Choose IPS flooring for a modern, affordable, customisable solution.
The journey to a stunning home begins with its foundation, particularly its flooring. As a homeowner, selecting a durable yet stylish flooring material is paramount. When it comes to flooring, interior design trends have evolved over the years, from classic grey cement and red oxidised floors to ceramic, vinyl, hardwood, and marble. This season, there is a resurgence of interest in cement flooring, notably a sleeker variation known as Indian Patent Stone Flooring, or IPS flooring.
This blog will explore everything you want to know about this cost-effective, highly durable, and customisable flooring option in detail. Let’s dive in!
What is IPS flooring?
IPS flooring, or Indian Patent Stone flooring, is a long-lasting and low-cost option generally constructed by mixing cement, water, sand, and coarse aggregates in a 1:1:5:3 ratio. It is laid on a layer of plain cement concrete (PCC) base, generally 3 to 4 inches thick, for stability.
This flooring style is widely known for its strength and durability, making it perfect for high-traffic areas of your home. IPS flooring texture can be adjusted based on your aesthetic needs and preferences. It can have a smooth and shiny texture for modular homes or a rough texture for an industrial look.
With its cost, durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, IPS flooring has become a popular choice for both homeowners and builders looking for a stunning yet affordable flooring alternative.
IPS Flooring Price
The cost of Indian Patent Stone Flooring depends on your home’s square footage, design, and labour charges in your area. However, on average, it can range from ₹60-₹80 per square foot. Do note that prices may vary from place to place.
Where can you Install IPS Flooring?
IPS flooring can be used in both commercial and residential spaces. In homes, you can use it to make:
- Floor
- Entryways
- Kitchen Backsplash
- Balcony
- Hallways
- Terrace
Types of IPS Flooring
IPS floors can be made in various ways and styles to meet your needs. Let’s take a look at a few options:
Standard IPS flooring
This is the most common form of IPS flooring, known for its high wear resistance. Standard IPS flooring is commonly used in industrial and commercial spaces. It is the basic Indian-style concrete flooring that is both durable and useful.
Coloured IPS flooring
Plain IPS flooring can be coloured by mixing metal oxides and dyes with concrete to bring vibrancy and character to your space. It might be an excellent option for people seeking to build visually stunning floors without breaking the bank.
Textured IPS flooring
Textured IPS flooring adds character and dimension to your floors, creating a visually appealing and tactile surface. During installation, specialised tools, chips, and stencils are used to create the texture, resulting in a unique and customised appearance.
Polished IPS Flooring
Polished IPS flooring has a smooth and glossy surface, adding elegance to your room. The surface is polished using chemicals to a shiny gloss, improving the overall aesthetic appeal of the flooring. It is often seen in hotels and upscale residential buildings.
Matte Finish IPS Flooring
Matte finish IPS flooring is an excellent option for individuals who want a more subdued and unobtrusive appearance. It offers a non-reflective surface with a soft and velvety texture, bringing a touch of luxury to any area.
IPS Flooring Advantages and Disadvantages
Before selecting, you should understand the advantages and drawbacks of IPS flooring. Let’s explore these:
IPS Flooring Pros
- Durability: IPS flooring is highly durable. When properly constructed, it can outlast the majority of the building’s components.
- Energy Efficiency: An IPS floor has a large thermal mass, which improves the internal atmosphere of the home. As a result, it has a cooling effect when you walk barefoot.
- Damp Resistance: An IPS floor is non-absorbent, making it resistant to dampness. This also makes it suitable for water-resistant floors and businesses.
- Fast Construction Speed: An IPS floor may be built quickly, assisting in the timely completion of the bottom floor. Precast flooring solutions can decrease work requirements on building sites.
- Fire Resistance: Because concrete is a non-combustible material, it aids in the construction of fire-resistant floors for fire-prone structures.
- Maintenance Cost: The IPS floor is simple to clean. All you need is vacuuming and mopping with mild detergent.
IPS Flooring Cons
- Cold Surface: Floors with an IPS finish tend to become cold. While walking on the floor barefoot during summer feels great, it is equally uncomfortable during the colder months. Rugs and mats can help to alleviate this problem.
- Installation Skill: Proper installation of IPS floors requires skilled labour. DIY installation may result in poor bonding or uneven surfaces.
IPS flooring vs VDF flooring
Unlike IPS flooring, vacuum dewatering concrete flooring (VDF) is a construction process in which excess air and water are removed from the concrete mixture before it is set on the floor. This improves the floor’s durability and strength.
VDF Flooring | IPS Flooring |
Commonly used in high-traffic commercial and industrial spaces | Popular in residential interiors |
Can be expensive as it requires heavy machinery and highly skilled labours | Much more cost-effective than VDF flooring |
Highly durable and can withstand high abrasion | Highly durable but prone to cracks if not maintained |
The minimum thickness is 30-35 mm | The minimum thickness is 25 mm |
In a nutshell…
IPS flooring stands out for its durability, affordability, and personalisation, making it an excellent choice for modern households. Are you ready to transform your space? Schedule a consultation call today with our experts to determine whether IPS flooring is suitable for your home.
Also, check out our this article Unique Cement Floor Designs to Beautify Your Space
FAQs On IPS Flooring
Is IPS flooring suitable for homes?
Yes, IPS flooring is a good choice for homes. It offers durability, affordability, and a range of design options. IPS flooring is resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. It is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical flooring solution for homeowners.
Is IPS flooring easy to clean and maintain?
Yes, IPS flooring is very easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent can keep the floor free from dust and stains. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the surface and reduce its lifespan.
Can IPS flooring be polished?
Yes, IPS flooring can be polished to achieve a sleek and glossy finish. Polishing enhances the flooring’s appearance and provides added protection. After polishing, the surface is thoroughly cleaned, and a sealant is applied to protect it from moisture and stains.
What are the benefits of IPS flooring?
IPS flooring offers several benefits. It is durable, affordable, and customisable. IPS flooring is resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. It is also fire-resistant and can withstand heavy furniture. IPS flooring is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, it comes in various colour and design options, allowing homeowners to create a personalised look for their space.
What exactly is IPS material?
IPS stands for Indian Patent Stone. It is a type of concrete flooring made by smoothing the floor with a slurry of cement, water, sand, and coarse aggregates. IPS flooring is known for its durability, affordability, and versatility. It can be customized with different colors and textures to suit various design preferences.