FAQ
What’s the difference between flooring and cladding?
The main difference between flooring and cladding lies in their function and in the type of stresses the surfaces are exposed to.
– Flooring is the walkable surface of a space: it must withstand weight, wear, scratches and, in many cases, external factors such as water, frost, or even vehicular traffic. For this reason, flooring materials are chosen with particular attention to their durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance.
– Wall cladding, on the other hand, refers to vertical surfaces or architectural elements such as walls, staircases, counters, or furniture. Its main role is aesthetic and protective: a good cladding enhances the space while protecting the underlying surface from humidity, impacts, or stains, and must also be easy to clean.
In practice, this distinction is now much subtler than it used to be. With the evolution of seamless surface technologies and innovative materials like those developed by Ideal Work, it is now possible to use the same product for both flooring and wall applications, achieving aesthetic continuity that makes spaces look more modern and harmonious.
A good example is Microtopping®, Ideal Work’s microcement. Thanks to its minimal thickness (only about 3 mm) and excellent adhesion, this solution can be applied directly over existing floors, stairs, walls, and even furniture — creating a seamless, joint-free surface that envelops the entire space. Other systems such as Nuvolato Architop® or Rasico® can also be used to create surfaces with a contemporary look.
In short: flooring is designed to withstand foot traffic, while cladding serves a protective and decorative function. But with Ideal Work solutions, you can have materials that perform both roles — creating unique, continuous, and highly customised environments.
What is cladding for?
In construction and interior design, cladding serves two main purposes: protection and aesthetic enhancement. It covers and protects underlying surfaces — such as walls, columns, stairs, bathrooms, or kitchens — from external agents, humidity, stains, and impacts, extending their lifespan and reducing maintenance. At the same time, cladding helps define the overall style of a space, using colours, textures, and finishes that can completely transform its atmosphere.
Today, with Ideal Work’s innovative materials, cladding is no longer just a “covering”: it becomes an integral part of the design. Products such as Microtopping® or Nuvolato Architop® create seamless, continuous surfaces on both walls and floors, giving spaces a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
Moreover, Ideal Work solutions can be applied over existing surfaces — such as old tiles or concrete floors — avoiding demolition and reducing renovation time and costs. This makes cladding not only an aesthetic choice but also a functional solution, capable of enhancing both interior and exterior spaces without compromise.
To sum up: cladding serves to protect, decorate, and optimise the surfaces of a home or commercial space. With Ideal Work materials, it also becomes a tool to create modern, continuous, and highly personalised environments.
What are claddings in a home?
In a home, claddings are the surfaces applied to walls, floors, stairs, or architectural elements to protect, enhance, and extend the life of the underlying structure.
Traditionally, claddings were made of tiles, marble, or wood — but today, the market offers far more innovative, seamless, and customisable solutions.
Ideal Work offers several collections that reinvent the concept of cladding:
– Microtopping® – a microcement solution suitable for interior walls and floors. Microtopping® is perfect for creating seamless, uniform spaces with a contemporary design.
– Nuvolato Architop® – ideal for interior floors and vertical surfaces with an industrial look, dynamic and versatile.
Claddings not only improve a home’s appearance — they also protect structures from humidity, wear, and mechanical damage, improving hygiene and making cleaning easier. Moreover, Ideal Work products can be applied directly over existing surfaces, avoiding demolition and offering a practical yet elegant solution for any space: from bathrooms and kitchens to outdoor areas such as terraces and courtyards.
How can you change your floor without replacing it?
Today, it’s possible to renew your flooring without replacing it, thanks to Ideal Work’s continuous and ultra-thin surface systems, which make it easy to transform spaces without demolition.
This is the ideal option for anyone who wants to give a dated floor a new life — without the hassle, cost, or disruption of traditional renovation work.
The most suitable products for this purpose include:
– Microtopping® – a thin (2–3 mm) microcement surface that can be applied directly over existing concrete, tile, or stable wood floors. It creates a seamless, joint-free surface that is easy to clean and can be customised in both colour and texture.
– Stenciltop – ideal for decorating existing floors with modern, customised patterns without adding significant thickness.
