How to choose floors in the apartment. Types of flooring - choose the best flooring in the apartment and house

In most cases, a modern apartment is a concrete box, subject to rough and fine finishing. In the case of the floor, the homeowner needs to resolve several fundamentally important issues - which rough design to choose, how to insulate and soundproof it, and also which topcoat to use in each of the rooms. Floors in the apartment - what to make them so that they are not only aesthetically attractive, but also safe, durable and practical. About this today's material.

Most decorative flooring requires a level, solid base. Sometimes the quality of the floor slab allows finishing without preliminary preparation, but more often it is required to level the base, its insulation and sound insulation. The type of floor construction ensures its reliability, practicality and durability. Therefore, it often consists of an intermediate (rough) floor mounted on a floor slab and a finishing floor (decorative), which must also have the characteristics and properties corresponding to the purpose of the room.

A rough screed does not require special qualifications of the builder, but, nevertheless, it involves a large number of works associated with its creation. You will find device features and a calculator for calculating the amount of ingredients for a floor screed solution

Previously, it was practiced to lay the finishing material directly on the floor slab, but it soon became clear that the decorative material in the form of linoleum, carpet or parquet does not provide the required level of heat and sound insulation, and hence the proper degree of comfort and safety for human health. In addition, the absence of a rough leveling structure affects the evenness of the coating and reduces its service life.

Now the design of the floor in a modern apartment is a complex multilayer technological system in which each layer is thought out and technologically justified - hydro, sound, heat and vapor barrier.

Fundamentally, two types of black floor are distinguished - in the form of a screed and a structure with lags. Each variety has its own characteristics and advantages.

Varieties of screeds

In addition to the fact that the screed is designed to level the base under finishing material, it affects the following factors:

1. Makes the base more rigid.
2. Forms a heat and waterproofing layer.
3. Allows you to create a slope for water drainage in rooms where it is needed.
4. Allows you to lay engineering communications and electrical networks in the floor structure.

When installing a floor in an apartment, one of three types of screeds are used:

1. Wet.
2. Dry.
3. Semi-dry.

Each of these varieties has its own characteristics, technology, advantages and disadvantages.

Wet screed

This is a traditional method of screeding, a significant drawback of which is the presence of water in the composition of the solution in large quantities. Before pouring it, it is imperative to provide a high-quality waterproofing layer of the base (floor slab), otherwise moisture will seep through it. To create a waterproofing layer, coating compositions are used that make it possible to obtain a monolithic, seamless coating or ordinary dense polyethylene, which is overlapped at least 15 cm and carefully glued with a waterproof tape.

Important! Waterproofing is brought to the walls to the height of the screed.

A variety of this type of screed is one of the cheapest options. You can fill it yourself. And the issue of providing thermal insulation can be solved by laying foam in two layers with an offset. This will lead to an increase in the cost of the floor structure, but it will become much warmer.

To create a solution, cement of a grade not lower than M400 is used, which is mixed with sand and water. In order for the components to form a stronger bond and the screed to be strong and dense, add. As part of the screed, this substance affects the following points:

1. Increases the mobility of the solution.
2. Increases mortar strength by 50%.
3. Increases the adhesion of mortar to reinforcement by 1.5 times.
4. Reduces cement consumption by -20%.
5. Reduces the amount of water in the solution.

The strength of the screed is also ensured by its thickness, which should not be less than 2 cm. This type of base is suitable for any finishing coatings, as well as for laying the "warm floor" system. Of the shortcomings wet screed note the following:

1. The work is classified as labor intensive.
2. The process is associated with wet, "dirty" work.
3. To get an even layer, you need to have the skill of working with beacons, to know how to install them correctly.
4. It takes a long time to dry the screed (at least 3 weeks).
5. The screed during the hardening process requires special care - wetting, in order to avoid the formation of cracks on its surface.

Semi-dry screed

This variety is an excellent alternative to wet screed. This method is also quite inexpensive and is distinguished by the use of a small amount of water. As a result, a certain mass is obtained, which in the circle of professional builders is called “carving”, which is sand mixed dry with cement and a minimum amount of water that barely moistens the mixture. The device of a waterproofing layer when laying such a composition on a floor slab, in fact, is only a convention.

The advantages of this type of screed include the following:

1. It can be used both in new and old apartments, in private houses and cottages.
2. The presence of a small amount of water allows the use of this type of screed, regardless of the height of the floor where the apartment is located - moisture does not penetrate into the lower apartment even without a waterproofing layer.
3. The ability to create a perfectly even base without air bubbles, which are removed during the tamping process of the semi-dry mixture.
4. Low probability of crack formation. If fiber is added to the composition, then the screed will acquire additional strength and will definitely not crack.
5. Formation of an excellent soundproof barrier between apartments.
6. The ability to make even the floor on an unheated loggia warmer.
7. It can be used in the "warm floor" system with water or electric coolant.
8. Reliably protects internal communications from mechanical impact.
9. Due to the low moisture content, the screed dries quickly, which allows you to generally speed up the repair process.
10. Availability and low cost of components.

Of the minuses of this semi-dry screed, the following are noted:

1. Without a certain work experience, it is difficult to add the optimal amount of water to the screed composition.
2. The low fluidity of the solution causes difficulties in laying the screed and forming a flat surface.
3. A high-quality coating is obtained using special tools for tamping.
4. The height of the screed should not be less than 4 cm.
5. When forming a high screed, a reinforcing mesh must be used.

Dry screed

For an apartment located in a multi-storey building, a screed made using this technology is ideal option. This method can be called a screed, rather, it is a multilayer flooring that does not use water.

To form an even horizontal plane, as well as in the manufacture of other types of screeds, guide beacons are used. At the same time, the liquid solution is replaced by a dry granular heat-insulating backfill, which is also distributed by the rule. After that, to form hard base laying two layers of gypsum fiber boards. Such a screed is strong and reliable.

The advantages of a dry screed device include the following:

1. A significant reduction in the time of work - you can keep within one working day.
2. It is possible to qualitatively level differences of any height.
3. Laying the finish coat can be carried out immediately after the installation of the screed.
4. Dry backfill provides high-quality heat and sound insulation of the room.
5. "Clean" work process.
6. The low weight of the floor structure allows the use of this screed in rooms with weak ceilings, for example, in wooden houses or on balconies.
7. The dismantling of the structure is carried out quickly, which is especially important when laying communications and engineering networks inside the floor.

Lag floor construction

This technology for creating a rough base is also traditional and has been used for a long time. It is endowed with special advantages that make this method of arranging a rough foundation the most optimal for apartments:

1. When constructing such a floor, there are no “wet” processes.
2. The construction material is environmentally friendly and safe.
3. The installation process does not require special skills and tools.

Similar designs differ in the way the lag is laid and the type of flooring material. The lags can be simple and adjustable. They differ in the way they rest on the base. In the first case, bars or chocks are used to install the log, which must be selected in height so that all logs laid in increments of at least 50 cm are located in a single horizontal plane.

modern and convenient way flooring by joists is a method using adjustable supports in the form of studs and nuts. By rotating the latter, the required height of each beam is set. This technology is convenient and allows you to quickly mount the logs, but it costs more than the first option.

As a flooring material for the rough base, you can use:

1. Boards. Moreover, such flooring can be both rough and finish, if you use a top-class grooved board.
2. Plywood. Sheets are laid in two layers with spaced seams. It is smooth and durable, but quite expensive material.
3. OSB boards, fit like plywood, but are cheaper.
4. Chipboard. The most budget option for flooring. In terms of characteristics, it is inferior to the above options.

What should be the floor in rooms for different purposes

The finishing coating material is selected depending on the purpose of the room, where different requirements are imposed on it regarding the appearance and performance.

Floor in the bedroom

The bedroom is the quietest place in the apartment. Here a person should be able to fully relax after a working day, relax, sleep. The interior of the bedroom is usually decorated in soothing colors using environmentally friendly and, preferably, natural materials.

The flooring in the bedroom must meet the following requirements:

1. The surface should be pleasant to the touch, as often in the bedroom you have to walk barefoot, going to bed or getting up early in the morning. Natural coatings have a more suitable surface - board, parquet, cork and soft carpet.
2. The coating must absorb noise when walking on it, especially if it is a spouse's room - excess noise can interfere with the rest of the second person. For the same reason, the coating should not creak. Cork and carpet meet this requirement to a greater extent.
3. Particular attention is paid to the aesthetics of the coating. It should match the style and color scheme of the room, take into account the level of illumination in it, contribute to the creation of a cozy, warm atmosphere.
4. An optimal microclimate should be created in the sleeping room, so preference should be given to natural, “live” finishing materials. In the case of the floor - natural wood and products made from it.
5. The floor surface must be antistatic - this quality will provide clean air and a minimum amount of dust in the room. This quality is especially important in a room where people suffering from asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system live.
6. The coating must be wear-resistant, even and durable. Despite the fact that the bedroom is a room with a low level of traffic - this way the coating will last longer.

