Types of floor covering. Types of flooring: pros and cons Characteristics of floors and their coatings

In order for the housing of a modern person to be cozy and practical, it is very important to equip a house or apartment with comfort. Floor coverings play an important role in providing comfort. Their selection is huge! All floor coverings differ among themselves in structure, quality, prices, durability and functionality.

You need to carefully select coating materials that will meet your requirements, based on the available budget. Do not forget that the floor should protect the apartment from temperature changes and extraneous sounds.

Floor coverings

Therefore, you need to consider such features when choosing a floor covering:

Warming.
Soundproof.
Carrier.
Aesthetic.

Before deciding which is better to cover the floor, consider the main types and types floor coverings for an apartment.

Floor coverings should be divided into groups:

monolithic, which are cast on the spot entirely on the basis of polymer and concrete mixtures;
sheet, convenient for transportation to the installation site and able to cover large areas;
piece, which are made of wood or tiles and are assembled on the spot in a certain order.

Modern types of flooring

Let's look at what modern views floor coverings are more suitable for use in apartments.

The most popular type of coating is laminate. Its main advantage is ease of installation. Any novice master can lay a laminate flooring.

Laminate has a wide variety colors, low cost, has great endurance. If you choose this material for flooring in an apartment, it is better to lay a laminate floor in the living room or bedroom. The disadvantage of laminate is low sound insulation and the inability to use in a damp, damp place.

It's been popular for a long time flooring like linoleum. This material is suitable for kitchen, balcony, hallway. Linoleum is easy to clean and retains its appearance for a long time. It must be fate that to cover the floors with linoleum, the surface must be even and smooth.

Polymer self-leveling floors have now become fashionable. This is a great option for a nursery, living room or kitchen. You will not install such a floor on your own, you will have to turn to professionals. Feels like a rubber floor, in the end you get a perfect smooth surface. The disadvantage of this floor is its rapid burnout.

Another new product on the market is cork flooring. This natural material has proven itself well due to its excellent sound and heat insulation. It is made from crushed cork oak bark. The disadvantage of a cork floor is deformation under heavy load.

Seamless floors

In general, the following types of flooring can be distinguished:

concrete floors;
parquet;
linoleum;
laminate;
Self-leveling floors;
cork floors;
carpet;
ceramic tile.

Let us dwell in more detail on the description of seamless floors. These include types of coatings such as concrete mix floors and self-leveling floors.

self-leveling floor

Concrete or cement monolithic floors are used in industrial premises. These coatings are made in one layer 0.5 cm thick. The basis for them is prepared from sand and gravel. If you add colored stone chips to such floors and sand it after drying, you will get mosaic floors. They are usually placed in commercial premises, lobbies and vestibules.

For apartments, seamless self-leveling floors are used. Polymer self-leveling floors are a wear-resistant synthetic coating with a variety of colors. The basis of such seamless floors is concrete, on which a polymer is sprayed on top.

Bulk floors, in turn, are divided into cement-acrylic, epoxy and polyurethane. The most environmentally friendly and inexpensive of them are cement-acrylic coatings.

The advantages of such floors:

durability;
ease of care;
absence of microorganisms.

a perfectly flat base is required;
hard cold surface.

Roll floors

Linoleum and pile floors are classified as rolled floors. They are used in places with low traffic, as they are easily erased.

Linoleum is usually produced in the form of rolls from 1 to 6 meters long and up to 5 millimeters thick. According to the material of manufacture, linoleum is divided:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
rubber;
nitrocellulose;
alkyd.

The lowest quality material will cost three times cheaper than more or less durable linoleum. The most popular and inexpensive type of it is PVC - polyvinyl chloride linoleum. You can learn how to choose linoleum from.

Consider the pile flooring market. It is represented by carpets and carpeting. The mass use of pile coverings in apartments became possible after the invention of synthetic fibers.

A big plus of these floor coverings is their excellent sound insulation and thermal conductivity. Disadvantages - low environmental friendliness, high allergenicity, short service life and difficulty in cleaning.

The carpet is produced in the form of rolls, glued on flat surface by using special means. Carpet, which is made from synthetic materials, will be 2-3 times cheaper than the same coating made from natural fibers.

Sheet floors are types of floor coverings that are made from plywood or chipboard. These materials are used as a subfloor, and on top of it there is a floor covering made of linoleum, tiles or parquet. To prevent such floors from creaking, they cannot be fixed too tightly.

piece floors

Floor coverings include:

parquet;
laminate;
floors from solid boards;
floors from any kind of tiles;
glass floors.

Parquet and solid board are classics of the genre. Parquet is the most durable material, it has been used in homes for decades and can withstand many scrapes. In rooms with parquet floors should be a stable level of humidity.

Parquet installation

Parquet board - more cheap analogue parquet, it consists of three parts, with the main Bottom part made from the cheapest type of wood. The upper part of the massive board imitates parquet. The disadvantage is that the service life is much shorter than that of real parquet.

Now very popular is this type of flooring, like ceramic tiles. It is recommended to cover the floor with tiles in rooms with high humidity. But it is laid not only in bathrooms and kitchens, but sometimes around the entire perimeter of the living space. Tiled material is now available with patterns that resemble both parquet and laminate.

Benefits of tile flooring:

The ability to choose floor tiles for other building materials during repairs.
Resistance to wear, moisture, deformation.
Flexible pricing policy.

Disadvantages of tile coatings:

Cold floor.
Installation difficulties.
Difficulty in hiding the seams between tiles.

