Interior Finishes

Interior Finishes
• Interior Finishes typically address:
– Durability
– Fire-resistance
– Acoustics
– Reflected/Absorbed Light
– Thermal Conductivity
– Aesthetics

• The term “finish” refers to a surface material exposed to view; e.g.,

paint, cladding, vinyl and wood flooring, carpeting and acoustic
ceilings.

• As opposed to the underlying structure of a building, finishes are

used for their beauty and durability. In addition to these qualities,
finishes are also chosen based on the ease and expense required in
putting them in place.
 Interior Finish Systems

• Wall Systems

• Floor Systems

• Ceiling Systems
 Interior Partitions
• Constructed to meet
specific performance
requirements:
– structural strength
– fire resistance
– durability
– acoustics

• Typical Construction:
– Gypsum Wall Board
(GWB) over wood or metal
studs.
– Veneer Plaster over wood
or metal studs.
– Plaster over wood or metal
studs.
– Plaster over structural clay
tiles.
– Concrete block
 Interior Wall Types
• Fire Walls – Provide separations between areas to prevent the spread of fire
from one space to an adjacent space. Fire walls extend from the foundation to
the roof and are constructed based on code requirements. Openings in firewalls
are restricted in size and must be closed with fire doors and/or fire-rated glass.

• Shaft Walls – Enclose a multi-story opening through a building such as an

elevator shaft or a shaft for ductwork or other utilities. Shaft wall construction is
dictated by code requirements.

• Fire-Rated Walls – Used to separate different types of spaces in mixed use

buildings, to separate tenant spaces in commercial buildings, or to separate
dwelling units in multiple dwellings. Unlike firewalls, they do not need to extend
from foundation to roof, but must extend from the top of one floor slab to the
underside of the next. They cannot terminate at a suspended ceiling.

• Smoke Barriers – Required in buildings such as prisons and hospitals, where

occupants might be unable to leave the building in the event of a fire. They
separate areas off by forming a continuous air-tight assembly that serves to
provide an interior zone protected from fire spread.

• Nonbearing Partitions – Other than adhering to material combustibility provisions

(code requirements regarding the ability of a material to catch fire), these walls
may be of any material.
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
• Plaster –a generic term describing numerous finishes
applied to a surface in paste form that harden into a solid
material.

• Plaster is one of the earliest forms of facing materials

whose origins go back to prehistoric times, when mud
was smeared over woven sticks and vines to create a
construction called wattle and daub.

– The Egyptians and Mesopotamians invented gypsum plaster – a

finer type of plaster that utilizes gypsum and lime.

– In the 19th century, with the development of Portland Cement,

portland cement plaster, or stucco, was developed. The
advantage of stucco over gypsum plaster is that it can be used in
exterior applications where exposed to water.
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
• Plaster may be applied over one of the following bases:

– Concrete or Masonry – These surfaces must be porous and rough to provide a

good bond for the plaster.

– Metal Lath – Sheet metal or wire fabric made of non-corrosive steel alloy or
galvanized steel. Common types include expanded metal lath, rib lath and paper-
backed lath.

– Gypsum Lath – Hardened 3/8” or 1/2” board composed of solid air-entrained

plaster faced with an absorbent paper to which the plaster is applied. This
product is available as an insulating panel, fire resistant panel, and perforated
panel (for greater plaster adhesion).

• Prior to applying the plaster to the substrate Trim Accessories are applied.
These accessories, made of galvanized steel or copper alloy steel, are used
to reinforce the plaster edges and corners.
– Typical trim accessories include:
• corner beads
• J-beads
• Bullnose beads
• Integral recessed or flush wall base
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
• Plaster is usually applied in a 3-step process that includes:
– Scratch Coat – This is a rough first coat that is not completely flat.
– Brown Coat – Applied to the scratch coat after it has hardened, the
brown coat serves to build strength and thickness and to present a level
surface for the final coat.
– Finish Coat – This is a very thin layer of plaster that is troweled smooth
or worked to any desired texture.

• Three-coat plaster is extremely strong and fire resistant. The one

disadvantage is its cost, which is primarily due to the labor required.

• Two-coat plaster may be applied over a proper base. Two-coat

plaster is composed of one combined scratch and brown coat, and
one finish coat.