– Solidro – perfect for spaces subject to heavy traffic, including driveable areas, Solidro ensures continuous, highly resistant surfaces over existing bases.
The main advantage of these solutions is that they deliver a modern, uniform, and durable floor without removing the old one — reducing time, cost, and inconvenience during renovation.
How to cover tiles without removing them?
Covering tiles without removing them is a common need during quick renovations or when redecorating a space without invasive work. Ideal Work offers several ideal solutions for this purpose:
– Microtopping® – can be applied directly over existing tiles, creating a continuous, seamless surface. The result is a smooth, durable, and modern floor or wall finish, fully customisable in colour and texture.
– Solidro – also does not require the removal of existing tiles, making renovation simple and efficient.
– Stenciltop – allows the application of decorative patterns over old tiles, refreshing a space’s design without heavy work or demolition.
These systems transform your floor without demolition, avoiding dust and long renovation times, while delivering elegant, durable surfaces — perfect for both residential and commercial environments.
How can I renovate my bathroom without removing the tiles?
Renovating a bathroom without removing the tiles is a practical and cost-effective choice that gives the space a fresh, modern look. Ideal Work solutions make it possible to create seamless, continuous surfaces throughout the room.
– Microtopping® – a thin layer of microcement can be applied directly over tiled floors and walls, including showers and wet areas, to create a smooth, joint-free, modern finish.
– Solidro – ideal for high-traffic or high-wear areas, ensuring durability and resistance without removing the existing surface.
These techniques allow you to renovate the entire bathroom — floors, walls, and decorative details — without demolition or invasive work, achieving a professional and long-lasting aesthetic result.
How to cover an unattractive floor?
Covering an old or unattractive floor is now easy thanks to Ideal Work’s surface systems, which make it possible to create modern, uniform surfaces without replacing the floor.
– Microtopping® – a continuous microcement coating that can be applied over old tiles, concrete, or stable wood, creating elegant, seamless floors that can be customised in colour and texture.
– Solidro – transforms outdated or damaged floors into resistant, contemporary surfaces.
These solutions turn a dull floor into a standout design feature — whether in a private residence or a commercial space.
What is the best floor coating?
The best floor covering is one that balances durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Thanks to Ideal Work’s innovative solutions, you can achieve modern, durable, joint-free floors suitable for both residential and commercial settings.
– Microtopping® – a thin (2–3 mm) microcement coating that can be applied directly over existing concrete or tiled floors. It creates continuous, uniform, easy-to-clean surfaces, customisable in colour and texture. Ideal for interiors, bathrooms, kitchens, and contemporary open spaces.
– Nuvolato Architop® – a stylish, industrial-inspired floor, thin yet highly resistant and versatile, perfect for medium-traffic interior environments.
– Solidro – a high-performance continuous surface, designed for heavy-duty environments requiring exceptional resistance and seamless aesthetics.
– Sassoitalia® – a natural exposed-aggregate floor, customisable and highly durable, ideal for outdoor or driveable areas.
These solutions combine design and functionality, turning flooring into a defining element of any home or commercial project — without compromising on strength or ease of maintenance.
What is the best flooring to install over an existing surface?
Installing a new floor over an existing one is the ideal solution for refreshing spaces without demolition. Ideal Work’s product lines make it possible to achieve modern, continuous, and elegant surfaces quickly and efficiently.
– Microtopping® – can be applied directly over tiles or old concrete floors, creating a uniform surface customisable in both colour and finish.
– Stenciltop – a thin decorative system that refreshes the look of existing floors with custom patterns, without removing the old surface.
– Solidro – can also be applied over existing floors, ensuring strength, durability, and aesthetic continuity.
These solutions allow you to obtain a modern, refined, and durable floor without invasive work — significantly reducing time, cost, and disruption during renovation.
What are the alternatives to porcelain stoneware?
If you’re looking for an alternative to porcelain stoneware, Ideal Work’s product lines offer versatile, modern, and customisable solutions.
– Microtopping® – thin, continuous, and seamless surfaces, ideal for interiors and bathrooms.
– Nuvolato Architop® – elegant, durable flooring with an industrial design, perfect for open spaces or offices.
