Which floor is better to do in an apartment: we analyze the selection criteria depending on the room. What to make the floors in the apartment from - the right choice of coating and screed What floor is better to make in the apartment

Finishing the floor is one of the last stages of repair in an apartment or private house. It can be carried out using various materials, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.

Depending on the purpose of the room, there are certain requirements for materials:

Hallway. A room with a high foot traffic, in which a large amount of dust and dirt accumulates. The flooring should be as durable and non-marking as possible.
Bathroom. In this room, the floor covering is constantly in contact with water, so the material must be moisture resistant and easy to clean.
Kitchen. It also needs a material that is not exposed to moisture and does not absorb fat.
Balcony. The conditions in such a room are close to outdoor ones, so the products must be resistant to low temperatures and humidity.
Living room. This is a room with a high foot load, so the main characteristic of the material is mechanical strength.
Bedroom. In this case, the floor covering must be environmentally friendly.
Children's. The material should combine the characteristics of products for the two previous rooms.

This material is used for laying floor coverings in premises of any purpose. Linoleum was especially popular during the Soviet Union, now it is not so common, but still holds certain positions.

Linoleum - availability and ease of care

Advantages:

Wide range of. The material for the floor is made in various colors and may have patterns and ornaments on the front. Modern rolled materials imitate the surface of stone, wood, parquet and so on.
Moisture resistance.
Mechanical strength.
High rates of sound and heat insulation.
Easy installation and aftercare.

Of the shortcomings, too high plasticity should be noted; dents remain on the linoleum after furniture and other heavy objects. Some models highlight harmful substances, this can be identified by a strong chemical smell.

Another classic version floor finishes. Most often, the material is used for arranging floor coverings in kitchens and bathrooms.

Ceramic tiles - environmental friendliness and durability

The positive aspects of the tile include:

Resistant to chemicals, water, UV and abrasion.
A wide range of colors and sizes of products. Materials are also produced that imitate the color and texture of natural wood, stone and others.
Ease of maintenance.
Health safety.

Tiles are considered practically ideal option for floors in the house, but the material is cold, which makes it unpleasant to walk barefoot on it. Some types become slippery when wet, and the tile is also quite fragile and easily breaks when hit or dropped by an object.

Wood is now experiencing a new wave of popularity. With its help, floors are laid in rooms for any purpose, including kitchens.

Plank floor - nobility and a sense of comfort

Advantages:

Noble appearance.
Environmental friendliness.
Feeling of comfort and coziness.
Can be used in almost any interior and combined with other materials.

Of the disadvantages, exposure to water should be noted, therefore, measures must be taken to protect the coatings. Because of this, finishing floors requires more time and money. The ability to absorb moisture makes wood very brand, spilled juice, tea or coffee will leave a mark on the coating.

Also, the tree requires regular cycling, because over time, burrs appear on the surface. In addition, high-quality natural materials are quite expensive. If they are not processed correctly, they can swell or dry out, which will lead to deformation. Do not forget about rodents and insects that prefer to settle in such an environment.

Cork floor - naturalness and warmth

Such floor materials allow you to create really original cover. Products are made from cork tree bark, so they are completely natural and environmentally friendly.

Comfort when walking barefoot.
The coating is non-slip and non-marking.
Cork is well protected from moisture.
The material is easy to care for.
Wide range of color solutions and textures.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out low mechanical strength and a short service life. In addition, the cork needs subsequent varnishing, so such floors cannot be called budgetary.

Laminate - a wealth of choice and ease of care

These products were invented to replace natural wood. Some of its characteristics are much higher than those of wood:

The laminate is issued in very rich assortment. It can imitate the shades of almost all types of wood, natural stone, fabric, leather and so on.
The material is warm, in addition, under it you can lay the "warm floor" system.
Ease of care.
Moisture resistance.
Relatively low cost.
Ease of installation (products are equipped with locking systems, thanks to which they are easy to stack).

Despite the fact that there are models with a moisture-proof coating, it is better not to use laminate for the kitchen or bathroom. You will also need to lay a layer of waterproofing. It should be noted that the laminate is quite fragile: prolonged contact with water and mechanical stress leave traces on it. In addition, during installation there is a risk of damaging the locking joints, so products must be purchased with a margin.

