Most people reading this article have probably never heard of red oxide flooring. However, in South Indian homes, red oxide is a common flooring material. For centuries, kings and peasants alike have adorned their homes with red oxide flooring designs in many parts of Kerala, Chettiar, coastal Karnataka, and Goa. If you grew up in these parts of the country, the rich, velvety feel of a red oxide floor would transport you back to your childhood summer vacations at your grandparents' house. A red oxide floor is a must-have for any traditional south Indian home. Once the preferred choice of homeowners, red oxide tiles fell out of favour in the 1970s as mosaic tiles, marble, granite, and vitrified tiles became more popular.
Let us take a look at the history of red oxide flooring and some of the best red oxide for flooring designs that have been famous in south Indian homes for many decades.
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What Is Red Oxide Flooring?
Oxides are typically used to colour the floor in oxide flooring. The most common type is red oxide flooring, also known as larvicidal. Italian and Portuguese traders previously brought red oxide flooring designs to India. They are most popular in South India, where the trend began in Kerala, but they can be found almost anywhere in India, especially in older homes.
In India, red oxide has been used for centuries. As a result of industrialisation and mass production, marble and granite flooring for traditional homes became fashionable replacements for red oxide floors - though the latter is now making a strong comeback. Cement, mud, or even lime can create red oxide flooring. The oxides come in various colours, and while red is the most popular, green, blue, black, and yellow are also used - making red oxide one of the more versatile options within the broader range of flooring designs available for Indian homes. In fact, by combining different shades of red, nearly 25 different shades of red can be created. In addition, you can use different red oxide flooring designs in other rooms to give your home a unique look.
Red oxide flooring designs are making a comeback. This is because people recognise how sustainable and environmentally friendly this option is compared to commercially produced marble and granite. Not to mention, this option is significantly less expensive than purchasing granite or marble. So if you want to incorporate a rustic or earthy look into your new home, this is a great way to do it.
Red Oxide Flooring in India: A Long and Rich History
The process takes three to four days for the floor to dry and absorb the wax. Red oxide flooring may appear straightforward to install, but it is a labour-intensive and time-consuming process requiring highly skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. If you're wondering how to make red oxide flooring, keep reading. After the concrete has been set, red oxide mixed with cement is applied to the floor. For a neat finish, this layer is smoothed out with levelling tools. Any patches or divots are carefully covered. To prevent the floor from drying out, it is sprayed with water. Depending on how quickly the floor dries, this process is repeated for a day or two.
The residue must be manually removed the next day. This is then rubbed off with a cloth, and the process is repeated until all of the white patches have been removed. After that, the floor is watered for several days to cure further and set to its final state. Next, it's sanded with 400 grit sandpaper to smooth out any flaws. This aids in creating a smooth and flat finish for the next step, waxing. Red wax, usual beeswax, is used to polish the floor to a mirror finish with a cloth.
Best Red Oxide Flooring Designs
Red Oxide Flooring Designs in Different Shades and Colours
If red oxide flooring has piqued your interest, but you aren't a fan of red, don't fret! You can also choose your liking from otherred oxide flooring colours, such as green, blue, yellow, and black. There are about 20 to 25 different types of red pigment. However, check the quality of the coloured oxides before installing them, as low-quality oxides will result in patchy flooring over time.
Red Oxide Flooring Tiles
Red oxide flooring, while elegant, can be challenging to install, as previously stated. This is primarily due to a scarcity of skilled workers. However, this problem has a simple solution in red oxide tiles, which have become increasingly popular. The tiles come in various colours and patterns, so you can create the exact look you want. Simultaneously, they do not necessitate highly skilled labour or in-situ installation, making them a practical alternative to red oxide floors.
Red Oxide for Your Terrace
If you believe that red oxide flooring designs are only suitable for use in your home, you are mistaken. This classic flooring style is perfect for terraces and porches, and pairs particularly well with the earthy aesthetic of balcony flooring designs that lean towards natural, low-maintenance finishes. Combined with a few potted plants, these designs can completely transform the appearance of your red oxide flooring outdoor spaces.
Liquid Red Oxide Floor Coatings
This type of floor coating consists of a liquid that has been mixed with cement and can be applied on any surface you like. It is free from toxins and hazards, ideal for public spaces and other areas where prominent people frequent. The red oxide flooring polish can be sprayed on concrete floors, wood floors, tile floors, and other surfaces. The liquid is less prone to staining than powder coating, and it easily conceals flaws and hence is also easy to clean, so if you’re wondering how to clean red oxide floor, just water and floor cleaner would be sufficient.