Well, recently there was such a novelty - glass floors!

glass floors

Modern technologies make it possible to create unusual solution in residential interior like a transparent glass floor. Such a variety of these original designs has already appeared that they can be divided according to shape and appearance:

glass floor for the length of the entire room;
backlit glass ribbons;
glass niches suitable for accommodating various decorations;
glass aquarium with real fish;
glass ceilings;
outdoor podium.

It is worth noting that glass floors are still expensive pleasure. The cost of the glass itself is very high, plus installation and finishing materials are not cheap. But in recent times The popularity of this interior decoration has increased greatly and there is a tendency to reduce the cost of this original product.

Warm floor

Many people who do not tolerate cold are thinking about installing underfloor heating in their homes and apartments. Installations of warm water and electric floors have been widely used for a long time.

A water floor is a system that heats a room using heated water in pipes built into the floor screed. This special system is able to completely replace standard heating. More suitable for private houses.

The warm water floor is heated with the help of special heating devices. In turn, these devices, or boilers, are divided into several types, namely, according to the principle of operation - solid fuel, liquid fuel, gas, etc.

The advantages of water floors are savings on heating and electricity.

Disadvantages - you need a special coating, the floors cannot be covered with carpets.

Warm electric floors are installed using special mats that are laid under the floor covering. When installing it is not required overhaul, because it does not need to be laid in a screed. The method of installing infrared floors is the simplest - the emitter is placed immediately under the laminate. It is even recommended to lay a carpet on such a floor.

Electric or infrared floors are one of the cheapest methods of residential heating. The influence of the infrared floor has a very positive effect on human health.

Pros of electric floors:

the ability to install in any room without any delay with neighbors;
ease of troubleshooting;
temperature regulation.

Cons of electric floors:

additional power consumption;
too fast heating of the floor can sometimes lead to deformation of the coating.

Floors are the main foundation of the interior of every living space. To give them beauty, a variety of floor coverings are now used, which is described in this article. Choose correct coverage from the current huge range, which is suitable only for you! It will create a special coziness and comfort in your home for many years.

The modern building materials market is able to offer a myriad of floor coverings, which differ in the type of materials used, the installation method, as well as the technical and decorative characteristics. This article will consider all types of floors, so that the consumer will be able to decide on the best option coatings suitable for specific operating conditions.

Types of coatings

What are the floor coverings? The classification of floor coverings is conditionally divided into the following categories:

Roll:

linoleum products;
carpets;
cork materials.

Seamless:

mastic products;
concrete coverings;
mosaic building materials;
xylolite surfaces.

parquet (laminated);
cork modules;
linoleum surfaces;
polymer plates;
board coverings.

Tiled:

ceramic products;
concrete tiles;
coatings from natural stone.

In addition, the types of flooring are distinguished by the degree of "load" of the floor. In this connection, the following classification arose:

industrial products. They are used at manufacturing enterprises with specific conditions (high humidity, constant temperature changes, the presence of chemical influence);
public coverage. Lay in public places with high traffic. Such products have increased wear resistance and abrasion resistance;
Household floors. They are used at objects with moderate exploitation, therefore they do not have enhanced technical indicators.

Such a variety of floor coverings is due to the peculiarities of the microclimate in the premises, as well as the requirements that apply to products depending on the type of structures where the floor is planned to be laid. To understand what advantages and disadvantages each of the models has, it is worth considering in more detail the features of each type of coverage.

Monolithic building materials and their features

As a rule, monolithic seamless products are used in enterprises. This type of coverage is subject to special requirements, namely:

increased impact resistance;
chemical inertness;
the ability not to accumulate static electricity;
moisture resistance;
heat resistance;
tightness.

Types of floor coverings:

Mastic. Made from polymer compounds. Their feature is the increase in strength over time, which improves the technical qualities of the material: abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and tightness. All this is possible due to the evaporation of excess moisture;
Concrete. Produced from cement mixture with various fillers. Types of concrete floor coverings are determined depending on the admixtures used:
- basalt;
- diabase supplements;
- granite.
Mosaic. They are made of marble chips, due to which the floor acquires increased wear resistance, as well as chemical inertness. Industrial products contain not only marble chips but also painted concrete. This mixture has high moisture resistance and strength;
Xylolithic. Floors made from wood-based materials, magnesium solution, as well as caustic magnesite. The basis for pouring the mixture can be concrete, wood or reinforced concrete base. They are used in industrial enterprises with increased fire safety requirements.

Characteristics of piece materials

Piece building materials are distinguished by their low cost along with good technical and aesthetic qualities. What floor coverings are available?

Laminated parquet. Made from synthetic and wood-based materials. Outwardly, it can imitate the surface of a parquet made of natural material. The product consists of three main layers: chipboard, decorative and protective layers;
Cork modules. The raw material for the manufacture of this coating is oak bark, processed using a special technology. Such floors are waterproof, resilient and practically not afraid of impacts. In addition, they are hypoallergenic;
Linoleum surfaces. Produced from synthetic compounds with increased strength. They can be used for both commercial and domestic purposes. Through the use of kraft paper, it is possible to imitate various surfaces of natural materials;
polymer boards. They are not afraid of high humidity and practically do not have a linear expansion, therefore they can be used in a specific microclimate. Due to the addition of various pigmenting substances, such floor coverings have good decorative qualities;
Board coverings. Ideal Options floor coverings on wooden floor. They can be laid immediately on the logs without prior screeding. They have increased heat and sound insulation. Boards treated with special compounds are not afraid of high humidity and the influence of aggressive chemicals.

Reference: Natural floor coverings, represented by cork slabs and plank products, can be laid in private homes, since they do not contain harmful components that can cause an allergic reaction. They are somewhat more difficult to care for, but this disadvantage is compensated by the attractive appearance of the models and their durability.

