ being woven or felted from natural or man- made fibers It is created over a frame that has a cotton base with the design already imprinted on it. Carpets are available as a wall-to-wall fitting for the entire floor or in varied sizes to cover only part of an area.

 

TABLE 3

 

TYPES OF FLOOR FINISHES BASED ON PURPOSE IN INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS

  1. CONCLUSION:

 

Finishing works applied to various surfaces of the building is the final stage of construction, These finishes help to correct or mask the architectural defects. This feature in building construction creates a charm to both the interiors and exteriors. Depending on its execution, finishes enhance the overall visual design of the structure. The decorative details given to the surface in the present era can be a dramatic change to the edifice.

 

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BIBLIOGRAPHY/ REFERENCES

1.  . J & Lock. W, (1997), “Short cuts to Designer Style Soft Furnishings”, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc., New York, ISBN 0-7063-75157, Pg: 29-68.

2.Clois E. Kicklighter and Joan C. Kicklighter.(2005), Residential Housing & Interiors, Student Activity Guide Paperback. Publisher: Goodheart-Willcox.

3. Deshpande  R.S. (1995), Build your own homes.  United Book Corporation, Pune.

4. Deshpande. R.S. Materials of Construction. United Book Corporation, Pune.

5. Gill Saunders. (2002), Wall Papers in Interior Decoration (First ed.). V and A Publications.

6. Seetharam. P & Pannu. P, (2014), “Interior Design and Decoration”, CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, ISBN: 81-239-1212-9 (HB), Pg: 148-186.

7. Vaughan. M & Gaughan. P, (1993), “Simply the Best Home Decorating Book”, Simon & Schuster Publication, New York, ISBN 0-671-76712-7, Pg: 58-74.

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