Children's room

On the surface of the floor in the nursery there are serious dynamic loads, there is a possibility of mechanical damage, getting wet and dirty. At the same time, the floor must retain heat, be easy to clean and maintain its aesthetic appearance. appearance throughout the entire period of operation.

There are several requirements:

1. The material must be of high quality, meet all safety standards.
2. The coating must have soundproofing properties.
3. The surface of the material must be non-slippery, hygienic, hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, free of odors and dyes.
4. The material must withstand repeated wet cleaning, exposure to detergents and cleaners. Also, the coating should not absorb dirt.
5. The coating must be antistatic (the property not to accumulate dust on its surface).
6. It is important that the material is cushioned when walking on it - this property will protect the child from injury when falling and reduce the load on the spine.

Floor in the living room

The living room is a room where all family members meet, spend family holidays, receive guests. Sometimes, the room performs several functions, being a living room and dining room, living room and study, living room and bedroom. All this must be taken into account when choosing a floor covering.

Of the basic requirements for the floor in the living room, the following are noted:

1. The coating should be aesthetically attractive, organically combined with the rest of the finish and furniture, emphasizing the style of the interior.
2. When choosing a floor covering, take into account the shade of the cashing of the door and window opening.
3. The surface of the floor must be wear-resistant and durable - so the coating will last longer.
4. The living room can be called calling card at home, so flooring an expensive one is chosen here, creating a presentable appearance of the interior.
5. The coating should be easy to care for and durable, especially if children and pets live in the house.

Floor in the kitchen

The kitchen area is special operational characteristics. The floor material here is exposed to various adverse effects:

1. The floor surface is exposed to the greatest wear in working area kitchens.
2. The indoor climate is characterized by high humidity and temperature fluctuations.
3. The coating must withstand repeated wet cleaning with detergents because it is subject to frequent contamination.
4. The floor surface must be solid because heavy or sharp objects often fall on it.
5. In addition to strength and durability, the floor in the kitchen must have aesthetics.
6. The floor must not absorb dirt or liquids.
7. The hygiene of the coating will ensure the absence of pores and relief on the surface.
8. The material must be moisture resistant.

floor in the hallway

The entrance hall is the room that is most exposed to negative and even aggressive influences. This is where most of the sand, dirt, water gets. The coating is subject to mechanical stress and wear.

The floor material in the hallway must have the following properties:

1. The aesthetic appearance of the coating plays an important role.
2. Preference should be given to coatings on the surface of which scratches and dirt are less visible.
3. The surface must withstand mechanical stress and abrasives.
4. The material is chosen to be moisture resistant, on the surface of which water can stand for some time without harming the coating.
5. The material must be resistant to aggressive cleaning agents.
6. It is desirable that the floor surface has dirt-repellent properties.
7. The high strength of the material will protect the coating from shock loads.

Bathroom floor

The floor cake in rooms with high humidity necessarily includes a layer of waterproofing. The most reliable type is the coating method, which forms a monolithic sealed coating. The main features of the coating in the bathroom include the following:

1. Moisture resistance.
2. Durability.
3. Hygiene.
4. Mechanical strength.
5. Not slippery surface.
6. Simple care.
7. aesthetic appeal.
8. The minimum number of joints or their careful sealing.

Types of floor coverings and their characteristics

All floor coverings that can be used in an apartment differ in the way they are laid, the requirements for preparing the base, appearance and performance. Consider the most popular options.

grooved board

Wood flooring is a traditional way of creating a warm, natural feel. For finishing, a special type of board is used, which is called grooved. In addition to the fact that it is equipped with a groove and a ridge, there are grooves on the back side that provide natural ventilation flooring.

Important! The tongue/groove lock ensures even distribution over the flooring surface.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of boardwalk

Advantages

disadvantages

1. Natural wood is a natural, environmentally friendly and safe material. 2. The tree "breathes", and therefore affects the creation of an optimal microclimate in the room. 3. With proper care and right choice wood flooring will last for many years. 4. The surface can be subjected to a variety of treatments - staining, varnishing, brushing, oiling and waxing. 5. The wooden floor creates a cozy, warm atmosphere in the interior.

1. When compared with other materials, wood has a higher cost. 2. Natural wood is unstable to mechanical stress and cannot be restored if severely damaged. 3. Periodically, treatment with antiseptic compounds is required. 4. The material is combustible, so it is additionally treated with antiperm. 5. Periodic renewal of the decorative layer is required. 6. Wood is afraid of moisture, so it can not be installed in every room. It is also worth performing a thorough waterproofing of the base when installing a wooden floor on the ground floor above an unheated underground.

Table 2. Board laying process

Image	Description
	The first board is laid with a groove to the wall at a certain distance, forming a gap of at least 1 cm.
	They are fixed on a self-tapping screw so that the fastener head is subsequently behind the plinth.
	For further installation of the flooring, you can use long self-tapping screws that exceed the thickness of the lamella by 2 times. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the boards at the lag locations. The fastener caps are subsequently masked with a special putty.
	The second method involves screwing self-tapping screws into the tenon of each board. This method provides a tighter fit of the boards and allows you to hide the fasteners.

Parquet

One of the varieties of wooden flooring is block parquet. You can also install modular parquet, which looks like a tile with a geometric pattern of several dies.

Important! Parquet differs from other materials in that it is made of solid wood, so its cost is quite high. However, this coating has a very long service life.

The presence of a groove and a ridge on each plank ensures their snug fit, in addition, the elements are attached to the adhesive during installation. For the manufacture of parquet, such wood as oak, cherry, ash, beech, maple is used.

Table 3. Advantages and disadvantages of parquet

Advantages

disadvantages

1. The use of hard rocks for the manufacture of dies allows you to get a durable, reliable coating. 2. Due to the unique natural pattern, the coating has a unique, aesthetic appearance. 3. When repairing, you can replace a single fragment without disassembling the entire coating. 4. The coating is environmentally friendly and safe. 5. The large thickness of the dies makes them resistant to mechanical stress and allows them to be repeatedly polished. 6. The coating has excellent heat and sound insulation properties.

1. Is the most expensive way to finish the floor. 2. For laying, it is required to hire a specialist with experience in carrying out such work. 3. The material is more demanding of microclimatic conditions than others. 4. Like any wood material, it is afraid of moisture.

Piece and modular parquet differ in cost and, if desired, you can choose the material for quite affordable price.

Table 4. Average cost of parquet

Name and image of material brand Papa Carlo	Average cost as of September 2018, rubles
	880
	680
	920
	2800
	3600
	3600
	2500

parquet board

The parquet board is a three-layer floor material with a lock joint, like a laminate, but differs from it in that the front layer, like all the others, is made of natural wood. That's why parquet board looks noble and natural. The slats are highly durable due to the fact that the middle layer of the slats is located perpendicular to the outer one - the lower plywood and the front decorative, impregnated with a protective compound.

Externally, a parquet board can imitate a parquet flooring. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the front layer of one lamella looks like it is assembled from 2, 3 or 4 rows of dies.

Table 5. Advantages and disadvantages of a parquet board

Advantages

disadvantages

1. Lamels are made of natural wood. 2. Affordable cost compared to parquet. 3. Simple installation and strong connection of lamellas due to the presence of a locking system. 4. A wide variety of shades and types of wood. 5. Variety additional ways processing. 6. Variability of laying methods. 7. Can be used in the "warm floor" system. 8. Nice surface. 9. The ability to absorb noise. 10. Durable, even coating that does not require complex maintenance. 11. The possibility of creating a collapsible cover.

1. Vulnerability to moisture. 2. Vulnerability to chemicals and overheating when used in a floor heating system. 3. In case of mechanical damage, the entire lamella must be replaced.

Table 6. Laying parquet board

Illustration	Description
	The material, without unpacking, is left for 48 hours.
	First, a substrate is laid with the institution of the material on the wall along the perimeter of the room.
	The boards of the first row are cut on one side, removing the locking element. A gap is left between the wall and the first row of lamellas by inserting special spacer plastic wedges into the gap.
	For a snug fit, the slats use the technology of tapping on them with a hammer through a special bar.
	An electric jigsaw is used to cut the lamellas.
	The locking system allows the installation of the coating in a short time.
	Spacer wedges are installed around the entire perimeter of the room. This laying method is called floating and ensures the integrity of the coating when the material expands during a period of temperature fluctuations.
	To lay the board in the area of ​​​​the doorway, the lamella itself and the door frame are cut.
	In the doorway, a threshold is installed with a hidden fastening to match the coating.
	At the final stage, a plinth is mounted around the perimeter of the room.

Laminate

Laminate is a coating consisting of multilayer lamellas, the front decorative layer of which imitates any type of wood, as well as other natural and artificial materials.

Lamels from different manufacturers can have arbitrarily technological layers that improve the performance properties of the laminate. The simplest instance consists of the following layers:

1. Lower stabilization paper layer with melamine impregnation.
2. The load-bearing and thickest layer based on HDF - plates with locking joints at the ends.
3. Decorative paper layer with natural material texture pattern.
4. A protective polymer layer that determines the wear resistance (class) of the laminate. For residential premises, material of class 32 is purchased.