Characteristics of roll floors

Roll building materials are synthetic and, as a rule, are based on a felt layer. Carpet floor coverings are used in public premises, as well as in private dwellings:

Linoleum products. Can be laid on reinforced concrete floor or cement screed. They are glued to the base with special waterproof adhesives. Suitable for laying in corridors, offices, laboratories and other premises;
Carpets. Soft floor coverings, the types of which depend on the type of synthetic fabric, can be mounted on a screed treated with a primer at relative humidity 4-5%. The bottom layer can be either woven or spongy. Pile flooring is a good alternative to linoleum, they are also glued to the base, after which they are fixed with skirting boards around the perimeter of the room;
Cork materials. They are distinguished by high elasticity and strength, as well as excellent decorative qualities. It's relative the new kind flooring, which is often used in the arrangement of hotels, embassies and other commercial facilities. In addition, it is a good alternative to carpet and linoleum, the cost of which is still higher.

The photo shows all the options for roll building materials that can be used not only for commercial, but also for home purposes. Obviously, they all have increased decorative performance, thanks to which it is possible to create interesting and unusual interiors premises.

Pros and cons of tile materials

What kind of floor coverings are there? Tiled products outwardly differ little from wall tiles, however, they are made with a greater thickness, which ensures the strength of the floor. In addition, flooring materials can be different, which affects the technical qualities of the tiles:

Ceramic products. In terms of their performance, they are not inferior to natural granite. It is often used in bathrooms, corridors, kitchens and other rooms with an aggressive environment. The surface is resistant to abrasion, moisture and thermal expansion;
Concrete tiles. It is used in private and commercial construction. Well proved, thanks to the increased durability. This type of tile-type flooring is characterized by low cost along with good technical properties;
Natural stone coverings. It is used for arrangement of terraces and closed areas. Sufficiently wear-resistant products, but are afraid of the influence of moisture. The composition of the tiles may include igneous rocks of stone, such as syenite or basalt.

All of the above floor options have anti-slip properties and frost resistance, so they can be laid even in unheated rooms. Below we consider the main manufacturers, their flooring, pros and cons.

Manufacturers of floor building materials

Comparison of floor coverings by technical and decorative qualities will allow the consumer to decide on the best option products. However, it is also worth considering the rating of the best manufacturers who have proven themselves well in the flooring market:

Avantex. Russian manufacturer of inexpensive carpets. Is the market leader in geotextiles;
Forbo Flooring Systems. Specializes in the production of floors from "flexible" materials. Relates to the number the best manufacturers piece and roll models, characterized by a reasonable price and good quality materials used;
Balterio. Well-known Belgian company engaged in the production of piece models. The quality of all products meets European standards, which is due to the use of high-tech equipment for the production of floors;
Amtico. Pioneer in the manufacture of PVC flooring as well as polymer coatings. The manufactured products can be used for commercial enterprises, as well as production facilities;
COBBLESTONE PAVING. Australian manufacturer of industrial and decorative flooring. "bribes" consumers with a variety of colors and textures of building materials.

Floors are the basis of the interior of every house, apartment or office. To give the floors aesthetics and beauty can be used various kinds coatings. However, only the right floor covering can set the style of the room, create coziness and comfort in your home.

How to choose flooring

Manufacturers of modern building materials can offer a fairly large number of types of flooring: cheap and expensive, artificial and natural, rolled and piece, tile, hard and soft, in design, quality, and so on.

1. Linoleum and rubber flooring

These are the most common types of coatings. Most of all, linoleum is suitable in wet areas - for the floor in the kitchen.

PVC linoleums are three types: household, commercial and semi-commercial. Commercial - the most dense, suitable for rooms where there is a lot of traffic (in offices, cabinets). Household hints that it should be used for the home, but semi-commercial is best suited here. It will be a little more expensive than a household one, but it will last much longer, it is stronger and thicker than a household one.

Linoleum

Advantages:

Linoleum is waterproof.
Easy to wash.
Its cost is low.
Easy to install.
Doesn't rot.
Doesn't make noise when you walk on it.
Shelf life - 30-50 years.

Flaws:

For its laying, you need a flat base, only in this case it will serve for a very long time.
Linoleum is an artificial material, as a result, it is inferior to a wooden floor in terms of environmental friendliness, quality, and beauty.
It can be pressed through if you put heavy furniture on it.
Inexpensive linoleum can be sensitive to very low and very low high temperatures- cracking and deforming.
Not expensive options look cheap, while expensive types can imitate wood, tiles, and so on.

2. PVC

Represent elastic soft relief floor coverings. The average service life is approximately thirty years. PVC floors are usually produced in tiles.

PVC tiles

Advantages:

They are designed for a variety of loads and consist of several layers, are suitable for rooms with high humidity, are inexpensive and hardly flammable.
Although overall thickness PVC tiles are approximately 3-7 mm, however, in terms of reliability, it surpasses all types of linoleum, as well as other, denser floor coverings.
Easily transported and stacked.
It is a soundproofing material.
pleasant and warm for the feet.
It has a large number of textures and colors.
It is not afraid of moisture and does not beat with time.

Flaws:

To install it, you need good preparation bases, glue for pvc tiles as well as styling skills.
Seams may dry out during use.
Enough high price.
In small towns there is a small assortment.
If the tile is stored incorrectly, it may warp, which will interfere with installation. Therefore, you need to carefully check the packaging when buying.

3. Cork floors

This type of flooring has high sound-absorbing and heat-insulating qualities. It is made from natural material, it is based on cork tree bark. very popular and modern. They can be produced in the form of plates and rolls.