– Sassoitalia® – made with natural exposed aggregates, resistant and ideal for outdoor areas, including driveable spaces.
– Solidro – a continuous surface with high mechanical strength, suitable for any environment.
These solutions provide joint-free, durable, and easy-to-clean floors that can be customised in colour and finish, adapting to every type of space.
What are the alternatives to laminate flooring for a modern look?
Laminate flooring is affordable and easy to install, but it doesn’t offer good water resistance or long-term durability in high-traffic areas. Ideal Work’s modern alternatives combine design and strength for a more durable and elegant result.
– Microtopping® – seamless, moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and fully customisable in colour and texture.
– Nuvolato Architop® – thin, durable flooring with a contemporary industrial look.
– Solidro – ultra-resistant continuous surfaces, ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces.
These alternatives allow you to achieve modern, elegant, and functional floors, overcoming the aesthetic and technical limits of traditional laminate.
Which seamless flooring to choose?
A joint-free floor is ideal for creating modern, visually striking, and easy-to-clean spaces. The most suitable Ideal Work solutions include:
– Microtopping® – continuous microcement, perfect for interiors and bathrooms, offering a uniform and fully customisable surface..
– Nuvolato Architop® – seamless interior flooring with an industrial character and high durability.
– Solidro – a next-generation seamless surface, resistant and elegant.
These systems ensure a modern design with minimal maintenance, making the floor a true focal point of the space.
How to cover a wall?
Covering a wall means combining aesthetic value with protection. Ideal Work offers innovative solutions that meet a wide range of design and functional requirements.
– Microtopping® – a thin (2–3 mm) continuous microcement surface applicable to masonry, plasterboard, or old tiles. It creates a smooth, joint-free, easy-to-clean surface customisable in colours and finishes. Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, or interior staircases.
– Terrae-Calce – a lime-based, natural, and breathable finish, ideal for those seeking a handcrafted, material effect with warm tones and soft light reflections. Perfect for living areas, bedrooms, or walls exposed to natural light.
– Solidro – creates continuous vertical surfaces, suitable for a wide range of interior styles.
These collections make it possible to renew walls without demolition, achieving modern, elegant surfaces that enhance the entire environment. The application can also be combined with Microtopping® or Nuvolato floors, creating a seamless aesthetic connection between vertical and horizontal surfaces.
How to cover interior walls?
Covering interior walls is a practical way to renew old or damaged spaces without demolition. Ideal Work’s product lines deliver both aesthetic and functional results.
– Microtopping® – can be applied directly over masonry or old tiles.
– Terrae-Calce – natural lime-based finishes, breathable and tactile, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or common areas, adding warmth and character to interiors.
– Solidro – continuous and durable vertical surfaces, perfect for adding elegance and spaciousness to interior walls.
These solutions make it possible to refresh any environment, protecting the underlying surface while creating refined, elegant walls.
What is the difference between cement and concrete?
Cement is a hydraulic binder in powder form, derived mainly from limestone and clay. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that hardens over time.
However, on its own, it lacks the mechanical strength required for structural or flooring applications because it doesn’t contain aggregates.
Concrete, on the other hand, is a composite material made by mixing cement, water, and aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. This combination produces a ready-to-use structural material suitable for floors, foundations, walls, and industrial flooring.
In short: cement is the binding agent that holds the mixture together, while concrete is the final product—strong, compact, and wear-resistant. Concrete can be further enhanced with additives, fibres, or pigments to achieve polished, coloured, or decorative finishes, as seen in modern industrial or stamped concrete floors.
When should you use lime and when should you use cement?
The choice between lime and cement depends on the intended function and the type of surface one wants to create.
– Calce – ideal for surfaces requiring breathability, flexibility, and natural finishes. Perfect for interior plasters, historic walls, bathrooms, or decorative spaces where a rigid material could cause cracking. Its softness allows it to absorb minor structural movements and create a warm, textured aesthetic.
– Cemento – harder and stronger, suitable for foundations, external paving solutions, garages, warehouses, and industrial floors. It guarantees high mechanical resistance and durability but offers less breathability than lime and may cause tension if applied to unsuitable bases.