Table 7. Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

Advantages

disadvantages

1. The locking type of connection of the lamellas ensures their tight fit and quick installation. 2. The possibility of creating a collapsible coating for floating laying. 3. The front layer resistant to mechanical stress and moisture resistance of some models allows the use of the material in hallways and kitchens. 4. Waterproof laminate (PVC) can be used in bathrooms. 5. The coating can be used in any room, as it is environmentally friendly and safe. 6. Affordable cost and a wide range of colors and textures make this material quite popular. 7. The coating is not afraid of UV and does not need additional processing. 8. Material with a special marking can be used in the "warm floor" system.

1. Some varieties are afraid of moisture. 2. Is not a natural material. 3. The surface is not as warm as natural wood. 4. A very sonorous material that requires the organization of high-quality sound insulation of the base.

PVC laminate is environmentally friendly and safe for humans and the environment. You can find a detailed list of the advantages of PVC panels.

Laying laminate is carried out according to the same principle as parquet boards - in a floating way.

Laying is carried out on a flat and clean base on the substrate, leaving a compensation gap along the perimeter between the coating and the wall.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the common types of flooring that can be used in rooms of any purpose and degree of traffic. Its popularity is associated with many factors, one of which is the moisture resistance of the material and the possibility of using it in wet areas.

Linoleum can be with or without a base. According to the structure, it is divided into homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer). The composition can be natural and artificial (PVC). According to the field of application, the material is divided into:

1. Commercial.
2. Domestic.
3. Semi-commercial.
4. Special.

More often in residential premises, three-layer linoleum is used for semi-commercial purposes. It has higher performance properties, resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion. It consists of the following layers:

1. Protective polyurethane layer 0.4-0.6 mm thick.
2. Decorative (front) plain or multi-colored layer.
3. The bottom layer is in the form of a foamed PVC substrate.

Table 8. Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

Advantages	disadvantages
1. Low price. 2. A rich variety of colors, imitations various materials and invoices. 3. Wear-resistant front layer. 4. Durability. 5. Resistance to moisture. 6. Resistance to mechanical stress. 7. Monolithic coating that does not absorb odors and dirt. 8. Doesn't slip. 9. Suitable for underfloor heating system. 10. Does not require complex maintenance.	1. Unnatural material. 2. There may be a specific smell in the first 2 weeks. 3. There may be black sole marks. 4. Requires a level ground. 5. When damaged, it cannot be repaired.

Before you start laying linoleum, the base must be prepared. If laying is carried out on a cement screed or reinforced concrete slab, then its surface is cleaned of debris and primed. Also, laying can be done on wooden (plywood) flooring.

Table 9. Laying linoleum

Illustration	Description
	At the first stage, the roll is rolled out in the room and allowed to rest for some time.
	Linoleum is cut along the perimeter of the room, adjusting it to size.
	After a day, you can begin to fix the canvas with double-sided tape. The adhesive tape is first fixed on the floor, having previously unbent a part of the linoleum.
	After the tape surface is smoothed paint roller, remove the protective layer, freeing the outer sticky side of the adhesive tape.
	Linoleum is carefully returned to its place, fixing in a given position. Do the same with the second half of the canvas.
	At the final stage, the plinth is fixed.

Marmoleum

The natural variety of linoleum is modern material- marmoleum. It contains only natural ingredients:

1. Pine resin.
2. Linseed oil.
3. Jute fibers.
4. Wood flour.

Important! To the touch, in terms of environmental friendliness and degree of depreciation, marmoleum can be compared with cork.

Marmoleum can be rolled and slab. The rolled material must be laid on an insulated or heated base, as it does not have additional layers. Another option is slab, which is distinguished by a multilayer structure, when a strip of marmoleum is fixed on a supporting HDF-plate with a lock, and a cork substrate is attached from below. Laying of such plates is carried out quickly, and the locking method of connection ensures a snug fit of the elements and eliminates the occurrence of cold bridges.

Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of marmoleum

Advantages

disadvantages

1. The material is environmentally friendly and safe. 2. The material is hypoallergenic with bactericidal properties. 3. Affordable cost compared to other natural coatings. 4. It has sound and heat insulation properties. 5. Not subject to shrinkage and deformation, moisture resistant, retains its dimensions throughout the entire service life. 6. Does not absorb dirt. 7. Resistant to point loads. 8. Has a long service life. 9. Has an antistatic surface. 10. Does not burn, support or promote the spread of fire. 11. Can have any shade and imitate the textures of various materials. 12. Easy to install.

1. The edges of marmoleum are fragile, which requires careful handling during transportation, storage and installation. 2. The material is difficult to cut, so it is recommended to trim the marmoleum only at the junction with the wall, provided that the cut will be hidden behind the plinth.

Laying marmoleum is easy and does not require special skills.

Table 11. The process of laying marmoleum

Illustration	Description
	The base must be free of dirt and dust.
	Markings are applied to the floor surface, the middle of the room is marked, taking into account the distance from the wall along the perimeter of the room at a distance of at least 6 cm.
	Apply adhesive with a spatula.
	A spatula with teeth level the solution, forming grooves.
	A fragment is laid out from a marmoleum tile.
	Excess adhesive is removed immediately with a damp sponge.
	With the help of a rolling roller, the tile is pressed in a predetermined position, passing in two directions.
	The cut line when cutting tiles is indicated with a sharp clerical knife.
	The fragment is cut at an angle of 45 degrees using a special tool.
	After gluing the cut fragment, it is also rolled with a roller in two directions.

Video - Do-it-yourself marmoleum laying

Tile

This material occupies a special niche among floor coverings - according to its technical characteristics, it is more suitable than others for rooms with special operating conditions and requirements for floor hygiene (kitchen, bathroom, hallway).

Table 12. Advantages and disadvantages tiles

Advantages	disadvantages
1. High hardness, density and strength. 2. Hygiene. 3. Hypoallergenic. 4. Moisture resistance. 5. A wide range of shades, patterns, textures, sizes and shapes. 6. Biological passivity. 7. Fire resistant. 8. Dielectricity. 9. High thermal conductivity. 10. Wear resistance. 11. UV resistant. 12. Durability.	1. The material is fragile, so it requires careful handling during transportation, storage and installation. 2. Not resistant to point shock loads. 3. It is characterized by low soundproof properties. 4. The coating surface is cold and unpleasant to the touch. 5. Glossy varieties slide. 6. Difficult dismantling. 7. Require experience when laying.

The surface of a floor ceramic tile happens opaque and glossy. More secure, with a pleasant embossed, porous structure is a matte tile. It does not slip, therefore it is recommended for bathrooms. It is easier to remove dirt from a glossy surface, its gloss visually makes the room brighter and more spacious. Mosaic is one of the options for floor cladding, but its disadvantage is the large number of joints, which are the most vulnerable spot prone to pollution, so the bathroom will be the best place to use it.

Important! When choosing tiles for the floor, take into account the operational features of the room and the load. We will show you how to choose the right floor tiles.

self-leveling floor

The bulk floor is different in composition. In this regard, its surface can be:

1. Matte.
2. Semi-matte.
3. Glossy.
4. Semi-gloss.

In appearance, the floors are multi-color or plain, with a pattern and pattern or . The self-leveling floor makes it possible to use a variety of methods for decorating them - using a canvas with a pattern, introducing decorative inclusions into the solution, pouring wood, stone, coins and other elements with a transparent composition.

They entrust professionals with experience, as there are many manufacturing technologies for the composition, depending on the components and methods for creating a decorative coating.

Table 13. Advantages and disadvantages of self-leveling floor

carpet

Carpet is a rolled material with different pile thickness and height, shade and pattern, which allows you to choose a coating for any interior. The thickness of the material varies from 5 to 10 mm.

Note! Any carpet consists of a backing for fixing the pile (woven or non-woven), a fixing layer based on latex, a secondary backing in contact with the floor, endowing the coating with elasticity, heat and sound insulation qualities, wear resistance, and pile.

Carpet is different:

1. Manufacturing material.
2. Manufacturing technology.
3. The length and quality of the pile.
4. base material.

According to the material of manufacture, carpet can be natural and synthetic. The first is more whimsical in care and is more expensive.

Table 14. Advantages and disadvantages of carpet

cork floor

Cork is made from natural raw materials by pressing. This floor is distinguished by high shock-absorbing properties, due to the porous structure. Cork is pleasant to the touch, so it is often used in children's rooms. When using cork in rooms with a high load and traffic, the front layer is varnished.

There are several varieties - in the form of a material with an adhesive base or plates (laminate) with a thorn-groove lock. The latter may have different thicknesses. Tiles less than 6 mm are laid on any flat surface and fixed with glue. Material up to 12 mm thick can be mounted by the floating method on wooden flooring, screed or linoleum.