Cork floors are especially beneficial to use in rooms where silence, environmental friendliness, comfort and underfloor heating are needed.

Cork flooring

Advantages:

Excellent thermal insulation properties(Thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.03-0.04).
Good level (sound absorption coefficient 0.85). It is great for panel houses.
High resistance to deformation, convenient in the presence of heavy furniture - no traces remain after them.
Good depreciation qualities, which has an excellent effect on human health, musculoskeletal system, joints and back.
The coating is non-slip.
Resistant to aggressive chemicals (except for caustic alkalis), which makes it quite easy to care for them.
Not affected by pests: rodents and wood-boring insects.

Flaws:

Fairly high price. As a result, the final cost (including auxiliary materials) will be comparable to the cost of parquet.
The strength of the cork floor is quite low "breaking". He can't stand heels, pet claws, sharp furniture legs.
Low thermal conductivity does not make it possible to make a "" system, since the cork floor will not let heat into the room.
Swelling of the floating floor. Under the influence of moisture, the cork floor can swell, which is caused by swelling of the MDF base. This excludes the use of cork in the bathroom and toilet, as there high level humidity.

4. Laminate

Represents a panel made from fiberboard (Fibreboard) and several layers of paper. The texture (most often a pattern imitating parquet) is applied just on paper, on top of which acrylate or melamine resin is applied and protective film. After pressing, it becomes resistant to mechanical damage, abrasion, exposure to sunlight, pollution. A stabilizing film on the bottom is responsible for maintaining its shape and protecting it from moisture.

Laminate for home

This material has become widely used relatively recently. Laminate perfectly allows you to imitate natural wood floors, while it can be better than it in terms of stability and strength. Its installation is simple, and the price is quite affordable. You can find out here. This material is not suitable for wet areas. When laying it, a layer of soft padding is used, made specifically for the laminate.

Advantages:

Resistant to external influences (pressure, stress, abrasion). It does not leave dents and traces from heavy objects.
Flame retardant and high temperature tolerance.
Does not demand careful leaving, unlike a parquet.
Ecologically pure material, since it does not contain chemical substances, harmful to health, not allergic, does not accumulate bacteria and dirt. It can be safely used in children's rooms.
Easy to install, allowing you to lay on wooden floors, underfloor heating, linoleum, PVC floors and so on.
Durability (can serve more than 10 years).
Democratic prices.

Flaws:

Laminate load. Need to choose right permissible loads. For an apartment, 21, 22, 23 classes are suitable. 23 - dining room, kitchen, hallway. 22 - living room, children's room. 21 (low load) - pantry, office, bedroom. The lower the class, the shorter the service life under loads and the lower its cost.
The styling requirements are high.
Fear of moisture, treatment with a waterproof solution is required. It is not advisable to use laminate in the kitchen, but if you decide, it is better to choose glue.
Bubbling and swelling of the laminate, which is a consequence of a violation of the laying technology.
The creak of the laminate, manifests itself with an uneven base.
You can save only on a short-lived and cheap laminate.

5. Ceramic tiles

It is indispensable as a floor covering, especially in rooms with high humidity and traffic. On the this moment there are a large number of their types for decoration. Tiles differ in size, appearance, degree of slip, strength, water absorption and other parameters.

Ceramic tiles for home

In houses and apartments floor tiles It is used, as a rule, in kitchens, bathrooms, halls and hallways. Modern technologies make it possible to produce tile material suitable for use in any space. For example, wood-look tiles can look like laminate or parquet in appearance. It can naturally fit into the interior of bedrooms (heated floors are required here) and living rooms.

Advantages:

A huge variety of colors and shades, decor. Tiles can be matched to almost all building materials.
Allows you to create an original floor composition, lengthen or visually expand the room (how to lay tiles on the floor).
Practicality and durability. The tile is not afraid of moisture, easy to clean, resistant to fading and wear, withstands any load.

Flaws:

6. Carpets

Today they have also gained popularity, as they are relatively affordable, diverse in color, inaccessible to rodents and moths, easy to care for, and easy to lay.

At the moment, acrylic carpets, nylon, woolen, silk, polypropylene and many other types are produced. There are also carpet tiles, they are easily laid on a special base and then removed from it.

Advantages:

Durability.
Great look.
Reliability.
Ecological purity.
Low thermal conductivity.
Properly laid and high-quality massive board, parquet will last for decades.

Flaws:

Deformation of the material, since wood has the ability to breathe. It will shrink in winter and expand in summer.
The cost is high.

The modern market of construction and finishing materials offers a huge range of floor coverings with a wide variety of properties and characteristics. Both modest budget options and expensive luxury finishes are available for sale.

One of the most common types of flooring. Materials for household, semi-commercial, as well as commercial purposes are available for sale. Classification is carried out in accordance with the strength indicators of linoleum. The best option for a home is semi-commercial, not household linoleum - it is slightly more expensive, but it lasts much longer.

Advantages

Unpretentiousness and ease of care.
No noise when walking.
Rot resistance.
Long service life.

Flaws

Foundation requirements. The rough floor must be even - only in this case you can count on a long service life of the coating.
Relatively low environmental friendliness. In this regard, linoleum, as an artificial material, noticeably loses to natural varieties of finishes.
Low resistance to mechanical stress. The weight of a person and small interior items is supported by linoleum, but under the pressure of heavy furniture and large-sized equipment, the material is pressed through.
Weak resistance to temperature extremes. Actual for cheap and low-quality linoleum. Such a finish is quite quickly deformed and covered with cracks.

