Flooring for Hulimavu Builder Floors — Subfloor Assessment First

Scratch test (steel key dragged across — sound concrete resists; weak slab produces white powder and grooves), tap test (solid vs hollow for debonded layers), and spirit level check for level variation. Any failure triggers appropriate remediation before tiling.

Approximately 1,000 sq ft of floor area (600×600mm tile in common areas, LVT in bedrooms, anti-slip in bathrooms, self-levelling in living and dining): ₹85,000–₹1.3L depending on tile grade and the extent of levelling required.

Vitrified tiles are the most practical choice for most Bangalore homes: they are waterproof, highly durable, easy to clean, and perform perfectly across monsoon and dry seasons. Laminate flooring offers a warmer wood-look finish that is more comfortable underfoot in bedrooms, but it is moisture-sensitive — avoid it in rooms with any risk of water contact (near balcony doors, kitchen, bathrooms). Vinyl (LVT) is a newer option that gives the wood-look warmth of laminate with near-tile waterproofing — an excellent bedroom option for Bangalore flats.

Overlaying new tiles on existing tiles is possible if the existing tiles are firmly bonded (no hollow spots), the ceiling height permits a 12–15mm height gain, and door clearances allow for it. We test each tile by tapping before recommending an overlay — hollow tiles must be removed to prevent failure of the new layer. Laminate or vinyl can be installed over existing tiles more easily, as they are thinner and require only a flat (not bonded) subfloor.