In short:
– Lime = aesthetics, breathability, flexibility
– Cement = strength, durability, structural support
What is the difference between lime and cement?
The difference between lime and cement lies in their composition, behaviour, and use:
– Lime is natural, softer, breathable, and ideal for decorative or restoration work, offering a textured, handcrafted look that enhances the atmosphere of a space.
– Cement is artificial, harder, and more resistant, used for load-bearing structures, industrial floors, and applications that require maximum durability.
While lime absorbs microcracks and allows surfaces to breathe, cement provides rigidity and protection against heavy loads and wear. To choose wisely, one should consider the desired aesthetic, the intended function of the surface, and the type of environment.
What is stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete combines strength and design. It is created by pressing patterns and textures into fresh concrete before it fully sets. The result is a durable yet decorative surface that can replicate the look of natural stone, brick, or slab paving in a variety of styles.
Stamped concrete is widely used in driveways, courtyards, terraces, entrances, and pedestrian areas, as it provides long-lasting performance without sacrificing aesthetics. It can also be coloured with integrated pigments or surface treatments, resulting in a fully customisable and visually striking finish.
What is the visual effect of stamped concrete?
The visual appeal of stamped concrete is one of its key strengths. Using moulds, stencils, and pigments, it can reproduce surfaces that resemble:
– Natural stone
– Bricks or regular paving slabs
– Irregular or artistic textures
The floor retains the strength of concrete while achieving an aesthetic comparable to premium natural materials—but at a much lower cost. This makes it ideal for those seeking a refined, modern look for outdoor or indoor spaces, combining design with practicality and durability.
What is the difference between stamped concrete and industrial flooring?
The main difference lies in purpose and appearance:
– Stamped concrete – decorative, designed to combine strength and visual appeal. Perfect for internal or external areas where aesthetic value is essential.
– Industrial flooring – functional, designed to withstand heavy loads, intense traffic, and mechanical wear. Aesthetic considerations are secondary; the priority is durability, safety, and minimal maintenance.
What is the best type of outdoor flooring?
When choosing outdoor flooring, several factors should be considered: weather resistance, durability, maintenance, and safety. The most recommended options include:
– Stamped concrete – durable, decorative, and fully customisable; ideal for courtyards, pathways, and pedestrian terraces.
– Reinforced or precast concrete – perfect for heavy loads, parking areas, and driveways.
– Continuous, low-thickness surfaces – ideal for renovating existing floors without significantly increasing the floor level.
The choice depends on traffic, climate, and desired style, with attention to durability, drainage, and surface performance.
What is an industrial concrete floor?
An industrial floor is made from high-strength concrete, often reinforced with fibres or steel mesh. It is specifically designed to:
– withstand heavy loads and intense traffic
– resist abrasion, impact, and chemical agents
– ensure long-term durability with minimal maintenance
The surface finish can be polished, brushed, or coloured, depending on safety, aesthetic, or cleaning requirements. This type of flooring is commonly used in warehouses, workshops, garages, and production facilities.
What is the difference between industrial and decorative flooring?
Industrial flooring prioritises mechanical strength and functionality. Aesthetics is secondary.
Decorative flooring focuses on aesthetics, offering a wide range of customisable patterns, colours, and textures, while maintaining sufficient durability for light or pedestrian use.
This distinction helps you determine the right flooring type based on the main function of the space.
How is concrete flooring coloured?
Concrete floors can be coloured in several ways:
– Integral pigments – mixed directly into the concrete, creating a uniform colour throughout the entire thickness.
– Surface colouring – achieved using specific oxides or coatings applied after installation.
– Decorative treatments – such as stencils, stamped concrete, or coloured microcements, for customised aesthetic effects.
The choice depends on the type of floor, environment, and desired visual effect.
What are low-thickness industrial floors?
These are floors made of concrete or continuous materials applied in thin layers (2–5 cm), designed to:
– renovate existing floors without significantly increasing the floor level
– offer mechanical resistance and a seamless finish
– reduce installation time and costs
They are ideal for industrial or commercial environments requiring durable surfaces with minimal disruption during renovation.