Porcelain stoneware - strength and practicality

This material is very similar to ceramic tiles, but is produced using a slightly different technology. At the same time, it resembles a natural stone. In the modern world, porcelain stoneware products are popular due to the following advantages:

The strength of porcelain stoneware is rated 9 points out of 10.
Surfaces can last up to 50 years.
Does not emit harmful substances when heated and wet.
Ease of care.
Resistant to sunlight and water.
Does not burn and does not support combustion.
Wide range of.

The main disadvantage is the high cost, and this applies to the prices of both materials and installation work. Polished porcelain tiles are too slippery for use in kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, it is cold, so it needs to be heated. In some cases, it is impossible to cover the floor with such material due to the large weight.

Self-leveling floors

Self-leveling floor - aesthetics and uniqueness

This type is considered relatively new, it has not yet gained popularity among users, but it has a number of undeniable advantages:

The presence of polymer compounds in the composition provides high moisture resistance, so it is easy to wash.
Self-leveling floors can last about 20 years.
Seams are not formed on the surface, so it looks aesthetically pleasing. The same feature protects the coating from the appearance of fungus.
Attractive appearance.

Among the shortcomings, the high cost of the material and the need for serious preparatory processes should be noted. In addition, the coating cannot be repaired locally. That is, if the floor crumbles in some place, you will have to completely remove the coating and fill in a new one.

Concrete

Previously, concrete was used only for arranging floor coverings in utility rooms, garages, and so on. Now a concrete screed is very often the basis for other products: parquet, laminate, tiles and others. But modern methods of pouring and grinding allow you to create a perfectly even, visually attractive (as you can see in the photo) and absolutely inert to water coating. In addition, the floors are strong and durable.

Concrete floor - strength and durability

Among the shortcomings, a large weight of the material can be distinguished, so it cannot be used in wooden houses. Also, to obtain a perfectly even surface, specialized construction equipment and qualified operators are required to maintain it. Another disadvantage is the complexity of the work.

On a note! If the floor is finished with concrete, then it is subject to mechanical stress. Despite the strength, the material can crumble when an object falls on it from a height.

Once this material was the main product for construction, but now it is considered a sign of wealth and luxury. The fact is that the stone itself is cheap, but its processing requires high-tech, and therefore very expensive, equipment and consumables.

Natural stone - presentability and practicality

Among the advantages it should be noted:

High mechanical strength.
Resistance to almost any influence (precipitation, sun, impacts).
Almost unlimited service life.

But natural stone there are also disadvantages:

Significant weight, which makes it difficult to work with, it is not suitable for all floors.
The stone is cold, so you will have to install a "warm floor" system.
The installation process is quite expensive.
The material requires special care.

Another material for arranging floors, which has been known to mankind since antiquity. It is also considered expensive because it is quite difficult to install. It is made of glass or natural stone.

Mosaic - elegance and originality

The main advantage of the mosaic is that it turns out to finish even curved surfaces, while you can create any patterns and patterns using multi-colored elements. For ease of installation, manufacturers pre-attach mosaic fragments to the grid, forming a pattern. The master can only stick it on the floor. In terms of performance, the mosaic resembles a tile.

Of the shortcomings, the high price of the material itself and the work on its installation should be noted. In addition, the mosaic coating will not work. modern interiors, it looks better in a classic or antique style. It should also be noted that only an artist or a person with a developed taste and imagination can cope with laying mosaics on their own.

PVC

Products from this material are produced in the form of tiles with an adhesive base or interlocking. There are also cheaper varieties that need to be laid on a layer of tile adhesive. Modern PVC coatings are produced in a wide range of colors. Previously, tiles made from this material were also used for laying flooring, many remember these blue and green squares, now the products look more aesthetically pleasing.

PVC tiles - a wealth of choice and resistance to moisture

Among the advantages it should be noted:

Easy and fast installation.
Ease of care.
High soundproof characteristics.
A wide range of colors, shapes and sizes.
Long service life.

Despite these advantages, there are also disadvantages:

High requirements for the preparation of the base. The rough coating must be perfectly even, otherwise all defects will eventually be reflected on the tile. It is also important to take into account that the moisture content of the base cannot be higher than 5%.
Before laying the floor with such material, it is necessary to hold the tile in the room for several days so that it adapts to the conditions. In addition, each manufacturer indicates the temperature and humidity conditions which must be observed during installation.
Changes color and breaks down when exposed to sunlight.
PVC is a synthetic material, so it releases harmful substances when burned. As for fire safety, it also leaves much to be desired.

