The pictures speak
for themselves. Maybe you've seen designs in
shopping malls, government offices,
banks; the list goes on. Mixed media is a common
term used in the flooring industry where wood
floors are installed with tile or stone floors
forming a unique design.
Any
design is imaginable, using nearly any hardwood or
stone that is known to man. Our example shows a
marble inset with a picket design in hardwood.
Planning and absolute attention to layout is
critical to the success of these types of
installations. We strongly suggest when
considering such a project using the same company
for both hardwood and stone or tile.
Natural stone and mixed media with hardwood are
quite popular nowadays. Knowing how each one
functions becomes another necessity for a
successful installation that isn't pocked with
problems down the road. Wood and water do not mix
well, yet the components for an adjacent
decorative surface such as stone and tile require
water during the installation procedure.
Attention to detail is another important key.
Hardwood should be installed last, but you're
likely to hear disagreements on that issue. If our
grid pattern above isn't perfectly square when our
hardwood picket area is ready for installation,
the entire design is compromised. It can continue,
but it takes from the beauty of perfection. Tile
and stone have different vertical heights along
with the hardwood chosen. Planning is important!
Failure to plan carefully will just end up looking
like a botched amateur job. The importance in
obtaining the same finished vertical height of
both floor coverings is critical.
Designs are up to anyone's imagination. The one
pictured below is a horizontal bamboo inset with a
natural stone surround in the foyer of a home. It
basically mirrored a design on the ceiling.
A design of that dimension which measured 14 feet
across, required more than a little floor
preparation and thought because the installation
was handled by two separate companies. It turned
out nicely, but communication between the two
companies should have been given priority from day
one.
Other forms of mixed media include stone
medallions and borders. Many of these are
preassembled and don't rely on the enemy of wood
floors, water. They are generally glued into place
during or after hardwood floor installations once
the design area is cut out. However planning once
again is key.
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