PVC coatings

They are produced in the form of tiles and panels with an adhesive base and a lock connection. Also on sale are tiles mounted using third-party adhesive mixtures. Modern vinyl floors look more aesthetically pleasing and are characterized by significantly improved performance and performance compared to their old Soviet-made counterparts.

Advantages

impact resistance different kind loads.
Ease of installation.
Moisture resistant.
Good soundproof performance.
Nice outer texture.
Large selection of colors and textures.
Long service life.

PVC tiles. Specifications

Flaws

Foundation requirement. The subfloor must be even, otherwise, over time, all defects will appear on the vinyl. Substrate moisture should not exceed 5%.
Demanding to the conditions of storage and laying. Vinyl should be allowed time to adapt to environmental conditions before use. In addition, the temperature intervals recommended by the manufacturer must be observed during the finishing process and after its completion.
Poor UV resistance. Actual for cheap vinyl. Direct sunlight will fade colors and cause yellow spots on the surface of the coating.
Unnatural composition. Vinyl is artificial material. When burned, it releases substances that are toxic to humans. At the same time, a cheap and low-quality coating distinguishes them even in a “resting state”. When buying, be sure to ask the seller to present certificates of quality.

Cork flooring

Natural coating with high heat and noise insulation and performance. At the heart of the finish is the bark of a cork tree. It is produced in the format of rolls and plates. Perfect for finishing floors in rooms that need environmental friendliness, silence and comfort.

Advantages

High thermal insulation performance.
Good soundproofing.
Resistance to deformation influences. On the cork field there are no traces even of heavy furniture and appliances.
High depreciation properties.
No slip.
Normal tolerance to various chemical influences, with the exception of aggressive alkalis.
Resistance to various pests.

Flaws

High price. As a result, taking into account the costs of various Additional materials and directly work, the price of a cork floor is comparable to the cost of buying and laying a good parquet.
Low tensile strength. Sharp furniture legs, pet claws, heels and other similar things adversely affect the condition of the "cork".
Low thermal performance. Using cork in combination with a floor heating system will not work, because. The "cork" simply does not let heat through.
Tendency to swell on contact with water. This moment excludes the possibility of arranging a cork floor in bathrooms and other rooms with a high level of humidity.

Laminate

A panel made on the basis of fiberboard and supplemented with several layers of thick paper. A texture is applied over the paper (the most popular option is parquet imitation), and protective materials are applied on top of it. The production technology ensures the resistance of the panels to abrasion, sunlight, various kinds of damage, deformation and pollution.

Laminate is relatively easy to install and has a long service life. The only restriction is that the panels cannot be laid in bathrooms and other rooms with a high level of humidity. The installation technology requires preliminary laying of a special substrate.

Advantages

Resistance to external influences.
Good tolerance to elevated temperatures.
Comparative unpretentiousness in leaving.
Environmental Safety. The composition of the panels does not contain substances that can harm human health. Bacteria do not accumulate in the material, it does not cause allergies and is perfect for finishing the floor, even in a children's room.
Ease of installation.
Can be combined with floor heating systems.
Long service life.
Relatively affordable cost.

Flaws

Weak moisture resistance. The material is not recommended for use even in kitchens. If you decide to finish the kitchen floor with this material, give preference to its adhesive variety.
The risk of bubbles and other blisters in case of violation of the installation technology.
Creaking when walking when laying on a poorly leveled subfloor.
Low quality cheap varieties.

One of the most popular flooring materials. The tile is especially well suited for flooring in rooms with heavy traffic and high humidity. A huge range of tiles is available for sale, differing in size, design, strength and a number of additional characteristics.

In private housing construction ceramic coatings most often used in bathrooms, as well as hallways, bathrooms and kitchens. In general, you can choose a tile that fits perfectly into the interior of any room, but in bedrooms, living rooms and other similar rooms, it is better to combine ceramics with floor heating systems, otherwise it will be cold.

Advantages

The widest choice of design solutions.
Almost limitless scope for the implementation of a wide variety of ideas. With the help of tiles, you can create unique compositions and visually change the proportions of the room.
Strength.
Ease of maintenance.

Flaws

The complexity of installation.
The presence of seams. You won't be able to completely remove them. The width of the seams directly depends on the skill of the stacker.
Cold. Walking on such material with bare feet is a pleasure for an amateur. To be comfortable, ceramics must be combined with an underfloor heating system, which leads to additional costs.

This popular type of flooring is characterized by a relatively affordable cost, ease of installation and an almost limitless range of design solutions. Modern carpets are not interested in rodents, insects and other pests, they are easy to care for and durable.

Carpets made from acrylic, wool, polypropylene, nylon, silk and many other materials are available for sale.

Advantages

Among the advantages of modern carpet the following features should be noted:

resistance to various adverse effects, including abrasion;
a wide selection of colors and design solutions;
low creasing;
decent sound insulation in the case of carpets with soft and elastic pile.

Flaws

If carpets have flaws, namely:

poor resistance to direct sunshine. This is especially true for cheap models. Carpets lose color and generally presentable appearance;
poor tolerance to water and use in conditions of high humidity;
tendency to accumulate dust between the villi. If you prefer carpeted flooring, be prepared to often use a broom and a vacuum cleaner.

The classic version of expensive and high quality flooring. The performance characteristics and appearance of the material directly depend on what kind of wood was used to make it. In houses with wooden floors it is always warm, comfortable and cozy.

Advantages

Excellent appearance.
Long service life.
Complete environmental safety.
Low thermal conductivity.

Flaws

tendency to deform. In summer, wood expands, in winter, on the contrary, it shrinks. In view of this, technological gaps must be left when laying the panels.