This is a fairly popular option for finishing floor surfaces. It is a soft and warm material with a long or short pile, which is laid on a prepared base and covered with a plinth. The result is a coating that resembles an ordinary carpet, but which is covered over the entire area of the room.

Carpeting - comfort and sound insulation

Advantages:

Relatively low cost.
Comfort and coziness.
A wide range of design solutions.
Long service life and resistance to various kinds of influences.
High level of sound insulation.

Of the negative qualities can be identified:

Cheap product options are not protected from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.
High hygroscopicity and susceptibility to water.
Accumulate debris and dust.
Difficulty in care.
Light products are very easily soiled.
Foundation preparation requirements. Under the carpet must be a layer of reliable waterproofing.

Last on the list, but not least, flooring option. Represents high-quality and at the same time elite covering. Performance indicators directly depend on the type of wood used in the manufacture, as well as production and processing methods.

Parquet - durability and warmth

If we talk about the positive aspects of parquet, it should be noted:

Attractive appearance. Like other natural wood products, parquet boards look noble.
Long service life. Provided proper styling and regular sanding, the coating can last about 30–40 years.
High thermal insulation qualities. In warm regions, there is no need to lay insulation under the parquet.

Minuses:

Susceptibility to various deformations. Wood expands in summer and contracts in winter, so expansion joints must be left when laying.
High price. Parquet is significantly superior to laminate or linoleum in this indicator.
The need for regular repair and replacement of the protective varnish layer.

Parquet is one of the best views floor coverings, but due to the high cost of material and work, it has not gained much popularity

There are many different materials available for flooring. Craftsmen even use coins or cardboard to decorate the floors. Most products can be laid by yourself to save some money on hiring specialists. But there are those that require qualifications and the use of a professional tool.

Anton Tsugunov

Reading time: 6 minutes

Every person wants his apartment to be cozy, comfortable and beautiful. In solving this problem, the choice of flooring plays an important role. And since the floors in the apartment are under serious stress, the selected material should not only be attractive, but also meet the requirements of safety, durability and ease of maintenance. Consider the most popular flooring options and find out which one is best suited for laying in an apartment.

Today's market for flooring materials is replete with variety. Parquet, laminate, linoleum ... Which one is better is a difficult question.

All coverages can be divided into three conditional groups:

Wooden - parquet and parquet board, solid wood, cork, laminate.
Elastic - linoleum, carpet.
Ceramic or stone - ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, self-leveling floors.

wooden group

A place of honor among the materials for finishing the floor is occupied by floor coverings, in the manufacture of which wood is used.

Parquet is a classic flooring material. It has not gone out of fashion for many years and is an indicator of the well-being and excellent taste of the owners of the apartment. Today's parquet looks like a finished shield big size, made of precious wood with a pattern already on it. There is also piece parquet. From it you can lay out unique compositions. It is most often made from durable wood species:

from oak;
beech;
maple;
ash.

Whatever type of parquet is chosen, with proper care it will last at least 50 years.

Parquet is environmentally friendly and completely safe, but it obliges to prepare a high-quality subfloor, refers to expensive materials and requires maintaining a certain temperature and humidity in the room.

For the manufacture of parquet board natural wood is also used, but each lamella is not a solid piece of wood, but a firmly glued three-layer structure. Such a coating will cost less than parquet, it is easier to install and maintain. Parquet boards are presented in different shades, they can be combined and composed. This type of floor will last about 15-20 years.

Solid wood flooring

Floors from ordinary wooden planks laid on logs do not lose their popularity. Despite their apparent simplicity, they have many advantages:

100% environmental friendliness;
accessibility, practicality;
the ability to create an interior room in a certain style;
this floor is pleasant to the feet and looks great.

Cork

Cork coverage is close to ideal:

It is natural, warm, strong enough, pleasant for the feet and good for health.
Cork floors come in a variety of shades, which allows you to create interesting compositions.
This material does not accumulate static electricity at all.

The cork can be coated with special oils and varnishes, or it can be used without coating. The service life of cork floors is from 5 to 20 years.

