Interior Design Interior Design Materials & Finishes 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which flooring material is produced by pressing layers of wood veneer together with adhesive under heat and pressure?
- Solid hardwood
- Engineered hardwood (Correct answer)
- Laminate
- LVP
Correct answer: Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer top layer bonded over multiple plywood layers, offering greater dimensional stability than solid wood.
Question 2: A Janka hardness rating is used to measure which property of flooring materials?
- Moisture resistance
- Resistance to denting and wear (Correct answer)
- Thermal conductivity
- Sound absorption
Correct answer: Resistance to denting and wear
The Janka hardness test measures the force required to embed a steel ball into wood, indicating its resistance to dents and surface wear.
Question 3: Which countertop material is non-porous, heat-resistant, and composed of natural quartz crystals bound with resin?
- Marble
- Granite
- Quartzite
- Engineered quartz (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Engineered quartz
Engineered quartz (e.g., Silestone, Caesarstone) is manufactured from 90–95% ground quartz and polymer resins, creating a non-porous, low-maintenance surface.
Question 4: In textile specification, what does the term 'double rub count' measure?
- Thread count per inch
- Fabric abrasion resistance and durability (Correct answer)
- Colorfastness under UV exposure
- Flame spread rating
Correct answer: Fabric abrasion resistance and durability
Double rub count measures how many back-and-forth cycles a fabric withstands before showing wear, with 30,000+ considered heavy-duty commercial grade.
Question 5: Which paint finish is most appropriate for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and trim due to its durability and cleanability?
- Flat/Matte
- Eggshell
- Satin
- Semi-gloss (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss paint offers a durable, moisture-resistant finish that is easily wiped clean, making it ideal for trim, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Question 6: Terrazzo flooring is composed of which materials?
- Compressed cork and resin
- Marble or granite chips set in cement or epoxy (Correct answer)
- Porcelain powder fired at high temperatures
- Recycled glass and concrete
Correct answer: Marble or granite chips set in cement or epoxy
Terrazzo consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass poured with a cement or epoxy binder, then ground and polished to a smooth finish.
Interior Design Interior Design Materials & Finishes 1
Which flooring material is produced by pressing layers of wood veneer together with adhesive under heat and pressure?