• Interior plaster varies in thickness from 1/2” to 5/8”.

• Exterior plaster varies from 3/4” to 7/8” thick.

 Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
• In addition to gypsum plaster and Portland Cement plaster, other plaster types include:

• Acoustical Plaster – Low density finish coat plaster containing vermiculite or other porous material
to absorb sound.

• Keene’s Cement Plaster – Keene’s cement is a trademark for a type of gypsum plaster that
produces an exceptionally hard, crack resistant, water resistant finish.

• Wood Fibered Plaster – Base coat plaster containing coarse cellulose fibers that help to provide
higher strength and fire resistance.

• Lightweight Plaster – Contains perlite or vermiculite to reduce weight and increase thermal and
fire resistance.

• Bonding Plaster – Type of base coat plaster for use on non-porous interior surfaces such as
concrete.

• Molding Plaster – Consists of finely ground gypsum and hydrated lime for use in ornamental
plasterwork.

• Veneer Plaster is a plaster system used where speed and cost are considerations. It involves the
application of two very thin coats (together totaling about 1/8”) of specially formulated dense
plaster over a paper faced gypsum board. Veneer plaster hardens and dries very rapidly, allowing
it to be painted within one day.

• As a result of the cost of 3 coat plaster systems, and with the development and refinement of
gypsum board in the middle of the 20th century, the use of plaster has decreased dramatically.
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
Wall Finish Materials - Plaster
 Wall Finish Materials – Gypsum Board
• Gypsum Board – a prefabricated paper-faced
plaster sheet material.
– Most commonly used in 4 ft by 8 ft sheets, although it is
available in lengths as great as 14 ft.

– Available in a variety of widths ranging from 1/4” to 1 “,

with 1/2” board being the most commonly used.

– Gypsum Board is commonly referred to as gypsum

wallboard (or GWB), plasterboard, or drywall. (The term
sheetrock is a registered trademark of one brand of
gypsum board.)

– The major advantages of gypsum board are its fire

resistant qualities and its low cost.
 Wall Finish Materials – Gypsum Board
• Common gypsum board types include:
– Regular Gypsum Board – Used for the majority of applications such as
surfacing of walls and ceilings.

– Water-resistant Gypsum Board – Used in locations exposed to

moderate amounts of moisture such as bathroom ceilings or walls not in
showers or baths. It is composed of a water-repellent paper facing over
a moisture resistant core. May be used as a base for ceramic tile.

– Type X Gypsum Board – Used in fire-rated assemblies. Composed of a

fire resistant core material that is reinforced with short glass fibers that
hold the gypsum together if exposed to fire.

– Foil-backed Gypsum Board – Serves as a combination reflective

insulation material and vapor retarder in outside wall assemblies
(provided the GWB faces a ¾” dead airspace.)

– Prefinished Board – Board pre-finished with vinyl or printed paper in

variety of colors, patterns and textures.
Wall Finish Materials - Gypsum Board - Application
• Applied by screwing it into either wood or light gauge steel studs.

• Joints between panels are staggered for strength.

• Curved wall surfaces can be created by bending the board to fit the radius of the
curve, ( tighter curves may require wetting the gypsum board before applying it ).

• The edges of gypsum panels are tapered. The tradesman who finishes the joints and
screw holes prior to painting is called a taper. The taper does this work with joint
compound – a fast drying plaster-like material that is applied along with reinforcing
tape in three layers using the following process:

• Joint compound is applied to the joint between panels. At this time the reinforcing
tape is bedded into the compound. Screw holes are also filled at this time.

• After overnight drying, the second layer of compound is applied to the joint.

• When the second layer is dry, it is sanded lightly before a final coat of compound is
added.

• Prior to painting, the wall is lightly sanded one last time.

• When the edge of gypsum board is exposed, as at a reveal or an outside corner,

accessory trims called beads (similar to those used for plaster work) are used.
Wall Finish Materials - Gypsum Board - Application
Wall Finish Materials - Gypsum Board - Application
Wall Finish Materials - Gypsum Board - Application
Wall Finish Materials - Gypsum Board - Application
Wall Finish Materials - Gypsum Board - Application
Wall Finish Materials – Cement Board

• Cement Board – a cementitious board that

is consistent in cross section.

