Interior Design Materials & Finishes Flashcards

What is the primary advantage of using porcelain tile over ceramic tile in interior applications?

Answer: Greater density, lower water absorption, and increased durability

Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures with finer clay, resulting in a denser, harder tile with a water absorption rate below 0.5%, suitable for floors and wet areas.

Which wood finish penetrates the wood grain rather than forming a surface film, enhancing the natural texture while providing protection?

Answer: Oil/wax finish

Oil and wax finishes penetrate into the wood fibers to protect from within, preserving the natural tactile feel and grain of the wood surface.

In paint specification, LRV stands for which metric used in interior design?

Answer: Light Reflectance Value

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures the percentage of light a color reflects on a scale of 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white), crucial for lighting design.

Which metal finish applied to fixtures and hardware is most resistant to tarnishing, fingerprints, and everyday wear in kitchen and bath applications?

Answer: Brushed nickel

Brushed nickel's textured surface hides water spots and fingerprints better than polished finishes and resists tarnishing, making it one of the most practical hardware choices.

What does the CE (Coefficient of Friction) rating on tile specify for interior designers?

Answer: Slip resistance of the tile surface

The coefficient of friction (COF) rating indicates a tile's slip resistance; a COF of 0.60+ is recommended for floor tiles in wet or commercial areas.

Which sustainable certification assesses building materials for environmental and health impacts across their full life cycle?

Answer: Declare/Living Product

The Declare label (from the Living Future Institute) is a 'nutrition label' for building products, disclosing all ingredients and flagging Red List chemicals.