Table 15. Advantages and disadvantages of cork coating

Summary table of materials for the floor in the apartment

Summing up, it should be indicated which coatings are appropriate in certain areas of the apartment.

Table 16. What coatings are appropriate in certain rooms

Indicator	Bulk floor	Laminate	Parquet board	Array. board	Cork	Linoleum	Ceram. tile	Carpet. coating
Service life, years	10 – 30	5 – 15	15 – 30	up to 40	Up to 50	3 – 7	5 – 15	1 – 5
Environmental friendliness	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
naturalness	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not really	Yes	Not really
decorative	high	low	low	low	low	low	average	low
Care	easily	medium	medium	medium	medium	easily	medium	hard
Resistance to mechanical load	high	average	average	average	low	average	average	average
maintainability	high	No	low	low	No	No	No	No
thermal insulation	low	low	high	high	high	low	low	average
moisture resistance	high	low	low	low	low	high	high	low
Price	average	average	high	high	high	low	average	average
For which rooms is recommended	Hallway Living room Bathroom Kitchen	Hallway Living room Kitchen	Living room Bedroom Children's	Living room Bedroom Children's	Bedroom Children's	Hallway Living room Bathroom Kitchen	Hallway Bathroom Kitchen	Bedroom

Important

It is equally important to consider the number of storeys of the apartment. I'll explain why: if you live on the first floor, then remember, there is an unheated basement below. And that means high humidity and cold. If you live on the second floor and above, then under you there will be a residential heated and dry apartment.

When choosing a floor covering, I also recommend considering the height of the room. Some technologies are simply unrealistic to introduce into an apartment, for example, wooden floors on logs if the ceiling height is 220 cm. Another point is the floor difference between rooms. We level the floors at all our facilities.

If in your apartment wooden floor, then I do not advise pouring concrete screed. There will be a heavy load on him. On the contrary, choose a coating that is light in weight, such as laminate or linoleum. Well, it is important to pay attention to aesthetics.

FROM practical point view, I also advise you to choose flooring by zone. For example, tiles for the kitchen and bathroom, wood, laminate and the like can be laid in the bedroom.

Advice

Zone the territory. Separate it with a color, it's beautiful and convenient.

Here's what the floors look like with zoning:

What basis to use

The draft base in the apartment can be made from:

1. Wet screed.

2. Semi-dry screed.

3. Dry screed.

Wet screed

· Long drying time. After pouring, about 30 days or more should pass for complete hardening.

• There is a lot of dirt in the process.

· On the square meter there is a serious load, which can reach up to 70 kg / m 2.

Shrinkage may occur as moisture evaporates.

• Serious labor required.

• High strength.
• Relatively low cost.

· Various engineering systems can be laid in the screed.

· To achieve the required level, you can fill in a thick layer without consequences.

Important

Provided that at least three people will pour the screed: one on the batch, the second on the rule, the third on the tray, then on average it is possible to pour the screed for a working day with an area of ​​​​up to 50 m 2 with a thickness of about 50 mm. at the same time, it takes about a day to install beacons.

Work on pouring a wet screed costs about 400 rubles. per m 2.

Semi-dry screed

We use this option in all our facilities. You can read more about the technology on our second website - http://qualityfloor.ru/

· Dependence on weather conditions. At sub-zero temperatures, work is prohibited.

• Difficult to implement on your own.

· Excellent quality is maintained at high speed.

After a while, cracks do not appear on the surface.

· Eliminates the possibility of water leakage into the lower room.

· Unlike a wet screed, a semi-dry screed is 15% cheaper.

Important! One team in the traditional way of pouring a semi-dry screed is able to pour up to 100 m 2. If use mechanized way, then up to 300 m 2 in one day.

The cost of materials: cement M500 50 kg - 350 rubles, washed sand 1 m 3 - 1100 rubles. The cost of work, which includes work by the rule and by helicopter, reaches up to 150 rubles. per m 2.

Dry screed

Disadvantages:

· Hydrophilicity. I explain: if a pipe breaks under a dry screed, then the screed will have to be made completely anew, with preliminary dismantling work.

• Cannot be installed in the shower and bathroom.

Advantages:

• Wet processes are completely absent.
• Increased sound and thermal insulation.
• Environmental friendliness.

· Little weight. Three times lighter than concrete wet screed.

• After installation, the floors are ready for use.

Important! In one day, a team of qualified specialists is able to produce 50 m 2 of dry screed.

The cost of installing a dry screed "Knauf" per m 2 ranges from 450 to 1300 rubles. The price depends on the method of production and volumes. For example, a dry floor screed up to 10 m 2, which includes dry backfill and a floor element 1000 rubles / m 2. With a similar composition, a volume of 30 m 3 will cost you 450 rubles. I advise you to compare the offers of several construction firms to choose the best price.

Noise isolation

Styrofoam

Advantages:

• Easy installation.
• Easy to cut.
• Elastic and strong material.
• Service life up to 25 years.
• Not afraid of moisture.

• Flammable material.

· Existence of joints that reduces noise-insulating properties.

The cost of foam plastic per m 3 with a thickness of 10 mm is 280 rubles. (I didn't find the price for the job)

Mineral wool

In my opinion, mineral wool is one of the best building materials providing excellent floor sound insulation. However, mineral wool cannot be poured with concrete. It is only suitable for wooden floors. For example, laying between floor beams.

• The ability to absorb sound waves.
• Does not burn.
• Does not emit harmful and dangerous toxic gases.
• The ability to cope with temperatures up to +1000°C.
• Possibility of laying without a cold bridge.
• Service life up to 25 years.
• Mineral wool is resistant to various aggressive environments.

· Throughout all term of operation mineral wool keeps the properties.

• Vapor permeability.

• Afraid of moisture.

· Difficulties during installation (protective clothing must be worn).

The cost of mineral wool per package differs based on its thickness. For example, mineral wool 100 mm thick 600 × 800 mm costs 450 rubles. Mineral wool 600 mm thick 600 × 100 mm costs 650 rubles.

Important! soundproofing installation cost mineral wool per m 2 will cost 200 rubles.

Expanded clay

If a screed is poured, then in my experience and practice, expanded clay is the best solution. Its price is much lower. The price depends on the faction. It is sold in bags. For example, a fraction of 10–20 mm with a volume of 0.05 m 3 costs 85 rubles, and a fraction of up to 5 mm with a volume of 0.05 m 3 costs 140 rubles.

Important! The cost of backfilling expanded clay per m 2 is 60 rubles.

Positive sides:

• Low price.
• Natural product - environmental friendliness.

· Does not change its structure when the temperature changes.

• It does not start various microorganisms.
• Refractory material.
• Noise isolation is provided by the porosity of its structure.

Negative sides:

• Very brittle due to porosity.

· Due to the low density, it is necessary to fill up a soundproof pillow of a decent height. In apartments with small ceilings, it is impossible to implement.

• The ability to absorb moisture.

Warming

As for the floor insulation in the apartment, I advise all my customers not to miss this opportunity. Especially when the apartment is on the first floor and there is an unheated basement under you. Floor insulation will eliminate heat loss.

Important

If a floor heating system is laid on the floor, then floor insulation is simply necessary. There should be a reflective film on the heaters. Due to this, all the heat emitted will rise up the apartment.

Various materials are used for insulation.

Styrofoam

Expanded polystyrene is sold in packages. Depending on the manufacturer, the price ranges from 1.1 to 4 thousand rubles. Work for m 2 will cost you 150 rubles.

• Easy installation.
• Light weight.
• Environmental friendliness.
• It does not contain different microorganisms.
• Does not pass moisture and heat.
• Service life of 50 years or more.

• combustible
• Upon reaching a temperature of 90 ° is deformed.

Cork

It costs a roll of cork 2 mm thick - 1200 rubles. The cork thickness of 6 mm has a price per roll - 3800 rubles. In my opinion, the use of this heater is unjustified. There are much cheaper heaters. But in some cases this is the only optimal solution. The price of work for installation is 320 rubles. m 2.

• Long service life.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Does not rot, does not spread mold.
• After a while, it does not lose its characteristics.
• Lets air through.

• Difficult installation process.

· High price. But in my opinion the quality justifies the price.

Ecowool

One of modern solutions. In my opinion, the most effective method insulation of the wooden floor in the apartment. The cost of 1 kg is 28 rubles. Work for 1m 2 costs from 1600 rubles. (wet method). In my opinion, the perfect combination of quality at low cost.

• Lets air through.
• Low cost.

· Does not breed mold, does not rot. Insects and mice do not start in it.

• Easy installation.
• Seamless insulation.

For your information

Cons: the main drawback is that after a while, dry laying of ecowool becomes caked. Therefore, when insulating the floor, I recommend tamping it well, on average, 1 m 3 will consume 50 kg.

Water heated floor

For many customers living in an apartment, I advise you to make a warm water floor. However, it is not always possible to do so. For example, in your apartment low ceilings, and the heating cake can take at least 70 mm. It is not always possible to pour the screed onto a water-heated floor, due to weak overlap. It is also important to consider the choice of flooring. For example, under the laminate all the heat is eaten up and it will be difficult to reach a comfortable temperature.