Decorative floor 3D. 3D image on your floor

This category includes self-leveling floors loved by many. The coating can be made on a cement-acrylic, epoxy, as well as polyurethane and methyl methacrylate basis. Suitable for use in a wide variety of environments. In residential buildings and apartments, polyurethane-based 3D floors are most often used. The compositions fit perfectly into the interiors of bathrooms and kitchen facilities. Characterized by aesthetics and exclusivity of appearance, high resistance and long service life.

Advantages

The main advantages of self-leveling floors include the following characteristics:

resistance to high humidity;
attractive design;
long service life;
good tolerance of chemical influences;
high adhesive performance;
resistance to fire, temperature extremes;
excellent hygiene;
ease and unpretentiousness in leaving.

Flaws

The material also has its weaknesses, namely:

high price;
comparative difficulty of dismantling. Over time, even the most beautiful 3D floor can get bored by the owner, and considerable efforts will have to be made to remove the coating;
exactingness to the draft floor;
the complexity of the arrangement.

The cost of different coatings

For many buyers choosing suitable option finish coating, the decisive indicator is the cost of the material. Of course, this point also needs to be taken into account, which you are invited to do using the following table.

Table. Average flooring prices

Now you are aware of key features, advantages, weaknesses and average prices for the most popular types finish coatings for the floor. This information will help you think carefully and make the best choice.

Video - Types of floor coverings

Floors and walls in the apartment play an important role. But it is floor coverings that set stylistic design and perform the function of sound insulation, and also help to keep warm. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose the right quality flooring.

Peculiarities

The temperature regime in the room, as well as some characteristics of the room, will depend on the choice of floor material. In addition, the flooring greatly affects the stylistic design of the room. Therefore, when choosing, you should weigh the pros and cons of each floor covering and choose the most suitable for each specific area.

The floor covering allows you to set the basis for the aesthetic design of the premises. In addition, it makes the room more cozy and comfortable for residents. The choice of floors varies depending on the purpose of the premises, since the individual functional areas of the apartment involve different loads and effects on the coating. That's why it is better to consider all the options, and only then make a choice in favor of one or another option.

The specifics of floors for an apartment may vary depending on the floor. For the first, it is better to choose a moisture-resistant coating. For high floors, floors with a light texture are needed. If you are installing flooring in a panel house, then pay attention to models with thermal insulation and sound insulation characteristics.

An important feature of laying floors is additional base. Some materials require a special leveled subfloor or even a subfloor, while others can be laid over plain concrete floors.

Also, some apartment residents prefer insulated floors, while using different insulation technologies and substrates for coatings.

Kinds

Floor coverings are hard or flexible. The group is separated wood flooring for the floor. Various manufacturers presents a variety of floor coverings that differ in their functionality, quality and design. Wooden ones include:

parquet;
parquet board;

laminate;
wood mass;
cork.

Flexible coatings include:

linoleum;
carpet.

Hard surfaces include:

ceramic tile;
stone floors;

porcelain stoneware;
expanded clay;
bulk floor.

Each type of flooring should be discussed separately, since they all have important characteristics and properties.

Natural parquet

This is a classic version that is traditional and very popular. This classic never goes out of style. This coating will emphasize the high social status of the owners of the apartment. Parquet is made only from valuable tree species.

As a rule, parquet elements have a natural wood pattern. You can find small-sized versions of piece parquet. They allow you to lay out an interesting composition.

So, with the help of it, you can independently make a drawing on the floor, for example, a Christmas tree.

Parquet is made from durable and reliable species, the wood of which is different high density. For its manufacture, oak, beech, maple, ash, larch are used. This flooring is considered the most durable. It can last up to 50 years if you take good care of it.

Any parquet is completely environmentally friendly and completely safe. A feature of the installation of such a floor is that under it it is necessary to install draft floors. Only after that it will be possible to put block parquet.

Not all apartments can be parquet. An important requirement is compliance with a certain temperature regime and the level of air humidity.

Parquet is a very expensive and noble flooring option.

parquet board

This is another floor option. natural wood. The parquet board differs from the previous type in that it is quite large in size. The difference is the composition of such boards. Thus, parquet board lamellas consist of three layers, securely connected to each other. They have convenient lock fasteners and are easier to install. Their size suggests simple styling and easy disassembly.

Manufacturers present models of various colors and designs, some of them have a ready-made pattern. It is easier to care for a parquet board than for piece models. Such a coating is quite expensive, but more budgetary than piece parquet. The slats can serve over 20 years Besides, they are not so whimsical in care.

Boardwalk

Such floors require laying ordinary boards on the lags. It looks simple but natural. It is used in apartments infrequently, because it is quite heavy. But the big advantage boardwalk is that it is 100% environmentally friendly and very practical. It can be used to create interesting stylistic decisions premises.

The floor is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to walk barefoot on. Plank flooring is more affordable. At the same time, according to external characteristics it is not inferior to other wood flooring options.

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Cork

Cork floors belong to the elite floor coverings. They are suitable for laying in almost any room, except for rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom, if there is not good ventilation. But the cork can only be laid on a hard and even surface. Most often, plywood is installed under it. Under no circumstances should it be laid on bare concrete floors., otherwise even small particles can ruin the flooring.

The cork can be decorative. It is presented in the form of rolls or plates. The top layer is impregnated special composition which has waterproof properties. Manufacturers supplement the cork floor in the form of slabs with an adhesive that has already been applied, which simplifies the installation of this floor covering.

Cork is also used as an option for the subfloor. It is placed under linoleum or under laminate. In this case, it has a slightly different composition and significantly reduced quality. As a rule, the cork provides required level heat and sound insulation. Such a substrate can be presented in the form of rolls, it is convenient to spread it on the floor.

