What kind of floors can there be? Floors in an apartment: what to make from, types of floor coverings, design features and do-it-yourself installation. Video - Laying solid boards

A comfortable and beautiful home is everyone’s dream. But choosing materials is not an easy task, as many factors must be taken into account. To begin with, it would be nice to have a general understanding of all the available materials - their advantages and disadvantages. Let's discuss the types of floor coverings: what they exist, how and how they differ, where it is best to use them.

In recent decades, technology has developed very quickly. New materials are constantly appearing, and old ones acquire new properties and qualities. Today there are about a dozen types of flooring. It’s not a fact that new ones won’t appear in a couple of months. In the meantime, here are the types of coatings that exist:

Choosing flooring for a house or apartment is not the easiest task.

• Engineering board.
• Cork covering (adhesive and locking).
• Linoleum.
• Vinyl tiles (still available PVC names tiles, flexible parquet, Art vinyl).
• Ceramic tiles.
• Porcelain tiles.

Some types of floor coverings have been known for a very long time. For example, plank flooring or parquet. Others appeared just a few years ago - carpet and vinyl tiles. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, and each must be considered separately.

How to choose flooring

The choice of flooring should be carried out according to the basic requirements that you have for the coating. First of all, you should decide on the amount you are willing to allocate. When viewing options, consider not only the cost per square meter, but also the cost of installation materials and delivery costs. Some types of flooring - linoleum and carpet, for square meter have a very low price. Their installation is also easy. But the amount of waste can be large and delivery expensive. Especially if you need a 4 meter wide cover. These are already special prices.

Having decided on the price range, choosing what types of flooring you can use, review the information on installation and base requirements. If your floor is far from ideal, it will need to be leveled, and this can cost a considerable amount. Most modern flooring is not too difficult to install. The exception is parquet, but you can lay it yourself. But it will take a lot of time. If DIY installation is not an option, specialist services will be added to the costs. And their prices are related not so much to the complexity of installation, but to the cost of coverage. As a rule, the higher the price of the flooring, the more they charge to install it.

Also, the selected types should be compared in terms of complexity/ease of care, durability, and compatibility with, if you have one. So choosing a floor covering is not so easy.

The cheapest and most practical: linoleum, PVC tiles

If we talk about the most inexpensive type of flooring, then it is either linoleum or PVC tiles. If you look at prices per square meter, linoleum is cheaper. But this is not entirely true. In fact, the costs are equal for the following reasons:

• PVC tiles are easy to ship. Packs of tiles can be loaded into a passenger car, but delivery of linoleum requires a truck.
• There are usually much more scraps when laying linoleum. Unless you find the width of the linoleum exactly the width of the floor. PVC tiles have a minimum of scraps, as they are made up of small fragments.

There is often a negative attitude towards these types of coatings. The main points are the unnatural coating, which looks “cheap” and quickly loses its appearance. About unnaturalness. Firstly, there is natural linoleum - marmoleum. It is made on a natural jute base from natural rubber resins, using natural dyes. Secondly, polyvinyl chloride - the same PVC - surrounds us every day. Products are packaged in it. So, despite the unnaturalness, it is safe.

If we talk about the “cheap” appearance, then there are very decent-looking coatings that cannot be distinguished from the now fashionable laminate. And linoleum looked “cheap” twenty or thirty years ago. When a strange-looking film with a wild pattern was applied to an incomprehensible base. Today linoleum is a completely different coating. Both externally and technologically.

This, or something like this, is what modern linoleum looks like. By the way, its service life is 10 years.

Many people say that linoleum wears out quickly and comes in waves. This can happen if linoleum is laid in violation of technology. It also requires a flat base. It may not be perfectly level, but without holes, “steps” and humps. Then there will be no problems with abrasions. And it also needs to be glued correctly using normal glue (good PVA, at least). And you need to leave gaps around the perimeter of the room. In general, we must follow the technology, then there will be no waves or wrinkles.

Average price range

Not everyone likes linoleum or vinyl tiles, although they are, perhaps, the most budget-friendly coatings, and they are convenient and durable to use. I don’t want completely outright synthetics under my feet, but I also don’t intend to spend money on parquet or even more expensive cork. In this case, you can consider types of flooring from the middle price range. Of course, they can hardly be called natural, but they are not entirely synthetic either.