Advice! As my practice shows, a water-heated floor is ideally combined with ceramic tiles. It has a high level of thermal conductivity, which allows not to retain thermal energy in the body of the screed.

· Lining insulation (which are which are cheaper and better, briefly describe)

Floor materials

The modern market offers a large selection of outdoor finishing materials. I propose to compare the most common facing materials.

Parquet

• Ease of use.
• Durability about 100 years.
• Beautiful appearance.
• It matches perfectly with any style of interior.

· High price. Especially when exotic wood species are used.

• Needs to be polished from time to time.
• There is a lot of noise when walking.

The cost of a piece parquet is 950 rubles/m2, and a parquet board is from 800 to 2000 rubles/m2. The work will cost 1000 rubles. per m 2.

Laminate

There are many manufacturers of laminate, respectively, the cost of the laminate is different. I take off from the class. For an apartment, I advise you to purchase a laminate class of at least 33. So the price per m 2 is in the region from 300 to 2400 rubles / m 2. The cost of installation is on average 350 rubles / m 2.

Benefits of laminate:

· Packing convenient for transportation and manual carrying.

• Simulates various building materials.
• Easy care.
• Wear resistance (depending on the class).
• Relatively simple and quick installation.
• Can be installed in different rooms.

· Resistant to negative effects of UV, does not fade. Some planks are even moisture resistant.

• Does not breed mold and fungus.

Cons of laminate:

· It is impossible to restore the top layer in case of wear. A complete replacement is needed.

• Makes a lot of noise when walking.
• Unnatural tactile sensations.
• Rigidity.

The presence of formaldehyde calls into question the environmental friendliness.

· Without deformation joints, the coating will spread or swell.

Linoleum

The cost of linoleum ranges from 200 to 1.5 thousand rubles / m 2. The cost is affected by its class, for example, commercial, household, and so on. For an apartment, I recommend buying linoleum no cheaper than 500 rubles / m 2. Installation cost: for glue 320 rubles/m 2 , without glue 250 rubles/m 2 .

• Relatively inexpensive flooring.

Resistant to moisture and steam. Actual for rooms in an apartment with high humidity, for example, a kitchen.

• Wear-resistant (depending on the class).
• Easy installation. You can use glue or not.
• Does not slip when wet.
• Easy care.

· Linoleum has a specific smell. It goes away after two weeks.

• Weak wear resistance to punctures.
• A perfectly flat floor surface is required.

Wood

In my opinion, the tree is the most win-win option when finishing the floor in the apartment. just keep in mind that it fits on the logs. Therefore, the height of the ceilings should allow such luxury. The cost of a wooden floor per m 2 varies based on the thickness of the board. The average price is 450 rubles / m 2. The flooring of the board along the logs will cost 400 rubles / m 2.

• Excellent aesthetic appearance.
• Pleasant tactile sensations when walking.

· In addition, wooden floors insulate the base. You can walk barefoot.

· Easy to operate. Once every 5 years, a coat of paint / varnish is applied and the floors are like new.

· A new floor covering can be laid on the old wooden floor.

• Easily repairable.

Difficulty in installation. Many nuances must be taken into account.

• It is impossible to achieve perfect evenness of the floor.
• If the installation technology is not followed, they creak.

Tile

The cost of ceramic tiles varies based on its collection. You can find tiles for 400 rubles / m 2, and there are collections of 17 thousand rubles / m 2. The cost of work is within 1000 rubles / m 2.

• Hard and durable coating.
• Does not let moisture through, unless there is a flood.
• Long service life.
• Hygiene.
• Easy to clean up.
• Resistant to temperature extremes.
• Resistant to chemical aggressive agents.

· High thermal conductivity. Without floor heating It's cold to walk on tiles.

• Harmful in case of moisture.
• High price.
• Installation difficulties.

Rating of floor materials

floor material	Appearance (10 points)	Material price	Installation cost	Price with work	Durability	Time before restoration
		950 - 2000 rubles.
		300 - 2400 rubles.
Linoleum		200 - 1500 rubles.	For glue - 320 rubles. Without glue - 250 rubles.
		400 - 17000 rubles.

Owners of new urban apartments with a rough finish and real estate in which to do overhaul, will not be able to get rid of laying the flooring. The interior design of the premises and the conditions for their operation, comfort in the house depend on it. An analysis of the operational and specifications offered materials.

The main types of floor coverings

When considering modern floor coverings for an apartment, property owners choose between the following materials:

• linoleum;
• ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles;
• laminate;
• piece or artistic parquet;
• cork floor;

All materials for the floor in the apartment are distinguished by a variety of design, long service life, simple care. The differences are in the laying methods, the complexity of the preparatory work, cost and practical characteristics.

Laminate or linoleum?

At limited budget the choice of the best flooring for an apartment is traditionally made between linoleum and. Linoleum is a classic solution, this material is easy to install, has a long service life and a variety of assortment. Manufacturers offer flooring for a room with any traffic intensity. The design of the collections impresses with its variety: the pattern of linoleum can be any - abstract, wood or tile, metal or parquet, natural stone or pebble. The main advantage of the material is the ease of installation, the work can be done independently, without the involvement of specialists.


Laminate is a trend of the last decade, this material is presented in different price categories, can be used in underfloor heating systems and is distinguished by a variety of collections. Manufacturers offer a waterproof laminate for the bathroom and kitchen, created from PVC. The flooring is laid using a simple tool, but requires a level foundation and care in the course of work. Be sure to use a substrate that compensates for small flaws in the base and improves sound insulation.
When choosing what to make a floor from - from linoleum or laminate, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of the base.

An uneven screed will lead to the fact that the locks of the laminate will begin to break, cracks will appear in which water will get into. An ideal base and a competent choice of laminate in terms of abrasion class is the best solution for budget repair. Linoleum is indispensable when there is no way to improve the quality of the screed. The foam base of this flooring is able to compensate for small flaws in the subfloor.

Which floor is better to make in the apartment: parquet, parquet board or cork?

When deciding what to put on the floor in the apartment, fans of environmentally friendly materials choose between piece parquet, cork flooring and parquet board. For elite urban apartments, these floorings can be competed with artistic parquet, which is distinguished by its exquisite design and high cost.


Parquet and cork panels are an expensive floor covering for a room, the choice of which should be taken with special attention. Block parquet is made from solid wood the best varieties. Its service life exceeds 50 years, the material is not afraid of high loads, and sanding can restore its ideal appearance during scheduled repairs. The disadvantages of the material include its cost and the need to involve specialists in laying.

Cork flooring is available in two types - tiles and panels with a lock. For self-laying question: which flooring is better is rhetorical. Cork veneer tiles must be glued to an ideal surface and then varnished, like parquet. The lock cork flooring is laid according to the laminate principle and this work can be done without the involvement of craftsmen.

Parquet and cork compete with parquet board - a compromise solution not only in terms of price, but also in terms of quality. The panels of this material resemble laminate, have a locking connection and are easy to install. Unlike parquet or solid board, the thickness of expensive wood species is only 4-6 mm, which reduces the cost of the material. The basis of the parquet board is a beam of softwood, glued perpendicularly to a thin pine veneer. This design guarantees the strength, durability of the floor covering, meets strict environmental standards.


When deciding what is better to lay on the floor - parquet or parquet board, tiles or cork wood panels, you need to be guided by your budget. All materials are environmentally friendly, with an individual texture and a long service life. Cork parquet and tiles are suitable for exclusive interiors, parquet board and cork wood panels are the best solution in a classic style.

Moisture-resistant floor in a city apartment

When analyzing which flooring to choose for a kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider the likelihood of puddles on the floor. Spilled pan, defective Dishwasher or a disconnected water heater hose can cause puddles on the floor. Water is the main enemy of wood, laminate, cork. It is for this reason that there are reliable moisture resistant floor materials- ceramic and clinker tiles, porcelain stoneware, self-leveling floors.

Ceramic tiles are distinguished by a variety of assortment and affordable price. This optimal choice for small rooms with high humidity. The competition for this material is clinker tiles and porcelain stoneware. They are highly resistant to abrasion, strength, frost resistance. Deciding what is best for flooring in the garage, the choice is stopped on clinker tiles, as it does not absorb engine oil. In a city apartment, you can use any option, thanks to the impressive variety of collections.

The tile material competes with the self-leveling floor, which is distinguished by its durability, strength, and water resistance. Material suppliers offer exclusive solutions for any interior. The only drawback of self-leveling floors is the high cost and the need to attract qualified specialists.

Choosing a floor for different rooms

When choosing a floor covering in an apartment, it is difficult to determine what is best for all rooms. All rooms differ in traffic intensity, air humidity, environmental requirements. It is not difficult to answer a rather simple question - for covering the floor in the kitchen, which is better ceramic tiles or parquet - and it is problematic to choose between linoleum and laminate in the living room. It is necessary to take into account the quality of the subfloor and the qualifications of the master.