Red Oxide Floor Coatings with Dry Powder
Red oxide dry powder floor coating consists of a powder applied to the area to be coated, followed by a transparent sealant layer to create a robust and long-lasting surface. The powder can be used immediately on concrete or any other suitable surface, and the layers are applied in order, with the protective sealant being applied last.
Red Oxide Paint with a Metal Effect
This one can be used to paint any surface, and the powder is then applied as a dry coating to protect the surface. A striking process is used to create the dry powder, mixed with pigments, resins, and special binders. This coating can be buffed out if necessary after it has been applied to create an attractive, long-lasting finish for various floors with red oxide flooring texture.
Red Oxide Floor Coatings with a Self-Adhesive Backing Layer
This red oxide coating is made by spraying a liquid over the area to be coated, then applying a textured, self-adhesive backing layer on top of the liquid coat to protect the treated surfaces from scrapes, stains, and everyday wear and tear. The textured layer adheres to the treated areas, creating a tough, long-lasting finish.
Red Oxide Acrylic Floor Paint
Acrylic polymers make up one of the best red oxide paints compatible with most surfaces. In addition, the paint itself is versatile and can be used in various ways. It can, for example, be sprayed directly onto a surface without the use of primers or topcoats. Being easy to install and maintain is one of the primary reasons why red oxide flooring was widely accepted by homeowners in southern parts of India.
Red Oxide Flooring Advantages
Red oxide flooring has several advantages such as:
- This is a very cost-effective choice. While marble flooring designs are undeniably elegant, the cost involved often forces homeowners to compromise on quality. Red oxide flooring, by contrast, is highly cost-effective without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. As a result, the red oxide flooring rate per square foot is usually between INR 80 and INR 90.
- Red oxide flooring is straightforward to keep clean. They don't lose their lustre as tiles do. For the floors to remain pristine for years, the only thing you need to do is avoid harsh chemical cleaners and sweep and mop them regularly.
- Red oxide floors improve over time rather than degrade. Therefore, the red oxide floor will likely become shinier and smoother over time.
- Red oxide floors are ideal for homes in hot and humid climates because they are significantly cooler in the summer than tiled or wooden flooring designs that tend to retain heat.
- These floors are much more sustainable and eco-friendlier because they are made entirely of natural materials.
Red Oxide Flooring Disadvantages
While there are many advantages of red oxide flooring designs, there are a few disadvantages too.
- Nowadays, it's challenging to find people who can adequately lay a red oxide floor because the technique isn't widely used.
- Floors are a very time-consuming and labour-intensive task. The flooring must be laid out in a single continuous stretch. As a result, it is typically carried out by skilled and experienced people in this field.
- If exposed to extreme weather, red oxide floors are prone to cracking. As a result, this type of flooring is best suited for interior rooms.
- It is critical to use high-quality oxide. Otherwise, the flooring will become patchy and fade over time.
Red Oxide Flooring Cost
The beauty of red oxide flooring is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and attractive. However, customers who want to install red oxide floors in their homes are concerned about their financial viability. Apart from that, unlike the other methods, this flooring will become more polished and appealing over time, rather than deteriorating. Despite being replaced by other modern flooring elements, red oxide flooring is coming back due to its cost-effectiveness and refined appearance
As previously stated, red oxide flooring designs are significantly less expensive than many other options. However, the price per square foot varies between 80 and 90 rupees. Colours and materials can take you to another era, and red oxide floors will take you to a different time when houses were built with pride. As a result, over the last decade, oxides have increased in several parts of South India, particularly Kerala, coastal Karnataka, and interior Tamil Nadu. As more people recognise the actual value of this humble material, we expect this trend to continue.
Integrating Red Oxide Flooring Designs In your Decor
As previously stated, laying a red oxide floor necessitates the expertise of a skilled mason, and not just anyone can do it flawlessly. If you don't want to take on the difficult task of redoing the entire floor, you can borrow the style and use it in other ways. Using a few red oxide tiles as an example is a good idea. On the terrace, red oxide flooring can also be used.
Red oxide flooring is one of those classic Indian designs that never go out of style. When installed correctly under expert craftsmanship, red oxide flooring designs can withstand the test of time and age like fine wine, gaining lustre over time. Red oxide floors may be just what you're looking for if you're looking for something different than stone, tiles, or wood. If you are looking for a flooring expert to help you get the best, long-lasting solution to your house’s flooring, then you shall definitely find the right help at NoBroker Interiors. Please leave a comment below this article, our executive will be in touch with you soon.