Let's look at mid-priced options

Laminate

If we talk about popular types of flooring, today it is laminate. In terms of price, it is more expensive than linoleum, but cheaper than parquet or engineered wood. In appearance it is very similar to them, but structurally it is a completely different material.

Why is laminate placed in the middle price range? After all, there are inexpensive rulers... Because in order for it to serve for a long time, it is worth taking a high-class board (32 or 33), and even on a waterproof base. And these types are comparable in price to parquet and engineered boards.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

The base of the laminate is pressed under high pressure cellulose - HDF. Everyone probably knows such material as MDF. So, HDF is made the same way, but pressed under higher pressure. A stabilizing layer is glued under the HDF base, often with moisture-resistant properties. On the other side, a pattern is pasted that imitates a natural coating. And a transparent one is applied to the drawing polymer film. Sometimes it is smooth, but it can also imitate the texture of wood or stone.

There are so many different ones, and it’s not just about appearance. They come in different abrasion strengths, widths, lengths, and thicknesses. There is plenty to choose from. This is an excellent material if you are interested in inexpensive types of flooring. Its advantages also include:

• Simplicity. Any person with the right hands can handle it.
• Laying speed. Even a beginner can tidy up one room in a day.
• Maintainability. If the coating was not glued, you can disassemble everything and reassemble it again.

Laminate is a good choice if you are interested in mid-priced types of flooring

Not everything is so rosy. The disadvantages of laminate are as follows. It does not tolerate high humidity and if it gets wet, its original appearance is not restored. The second drawback is that the coating is noisy. The room itself is noisy, you can hear footsteps. Sounds are also transmitted to neighbors below, if we are talking about a multi-story building. To prevent the problem from being so acute, substrates are used. And it’s better to use cork or expanded polystyrene foam, but then the coating does not fit into the budget range. But then the laminate does not creak, the house is quiet, and the floor is warmer.

Parquet and engineered boards

Whatever one may say, we are accustomed to the fact that there should be wood on the floor. And more budget types of flooring generally imitate it with more or less accuracy. What if you want a more natural finish, but parquet doesn’t inspire you because it’s difficult to maintain? Eat intermediate option- the same parquet and engineered board. They are made differently, but after installation they are very similar to natural parquet. Only cheaper, easier to install and devoid of most of its disadvantages.

Engineered board consists of moisture-resistant plywood and a layer of wood glued to it. Plywood is more stable in size, it will not move, it does not dry out, and is less prone to warping. Parquet boards are structurally more complex and consist of four layers (from bottom to top):

• pine seamless veneer;
• spruce or pine slats;
• layer of wood valuable species;
• a layer of varnish, oil or wax.

Both types of flooring have fine wood on top. Both consist of fragments - rectangular or square, which are connected using locks or through a tongue and groove. But after installation, the engineered board must be covered with a protective coating - varnish, oil or wax. And it is ready for use - it is coated with varnish/oil/wax at the factory. Comfortable. It’s just that after this the joints are left without protection and you need to be more careful with water.

How to choose flooring that looks like wood but is less hassle? Consider parquet and engineered wood

The advantages of these materials are as follows. It looks like parquet, the price is significantly lower, the complexity of installation is several times less, and the installation speed is several times higher. What’s also good is that there are fewer problems with operation—less squeaks and drying out. Well, the drawback is that it is not a completely natural coating. The design contains glue. Where to a greater extent, where to a lesser extent. Decide for yourself how critical this is for you.

Parquet

Parquet in its purest form is a set of planks from which the covering is assembled. And these planks are not always the same shape or size. Complex circuits are assembled from different pieces. The more there are, the more varied and bizarre the design can be.

But in standard apartments or ordinary residential buildings and cottages, artistic parquet cannot be fitted in any way. It is suitable for large spacious rooms. And 20 square meters is not the space on which something like this will look. In most residential interiors, parquet is laid as a regular flooring - a deck; there are also herringbone or squares. And then, they no longer fit into all interiors. Modern style very laconic and not even too much complex patterns It will no longer be possible to fit into it. Unless in classic interior, yes with appropriate furniture.