Depending on the purpose of the rooms, it is worth choosing between the following materials:

• entrance hall - semi-commercial linoleum, laminate 23 or 31 class, cork flooring 23 class, ceramic tile or porcelain stoneware;
• bathroom and toilet - ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, PVC-based laminate, self-leveling floors;
• kitchen - ceramic or clinker tiles, porcelain stoneware, PVC-based laminate;
• living room - laminate 22 or 23 class, cork, parquet, parquet board, linoleum;
• children's room - cork flooring class 23, parquet board, parquet;
• bedroom - laminate, parquet board of small thickness, parquet;
• balcony or loggia - linoleum, ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware.

For bedrooms and children's rooms, the environmental friendliness of the materials used is important, the bathroom and kitchen are demanding on the moisture resistance of the coating. Abrasion-resistant materials are used in the hallway of a city apartment.

Often, property owners ask themselves: what is better to use for underfloor heating? These heating systems are popular, the best choice for them there will be ceramic tiles, clinker or laminate. When using parquet or parquet boards in rooms with underfloor heating, you should refuse collections of hornbeam, cedar or maple and give preference to teak or merbau. In this case, the flooring will last as long as possible, and its exterior will remain flawless.

Vinyl Flooring: Features and Benefits

If parquet seems to be an expensive pleasure for someone, then, for sure, they will see a worthy alternative in vinyl flooring. He is credited with many positive features that characterize wood flooring and linoleum. At the same time, there are no bad sides that competitors have. The owners of an apartment or a private house get the opportunity to decorate any interior by choosing best solution with vinyl cover.

The structure of vinyl flooring and its advantages

The production technology provides for the inclusion of polyvinyl chloride, chemically inactive fillers, crushed quartz and some other components in the composition of the material. A decent look and proper shape are given by pressing at high temperatures. Synthetic components should not cause concern that during operation they can serve as a source of toxic substances, thereby posing a potential threat to the health of the inhabitants.

If you look at the cross-sectional plane of the vinyl coating, the following layers can be distinguished:

1. At the very bottom is a layer of polyvinyl chloride. It is attached to the base of the floor. The polymer strengthens the vinyl flooring.
2. Above is a reinforcing fiber layer of woven glass strands. Thanks to him, any kind of factors acting from the inside and outside are not able to change the shape of the product.
3. The so-called interlayer, which consists of quartz and sand, also reinforces the structure.
4. Decorative film. The topmost layer is also represented by a polymer - polyurethane. First of all, it is entrusted with the task of preventing the destruction of the product in the event of moisture, mechanical stress or ultraviolet rays. Sometimes there are modules with a convex surface or a surface on which the sole does not slip. On the other hand, decorative film is designed to give the impression that the floor is covered with stone, wood, leather, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of vinyl flooring

Benefits of vinyl flooring:

1. From all the huge colorful variety, you can choose the color or pattern of the coating in accordance with your design tastes.
2. Many of those who use vinyl flooring for a long time, for sure, were convinced of its practicality. original view almost does not change, the surface is not scratched, when light objects fall on the floor, dents do not form.
3. Vinyl is comfortable in wet environments. Therefore, they can safely cover the floor in the bathroom or kitchen without fear.
4. There is no need to use chemicals to restore a well-groomed appearance. It is enough to wipe it with a cloth dipped in plain water.
5. Outwardly, the structure seems to be monolithic, the seams are almost invisible on the floor - the elements are so tightly adjacent to each other.
6. With the installation of vinyl, as well as this repair, almost every owner will cope with minimal professional skills.
7. Even if you walk barefoot on vinyl flooring in winter, it will not seem cold to your feet.
8. Vinyl flooring is cheaper than some of the other options.

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring:

1. High requirements for the base of the floor - it must be even and clean. Otherwise, the vinyl coating will wear out or deteriorate before the operating period allotted to it by the manufacturer.
2. Toxins are distributed only when the material, through the negligence of the owners, catches fire.
3. The old vinyl coating taken to the landfill after dismantling will lie there for decades without decomposing into simple components.
4. If, for example, in a bathroom, a rubber mat is placed on a vinyl floor, then a stain will form under it after a while - the polymer reacts with discoloration or pallor after prolonged contact with rubber.

Vinyl Sizes

Rectangular tiles 600 mm long and 300 mm wide. In addition to the usual vinyl tiles, there is a quartz-vinyl version on sale. In the latter case, the floor covering is more resistant to chemicals and mechanical stress, an excellent insulator with respect to electricity. Quartz-vinyl tiles have proven themselves well in those rooms that will be frequently visited by people.

Roll cover. In each such roll, the canvas is from 15 to 20 meters long and 2 meters wide. Suitable for use in large rooms.

Laminated modules, each of which is a plate stretched up to 920 mm in length and 100 mm or 180 mm wide. A ball of fiberglass or felt that is in direct contact with the base of the floor plays the role of a shock-absorbing substrate, softens sharp mechanical loads when walking. The smallest thickness is 1.5 mm. Picture front side gives the vinyl flooring a resemblance to a wood structure or makes it hard to distinguish from real bamboo in appearance.

Methods for installing vinyl floor coverings

Actually from the name "adhesive" the essence of the installation is clear - with the help of glue, which is usually applied with a spatula. It is convenient to press down to the base of the floor with a roller.

Locking modules assume the orientation of two plates to be joined in such a way that the spike of the first of them enters the groove of the other. In the end it turns out really reliable connection like a castle. This method is good in that no additional fixing means are required during installation.

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles have an adhesive layer on the back under an easy-to-remove film. The film is needed to prevent the adhesive from drying out. It is removed immediately before laying the tiles on the subfloor. The laid tiles are pressed by rolling a rubber roller.

Choose best coverage for floor

1. Linoleum

A variant from the "cheap and cheerful" series. The most affordable and inexpensive synthetic material. There are no restrictions in colors and patterns, it happens with or without insulation. It is customary to divide linoleum into three types depending on its strength: household, semi-commercial and commercial.If you decide to opt for linoleum, then take a semi-commercial one for your home: it is much stronger, although a little more expensive than a household one.By the way, the same story happens with the laminate, which will be discussed a little later: for the home, they most often take a laminate that is intended for public spaces.Linoleum can be laid in any home, except for cold ones: on severe frost it will crack.Pros:

• Does not rot, is not subject to the harmful effects of moisture With proper care, it has a long service life - over 10 years.
• Good soundproofing properties
• Easy care
• Lots of design and color options

Minuses:

• Linoleum is demanding on the base, it must be laid on a perfectly flat floor, then it will last a very long time. Otherwise, it will soon crack and "creases" will be visible.
• Non-environmental: linoleum is a completely artificial material, and noticeably loses in this regard to natural coatings.
• Low mechanical strength. Heavy furniture or even sharp heels can damage linoleum. Pets, especially large dogs, can destroy linoleum in a very short time.

2. Carpet and other carpets

Another inexpensive and very common flooring option. It is low cost, easy to install and does not require special care. Synthetic carpets are absolutely not interested in rodents and insects. Plus to this - huge selection colors and patterns, from classic "carpet" to radically avant-garde.Carpet can be used in any room except wet: kitchen, bathroom, toilet.Pros:

• Resistance to external influences - abrasion and various mechanical damage.
• Large selection of designs and colors
• High noise-absorbing qualities
• Excellent heat retention

Minuses:

Not resistant to fading and fading, especially in inexpensive types of carpet types. The need for regular dry cleaning. If you choose carpeting - take care of a good vacuum cleaner. Dust accumulation. Carpets are not recommended for people with a predisposition to allergies. Aesthetics (it is easy to deform)

3. Laminate

Laminate is the third most popular inexpensive and common flooring material. It consists of special panels made of fibreboard (MDF) and several layers of special thick paper. A pattern is applied to the paper (most often the texture of a tree is imitated) and a special durable protective layer of lamination. Hence the name - laminate.Pros:

Strength. Laminate perfectly copes with any mechanical load, scratches and so on. If you have pets, their claws will not be afraid of him. Laminate perfectly tolerates high temperature, and is able to withstand short-term contact with fire (for example, with a match accidentally dropped on the floor). Laminate can be used with underfloor heating systems, both electric and water. Affordable price. Laminate is more expensive than carpet or linoleum, but nevertheless, cheaper than many other types of coatings, for example, a visually similar parquet board

Minuses:

Fear of moisture. Despite its strength, the laminate is contraindicated in prolonged contact with water and other liquids. From prolonged contact with water, its fiberboard base will swell, and the laminate will become unusable. Short service life, despite mechanical strength. It is recommended to replace it every 5 to 7 years. Despite the apparent simplicity, laminate flooring is difficult to install without experience. It is better to hire professionals, and this is an additional amount to the cost of a laminate. It is easy to chip it, cause defects for a pattern. This is a huge minus, because a laminate, unlike a parquet board or an array, cannot be restored.

