latex
A floor with a poured latex layer forming its surface, excluding floors coated only with latex-based paint.
A latex floor is a surface coated with a layer of poured latex, a dispersion of polymer particles in water. Latex can be produced synthetically or from natural saps, and is used in making rubber (which is listed as a separate flooring material). Latex floors are used for coating rooms which require frequent cleaning, such as laboratories.
Floors coated with latex-based paint are not considered latex floors. Painted floors are assigned the material underneath the paint.
The poured latex layer is the flooring surface. This distinguishes it from separately installed rubber flooring and from a paint finish on another material. Whether the latex has a natural or synthetic origin does not by itself change this distinction.
Related definitions
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epoxy
A poured plastic floor made by reacting epoxide resin with polyamine hardener, excluding epoxy paint and terrazzo. -
linoleum
Flooring made of tiles or sheets of linoleum, a rubbery mixture of organic and mineral substances on a fibrous backing. -
polyester
A plastic floor formed by a thick coating of polyester resin over an underlying surface. -
polyurethane
A floor formed by a thick, poured polyurethane resin layer, excluding wood varnish and concealed carpet underlay. -
vinyl
Flooring made of tiles or sheets of vinyl, a group of plastics which includes polyvinyl chloride.