A quiet revolution is taking place in the flooring patterns prevalent in the country. Traditionally, India had a precedence of either plain or mosaic floors. The veneer was added by floor coverings like carpets, durries or jute floor coverings. But today, these traditional floorings are increasingly being replaced by marble, granite and other stone applications. These applications form an important part of our great cultural heritage, which people very easily tend to forget.Today, our rich stone motifs are finding application in the household. Sanjay Rustagi of Rustagi Constructions, who deals with marble, granite and other stone applications, says: ``The modern lifestyle trends seem to be giving taste to people. So even those who had stayed away from artistic interiors earlier, are now incorporating stone applications into their households.''
And going by indicators, there has been a big jump in the number of people using these finishings, while constructing their houses. Explains S P Bajaj, anarchitect: ``With the coming of designer houses, these finishings are finding increased application in houses as well as commercial properties.''
And surely, the superiority of marble and granite flooring in texture, finish, richness of colour and aesthetic appeal seems to be attracting the consumer when compared to carpet and mosaic flooring. Plus, marble and granite flooring is hygienic and easy to maintain.
But for a person going for the same, there is a word of caution. One can easily be fooled by the wide range available in the market. The prices fluctuate widely. A granite tile (10 mm thick) could cost anything between Rs 50 and Rs 100 per sq. ft but a granite slab (20mm thick) is priced between Rs 100 and Rs 250 per sq. ft. The rate of marble is in the range of Rs 50 to Rs 600 per sq ft.
The cost varies with the quality of the stone which in turn is determined by many parameters. Explains Rustagi: ``It is really not possible for a ordinary person to distinguish between the quality of the twostones. It is a matter which requires technical expertise. But some factors that one can keep in mind are consistency of colour, scratch or wear resistance, ability to take polish and the porosity of the stone.'' The cost is related to one more factor -- design. Simpler stone workings are cheaper. But the more the component of design, the more is its cost.
The benefits flowing from marble and granite flooring, too, are plenty.Explains Rustagi: ``Most floorings having grey cement are dark coloured. So, they absorb all the light, leaving no chance for reflection. Therefore, they never gather the richness which can be obtained from marble and granite flooring.''
Alternatively, the flooring of marble and granite -- if done with the right colour combination, gives a perception of a larger room, which can be imparted a further sheen through polish.
Apart from the conventional flooring application, marble, granite and sandstone are finding extensive application as cladding stones, bolsters, statues, tabletops, fireplaces, decoratives like flower vases, ball fountains, disc fountains and fencing work etc.
Marble and granite flooring also has a positive impact from the health perspective. ``Even with the availability of vacuum cleaners to clean the carpets, the dust still remains. This, if persistent, can result in asthma,'' explains Rustagi. More so, maintaining a carpet is very difficult. This can be prevented by taking the route of marble and granite flooring.But marble and granite floors suffer from the drawback of being perceived as slippery. This, according to Rustagi, can be removed by using a combination of polished and flamed granite in the flooring pattern.
To increase the life of the flooring, polyester or jute carpets should be used before the entrance, especially if you anticipate high traffic or dust particles.
One can choose from a melange of colours for the dream house. It can either be white with Udaipur green marble, Kota (yellow) with Jaisalmer stone, Ambaji white with Jaisalmer stone,Agaria white marble with a matching combination of various granite colours, Agra red for external or low cost application and blue or grey Kota with white marble etc.
These days granite cobble stone and flamed granite are finding extensive application on drive ways and front porches.
With such a diverse choice available, granite or marble may well add colour to your life.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