4. Floor board

Probably the most classic version floors made of natural materials wooden planks. Solid wood flooring is expensive, but it is one of the most reliable and environmentally friendly types of flooring.Modern solid wood floorboards are made according to a special technology, dried and processed on special equipment. The boards have lock joints that simplify installation - the floor is obtained without gaps and height differences, as it was in the old grandmother's apartment.The floor from the array does not need to be painted: the boards are already ready for use, covered with pesticides and a layer of varnish.Pros:

Strength and durability. Solid wood flooring can last more than 50 years without the need to replace the boards. Such a floor can be scraped and sanded as many times as you like - the thickness of the boards allows this. Easy installation. Although, as in the case of laminate, you should not do it yourself - it is better to hire specialists. Good heat and sound insulation

Minuses:

High price. Solid wood is much more expensive than other types of wood flooring. Sensitivity to moisture: with prolonged contact with moisture, a board made of solid wood can "lead". Special protection against scratches is required. The massive board needs to be sanded, scraped and varnished annually. It is necessary to regularly treat with pesticides, despite the initial treatment.

5. Parquet and parquet board

Parquet from solid parquet boards is an expensive pleasure. Such type-setting parquet lay out floors in royal palaces and very rich houses. Modern parquet is cheaper, as it is made from composite materials: its base is thick plywood, and only the top layer of 3-5 mm is valuable wood.The parquet board has the same structure as the type-setting parquet: thick plywood with a thin face layer. Because of this, both parquet and parquet board today are quite affordable for people with an average income (cunning: take a three-strip parquet board, it is much cheaper).Pros:

Environmental friendliness. Parquet and parquet board are, first of all, natural wood. Adhesive based on natural resins is used as internal binders. Long service life. Good parquet can serve you up to 20 years. Parquet and parquet board perfectly retain heat. Appearance. Type-setting parquet can become a real work of art (there is a name for this - artistic parquet). Using parquet from different types of wood, you can create original ornaments and patterns on the floor. It can be restored (this is a definite plus, but it only applies to parquet treated with oil. It is more difficult to restore varnish, you will have to replace the whole board).

Minuses:

High price. And this is not only the cost of the material, but also the cost of laying work. If you want really high-quality parquet, you will have to spend money on a classy parquet floorer. Parquet is subject to mechanical damage, so it is not recommended to use it in a house with large animals - their claws will make the parquet unusable in a very short time. Parquet is afraid of moisture. And although it is less prone to warping than a solid board, it is not recommended to allow prolonged contact with water.

6. Engineering board

Engineering board is a relatively new type of coating. In fact, this is a parquet board, but made using a slightly different technology. An engineering board consists of two or three layers: a thick (up to 1 cm) layer of expensive wood, a layer of cheaper wood or plywood, and another layer of expensive wood (for a three-layer engineering board).Another difference between an engineered board and parquet is that it contains only water-soluble glue that does not contain toxins, while synthetic compounds can also be used in some inexpensive types of parquet.Pros:

Strength and durability. The engineered board is much stronger than ordinary parquet, its service life is longer - 20-25 years. The thick top layer allows it to be scraped and polished more times than parquet. It retains heat well. It is less susceptible to moisture than ordinary parquet. It is easy to install.

Minuses:

The price is still quite high: the cost of an engineered board is comparable to the cost of a good parquet. To lay it, you need to prepare a good, even base and a substrate made of plywood or fiberboard. Despite the increased moisture resistance, it is still not recommended to use an engineered board in wet rooms.

7. Cork floor

This is a natural coating with good heat-insulating and noise-absorbing properties, pleasant to the touch and easy to install. Made from pressed cork bark. It is produced in the form of plates and in the form of rolls.Cork flooring is perfect for a nursery, bedroom or living room. It is absolutely eco-friendly.Pros:

• Good thermal insulation. On such a floor, even in winter, you can walk barefoot - it keeps room temperature.
• Good soundproofing. In professional recording studios, for example, the floors and walls are necessarily finished with cork panels.
• Resistant to deformation. Heavy furniture does not leave marks on the cork floor - dents are leveled out on their own within a short time.

Minuses:

• Prices for material and the cost of installation work are comparable to the cost of laying parquet - not the most economical option.
• Cork flooring can swell and deform when exposed to water for a long time.
• It is not recommended to use indoors with pets: the claws will easily damage the cork floor. Also, do not walk on the cork floor in heels.
  

8. Ceramic tiles and natural stone

Surely in any apartment there is a room (and certainly not one) with a ceramic tile floor. Most often it is a bathroom, toilet, kitchen, less often a hallway. Durable, resistant to abrasion and not afraid of moisture, the tile is an ideal material for wet and walk-through areas.In principle, a ceramic or stone floor can be arranged both in the living room and in the bedroom, but in this case it is ideal to combine such a coating with a warm floor, otherwise your feet will simply freeze.It is probably not worth talking about the fact that the range of tiles and artificial stone is huge - in any, even the smallest hardware store, there are at least a dozen types of tiles for every taste and budget. This gives unlimited possibilities in terms of interior design.Pros:

• Affordable price. From the extensive range of ceramics, you can always find exactly the option that will suit you both in price and quality.
• Strength. When properly installed, ceramic tiles can last forever. An example of this is the ancient Greek temples, the floors of which are still finished with ceramics.
• Ease of care. Ceramic tiles and artificial stone are perfectly washed, they are not afraid of moisture.

Minuses:

• Labor intensive installation. Laying tiles or artificial stone requires long and careful preparatory work.
• Seams between tiles. No matter how hard the master tries, the seams will always remain. It is necessary to close them carefully, and this is also a rather laborious process.
• The need to combine ceramic tiles with underfloor heating systems, and this additional expenses, which increase the total cost of coverage.
  

9. Polymer coatings or self-leveling floors

Self-leveling floors in Lately give way to more environmentally friendly materials - wood, cork or parquet, but still remain in demand. The reasons - the self-leveling floor is very durable, not afraid of moisture and provides unlimited opportunities for the implementation of design ideas.The material for such floors are cement-acrylic, epoxyurethane, polyurethane and epoxy compounds. In houses and apartments, the last two types are most often used. Self-leveling floors can be one-color, with a simple or three-dimensional pattern - the so-called 3D floors.Pros:

Self-leveling floors are not afraid of moisture, so they are most often used in bathrooms and kitchens. Properly made self-leveling floor can last up to 50 yearsResistance to fire and temperature.Ease of care.

Minuses:

High price. This includes not only the floor material itself, but also preliminary work on the preparation of the base, design, and so on. All this brings the self-leveling floor to the top price category. On how well the draft will be done preparatory work, the quality of the self-leveling floor itself will also depend. The complexity of replacement. If you get tired of the self-leveling floor, and you want to dismantle it, get ready for serious work and high costs.

The results of the hit parade

In our hit parade, we tried to briefly talk about all the most popular types of flooring that can be found on the market. Which of these do we recommend you choose?

If you are an adherent of eco-style and love experiments - try cork flooring. Love the classics and reliability - there is nothing better than a real solid wood floor or good parquet. Save, or do not want to invest a lot of money in a rented apartment - take an inexpensive linoleum, carpet or laminate .

In any case, you choose. And we will help make your choice easy and enjoyable. Live easy!

Manufacturers of modern finishing materials and floor coverings offer a serious and extensive range of products. Diversity price categories, color and pattern spectrum, as well as texture designs allows you to choose the material for the floor in the apartment, which fully meets the user's needs. In addition to a huge number of mass-produced offers, there are narrow-profile workshops where you can select and order custom-designed floor coverings made from natural or artificial materials of the highest quality. We offer you to get acquainted with the most common types of finishing products and their prices.

Linoleum and rubber flooring

The type of coatings that are best for laying floors in wet areas: kitchen, walk-through corridors, bathrooms. There are three types of material:

• Commercial. The densest type, ideal for high traffic areas. Price from $40;
• Household is designed for laying in apartments, it is thin and flexible. Price from $20;
• semi-commercial. More durable linoleum, ideal for low traffic office and home flooring. The price from $ 30 is slightly higher than that of a household one, but the quality differs for the better.

The advantages of the material are the following factors:

1. Waterproof;
2. Ease of cleaning;
3. Affordable cost;
4. Not subject to decay, decomposition;
5. Ease of installation;
6. Absorbs noise;
7. Resistance to mechanical stress;
8. Huge period of use. Natural linoleum can withstand up to 50-60 years of operation.

It is also worth noting the maintainability of the coating. The material is easy to cut, so you can always replace a leaky piece with a new one, cutting it exactly to size. In addition, linoleum often comes with a substrate and does not require subfloor coating, the roll is glued to any base with an adhesive composition and does not move during operation.

