The History of Flooring: From Ancient history to the Modern Day

Flooring has come a long way since ancient times, where people would walk on dirt or uneven surfaces. As society Progressed, so did the need for more comfortable, durable, and decorative flooring options. In this article, we will take a journey through history and explore the evolution of flooring from ancient history to the modern-day.

Ancient Times

The earliest flooring was made from natural, easily available materials such as dirt, clay, and rocks. On top of being readily available, these materials were abundant, making them a practical choice for early human civilizations. In ancient Egypt, floors were made from smooth stones such as granite and limestone, which were polished to a high shine. Ancient Greeks and Romans used mosaics made of stone, tile, and glass to create intricate designs for their floors.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, wooden floors quickly became popular among the aristocracy in Europe, particularly in castles and manor houses. This came from a need to find less expensive flooring materials that were easier to maintain than stone or marble. Wooden boards were laid on top of joists to create a raised floor, which was then covered with rushes or straw for insulation. Stone and tile floors were still used in churches and cathedrals, where intricate patterns were created using different coloured stones.

Renaissance

In the Renaissance period, parquet flooring became popular in France and Italy. Parquet, or patterned flooring, is made from small pieces of wood arranged in a geometric pattern. It was often used to create intricate designs such as stars and squares to the herringbone and chevron patterns we see popular to this day. In England, carpet became popular among the wealthy classes, who used it to cover their stone or wooden floors.

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution brought about major changes in the whole manufacturing industry and changed society forever. This change included the manufacture of flooring materials aswell. Linoleum, a type of flooring made from natural materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour, was invented in 1863. Vinyl flooring, made from synthetic materials such as PVC, was developed in the 1930s and became popular in the 1950s.

Modern Day

Today, there are numerous options available for flooring, including hardwood, carpet, tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl. Flooring has been manufactured in a way that it is easier for one to install as a DIY job, the manufacture of click flooring imparticular has helped with this. Click systems can be seen on most LVT, laminate, and wood floors today. Though some wood flooring options still come with the traditional tongue and groove system. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, making it important to choose the right type of flooring for your specific needs. Advances in technology have also led to the development of new materials, such as bamboo, cork, and engineered wood.

In conclusion, the history of flooring is a reflection of the progression of civilization. From natural materials to synthetic materials, the choices we make in flooring reflect our desire for comfort, durability, and beauty. Today, there are more options available than ever before, allowing us to choose the perfect flooring to fit our personal style and needs.