Introduction
When designing your home interiors, one of the biggest aspects that you must cater to is the flooring. After all, the flooring is the foundation of your home’s interiors, and a strong foundation is crucial. Most homes you see often have floors made of materials like marble, tiles, or wood.
However, a lesser-known, but potentially more durable material is IPS, also known as Indian Patent Stone.
If you’re curious about how this material compares to alternatives like tile and marble, along with its composition, benefits, and drawbacks, we’ve got all the information you need. Keep reading to find out more.
What is IPS Flooring?
IPS is a type of concrete flooring material that’s often used in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The typical composition of this mix is in the ratio 1:1:5:3 (cement, sand, and stone aggregates).
The flooring thickness of concrete typically varies from 25mm to 50mm and is decided based on the nature of the use, and the space it’s used in (residential or commercial). Sometimes, however, the thickness can also go up to 75mm. The usual thickness in residential spaces is 25mm, whereas industrial spaces use a thickness of 75mm.
What are the Benefits of IPS Flooring?
IPS flooring offers a range of different benefits that can make it the ideal choice of material for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Some of these benefits include –
- Durability – If appropriately constructed and mixed, IPS flooring can typically outlast most other components of a building.
- Stiffness – IPS flooring possesses the stiffness to be adequately load-bearing and doesn’t deflect under the applied load.
- Resistance to dampness – IPS flooring is non-absorbent, as a result of which it provides good resistance to moisture and dampness. This also makes it ideal for water-retaining floors.
- Energy efficiency – IPS flooring has high thermal mass, which helps enhance the atmosphere in a space. This reduces the demand for other sources of thermal mass, enhancing your space’s energy efficiency.
- Fire resistance – IPS flooring is non-combustible since it’s primarily made of concrete. This makes it the ideal option for flooring in spaces that might have higher risks of fire hazards.
- Lower maintenance costs – IPS flooring is easier to maintain and easy to keep clean. This reduces its overall maintenance costs.
What are the Disadvantages of IPS Flooring?
While IPS flooring offers a whole range of advantages, it also comes with a major drawback, which is that it can be prone to cracks. However, the best way to prevent this is to ensure that the flooring is properly cured.
In the next section, we show you how you can install IPS flooring in your space.
The Process of Installing IPS Floors
Just like with the installation of any other type of flooring, IPS flooring also requires the expertise of a professional. Here are the steps involved in the installation of IPS floors –
- Step 1 – The surface on which the flooring is to be laid down must be cleaned with water and a brush.
- Step 2 – To ensure that the flooring is level, a level must be marked on the adjoining walls using a spirit leveller.
- Step 3 – Next, construct a concrete dummy hole of about 2 to 3 square metres in size every few metres as a reference.
- Step 4 – Once the dummy dots are fully settled, pour in the concrete mix in panels to mitigate shrinkage cracks.
- Step 5 – Level the mixture with a trowel or a wooden flat to give it a straight edge. Perform the final troweling before the concrete becomes hard.
- Step 6 – Pour a cement slurry about 2 to 3 mm thick to give the IPS flooring a glossy finish.
- Step 7 – The concrete and cement slurry need to be cured for a period of 15 days to prevent any cracks.
- Step 8 – To give the flooring a smooth surface, a vacuum dewatering machine is to be used. This helps improve the surface’s resistance to abrasions.
Key Differences Between VDF and IPS Flooring
VDF stands for vacuum dewatering concrete flooring. In this construction technique, one uses a vacuum to remove excess air and water from the concrete mix before laying it on the floor. As a result, this improves the durability and strength of the floor. We mention the differences between the two based on various factors below.
- Usage – VDF is commonly used in spaces with high traffic, such as industrial areas, whereas IPS flooring is more commonly used in residential flooring.
- Cost – VDF is more expensive as it requires the expertise of skilled labour, whereas IPS is more cost-effective.
- Thickness – VDG has a minimum thickness of 30-35mm, whereas IPS has a minimum thickness of 25mm.
- Durability – VDF is comparatively more durable than IPS flooring.
Key Differences Between PCC and IPS Flooring
PCC stands for plain cement concrete and is a mixture of fine aggregates like sand, and coarse aggregates without steel and cement. Generally, one lays it on the surface of the soil to avoid contact between the concrete reinforcement with soil and water. We mention the key differences between the two below.
- Usage – PCC is generally used as a foundation or base layer, whereas IPS is a type of decorative flooring.
- Category – PCC falls under IPS, whereas the latter is laid out over PCC as a protective layer or surface.
- Cost – PCC is economical whereas IPS tends to be more expensive in comparison.
How Much Does IPS Flooring in India Cost?
IPS flooring in India typically costs anywhere between Rs. 60-80 per square foot. The total price depends on various factors such as the size of your home or the surface to be covered, the design, and the resulting labour charges.
Factors to Consider When Choosing IPS Flooring in India
There are certain factors you must keep in mind when you choose IPS flooring as your go-to for your home’s interiors. Below, we mention these.
- The finishing of IPS flooring, a neat cement finish, comes with the material and cannot be paid for separately..
- You can also use IPS flooring on a skirting or dado that is 19mm thick. It typically consists of a base layer and a final layer.
- IPS flooring typically needs glass, PVC, or aluminium strips. The glass strip used, for example, is typically between 45-70mm thick and are cut out from glass sheets. PVC strips are also cut from PVC sheets depending on the specifications.
- It’s key to determine your requirements and your usage before you choose IPS flooring as the foundation for your home interiors.
- Selecting the right base foundation is key.
In Conclusion
The flooring of your home forms the foundation of its interiors and must be done right. This includes choosing the right materials and finishes, along with the precision required to ensure a thorough and durable job. If you’re considering using IPS flooring for your home interiors, you’ll find all the information you need in this detailed guide.
At Bonito Designs, we work with you every step of the way to help you choose the right materials and finishes for every aspect of your home interiors. Our team of 300+ interior designers have the skills and the expertise to help you create your dream home interiors, down to the very last detail.