But the best coating in its lineup has drawbacks:

• Requires perfect evenness of the base. Any debris, chip or tubercle will lead to the fact that it is in this place that the coating will wear out, thin out and break through.
• The material of artificial origin is inferior in environmental friendliness to wooden coatings. However, it surpasses the latter in many qualitative and aesthetic features.
• With prolonged stationary heavy point loads, it is pressed through.
• Linoleum of low price and reduced quality is sensitive to high and low temperatures: it melts from heat, cracks from cold. Therefore, when choosing options for covering the floor of an apartment, it is better to give preference to more expensive and high-quality goods, in the end, “extravagance” will pay off with a long service life and beauty of the finish.

Cheaper products in the line look unpresentable, while expensive flooring is presented in a huge variety of colors, textures and imitations of natural and artificial materials.

PVC coatings

These are soft, elastic floor materials with an average service life of at least 30 years. Featuring a variety of colors, textures and designs, PVC cladding is ideal for all areas of the apartment, not only for the floor space, but also wall panels. The price of products starts from $ 15, which means that each user can choose what and how to cover the rooms in the house, apartment or on the balcony.

Positive qualities of PVC coatings:

Inexpensive price, layering, non-susceptibility to point loads, fire safety, assortment variability - the user can choose the types of floor finishes for different rooms;
• Small thickness (no more than 3-7 mm) does not increase the height of the floor in the apartment, however, the floor cladding is reliable, surpassing all types of linoleum;
• Ease of transport and installation;
• The tile has a body-, soundproofing qualities;
• Pleasant tactile sensations and additional floor insulation;
• Large assortment of textures, imitations, colors;
• The softness and plasticity of the material eliminate the risk of damage from breaking or cracking;
• Ease of care;
• High-quality PVC cladding options are not susceptible to chemicals and fine abrasive pastes.

It would seem, what more could you want? But PVC cladding has some disadvantages:

1. You need a perfectly even base, adhesive composition, some styling skills;
2. With improper care, there is a risk of drying out of the seams;
3. High-quality types of PVC products with the desired characteristics are high in cost;
4. Improper storage threatens with deformation of the elements, which makes installation difficult.

Choosing PVC coating, it makes sense to pay attention to the packaging, it is even better to open the pack and carefully examine the tiles for defects. Remember that if one element has a lack of paint, a scratch, a bend or other imperfections, then there will definitely be a couple more of these tiles in the pack. Therefore, you need to take the lining with a margin.

Floor cork

What coating can be eternal and not get bored? Of course, a cork. Soft to the touch, retaining its aesthetic and practical qualities, breathable and does not need additional decorations, it perfectly conceals noise and heats, regardless of the thickness of the layer. The elements produced in rolls or tiles are an environmentally friendly product and are indicated for installation in rooms where there are increased requirements for cleanliness and hypoallergenicity.

Advantages:

1. Extremely low heat transfer coefficient 0.03-0.04;
2. Maximum sound absorption, with a coefficient of 0.85, cork is the best floor covering for panel houses, famous for their sound permeability;
3. Facing withstands point loads, resistant to deformation;
4. Springy qualities (depreciation) have a beneficial effect on the human support system;
5. There is no danger of slipping.

nice color, warm natural material, the ideal atmosphere in the apartment is all a cork, however, the cladding has significant disadvantages and these are:

• Difficulty in care. Natural cork is demanding on cleaning and detergent substances, but is not afraid of abrasives and household chemicals, with the exception of alkali;
• Very high price (from $ 150);
• Low tensile strength. You will have to give up thin heels, sharp furniture legs, all this can scratch the flooring, like the claws of pets;
• The cork will not let heat through if you want to make a system of underfloor heating;
• Moisture absorption will not allow you to cover the bathroom with a cork.

In fact, there are many advantages of cork, but the disadvantages can be minimized if you make a choice in favor of artificial turf, while having protective film. Manufacturers offer cladding at a price of $70, which will help save money. However, the level of hygroscopicity, breathability and environmental friendliness will be reduced.

Laminate

One of the most popular floor coverings in the apartment. Opting for laminate means buying the best flooring for your entire space. The main thing is to decide on the type and types of material, take into account practical and aesthetic characteristics.

Advantages:

1. Resistance to any external influences, ranging from chips and scratches to point physical impacts;
2. Does not wear out, does not become thinner with time;
3. Easy to care for;
4. Perfectly tolerates high and low temperatures, fire resistant;
5. Practical types of expensive laminate are environmentally friendly, since no chemical compounds are used in the production. Moreover, you can cover the floors with laminate in the nursery, as the product is hypoallergenic;
6. Ease of installation and affordable prices (from $ 40) make the material extremely democratic;
7. The durability of the coating while maintaining the quality and aesthetic characteristics is the best you could wish for from the cladding, and the service life of the laminate is from 10 years.

Separately, it is worth noting that the range of goods is sufficient to make a choice not only in terms of practical indicators, but also textural ones, as well as to choose a color, determining which shades of the palette are suitable for a particular interior. Moreover, laminate collections ideally imitate parquet, natural massive boards, other natural and artificial materials. If you lay the floors in the apartment with laminate, you can easily make a heating system, but it is important to know which product to choose, given a number of disadvantages of facing:

• High requirements for installation: evenness of the base, the presence of a substrate and much more, which can be avoided by choosing another product;
• The need for very careful selection.

A minimum of minuses still makes users think about buying a product. The price of laminate flooring starts at $40, which makes the product line affordable. However, you need to know the classiness of the cladding, be able to lay it correctly and understand which laminate is suitable for the kitchen and which for the bedroom. With laminate, as with parquet, there are no cheap high-quality products, so if you choose this particular product, you need to carefully read the characteristics and it is better to buy a collection from the manufacturer so as not to get a fake instead of a high-quality product. But the color, texture and imitation can be selected in any assortment, both at an affordable price and in the segment of expensive goods.

Ceramic tiles

The product is indispensable for floor cladding in rooms with high humidity and high traffic. Differing in size, color, shape, texture and other indicators,

The choice of goods is mandatory with the familiarization of such indicators as: water absorption, slip, hygroscopicity and strength. Modern manufacturers make it possible to carefully select the lining not only in the bathroom or bathroom, but also in the kitchen, it depends on which particular nuances to prioritize, and what can be abandoned. For example, for shower rooms, the non-slip index is important, but in the bedroom, texture tiles for wood or a certain color of the room design are suitable. By the way, the elements fit well on the underfloor heating system, so there will be no problems with the installation of heating. Price from $18.

Advantages:

• A large assortment color solutions, allowing to decorate the surface of not only floors, but also wall panels in an original way;
• Practicality, resistance to loads, ease of maintenance and transportation;
• Non-susceptibility to deformation, fading, abrasion and temperature fluctuations;
• Water resistance, incombustibility.

You can make a whole composition out of tiles, which will give the house a personality, while saving money, for example, by purchasing separate elements of collections. But it is important to remember some disadvantages:

1. The product belongs to the "cold" type, so it is important to take care of heating;
2. Improper laying of the cladding threatens with difficulties in updating and repairing;
3. Installation requires skills, otherwise the seams will turn out uneven.

And, most importantly, a good tile cannot be cheap (from $ 5-7). Such a low cost means that the product was produced in violation of technology, the pattern will wear out, lose color, and the elements themselves will not withstand even the minimum load.

Carpet coverings

Quite popular coatings, affordable (from $ 18), color, texture and other practical characteristics. When choosing a cladding, you need to decide on the basis of the product, today manufacturers offer carpets made of nylon, wool, silk, polypropylene and other materials that can satisfy not only aesthetic, but also high-quality user requests. The main advantage is ease of installation. Roll or sheet elements are flexible, they are easy to cut and, by the way, the same factor is responsible for the maintainability of the lining: in case of damage to a piece of carpet, it can be easily replaced by cutting and pasting a piece.

Advantages:

• Abrasion resistance (except for high pile carpets);
• Large range of products;
• High sound absorption capacity;
• Pleasure in touch.

There are few disadvantages of the product:

1. Accumulation of dust;
2. Sensitivity to UV rays, moisture;
3. The need for frequent cleaning.

Parquet and solid wood

The most traditional coatings, which differ not only in beauty and environmental friendliness, but also in price. When choosing which flooring is best, you should pay attention to the cost: good wood boards cannot be cheap, so the price is below $ 70, this is not natural wood, but its derivatives.

Advantages:

• Long service life;
• Aesthetics;
• Practicality and reliability;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• Environmental friendliness.

Minus one - some deformation of the elements. Since wood "breathes", parquet and board will shrink a little at low temperatures, and expand at high temperatures. But this is an insignificant fact given that the tree fills the house with a unique atmosphere and cleanliness.

Important! Wood flooring requires careful selection. The protective impregnation against moisture, fire, exposure to UV rays and mechanical stress is important.

Polymer materials

Such floors are called self-leveling. Divided into groups (epoxy, methyl methacrylate, polyurethane, cement-acrylic), the cladding is diverse in application and aesthetic characteristics, while practical qualities always remain on top. The cost of the compositions is from $ 150, which makes the products quite expensive, but a long service life without the slightest loss quality characteristics pays for the cost in full.