Red Oxide Flooring: Pros and Cons of Red Oxide Flooring

What is Red Oxide Flooring?

Oxide flooring is a form of flooring whereby oxides are used for colouring the floor. ... Red oxide flooring can be made with cement, mud or even lime.

Red oxide is a flooring option that carries an element of nostalgia but is now back with a bang! People are increasingly becoming aware of how sustainable, simple and aesthetically appealing red oxide is. Here’s why red oxide flooring is still a versatile choice for your home and here’s what you should keep in mind before choosing it for your home.

Red oxide has been used for centuries in India. However, industrialization and mass-production of marble and granite made these materials a fancy replacement for the red oxide floor. Red oxide flooring can be made with cement, mud or even lime. The oxides are available in many different colours, and though red is the most popular variety, there can be a myriad of colours in the green, blue, black and yellow spectra too. In fact, there are almost 25 different shades of red that can be obtained by mixing different shades together. You can choose different shades in different rooms to add a unique touch to your home décor.

The Pros and Cons of Red Oxide Flooring

If you're looking for a way to add a unique look to your home and modernize your decor, then consider red oxide flooring. This is actually a form of engineered flooring that has been developed for homes with high traffic and lots of wear and tear. Red oxide flooring provides a durable flooring solution for any area.

Here's what you need to know about Red Oxide Flooring flooring:

Everything you need to know about Red Oxide Flooring

Does it need a lot of maintenance?

Red oxide engineered flooring is a newer type of flooring product that doesn't require a whole lot of upkeep. You will need sweeping and mopping up the dirt and grit, but this isn't usually too much of a problem. Also, you shouldn't need to add any sealant because this type of flooring has its own sealer already in the mix.

Is it eco-friendly?

If you have a busy lifestyle, then you may be concerned about the environment. Thanks to the advancements made in the world of green building, you can enjoy a red oxide flooring product that's great for the earth while still maintaining its aesthetic qualities. The product itself is made from reclaimed or recycled materials, which means it's recyclable and has low air pollutants. The product also doesn't need to be finished off with a finish, so you can walk on it right off the flooring package.

Can you install it yourself?

Yes, you can. There are plenty of DIY websites that can help you install your new red oxide flooring in no time. These types of flooring installers are typically pretty experienced and have been installing different types of flooring products for years, so you should have no problems with getting it done.

How much will it cost?

On average, you can expect to pay between six and eight dollars per foot for all of your red oxide floorings. This number is based on the square footage you'll be covering, so keep that in mind when you're estimating costs. Even if you're going with a professional company to install it, you should still be able to get a good idea of what the cost will be.

Is it environmentally friendly?

You might think that using this type of flooring is going to put a lot of pressure on the environment, but it's actually very environmentally friendly. Red oxide flooring contains no VOCs, lead, or mercury, which means it's great for the earth. In fact, it's the most eco-friendly flooring option you can find in today's modern society. The fact that it's non-toxic also makes it ideal for people with allergies, since it won't trigger an allergic reaction when it's in contact with their skin.

Can it last long?

When you install red oxide flooring, it will last for decades, even if you never sweep it or dust it. Because it's made from red volcanic ash, it's also resistant to mold and fungus, which are a huge concern when it comes to a basement.

Does it need a special preparation process?

Unlike many other types of flooring, red oxide flooring does not require any glues or caulk. Since the floor is comprised of solid red rock, there's no need to mess around with adhesives or floorboard glue. If you have any fear about trying to install red oxide flooring yourself, you can call a professional to do it for you, or you can hire a company to do it for you. Either way, you'll enjoy the look and durability of red floors for years to come.

Is it easy to keep red oxide flooring clean?

To keep your floors looking great and feeling great, you need to sweep regularly and use a damp mop when mopping. For tougher dirt and stains, try an all-purpose cleaner with disinfectant properties. Make sure that you rinse off your cleanser after rinsing off the floor. A regular cleaning routine is the best way to keep your red floors looking great.

Will red oxide flooring scratch? While red is non-porous, it is still susceptible to scratches and dents caused by foot traffic and other objects. To minimize this problem, place rugs at the entrances to your home so that small objects don't accidentally enter the red oxide flooring.

Is red oxide flooring safe for kids?

It's important to always supervise small children when they are playing on or around red flooring. Some types of red oxide flooring can be abrasive to the feet and they may scratch or hurt the children. If you have pets in the home, it's a good idea to keep them off of your red oxide flooring as well. While red oxide flooring is non-porous, it is still vulnerable to damage from water and dust.

frequently asked questions

1: Is red oxide flooring harmful?

Cons of red oxide flooring

Laying oxide floors is an incredibly tedious job and has to be done in one continuous stretch, without taking a break. Only experienced masons can skillfully lay red oxide floors. Exposure to extreme weather will lead to cracks, therefore it's best suited for indoors.

2: How can I make my red oxide floor shine?

Cement and oxide should be first mixed in dry form, slowly adding water to get a consistent slurry-like mix. Any lump formation in the mix will show up in the flooring. Trowelling to get an even surface is very important. While the minor undulations vanish during the hand polish, the major ones may remain.

3: Why is red oxide used?

Red oxide is used in paints and primers as a rust preventive. If traces of rust are present on an iron surface, red oxide paint will still adhere, because it interacts with the surface by forming chemical bonds.