– Unlike water-resistant gypsum board, which

can delaminate if saturated with water,
cement board can be used in areas exposed
to excessive moisture.

– Typical applications include bathtub and

shower stalls as a subsurface for ceramic tile.
It can also be used as a substitute for
plywood sheathing in roof assemblies.
Wall Finish Materials – Wood Paneling
• Wood Wainscoting or Paneling :

– Wood paneling may consist of either solid square cut

or tongue-in-groove planks of veneer-faced panels.

– The paneling may applied directly to wood or metal

framing, although to maintain desired fire ratings, it is
often anchored to a gypsum board substrate.

– Furring may also be used to provide additional

acoustical or thermal insulation space. Fastening may
be done in one of the following ways:
• Nails or screws – Usually requires that heads be concealed.
• Cleats or clips – Connection is hidden, but space required for
hardware.
• Adhesives – Provides greater rigidity, but difficult to
dismantle.
 Wall Finish Materials – Stone Veneer
• Stone Veneer –often used in interior and exterior
cladding for its surface appearance and durability.
Stone is costly however, and it is susceptible to
damage from heat, pollution, and graffiti. Stone
veneer is set in one of the following ways:

– Traditional Stone Setting – Typically used at

retaining walls, planters, or other low wall type
construction. Stones are set as rubble or in an ashlar
pattern. In this method the stone is laid in a mortar
bed of cement, lime and sand. The joints are raked
back, and once the bed has set, the joints are filled
with mortar and tooled. Alternatively, the joints are
filled with sealant.

– Mechanical Fastening – Anchoring the stone using

metal fasteners adhered to a masonry or steel
backup structure. Panels may be any thickness,
although they are commonly 2” in thickness or less
for purposes of weight and economy. The thinner the
veneer, the greater the likelihood of damage due to
water penetration, chemical weathering, or impact
forces. In all cases, mechanically fastened stone
joints are usually sealant filled.

– Cleats or Clips – This is a method used for hanging

stone paneling at interior partitions. Mounting clips
are attached in pairs – one to the back of the stone
panel, the other to the substrate. This allows the
hardware to be completely hidden.
 Wall Finish Materials - Plastics
• Plastics –wide use as finish materials in all
locations. Plastic wall finishes include:

– Plastic Laminate for use on wall cabinets

– Vinyl Plastic Siding which can be used instead of

wood siding

– Plastic Bath Enclosures manufactured from

fiberglass.

Some advantages of plastic include its semi-

transparency, washability, durability and variety of
textures and color.
 Floor Finish Materials
• The term finish floor refers to the exposed surface of the
flooring.

• The choice of a floor finish is based on several factors

including:
– location,
– use,
– required moisture resistance,
– required fire resistance,
– durability,
– acoustic requirements,
– cost of maintenance,
– initial cost,
– comfort and appearance.
 Floor Finish Materials – Ceramic Tile

• Ceramic tile is one of the oldest of finish materials. Its use dates back at
least 5000 years to the Egyptians and Babylonians. Later on, ceramic
mosaics were an essential part of both Greek and Roman architecture.

• Today, due to its durability and wide range of decorative qualities, ceramic
tile continues to play an important role in almost every construction project.

• Ceramic tiles are made of clay or other ceramic material fired in a kiln at
high temperature. The resulting material is durable, highly abrasion resistant
and highly water resistant.

• As a molded clay material, it has the ability to take on numerous textures

and colors.

• It is also generally stain resistant and easy to clean, making it ideal for
sanitary conditions.

• Ceramic tiles may be used on interior or exterior surfaces, at floors, walls or

ceilings.
 Floor Finish Materials - Ceramic Tile
Basic ceramic tile terms include:
• Glazed Tile – Type of tile in which a ceramic face is fused to the body of the tile. The
resulting tile finish may be glossy, matte, metallic, crystalline or other depending on
the glaze. A wide variety of colors is available.

• Unglazed Tile – Hard dense tiles that derive their color from the clay itself. Unglazed
tile tends to be limited in color and naturally, more “earthy” in tone.

• Vitrification – process that ceramic tile is put through after firing in order to make the
tile more dense. (Vitreous literally means glass-like.)

– Non-vitreous Tile – Has an absorption rate between 7% and 18%.