The cork floor can be presented in the form of MDF panels. As a rule, these are rather large lamellas, which include other materials, including synthetic ones. Each panel measures approximately 19 x 90 cm. They are comfortable and easy to lay on their own. Installation is facilitated by lock fasteners.

Cork is practical material because it is completely insensitive to temperature changes.

In addition, it withstands high physical loads and impacts. Even the heaviest furniture can be placed on it. Cork can be quite interesting in design thanks to modern production technologies. Manufacturers present models different shades. In addition, it is not a static material on which dust and hair do not accumulate.

Laminate

This is a high-quality and reliable floor covering that can imitate any other types of floors. It can be an imitation of parquet, natural boards and other wood, tiles, marble, natural stone and even brick. The slats may have different size, but the standard boards are 25 by 150 cm. The slats have a lock, which, as a rule, is located either on two or on all four sides of each board.

These lamellas are easy to install and maintain. By itself, the laminate board includes four layers. Each of them has a specific functional purpose. Together, they all make up a high-quality and reliable option floor covering.

The bottom layer is paper soaked in resin, which performs a moisture-proof function. Thanks to this, the laminate board will not be damaged during a flood. The lower substrates of some models can also perform a heat or sound insulating function. No sills are needed to cover.

The penultimate layer is the most basic and thick, on average, its thickness is from 5 to 9 mm. It is a compressed wood, as well as locks built into this level, which are based on spikes and grooves.

The next layer is decorative. It is a patterned coating that imitates wood and other materials. From above, it is covered with a transparent layer, which makes the coating more beautiful and decorative. In addition, it performs protective functions and prevents rapid rubbing and damage to the laminate. As a rule, the transparent layer is made of acrylic or melamine.

Laminate is an affordable yet practical material.

It perfectly conveys the texture of many materials and looks very aesthetically pleasing. The marble version looks elegant.

Laying this floor option is within the power of even a beginner in the field of installation. Laminate can be divided into classes depending on its strength. The higher the grade, the higher is its strength and thickness. Most often, for domestic purposes, options from 21 to 33 classes are used.

Linoleum

In Russia, this is the most popular flooring. It is very easy to install and yet affordable. Almost no maintenance required, it is enough only to periodically carry out wet cleaning. The material is completely moisture resistant and not subject to external influences. Such coatings can look very beautiful.

Producers represent variety of options, differing in their pattern and shades. As a rule, these floor coverings are sold in the form of rolls. It is enough just to roll them on the floor. There is also a slab option.

Linoleum is mounted using a special adhesive, and it can be installed on almost any floor. In the manufacture of linoleum, both natural materials and polymers are used. Models with natural substances in the composition are more expensive, therefore less popular. The service life of linoleum is approximately 10 years, but it is most often used in apartments for much longer.

Linoleum can be thin, or it can be insulated with a backing. Foam-based options are also popular. But such a coating has several disadvantages. So, it can shrink and change its external qualities when exposed to elevated temperatures. In addition, heavy furniture leaves traces and damage on it.

Linoleum can be laid in absolutely any room, even in an unheated one, for example, on a balcony.

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carpet

Outwardly, it is a covering similar to carpets, which differs from other floor coverings in a number of features. Models can be soft or quite hard to the touch. They are often placed in children's rooms, since they are not at all traumatic. In their manufacture, manufacturers use both natural and artificial materials.

The coating can be presented in the form of rolls or tiles. Sheet models are easy to mount on their own without outside help. Only glue is needed for installation. The material looks very presentable. Manufacturers present options that differ in their texture, pile length, color and pattern.

But this coating, with external presentability, has a number of negative properties. Yes, it has short service life. In addition, it is considered the most not waterproof of all floor coverings. It requires special care and systematic cleaning, otherwise the coating will lose its former gloss. The basis of the carpet is jute, felt or rubber.

Such a coating is completely unsuitable for floors in the hallway or bathroom. Some stains may be impossible to get rid of.

This option not suitable for allergy sufferers, as it can provoke an allergic reaction.

Ceramic tile

This is a very dense and solid option, which involves flooring only in some areas of the apartment. So, they put it in the bathroom, toilet, hallway, kitchen, corridors. This coating is cold, so it is not suitable for other rooms. But if you plan to install underfloor heating, then in other rooms you can make flooring in the form of tiles.

Ceramic tile is a versatile option that has a number of advantages. It can be placed on any floor, including on concrete, wood, plywood, drywall, soil. Ceramic tiles may have different design and drawing.

This floor is suitable even for classic style interiors.

Tiles can be matte or glossy. Due to its texture given material able to hide dust and dirt. In addition, it is quite easy to care for her. It is waterproof and practical.

Manufacturers present corrugated tiles that you can step on with wet feet. That's why This cover is perfect for the bathroom. You won't have to worry about slipping.

The color scheme of this finishing material can be absolutely any. The tile itself is very strong and durable. These are high-quality vapor barrier and non-combustible floors. The tile is attached with glue and lasts a very long time. But the coating is solid, so it is traumatic. It is not comfortable to walk barefoot on cold tiles.

self-leveling floor

Previously, such a coating was most often used as a subfloor, while new self-leveling floors are excellent decorative coatings. The design assumes the presence of three-dimensional drawings and patterns that are covered with a polymer layer. Bulk floors can be polyurethane or epoxy. By themselves, they are of high quality and environmentally friendly.

The service life of such floors is quite long. They can look very presentable, especially for glossy models with patterns. These are waterproof and easy to care for. Their disadvantage is that before laying, you need to perfectly level the surface and dry it otherwise, irregularities may appear.