Can staircases be finished with decorative concrete?
– Yes — staircases can be coated with decorative concrete, creating uniform, modern, and resistant surfaces. The most suitable materials ensure aesthetic continuity with nearby floors and walls, while providing safety and durability.
– Microtopping® – with its low thickness, microcement is perfect for coating concrete or masonry stairs, even those already built. Its seamless surface is fully customisable in colour and in matte or glossy finishes.
– Solidro – ideal for high-traffic or public staircases, offering superior impact resistance and durability without compromising on aesthetics.
The main advantage is that there’s no need to demolish existing stairs, reducing both time and cost while achieving an elegant, contemporary result that integrates perfectly into any interior or exterior setting.
How to apply concrete to walls?
Applying concrete to walls means transforming simple masonry into a decorative, resistant, and continuous surface that combines functionality and aesthetics. This technique is widely used in both residential and commercial spaces, and can achieve various effects depending on the desired finish.
The basic process involves the following steps:
– Surface preparation – the wall must be solid, clean, and free from dust or residues that could affect adhesion.
– Primer application – a layer of primer is applied to help the concrete adhere properly to the substrate.
– Concrete coating application – the material is applied in a thin layer, typically a few millimetres, using a trowel or spray method depending on the chosen product.
– Finishing and protection – the surface can be smoothed, textured, or stamped, and then treated with water- and stain-repellent sealers to increase durability.
This technique is ideal for creating feature walls, columns, or exterior claddings, offering both mechanical strength and a visual effect reminiscent of natural stone or brick.
Is decorative concrete for walls waterproof?
Decorative concrete is not completely waterproof by itself, but it can be made suitable for humid environments through the use of specific sealants:
– Microtopping®, when applied to interior walls or staircases and treated with sealers, becomes water-resistant, easy to clean, and hygienic.
– For outdoor areas or zones exposed to rain, decorative concrete must always be protected with waterproofing products to ensure durability and prevent infiltration.
This allows the creation of continuous, seamless, and moisture-resistant walls, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, or interior staircases.
Can I cover stairs with microcement?
Absolutely. Microtopping® microcement is one of the best materials for coating staircases for the following reasons.
– It can be applied directly over existing substrates (concrete, tiles, masonry);
– Its thin thickness (2–3 mm) does not alter the step height;
– When finished with specific protective coatings, it ensures continuous, non-slip surfaces;
– It provides fully customisable colours and textures to match adjacent floors and walls.
This turns staircases into true design elements.
What is lime plaster?
Lime plaster is a wall coating made from hydraulic or aerial lime, used for both interior and exterior finishes. It is known for its breathable, flexible, and natural properties:
– It allows walls to breathe, preventing mould and dampness;
– It creates a smooth, uniform surface with a natural, luminous, textured appearance;
– It can be applied in thin or thicker layers, depending on the desired aesthetic effect.
With Ideal Work’s Terrae-Calce line, lime plaster makes it possible to achieve warm, elegant, and natural interiors, while preserving both the aesthetic and functional quality of the space.
What are the benefits of lime plaster wall finishes?
Lime plaster wall coatings offer numerous advantages:
– Breathability – prevents moisture build-up, preserving walls and plaster over time.
– Flexibility – resists microcracks and small structural movements.
– Aesthetics – adds a natural, textured, and luminous look, adaptable to both modern and classic interiors.
– Sustainability – made from natural, low-impact materials.
– Compatibility – ideal for use with natural paints, decorative finishes, stuccoes, or coordinated surfaces with floors and furnishings.
These qualities make lime plaster ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and public spaces, combining functionality and design while respecting the environment.
– Interior wall coverings – types
– Interior wall coverings can be divided into several categories based on material and function:
Continuous and decorative coatings
– Microcement (Microtopping®): seamless, uniform surfaces customisable in colour and texture
Natural coatings
– Lime plaster (Terrae-Calce): – breathable, tactile, and luminous; ideal for residential and historical interiors
Functional or protective coatings
– Solidro: continuous, resistant surfaces perfect for entrances, corridors, and interior spaces
Washable or anti-mould paints: suitable for humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens
These solutions adapt to modern, minimalist, or classic styles and can be harmoniously combined with microcement floors and staircases or other Ideal Work surfaces.