– Semi-vitreous Tile – Has an absorption rate between 3% and 7%.
– Vitreaous Tile – Has an absorption rate of less than 3%.
– Impervious Tile – Extremely hard tile with an absorption rate of less than 0.5% that repels
almost all moisture.

– Semi-vitreous and non-vitreous tiles cannot be used where they are subject to freezing or
immersion in water.
 Floor Finish Materials – Ceramic Tile
The term ceramic tile refers to several products of
varying dimensions, properties and appearance:
• Glazed Wall Tile – non-vitreous tile usually 4” x 4”.

• Ceramic Mosaic Tile – Small tiles (generally less than 6 sq. In.) of
porcelain or other clay material body. Glazed or unglazed for wall
use, unglazed for floor use. Smaller tiles are often provided with a
mesh or paper backing for ease of installation.

• Paver Tile – Floor tiles similar to mosaic tile in finish, but thicker and
larger (4” x 4”). Weatherproof and capable of being used where
there are heavy loads.

• Quarry Tile – Unglazed floor tile, typically 6” x 6” in size or larger.

Impervious to dirt, moisture, staining and abrasion. May be used at
exterior.
 Floor Finish Materials – Ceramic Tile - Installation
• Tile may be set, meaning adhered to its
substrate, in one of two ways:

– Thinset Process – requires a solid, dimensionally

stable backing. The tile is adhered using a thin
coat (less than ¼”) of one of the following adhesive
materials: dry-set mortar, latex-portland cement
mortar, epoxy mortar, or an organic adhesive. The
choice of thin set material depends on a number of
factors including required labor, quality of
substrate, location of surface an so forth.

– Thickset Process –involves setting the tile in a

cement mortar bed about 1” thick at walls and up
to 2” thick at floors. The advantage of thicksetting
is that the cement mortar can make up for
inconsistencies in the substrate and provide for
slope requirements in the finished surface.

– Grouting – Joints between tiles vary from 1/16 to

1/2”. Once the ceramic tiles have been set, a
cement like paste is troweled across the tile
surface and pressed into the joints. This paste is
called grout, and it is often composed of cement
and hydrated lime, although it may also be silicone,
epoxy or other type of sealant.
Floor Finish Materials – Ceramic Tile - Installation
Floor Finish Materials – Ceramic Tile - Installation
 Floor Finish Materials – Masonry Flooring

Masonry Flooring – any stone-

like material that may be set
in mortar.

• Masonry flooring is normally

chosen for its durability, beauty and
resistance to moisture.

• Virtually all masonry flooring can be

used in interior as well as exterior
applications depending on the
nature of the setting details.

• Disadvantages associated with

masonry flooring include their high
cost, acoustic reverberation,
tendency to stain easily, and their
discomfort to stand on over long
periods of time.
 Floor Finish Materials – Masonry Flooring

• Some Masonry Flooring Types:

– Brick Paving and Brick Flooring –normally

set in a sand or gravel leveling bed
(exterior), or in a mortar setting bed
(interior) that may be thinset or thickset
before being grouted.

– Stone Flooring – many varieties of stone

used for interior and exterior flooring:

• Slate is a metamorphic rock formed from

clay that is available with a rough or
relatively smooth surface. Colors include
red, green, purple, blue and black.

• Other stone flooring types: limestone,

sandstone, marble and granite.

• Solid stone slab is about 1” thick, although

it is also commonly available as stone tile
of about 3/8” or 1/2” thickness. Slabs are
normally set in a mortar setting bed and
grouted, while stone tile is thinset or
thickset the same way as ceramic tile.
 Floor Finish Materials – Wood Flooring
• Wood Flooring: chosen based on durability, cost, appearance, and availability.

• Common hardwood flooring includes: oak, maple, cherry, birch, beech, walnut and pecan

• Common softwood flooring includes: pine, fir, spruce, hemlock and redwood.

• Flooring may be plain-sawn or quarter-sawn, although vertical grained quarter-sawn wood yields
the best durability.