Important! Keep in mind that with a strong mechanical impact, traces may remain on the cork floor.

Laminate floors

Laminate flooring is gaining more and more popularity due to its outstanding characteristics:

It is affordable, practical and quite reliable.
Laminate perfectly conveys the color and texture of natural wood, stone, tiles.
Laminate boards are equipped with a locking system.
Even a novice in the repair business will cope with laying such a floor.

Laminate has several strength classes. The higher the class, the stronger and more expensive the material.

Elastic coatings

These include two materials: linoleum and carpet.

It is the absolute leader among floor coverings:

affordable;
easy to install and maintain;
absolutely not afraid of moisture;
looks beautiful.

Linoleum can have a wide variety of shades and patterns, sold in sheets rolled up or in the form of tiles. Such a coating is attached to the base floor with special adhesives. After 5-10 years, it will have to be replaced.

It can be called a relative of the carpet, which has its own characteristics:

The composition of the carpet can be both artificial and natural fibers.
Sold in rolls or as carpet tiles.
It is very easy to install and attaches with glue.
Diverse in texture and color, safety.

The disadvantages of such a floor covering are a relatively short service life, lack of moisture resistance and difficulty in cleaning and cleaning.

The hardest

This type of flooring has excellent performance characteristics.

ceramic coating

Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware have a lot of advantages:

floors covered with this material are not afraid of moisture;
have a very attractive appearance;
strong and durable;
easily attached to special adhesive mixtures.

But they also have disadvantages:

The coating is hard, traumatic and cold.
It is better to mount heating systems under it, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to walk on the floor without shoes.
Before laying, special preparation of the base is required.

self-leveling floor

Modern self-leveling floors are used not only as a rough screed. They can be an excellent finish and contain highly artistic three-dimensional drawings and a variety of decorations under the polymer layer. Self-leveling polymer floors are:

epoxy;
polyurethane.

Both materials are environmentally friendly and durable, they are not at all afraid of water and other liquids, they do not require any special cleaning.

The disadvantage of this type of flooring is the special demands on the surface on which it is laid. The base under them should be perfectly flat, dry and clean.

Important points when choosing a coating

Each person decides how to make the floor in the apartment. But when choosing a material, one should not miss a few fundamental points.

The main criterion for choosing a coating is the room in which it will fit. The whole apartment can conditionally be divided into zones:

an area for receiving guests and relaxing (these are bedrooms, a living room, a children's room);
"wet" area (kitchen, bathroom);
passage area (entrance hall, corridor).

For each of these zones, it is necessary to choose your own material based on their functional features and loads carried by the floor.

The choice of gender is influenced by the lifestyle of the family and its composition. What is suitable for a single married couple is not always suitable for a family with children. When there are children in the house, the floor should be safe, hygienic and easy to clean. The coverage must meet the same requirements if there are animals in the apartment.
Financial security also plays a role. For example, floors made of natural materials are quite expensive. Families with limited incomes will most likely not be able to afford them.
An apartment located on the ground floor will limit the choice of flooring due to its high humidity and proximity to the basement.
In some apartments, it is impossible to make the floor heavier due to the formation of an additional load on the interfloor ceilings. Therefore, floors that require a concrete screed device will have to be abandoned.

Glossy tiles will not fit in the hallway. When snow gets in, it becomes very slippery, which can cause injury.

Linoleum is also a good option for the hallway, the main thing is not to dwell on its cheap varieties. It is better to choose a material with a natural composition, commercial or semi-commercial: such coatings can withstand almost anything.

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 technical characteristics of the proposed materials will help determine which floor is better to make in an apartment.

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 designs, a long service life, and easy maintenance. Differences - in laying methods, complexity 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 pebbles. 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 spaces 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 give an answer to a rather simple question - to cover 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 when 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:

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.
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.
The so-called interlayer, which consists of quartz and sand, also reinforces the structure.
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:

From all the huge colorful variety, you can choose the color or pattern of the coating in accordance with your design tastes.
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.
Vinyl is comfortable in wet environments. Therefore, they can safely cover the floor in the bathroom or kitchen without fear.
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.
Outwardly, the structure seems to be monolithic, the seams are almost invisible on the floor - the elements are so tightly adjacent to each other.
With the installation of vinyl, as well as this repair, almost every owner will cope with minimal professional skills.
Even if you walk barefoot on vinyl flooring in winter, it will not seem cold to your feet.
Vinyl flooring is cheaper than some of the other options.

