Parquet & Marble...Is that really it?

[Jimmy]

I am an American.  I will be going to Singapore in January for a looksee and I have been reading other posts and I would like to know this.

Could you guys answer if this is 100% the case or 90% or what.  I too like wood floors (strip kind, not parquet) or mexican tile, etc.  Marble reminds me of a hotel lobby.  Maybe I will like it when I get there, but I just don't know.  Pics I have seen, I don't really care for.

Gracias

[Mo3]

Jimmy, the flooring material is a mix.  I've seen marble, ceramic tile and wood.  For the most part, I haven't seen wall-to-wall carpeting.  I must say that the wooden, ceramic and marble floors all feel wonderful on bare feet, (locals don't wear street shoes in their houses). The marble and ceramic floors don't have as much "give" as the wooden ones, so your tooties feel a bit tired at first, but there's tons of reflexology places to straighten out that problem.  As to whether the marble looks tacky, it all depends on the rest of the decor.  One house that we considered had marble flooring but looked downright elegant.  Come, see and make yourself a cozy tropical home.

[This message has been edited by Mo3 (edited 05-12-2000).]

[evehow]

Marble is pretty common here.  And no, it's NOT ornate and glitzy like those in hotels (more to do with lighting; you're not going to have 1,000W lighting, are you?).  I've seen worse finishing in homes, such as cornices and chandeliers.

Terazzo (made in China, 1" thick) used to be very popular and common but it's difficult to find that now.  Ceramic tiles are common, but the grout traps dust.  Parquet flooring is getting popular as solid wood won't survive in the humid weather of Singapore.

Carpet - unless you aircondition the place every day and clean your carpet regularly.  Otherwise it's dust and mites galore.

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 05-12-2000).]

[Jimmy]

Mo3 thanks for the message, I appreciate your help.

P/S If you do not mind entertaining a less than serious question, could you please tell me if you often see wood floors (non-parquet) or “Mexican” style tiles?

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 05-12-2000).]

[mango]

Jimmy

Marble and parquet are used in Singapore for practical reasons - it is very hot and very very humid.

Unless you keep the air-conditioning on full-time carpets become damp, mildewy and smell - insects can hide in them - I speak from bitter experience.  Air-conditioning is not cheap and would you really want to leave it on when going on holidays etc..

The cold marble underfoot would have horrified me in cold UK but here the cool is refreshing!

You wait see!!

[flat "expert"]

I think we have what you call Mexican style tiles. They're ceramic and are cleaned easily with mop, vacuum, broom. Terra cotta is used outdoors tho, so is slate and granite is the in thing nowadays, which when highly polished is like your dreaded marble   Chances are tho rented accom will just have the regualar floor tiles, usually white and simple