• Basic wood flooring types include:

– Strip Flooring – Composed of long wood strips that are 3 ¼” or less in width. Strips are tongue-and-grooved
to fit together. They are set either on a wood subfloor or on wood sleepers (wood strips that elevate the
flooring above the substrate). Strip flooring is usually attached to the subfloor by blindnailing.
– Plank Flooring – Composed of flooring boards that are wider than 3 ¼”. Plank flooring is set on a wood
subfloor or sleepers similar to strip flooring. Boards may be blind nailed or alternatively, face nailed or
screwed then plugged.
– Block Flooring – Individual patterned tiles composed of wood. Available finished or unfinished. Also known
as parquet flooring. Usually installed with mastic over a clean dry smooth surface.
– Solid Block Flooring – End grain blocks which have been treated with creosote for moisture and decay.
Blocks are usually set in a bituminous material. This type of flooring is durable, oil resistant and grease
resistant.

• Generally, wood floors are installed either as wood strips or parquet tiles. Wood strips are tongue
and grooved together, and are always installed over either furring strips, or over a level subfloor.
Parquet flooring, which consists of individual patterned tiles, is usually installed with mastic.
Floor Finish Materials – Wood Flooring

Vertical Grain (VG)

Flat Grain (FG)

Floor Finish Materials – Wood Flooring
 Floor Finish Materials – Poured-in-Place
• Poured-in-Place Flooring – This includes all flooring that
hardens in place. Concrete is a poured-in-place flooring
type as is terrazzo.

– Terrazzo – Dense, permanent, durable flooring surface created

by embedding marble chips in a resin or portland cement and
then grinding the surface smooth. Available in a wide variety of
color combinations. The top surface is about 5/8” thick and it is
poured over a 2 ½” concrete setting bed. Requires regularly
spaced divider strips in order to inhibit surface cracking.
Disadvantages include high cost and very loud installation.

– Synthetic Seamless Floors – Includes a variety of floor types

that are poured or troweled. Generally hard, durable, water and
stain resistant, and relatively easy to maintain. Commonly used
in institutional applications. Examples include: Magnesite
seamless floors, Elastometric type floors, and rubberized
plastic floors.

– Paint-type Flooring – This includes synthetic resin type flooring

such as epoxy or urethane that is poured directly over a
substrate. Provides a hard, durable, wear resistant surface.
May be mixed with color or clear to allow the subfloor to show
through.
 Floor Finish Materials - Resilient
• Resilient Flooring – Resilient flooring is characterized by resilience (the ability of a material
to spring back after indentation), density and non-absorption.

– Available in a wide range of colors and textures,

– Easy to install, easy to maintain, and inexpensive.

• Early forms of resilient flooring include linoleum and asphalt tile. Both of these items
contained asbestos, so they have been largely replaced by the following products:

– Vinyl Composition Tile – Commonly known as V.C.T., this product is normally sold in 9” x 9”, or 12” x
12” tiles, some available with self-adhesive backing. V.C.T. is available in a wide range of colors and
designs. It is about 1/8” thick, and shows all irregularities in the surface beneath, and must therefore
be applied over a level substrate of plywood or leveled concrete.

– Vinyl Sheet and Tile – Vinyl is more flexible and softer than V.C.T. It is available either in roll form or
tiles similar in nature to V.C.T.

– Rubber Flooring – Composed primarily of natural or synthetic rubber, this type of flooring is available
in rolls or tiles. It is typically softer than vinyl flooring, and is available in a variety of thicknesses.
Does not resist oil or grease as well as vinyl and V.C.T.

– Cork Flooring – Composed primarily of granulated bark from the cork oak tree, with the addition of
synthetic resins and a protective coating, this type of flooring has very good acoustical properties
and attractive natural appearance. It is not as durable or easy to maintain as other resilient flooring
and it is more expensive.
 Floor Finish Materials - Carpet
• Carpet – as opposed to rug, describes a wall-to-wall installation of fiber material.

• Carpet eliminates the need for a finished floor, as it can be laid directly over a wood subfloor or
concrete slab.

• In addition to comfort and appearance, carpet provides major acoustic advantages.

• Carpeting is classified based on its method of construction, fiber type, and texture:

– Method of Construction – Most carpets are composed of pile yarns – the wearing surface, and backing yarns
– the backing. The method of construction describes the various ways in which the pile yarns and backing
yarns are attached:

– Woven Carpet – Carpet in which the backing yarns and pile yarns are interwoven in one operation.
Expensive to produce.