Which ones to choose?

The choice of flooring is a very important part of any renovation. In this case, one should take into account in which functional area or in which room it will be located. For each of the zones, you need to select materials based on what qualities they have and what loads they can endure. In addition, family composition should influence the choice of sex.

Some coatings are completely unacceptable for children. If you have small children, then the floors should be less traumatic and completely environmentally friendly. In addition, such floors should be easy to care for. If you have pets at home, then the coating must withstand mechanical influences such as scratches.

When choosing, you should also evaluate your financial condition, since some flooring options are very expensive and require special care. If your apartment is on the first floor, then you should purchase the most moisture-resistant materials. This is because the closer to the apartment the basement, the higher the level of humidity in it.

Not all apartments can install some types of coatings. So, in panel apartments it is not always possible to insulate the floor, since an unacceptable level of load on the interfloor partitions may occur, this is permissible only in good new buildings or private houses. Thus, you will have to choose models that do not involve concrete screed.

As for individual rooms and functional areas, there are a number of requirements. So, the hallway area is always the most accessible and dirty. It involves a large load on the floor covering and many external influences in the form of moisture, dust and dirt. If you have children, then you will put strollers and children's sleds there, which can damage the coating.

That is why only the most solid and high-quality option is suitable. Moreover, it should look presentable and complement the interior of the apartment as a whole. The most acceptable for such premises will be ceramic tiles. It serves for a very long time and endures all of the above effects.

Linoleum is also often placed in the hallway, but at the same time they acquire the hardest models with additional substrate. Another option for the hallway is laying laminate flooring. But in this area of \u200b\u200bthe apartment it is better to select durable models of class 31-33.

For the bedroom, you can choose other floor coverings. Considering that it is in this room that you will most often walk barefoot, therefore, the coating should be warm and pleasant to the touch. For this, parquet, parquet board is perfect.

The carpet is very soft and aesthetic, so it is ideal for the sleeping area. At the same time, it performs well the function of sound insulation, which is so necessary for sleeping quarters. Laminate can be laid in this area, but rugs will have to be placed near the bed, because without a substrate in the form of warm floors, the laminate is cold.

Work technology

The floor of the apartment has two layers - intermediate and directly flooring. In the thinnest panel houses there is no intermediate layer, and the floor covering is laid on a bare surface. For this option, when laying with your own hands, it is necessary to smooth the DSP before installing the grout. For this, it is better to use the thinnest layer. cement screed- the so-called "pie". So you can increase the level of noise and heat insulation.

When repairing the floor, wooden beam ceilings as a basis. So you can make heat and sound insulation. From above they can be covered with a layer of insulation from moisture. An intermediate layer is placed on the floor. It may consist of a log, a subfloor, additional insulating and waterproofing substrates, a thin concrete screed. And already on top of these layers, you can lay the floor covering.

If you choose a wooden floor from boards, then it is already placed on beams without a subfloor. In their quality, reinforced concrete products, timber, metal profiles are used.

When repairing, the cement screed method is often used. This is one of the easiest types of installation. At the same time, a special cement mortar is made. Initially, the surface of the floors is cleaned from old concrete. After that, the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt. Then it is important to measure the slope and calculate the required volume of cement mortar. You can buy a mixture ready-made or make it yourself.

After you have received the finished solution, you need to mix it well. Then you can set beacons and guides that will allow you to fill the floors well and evenly. Cement must be evenly distributed over the entire surface and smoothed to right level. The preparation of the base must be carried out, while it is still damp and not hardened. This is necessary so that the floors last longer and do not crack. The screed dries out for about 30 days.

Another option is laying a semi-dry screed. This option dries out much faster and at the same time better protects against moisture and does not release heat. There is much less water in it and there are special fibers that prevent cracking. The technology of its laying is approximately the same as in the previous version.

You can also use the dry screed method. On such a floor, you can put a coating immediately after installation. Polyethylene sheets must be placed on the floors, and then covered with sand and leveled. The layer must be compacted and covered with a metal profile. This method is suitable for laying on strip foundation. Top stacked gypsum boards and attached to the profile. On such a screed, you can immediately mount any floor covering.

Warming

Floor insulation involves fixing wooden lag for polyethylene. Styrofoam is laid there or mineral wool. The thickness of such a layer can vary from 5 to 10 cm. From above, this heat-insulating level is covered with plywood or a board, and a decorative coating is already applied on top.

Another option for insulation is a dry screed. It's fast and effective method insulate the floors in the apartment.

The substrate is also a fairly popular way of warming. It involves laying sheets of foamed polyethylene under a decorative coating. This is not the most efficient, but very easy to install method. Since the substrate is quite thin, it allows you to keep air and does not let it through between the plates or lamellas that make up the decorative coating. It involves a little soundproofing and insulation. As a rule, such a substrate is used in combination with other protective measures.

As a substrate, special cotton wool or other materials are often used. They do a good job with the function of heat and sound insulation. These heaters may include cellulose, noise plastic, rubber, acrylic elements and expanded polystyrene.

Another option for the substrate is the laying of extruded foam. It can even be placed on concrete. For achievement best effect the substrate is laid in several layers. From above, you can use flooring from any decorative coating. It is better if it is of high quality and durable.

Beautiful examples in the interior

AT modern interior you can make a light floor from parquet or laminate. It is perfect for Provence and Classic styles. The shade of bleached oak will be suitable. You can complement it with a rug in the form of an animal skin.

For apartments in the style of a classic or modern, a parquet brown floor under wenge or oak is perfect. This cover looks noble and elegant.