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring:

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.
Toxins are distributed only when the material, due to the negligence of the owners, catches fire.
The old vinyl coating taken to the landfill after dismantling will lie there for decades without decomposing into simple components.
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 in relation 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. Drawing 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.

The floors in the apartment are often judged on the wealth and taste of the owner. In addition to the aesthetic function, they must have high performance and long service life. Therefore, it is important to know what to make the floors in the apartment from, how to choose the right screed for the base and flooring.

Types of floor coverings in rooms with high humidity

There is a large selection of floor coverings on the construction market. To make the right choice, you need to know what floor coverings are, their main characteristics and purpose.

One of the high-quality durable coatings is ceramic tile. It is most often placed in damp rooms or those subjected to significant mechanical stress, for example, in a bathroom, hallway, kitchen and other rooms. Its main characteristics:

high wear resistance;
easy care;
a large selection of colors and patterns;
does not lose properties at high humidity;
resistant to temperature extremes;
durability.

For damp rooms, it is better to choose corrugated or rough tiles, they should not be slippery.

Porcelain stoneware is similar to ceramic tiles in its composition, but a special technology is used in its manufacture. This is a very durable coating, which has increased frost resistance and wear resistance. The material is stronger than natural stone, it is not afraid even of hammer blows. Porcelain stoneware is produced with varying degrees of surface smoothness, with imitation of marble, mosaic, granite, natural stone, etc.

Durability and beauty - laminate and parquet flooring

The parquet board has become a worthy substitute for parquet. A special manufacturing technology has increased the service life of the coating. The parquet is varnished after laying, the parquet board is varnished at the factory. The board is produced in the form of multilayer lamellas. The appearance of the board is given by the top layer, for which valuable species of wood (oak, beech, maple, etc.) are used.

Increasingly popular in Lately buys laminate. It can also act as a substitute for parquet. It can be used by those for whom a wooden floor is not affordable. The range includes laminate flooring that imitates marble, tiles and other materials. It is made of chipboard and covered with paper on which the drawing is applied. From above the boards are covered with a protective layer. Expensive coating options have increased protection against moisture, they can be used even in wet areas.

Cork, linoleum and carpet - alternative types of coating

Cork is an expensive flooring, but its characteristics make it one of the best choices for flooring. It is an environmentally friendly natural material. It is an excellent sound and heat insulator, has an elastic and elastic surface. Cork is not suitable only for wet rooms. It is laid on a flat base, usually on plywood. Cork coverings are decorative, in the form of panels with an MDF base, used as a substrate for another covering.

Carpet is the perfect flooring for a bedroom. A large selection of colors makes it possible to create coziness in the room. It has good sound and heat insulation properties. It's nice to walk on it with bare feet in the morning. Carpet is produced both from natural and from artificial materials, with different pile lengths. The disadvantage of such a coating is the fragility and complexity of care. The pile is quickly crushed, overwritten. Dust accumulates in the pile surface, so the carpet requires frequent cleaning, preferably with a powerful vacuum cleaner. More practical and durable nylon carpet, but it comes at a high price.

A cheap and popular flooring is linoleum. Artificial linoleum has a reputation for being a short-lived material. This cover is made from natural materials(corks, resins, linseed oil, jute fabric, etc.), durable, resistant to moisture, mechanical stress. A dropped cup won't break on a floor like it does on ceramic tiles. Linoleum is easy to install and easy to maintain. The construction market has a large selection of colors and patterns. Especially in demand is a coating that imitates expensive materials: parquet, marble, ceramic tiles.

How to choose the right coverage

Floors should have not only a beautiful attractive appearance, but also high performance that meets the purpose of the room. Therefore, it is important to know what exactly to make the floors from, taking into account the purpose of each room in the apartment.

In bathrooms and bathrooms, the floor must be resistant to damp environments. At the same time, it must correspond to the general style of the room. Requirements for coating in the kitchen are almost the same as for the bathroom. In addition to resistance to moisture, floors must be wear-resistant and well tolerated by mechanical stress.

