Ancient Indian flooring recalls a patch of ground decorated with coloured decorative sand made of rice flower or flower petals. To date we call it ‘rangoli’, which represents the simplest form of Indian flooring tiles. With the resources of our rich heritage of India, various empires have recognised the value of indigenous materials to use for Indian flooring tiles. Vernacular Indian flooring tiles are a testament to the craftsmanship and diversity of culture in India. Let’s explore the flooring types native to the interior flooring of our country.
1. Athangudi Tiles
Athangudi Tiles (also known as Chettinad or Karaikundi Tiles) originated from the small-scale villages of Athangudi in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. These tiles take inspiration from Victorian style designs. The skill passed on through generations, retaining the legacy of Chettinad.
Coloured cement slurry mixes with oxide paint. It is further cured on a 3 mm thick glass sheet of a particular size and pattern. A specialty of Konapattu province, the dye originates from bronze (pithalai) in a framework of square sections without the use of electricity or fire.
Athangudi tiles are most suitable for Indian Flooring as they are sustainable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting. Its composition is river sand, cement, and iron oxides, which are natural, locally available materials. The sizes available are 6”x6”, 8″x8″, and 10”x10”, ranging between Rs. 60 and 65 per kg, in red, light green, yellow, blue, grey, black, and white colours.
2. Terracotta tiles
The natural warm red earthy tint of the terracotta tiles is true to the beauty of urban and rural Indian flooring materials in Rajasthan, West Bengal, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Constituted from oxides and clay, baked and assembled to perfection, each tile is unique in its appeal. Its eco-friendly, durable, low-maintenance, moisture-resistant, and long-lasting quality make it one of the best choices for Indian flooring.
Initially, hand-crafted labour has been replaced by the advancement of current technology in machine-cut geometrical shapes. It is usually 300 mm x 300 mm in various patterns of Rs. 28 per sq. ft.
3. Cuddapah Stone
Cuddapah, or Kadapa, roots from a district in south-central Andhra Pradesh, found and mostly sourced from the Betamcharla area, supplied pan India. Karnataka too springs this natural stone. This black lime stone originates from river basins and hilly terrains that contain silica, iron, etc. Made from sedimentary rocks, it is rich in calcium carbonate, giving it a black tint.
Quarried from the origin, they are cut to the desired shapes, sizes, and thickness of 16 to 20 mm, depending on the purpose and structure. It is slip-resistant, oil-resistant, easy to care for, and time-honoured, forging its aesthetic look from black, grey, and yellow tones.
Market availability of natural, brushed, honed, and polished surface finishes, offering profuse visuals to intensify the interior in an Indian context.
4. Kota Stone
Naturally available limestone of granulated diversity births the mining zones of Kota, Rajasthan, boasting an earthy landmark and creating a tradition to follow in Indian flooring. Known for real bluish-green and brown hues, it seamlessly blends with various themes of Indian interior culture.
The versatility, aesthetic appeal, toughness, non-slip, economic viability, and natural cooling effect are features enriching the popularity of the stone. The most commonly used size is 600 mm x 600 mm for Rs. 20 per sq. ft.
5. IPS Flooring
Commonly known as oxide flooring, the Indian Patent Stone (IPS) is ubiquitous in rural houses as India’s interior flooring. Resilient-grade flooring, an amalgamation of grey and white cement with metal oxides and sand, is a sturdy composition offering strength and adaptability along with an immense choice of colour curated to the client’s preference.
Minimal care and easy installation make it cost-effective flooring for Indian interiors. Standard rates vary from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per sq. ft. and of thickness 20 to 25 mm, depending on labour charges, size of room, and design needed. There are typologies of IPS flooring extending from plain to coloured, decorative, stained, or polished.
6. Marble
Dated back to the Indus Valley Civilization in India, the word marble exudes luxury in every sense with its smooth, wavy veins, always in style for Indian flooring options. Hence, it is called the royal stone, which reminds us of the famous Taj Mahal. The main production is in the state of Rajasthan, and a few others are in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Combination of calcite, dolomite, and, in some cases, serpentine, which is extracted, sawed, and polished to be cut to use for Indian interior flooring. The numerous choices and designs available in India, based on the patterns, are Makrana, Banaswara, Spider Green, Onyx, Pink, Yellow, Brown, etc., ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 40 for the chosen type.
The ever-lasting charm, customisation, and choice of palette make it one of the first preferences in present times.
7. Granite
This igneous rock, formed from molten materials cooled and solidified, is mainly found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. Made entirely of crystals, including quartz and feldspar. Due to natural forces, mechanical erosion, or vertical lifting, granite is exposed on the surface of the earth, where it is further extracted and mined.
With the large quantity of silica, it is highly resistant to decay. Its properties of fire and heat resistance, being well polished, free of cracks, water-resistant, and grainy make it well suited for Indian interiors as well as exteriors. A vast range of colour combinations, namely Indian black marquina, ivory beige, silk granite, honey brown, emerald pearl, etc., are worthy of consideration. The price ranges from Rs. 72 to Rs. 195 per sq. ft.
8. Yellow Sandstone
Jaisalmer’s treasure, the Yellow Sandstone, is a sedimentary rock formed from the association of sand-sized grains of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, etc. Ordinarily, the stone showcases a scale of yellow hues, from pale to golden, due to the presence of iron oxide minerals. This gives it a singular impression, mimicking the desert landscape.
Durable and weather-resistant are two standout features of the Jaisalmer stone. It is available in various sizes cut to requirement in multiples of 300 mm, of thickness 20–50 mm, priced at about Rs. 75 per sq. ft. Finishing is polished, brushed, honed, sandblasted, and hammered.
9. Teak Wood flooring
Teak wood dates back to ancient times for over a thousand years, from the Mughal empire, for its beauty and strength, to the British Raj, for its export value, to modern times, for India’s economy and culture.
Sturdy, problem-resistant, and high-oil content gives teak wood a magnificent sheen when cut. From 8–11 mm thickness and a rate starting from Rs. 60 per sq. ft. onwards, depending on the type of finish.
10. Mosaic flooring
Mosaic flooring is a classic style that brings a sense of nostalgia to any Desi household. An art piece, an arrangement of marble, stone, or crystal, coarsely cut into a flat adhesive surface, was previously a “middle-class” flooring two centuries ago but has now gained popularity. Mosaic can also be made of pieces of glass and broken tile, which is decorative in nature even as a DIY project.
This type of flooring gives pops of vibrancy and glamour to a space, with easy adaptability and uniqueness. Sizes obtainable are from 200 mm to 1200 mm in geometrical shape, at a cost of Rs. 70 per sq. ft.
In contrast to the traditional Indian flooring tiles, the present era of modern flooring speaks of an array of flooring materials along with the latest technological advancements, including cork, laminate, carpet, vinyl, epoxy, etc. Blending unusual materials and curating design innovations that are in play with the current environmental conditions to suit sustainable options in cost, availability, and eco-friendliness are the keys to modern flooring styles, when compared to Indian flooring tiles a few centuries earlier. But the use of historical Indian flooring tiles has always proven to be ever-lasting in function and appeal and has gained importance to preserve and enrich the culture of Indian flooring.
Content Writing And Research By: Ar. Disha Shetty
