Materials and Construction Techniques for Floors and Cabinets

Floors

Rigid assemblies dividing space horizontally into stories.

Floor Systems

Types of structural systems for building floors.

Concrete Floor System

Reinforced slabs for various loading conditions.

Cast-in-Place Concrete Slabs

Slabs poured on-site, classified by span.

Pre-Cast Concrete Planks

Planks supported by beams or load-bearing walls.

Steel Floor System

Steel beams support decking or pre-cast planks.

Beam Framing

Integral part of steel skeleton frame systems.

Wood Floor System

Wood beams support structural planking or decking.

Concentrated Loads

Heavy loads requiring additional floor framing.

Raised Flooring System

Elevated floors allowing passage for services.

Adjustable Vertical Pedestals

Supports for raised flooring systems.

Floor Panels

Typically 2 ft x 2 ft, made of wood or cement.

Hard Flooring

Durable materials resembling natural elements.

Resilient Flooring

Comfortable, easy-to-clean flooring resistant to indentations.

Vinyl Composition Tile

Common resilient flooring due to affordability.

Soft Flooring Covering

High elasticity flooring providing luxurious underfoot feel.

Carpet

Soft flooring unmatched for comfort and durability.

Wood Flooring

Available in softwood and hardwood varieties.

Softwood

Examples include pine, used in wood flooring.

Hardwood

Examples include narra and tanguiile, kiln dried.

Strip Flooring

Standard and heavy strips for various uses.

Parquet Flooring

Blocks of hardwood arranged in patterns.

Clay-Tile Flooring

Durable flooring made from fired clay.

Terrazzo Flooring

Composite material used for durable flooring.

Plastic Flooring

Synthetic flooring material, often lightweight.

Rubber Flooring

Durable, slip-resistant flooring option.

Cork Flooring

Sustainable flooring with natural insulation properties.

Stone Flooring

Natural stone used for durable flooring.

Asphalt Flooring

Flexible, durable flooring often used outdoors.

Block Flooring

Individual wood pieces, edge grain face, common size 2x2x3.5 in.

Concrete Flooring

Durable against wear, impact, and aggressive liquids.

Glazed Tile

Ceramic tile with glassy surface, moisture impervious.

Unglazed Tile

Hard, dense ceramic tile, homogeneous composition.

Ceramic Tile

Common flooring material, available in glazed and unglazed.

Asphalt Flooring

Flexible flooring option, often used in commercial settings.

Terrazzo Flooring

Marble aggregate cast in place, decorative and smooth.

Plastic Flooring

Includes vinyl tiles and cushioned flooring options.

Plastic Terrazzo

Composite material combining terrazzo with plastic elements.

Epoxy Resin

Durable, chemical-resistant material used in flooring.

Vinyl Tile

Synthetic flooring option, available in various designs.

Vinyl Asbestos

Historical flooring material, now regulated due to health risks.

Vinyl Inlaid Wear

Durable vinyl flooring with embedded patterns.

Rubber Flooring

Tiles made from synthetic rubber, less oxidation tendency.

Cork

Natural resilient flooring, offers thermal and acoustic insulation.

Linoleum

Made from oxidized linseed oil, ground cork, and pigments.

Cork Tile

Granulated cork compressed and baked, flexible and durable.

Stone Flooring

Includes sandstone, limestone, marble, and granite tiles.

Carpet

Textile flooring option, available in various styles and textures.

Built-in Cabinet

Custom cabinets fitted into walls, not detachable.

Solid Wood Cabinets

Durable, scratch-resistant kitchen cabinets, superior screw-holding.

Hardwood Cabinets

Common kitchen material, offers longevity and environmental benefits.

Durability

Ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.

Moisture Impervious

Resistant to water penetration and damage.

Acoustic Insulation

Material property that reduces sound transmission.

Thermal Insulation

Material property that reduces heat transfer.

Solid Wood

Natural wood, beautiful but expensive cabinet option.

Warping

Deformation caused by temperature changes in wood.

Heavy Cabinets

Solid wood cabinets are typically weighty and cumbersome.

Maintenance

Requires regular cleansing and polishing for longevity.

Variations of Solid Wood

Includes pinewood, mahogany, oak, and walnut.

Thermofoil

Vinyl film alternative to wood, affordable and moisture-resistant.

Moisture Resistance

Thermofoil's ability to withstand water exposure.

Modern Appearance

Thermofoil cabinets offer a contemporary aesthetic.

Difficult to Paint

Thermofoil is challenging to customize with paint.

Wood Veneer

Thin layer of hardwood adhered to a substrate.

Plywood

Laminated layers of wood, varying grain for strength.

Plywood Grades

Grade AA is toughest; lower grades are less desirable.

Economical

Wood veneer cabinets are cost-effective alternatives.

Glossy Finish

Wood veneer can be treated for a sleek appearance.

Discoloration

Wood veneer may fade under natural light exposure.

Scratch Resistance

Wood veneer is less durable against scratches than solid wood.

Laminates

Compressed wood resins and paper, affordable cabinet option.

High-Pressure Laminates

More durable than low-pressure laminates, impact-resistant.

Natural Finish

Laminates come in various colors and textures.

MDF

Medium-density fiberboard, made from recycled wood products.

Cleaning Ease

Laminates are easy to maintain and clean.

Non-Paintable

Laminates cannot be painted, limiting customization.

Repairable

Plywood can be easily fixed if damaged.

Frequent Cleaning

Thermofoil shows fingerprints, requiring regular maintenance.

Cost-Effectiveness

Laminates are generally cheaper than solid wood options.

Durability

High-pressure laminates are designed for long-lasting use.

MDF

Medium Density Fiberboard made from compressed wood fibers.

Particleboard

Wood chips compressed into boards, also known as chipboard.

Melamine

Waterproof material made from polymer resins and paper.

Stainless Steel

Durable metal resistant to stains, used in cabinets.

Aluminum

Lightweight metal, often used for industrial cabinets.

Laminate

Synthetic coating applied for protection and aesthetics.

Wood Veneer

Thin layer of wood applied over other materials.

Joinery

Techniques for connecting wood pieces in woodworking.

Butt Joint

Simple joint connecting ends of two wood pieces.

Biscuit Joint

Reinforced butt joint using oval-shaped wood biscuits.

Warp Resistance

Ability to maintain shape under humidity changes.

Sagging

Bending or drooping due to weight or pressure.

Durability

Ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

Stain Resistance

Property of not absorbing stains easily.

Installation Difficulty

Challenges faced when installing heavy materials.

Cost-Effectiveness

Affordability compared to natural wood variations.

Industrial Style

Design aesthetic emphasizing utilitarian and raw materials.

Traditional Style

Design aesthetic focusing on classic and ornate elements.

Maintenance

Effort required to keep materials in good condition.