Liquids are often spilled in the kitchen, so floors must be well washed, resistant to chemicals, and have anti-slip properties. Floors in the hallway should have high resilience.

On balconies and loggias, the floor covering must withstand temperature fluctuations over a wide range. In addition, it experiences significant mechanical stress and must be sufficiently wear-resistant and durable. It is better to choose stone or ceramic options for these rooms.

V living rooms oh the floor should be beautiful, durable and environmentally friendly, especially in the nursery. The floors should be in harmony with the furniture, wallpaper, that is, correspond to the style of the room. Wooden floors and parquet make the room most comfortable. These are expensive materials, but they can be perfectly replaced with a laminate that imitates various types of wood, or a parquet board. good option for living rooms is carpet.

The basis of the floor is the key to its durability

Almost all floor coverings require a perfectly level base, so you need to level the floor surface before installing them. The question arises, which screed is better to do in the apartment? When choosing, you need to consider in which rooms the screed will be performed. Depending on the installation location, it can perform the following functions:

levels the surface and makes the base more durable;
serves as a heat, sound and waterproofing layer;
hides communications;
with a screed, you can make the necessary slope in the bathroom or bathroom to drain water.

There are several types of screeds, from which you need to choose, taking into account the purpose of the room and the type of flooring:

Concrete. It is rarely used in an apartment and takes a lot of time. It is done wet.
Semi-dry. The screed uses less water and dries faster than concrete. The use of a small amount of water makes the screed less durable.
Dry. It is carried out using dry mixes. Often used to level the base in the apartment.
Combined. This best way for leveling surfaces with significant irregularities. If you use only a cement screed, then it will be too heavy, as you have to make a thick layer.
Self leveling compounds. They are poured with a layer of 3 cm. This allows you to reduce the weight of the base.

When choosing a screed for the floor, you need to consider the following points:

1. The time for which the repair must be completed. To the traditional concrete screed take at least two weeks.
2. When installing a warm floor, it is better to use a screed that can be dismantled so that there is access to heating elements. In addition, it must be resistant to temperature extremes.
3. Type of interfloor overlap. With large gaps between the slabs, a wet screed can leak between the slabs and create problems with neighbors living on the floor below.
4. Cost.

Making a self-levelling screed

Self-levelling screed is used if you want to get a perfectly flat floor surface. The process itself consists of the following steps:

1. First you need to prepare the floor surface by cleaning it of debris, dirt and dust.
2. Next, you need to prime the floor surface.
3. The solution is prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. To stir the solution, you can use a construction mixer or a drill with a special nozzle on.
4. The mixture should be saturated with oxygen, so it is allowed to stand for 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture along the wall, starting from the corner that is farthest from the door.
6. The mixture is leveled with a needle roller and a metal brush.
7. Completely the floor dries up within 3-5 days. For getting quality screed it must be protected from drafts, direct sunlight, sudden changes in temperature and moisture.

If the manufacturing technology is observed, a hard and durable surface will be obtained, almost not absorbing moisture.

In order for the floors to please with their beautiful appearance for a long time, you need to choose the right floor covering, make a solid, even base under it and properly care for them.

All work can be done independently, but if there is no experience and desire, it is better to trust professionals who will perform all the work quickly and efficiently.

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 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 for the finishing material, it affects the following factors:

Makes the base more rigid.
Forms a heat and waterproofing layer.
Allows you to create a slope for water drainage in rooms where it is needed.
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:

Wet.
Dry.
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:

Increases the mobility of the solution.
Increases mortar strength by 50%.
Increases the adhesion of mortar to reinforcement by 1.5 times.
Reduces cement consumption by -20%.
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 of a wet screed, the following are noted:

The work is classified as labor intensive.
The process is associated with wet, "dirty" work.
To get an even layer, you need to have the skill of working with beacons, to know how to install them correctly.
Drying of the screed requires long time(at least 3 weeks).
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 great alternative 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:

It can be used both in new and old apartments, in private houses and cottages.
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.
The ability to create a perfectly even base without air bubbles, which are removed during the tamping process of the semi-dry mixture.
Low probability of crack formation. If fiber is added to the composition, then the screed will acquire additional strength and will definitely not crack.
Formation of an excellent soundproof barrier between apartments.
The ability to make even the floor on an unheated loggia warmer.
It can be used in the "warm floor" system with water or electric coolant.
Reliably protects internal communications from mechanical impact.
Due to the low moisture content, the screed dries quickly, which allows you to generally speed up the repair process.
Availability and low cost of components.