– Tufted Carpet – Carpet that is made by stitching the pile yarn through a fabric backing, and then bonding the
yarn to a latex backing. Tufted carpet makes up the majority of carpet produced today.

– Knitted Carpet – Similar to woven carpet except that the backing, pile and stitching are knitted together.
Usually one color.

– Needlepunched Carpet – Low-cost felt like carpet made by punching unspun fibers through a woven sheet.

– Fusion-bonded Carpet – Commonly used for carpet tile. Made by heat fusing face yarns to a vinyl backing.

– Flocked Carpet – Similar to fusion-bonded carpet, made by propelling short loose fibers at an adhesive
backing.
 Floor Finish Materials - Carpet
• Fiber Type – The four basic types of fiber used for carpet
include the following:

– Wool – Natural fiber possessing good resilience, strength,

resistance to abrasion and appearance. Expensive.

– Nylon – Synthetic fiber that makes up most of the commercial

carpet market. Characterized by low cost, bright color options, high
strength and resistance to abrasion.

– Acrylic – Synthetic fiber similar in appearance to wool. Moisture and

mildew resistant.

– Polyester – Low cost synthetic fiber similar to wool in appearance,

durable. Good soil and abrasion resistance.

• Texture – derived from the method of manufacture, pile

height, pile density, and the manner in which the carpet is cut.
Basic carpet textures include the following:

– Cut Pile – Created by cutting each loop. Plush and Shag carpets
are cut pile carpets.

– Loop Pile – Possible with woven, tufted or knitted carpet, where pile
loops through backing.

– Combination Cut and Loop Pile – Combination of the above.

• There is an enormous variety of carpet types available for

virtually every construction application.

• Carpet is applied in one of two ways:

– Glue-down carpeting, which is glued directly to the substrate,

– stretched using edge nailing strips and padding.

 Ceiling Finishes
• Ceiling finishes play a critical
role in construction in that the
ceiling often requires access
for mechanical, electrical and
lighting purposes.

• Additionally, ceiling finishes

are important in that they
have a major impact on the
acoustic quality of a space.
 Ceiling Finishes
• Exposed Structural and Mechanical Components
– the ceiling structure and mechanical equipment
are left open to view.

– Because mechanical and electrical work is normally

hidden from view, when it is exposed, there is an
increase in cost to achieve a more attractive
appearance.

• Tightly Attached Ceilings – the ceiling material is

attached directly to the ceiling joists, slab, or
beams.

– In such cases, provisions must be made for access

to utilities such as electric conduit, sprinklers, piping,
etc.

• Suspended Ceilings – hangs from the floor/roof

structure above on wires.
– The space between the slab and the suspended
ceiling is the plenum space, where mechanical
ductwork, light fixtures, wiring, sprinkler piping and
plumbing pipes are located and removed from view.

– The suspended ceiling may act as membrane fire

protection for the structure above, making it an
economically advantageous solution.
 Suspended Ceilings
• Types of suspended ceilings include:

• Acoustical Ceilings – made from lightweight

fibrous material tiles supported by a grid made of
sheet metal tees. Named for their ability to absorb
sound

• Types include:
– Exposed Grid – This is the simplest method. The
ceiling tiles are laid in place on the grid. In order to
gain access to the plenum, the tiles can be pressed
up.

– Recessed Grid – Similar to the exposed grid, except

the ceiling tiles have lowered edges allowing the
grid to appear recessed above the tile.

– Concealed Grid – In this type of acoustical ceiling,

the grid is hidden from view. To gain access to the
plenum, an access panel needs to be provided.
 Other Ceiling Types
• Plaster – created by hanging steel
channels from the structure, and
attaching metal lath to the channels.
The plaster is applied directly to the
metal lath. Plaster ceilings may be
flat, or of complex shapes and include
decorative motifs. Plaster ceilings are
not commonly used today due to
labor costs.

• Gypsum Board – gypsum board is

attached directly to suspended furring
channels. Where utilities need to be
accessed, access panels are
provided.

• Interstitial Ceiling – Ceilings that are

strong enough and far enough from
the slab above so as to create a
plenum that allows workers to stand
and access utilities. Often used in
hospitals or research laboratories
where the mechanical equipment is
very complex and requires frequent
maintenance.