Carob

How much daylight a room gets should decide whether a red brown floor works there. Carob is merlot, close to meranti, and it needs light to stay warm rather than heavy. A shophouse ground floor with a good frontage takes it well. A windowless back room does not. The light satin texture gives it a sanded board feel and stays easy to wipe down, which matters in a space that sees shoes all day. Five random faces means some repeat over a long run, so mix boxes. Each box holds five planks at 200 x 1200 mm, 1.20 m2 of coverage, about 25 kg.

• Will Carob swell in a humid climate?

  No. Carob is glazed ceramic with 6 to 8 percent water absorption, so humid months do not make it swell, cup or warp the way timber and laminate can.

• How many boxes of Carob for a 3 x 3 m bedroom?

  A 3 x 3 m room is 9 m². With 10 percent extra for cutting, that is 9 boxes, since each box of 5 planks (20 x 120 cm) covers 1.20 m² and weighs about 25 kg.

• Which rooms in a condo or landed house suit Carob?

  Carob works on floors and walls in bedrooms, living areas, hallways and home offices. It is rated for interior use.

• How do I clean Carob?

  Sweep, then mop with a mild floor cleaner. The glazed satin textured face needs no oiling, sanding or polish.