What is Solidro and what environments is it suitable for?
Solidro is Ideal Work’s line designed for continuous, decorative, and high-performance surfaces. It is suitable for floors, walls, and interior coverings, offering a versatile solution that combines design, durability, and ease of maintenance. It is ideal for residential, commercial, and institutional spaces such as private homes, shops, restaurants, bars, gyms, spas, and bathrooms.
Is Solidro water- and stain-resistant?
Yes — Solidro is fully waterproof. It is designed for bathrooms, kitchens, and spas, where its specific formulation and finishing process make surfaces non-absorbent, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. Technical testing and the use of recommended protective sealants are an integral part of achieving these performance standards on site.
Does Ideal Work also offer outdoor solutions?
Yes, Ideal Work provides a wide range of outdoor systems designed to withstand weather exposure, UV rays, frost, and pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
The main outdoor lines include:
– Sassoitalia®: durable natural exposed-aggregate flooring, customisable in colour and finish — ideal for both pedestrian and driveable areas.
– Stamped concrete: decorative exterior surfaces that combine aesthetics and long-lasting performance.
– Rasico®: 3–4 mm thick decorative cement-based coating for outdoor areas, offering high resistance.
– Stenciltop: decorative surfaces featuring striking patterns and textures.
These systems allow for the creation of elegant, durable exterior floors and surfaces suited to any design style.
How to choose between Lixio® and Lixio®+?
The choice between Lixio® and Lixio®+ depends on the specific requirements of your project:
– Lixio® is ideal for interiors and residential spaces. It offers a modern terrazzo finish perfect for high-impact decorative floors and walls.
– Lixio®+: designed for high-traffic or outdoor areas, it provides superior mechanical strength, waterproofing, and protection against stains and wear.
In short: choose Lixio® for interior design projects, and Lixio®+ for floors exposed to intense use or external conditions.
What are Rasico®’s advantages for external surfaces?
Rasico® is Ideal Work’s paving solution for external areas, characterised by:
– Weather resistance – unaffected by frost, rain, or UV rays
– Seamless, customisable surfaces – uniform colours and textures without joints
– Versatile application – suitable for pathways, courtyards, terraces, and driveways
– Easy maintenance – simple cleaning and long-lasting protection with sealing treatments
Protective treatments recommended by Ideal Work
Ideal Work recommends various protective treatments to prolong the life and appearance of its floors and coatings:
– Water-repellent sealers protect floors and walls from moisture. They are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
– Stain-resistant coatings prevent the absorption of dirt, grease, and colouring agents.
– Anti-UV treatments ensure colour stability and resistance to degradation for exterior surfaces.
– Periodic renewal – reapplication every 2–3 years, especially for high-traffic outdoor areas.
These treatments are compatible with Microtopping®, Solidro, Lixio®+, and Rasico®, preserving both aesthetics and performance over time.
How to become a certified Ideal Work applicator?
Ideal Work offers training and certification programmes for professionals wishing to become qualified applicators of its products:
– Theoretical trainings include the study of materials, application techniques, safety, and maintenance
– Practical trainings include hands-on application of Ideal Work materials, including microcement, Solidro, and Rasico®, on real surfaces
– Final certification – assessment of theoretical and practical skills leading to obtaining the official Ideal Work Certified Applicator title
This certification ensures technical expertise, high-quality installation skills, and the opportunity to work on residential and commercial projects, enhancing both reliability and professional reputation.
How can I become a certified stamped-concrete applicator?
To become a certified stamped-concrete applicator, Ideal Work offers a dedicated training pathway:
– Technical training – learning about the various types of stamped concrete, moulds, stencils, colours, and finishes
– Practical training – real-world application on floors and walls, including vertical surfaces
– Final evaluation and certification – theoretical and practical testing to obtain the official certified installer qualification
This certification guarantees durability, aesthetic quality, and professional excellence in stamped concrete work, allowing applicators to deliver high-quality results for both indoor and outdoor environments.