Book excerpt: Comprehensive reference to every type of surface material for floors, walls and ceilings. Interior surfaces add beauty, structure and comfort to homes. Available in a stunning range of natural and synthetic materials, these surfaces are both cosmetic and functional. Interior Materials and Surfaces covers the full range of home surfaces from three points of view: technical, practical and aesthetic. The book provides comprehensive details on each material, featuring their pros and cons, general uses, and alternative applications. Chapters cover a wide range of options for do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike: Wood -- hard and soft, wood composites and veneers Plastics, resins, rubber and linoleum Metals, iron, steel, copper, brass, aluminum, zinc, lead and gold leaf Glass Fabrics and papers Leather and suede Paints, varnishes, lacquers Stone, ceramics and tiles Concrete and cement Plaster and plaster composites. Each material is profiled with details about its properties, use and maintenance, safety tips, availability and relative cost. Jargon-free text with color photographs provide easy installation instructions and important advice on uses. Interior Materials and Surfaces is an indispensable guide for homeowners and for professional renovators, decorators, interior designers and stylists.