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

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

A significant reduction in the time of work - you can keep within one working day.
It is possible to qualitatively level differences of any height.
Laying the finish coat can be carried out immediately after the installation of the screed.
Dry backfill provides high-quality heat and sound insulation of the room.
"Clean" work process.
The low weight of the floor construction allows this screed to be used in rooms with weak ceilings, for example, in wooden houses or on balconies.
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:

When constructing such a floor, there are no “wet” processes.
The construction material is environmentally friendly and safe.
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.

A modern and convenient way to arrange the floor along the logs is the 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:

Boards. Moreover, such flooring can be both rough and finish, if you use a top-class grooved board.
Plywood. Sheets are laid in two layers with spaced seams. It is smooth and durable, but quite expensive material.
OSB boards, fit like plywood, but are cheaper.
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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
The floor surface must be antistatic - this quality will ensure fresh air and the 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.
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 throughout the entire service life.

There are several requirements:

The material must be of high quality, meet all safety standards.
The coating must have soundproofing properties.
The surface of the material must be non-slippery, hygienic, hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, free of odors and dyes.
The material must withstand repeated wet cleaning, exposure to detergents and cleaners. Also, the coating should not absorb dirt.
The coating must be antistatic (the property not to accumulate dust on its surface).
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:

The coating should be aesthetically attractive, organically combined with the rest of the finish and furniture, emphasizing the style of the interior.
When choosing a floor covering, take into account the shade of the cashing of the door and window opening.
The surface of the floor must be wear-resistant and durable - so the coating will last longer.
The living room can be called calling card at home, so the flooring here is chosen expensive, creating a presentable appearance of the interior.
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 has special operational characteristics. The floor material here is exposed to various adverse effects:

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

The aesthetic appearance of the coating plays an important role.
Preference should be given to coatings on the surface of which scratches and dirt are less visible.
The surface must withstand mechanical stress and abrasives.
The material is chosen to be moisture resistant, on the surface of which water can stand for some time without harming the coating.
The material must be resistant to aggressive cleaning agents.
It is desirable that the floor surface has dirt-repellent properties.
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:

Moisture resistance.
Durability.
Hygiene.
Mechanical strength.
Not slippery surface.
Simple care.
aesthetic appeal.
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	Flaws
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 the right choice of wood species, the coating 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.

Advantages

Flaws

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 the right choice of wood species, the coating 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	Flaws
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.

Advantages

Flaws

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 at a fairly 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 three-layer floor material with a lock connection, like a laminate, but differs from it in that the front layer, like all the others, is made of natural wood. Therefore, the 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	Flaws
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.

Advantages

Flaws

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:

Lower stabilization paper layer with melamine impregnation.
The bearing and the thickest layer based on HDF - plates with a locking connection at the ends.
Decorative paper layer with natural material texture pattern.
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	Flaws
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 the 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.

Advantages

Flaws

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 the 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:

Commercial.
Domestic.
Semi-commercial.
Special.

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

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

Table 8. Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

Advantages	Flaws
1. Low price. 2. A rich variety of colors, imitations of various materials and textures. 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 care.	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, delete protective layer, releasing 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

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

Pine resin.
Linseed oil.
Jute fibers.
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	Flaws
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.

Advantages

Flaws

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 technical specifications 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 of tiles

Advantages	Flaws
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.

Floor surface ceramic tiles is matte 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. One of the options for floor cladding is mosaic, but its disadvantage is the large number of joints, which are the most vulnerable spot prone to contamination, so the best place to use it would be the bathroom.

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:

Matte.
Semi-matte.
Glossy.
Semi-gloss.

By appearance floors are multi-color or plain, with a pattern and pattern or . The self-leveling floor makes it possible to use a variety of ways to decorate them - using a canvas with a pattern, introducing decorative inclusions into the solution, filling with a transparent composition of saw cuts of wood, stone, coins and other elements.

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:

Manufacturing material.
Manufacturing technology.
The length and quality of the pile.
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	easy	medium	medium	medium	medium	easy	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