During the 1970s, Red and Black Oxide Floors were all the rage in Kerala. Malayalis called it- 'Kaviyidal'. These days, Red oxide floors have made a return with many improvements.
They are still a favourite among Low-budget Home Builders, as they give a smooth shiny polished floor for a much lesser price compared to other alternatives.
Moreover, various patterns can be artistically created to give a marble or parquet look to the oxide floor. Pavaratty in Trichur is famous for its Red Oxide experts- especially to get the 'Pavaratty Finish'.
The Red/ Black Oxide powder is mixed with white cement and applied to the floor. Even with the best materials and finishes, the estimated cost is less than Rs.15 per sqft, making it a value-for-money choice!
Method of applicationFor Red Oxide flooring the flooring oxide and cement are mixed in the ratio of 1:3 to 1:5 by weight/volume. This mixture is made into a thick slurry with water and applied for cement flooring, wall and steps.
For mosaic flooring first of all, mix the Red oxide with white cement, chips and white powder in dry powder form. After mixing the above items well, and a little water and mix them thoroughly. Again add more water according to your requirement.
Coverage100 to 150 Sq. feet per Kg for flooring top finishing with cement slurry and color oxide (color oxide and cement ratio 1:5). However varies with the thickness of the top finishing and the type and color of the cement used.
Points to noteMix oxide flooring colours thoroughly with grey or white cement in 1:8 ratio by weight. Colour to Cement ratio may be varied to get deeper or lighter shade of a particular colour. Best results achieved when White Cement is used.
Prepare a consistent and slightly thick paste with water, taking care to mix well. Apply a thin coat of this coloured paste evenly on the floor. Soak continously for next 3-4 days under water column. After complete setting, polish for best results.
Avoid using colours other than Red, Yellow, Black and Chocolate for exteriors. Do not use acid for cleaning or polishing. Use your imagination to create colourful patterns in interiors.More links on Red Oxide Floor: 'Kaviyidal'-
4 comments:
We want to do oxide flooring in our Project. Can you kindly send us appropriate contacts of Kaviyidal- pavaratty finish and others.
Thanks,
Priya Shyam,
dsync09@gmail.com
Hi,
Saw this blog and some of the comments. Very informative, useful and succint.
I have a farm in Konkan Mahrashtra where conditions are similar to Kerala. There is granite boulders in the fields that can be used.
Can I build a small farmhouse of about 2000 sq ft comprising living quarters, seed room, fertiliser shed, garage, etc using modern but cheap methods like red/black oxide flooring, double walled granite stone walls, interior plastering, extended roofs to prevent rain touching the walls, high ceilings, skylights, etc so that my recurring cost is minimal. My budget is totally about 5 lakhs.
Please reply. My email is anilkaye@yahoo.com
Awaiting your really valuable input. I tried speaking with some Bombay architects but they seem too busy or self-ablf abosrbed for such small projects like mine.
Thanks for your comment. To get in touch with our design department and to know the procedure, please visit>> www.KeralaArchitect.com
Alternatively, you may email us your design requirements to mail@keralaarchitect.com
Regards
Hi,
The information in your blog was quite useful.Thank you.
In addition, could you assist me if anyone in kerala is in the bussiness of traditional black flooring- using burnt & powdered coconut shell and.....?
Thank you, Sureshkumar
Post a Comment