Not the most complex drawing, but ordinary apartment- obvious overkill

The parquet is glued to a perfectly flat base. It must be carefully prepared. Each board is attached to glue, but can also be additionally fixed with nails. Since the fragments are small, it takes a lot of time to lay parquet. But finishing the display is not all. There is still sanding to be done - four to five passes with sandpaper of different grits (from 600 to 1200). And then applying a protective layer - first a primer (two layers), and then varnishing (three layers) or oil impregnation (two layers are enough). When varnishing, intermediate sanding may still be required a couple of times. So, laying 20 square meters may take a couple of months. Is it possible to lay parquet flooring yourself? Quite. If the hands are out right place and a lot of patience.

So, the advantages of parquet as a floor covering: beauty, naturalness. You can’t argue with beauty, although, in most cases, the board is laid with ordinary deck covering. Outwardly, it does not differ from the same engineered and parquet boards, but in terms of price and labor intensity of installation, it is very different. It's beautiful though. This is without a doubt. But a cheaper engineered board in the same decking looks no worse and costs less.

It is also worth thinking about naturalness. The wood is natural - this is not in dispute, but the coating itself is unlikely. The wood is glued. The best adhesive for parquet now is polymer - not natural. The parquet is coated with non-natural varnish. Then the point is in the naturalness of the wood itself. Very doubtful. Prestigious - yes. Without a doubt. If the status of the coating is important to you, you definitely need parquet. In this he has no equal.

Soft types of flooring: carpet, carpet tiles

Carpet was at the peak of popularity twenty years ago. Today it is not installed too often. If they do put it in, it’s in bedrooms or children’s rooms - here it’s really quite good. How appropriate carpet is in the living room depends on what you want to achieve. Low pile is easier to clean and easier to care for. The long one looks cozy and intimate, but is difficult to clean. In general, both carpet and carpet tiles are a very good type of covering if you are not allergic to dust. Warm, cozy, hides sounds. For the bedroom and nursery, this is probably best coverage for the floor.

Short pile carpet - ideal budget covering for the bedroom

It can be very simple: in small rooms it is simply rolled out and pressed with baseboards. Larger areas are used double sided tape, pasted in strips on the floor every meter. If there are more than 20 squares, gluing with special glue or fixation is necessary ( special kind glue, which creates a sticky layer on the floor like tape).

If we talk about carpet tiles, they are even more convenient to install. You don't have to take out all the furniture. The base must be dry and level. An adhesive fixation is applied to it, and after it dries, the tiles are laid out. It's that simple.

In terms of price, the situation is similar to that which exists when comparing linoleum and vinyl tiles. If you look at the price per square meter, then carpet tiles are more expensive. But there is less waste during installation, easier and cheaper delivery. So, in the end, no more money will be spent. Another plus of carpet tiles is that you can always fold them differently; it’s easy to replace a damaged piece by simply removing the old one and installing a new one in its place. So if you have to choose, carpet tiles are more practical.

So, the advantages of carpet and carpet tiles are not high price, ease of installation, “quiet” coating. Disadvantages: difficult to clean, not suitable for allergy sufferers. In general, these are inexpensive and easy-to-install types of flooring.

Cork flooring

Another type of flooring, which is called natural, is made from cork. It is actually a pressed cork that comes in tiles or rolls. There are two types of cork flooring. The first is called “adhesive” - it is glued to a flat and dry base and filled with several layers of varnish. It turns out something similar to parquet, but with a different texture.

The second type of cork can be compared to laminate. The same base is HDF, onto which a layer of cork is glued, and a protective polymer film is applied on top of it. Both installation and problems are the same as with laminate. Installation is simple; during operation you have to be careful with liquids. To be on the safe side, some fill the locking plug with additional varnish to ensure there are no problems with the filling.

If we talk about the advantages, then cork is the warmest coating. It is comfortable to walk on it, even if it is varnished; the porous material absorbs sounds. So for quiet rooms - bedrooms and children's rooms - a good flooring. But, since cork is a soft material, furniture should be selected with wide legs so that it does not press through. Second point: it should not be placed on a heated floor. Very low thermal conductivity, heating will be extremely ineffective. The floor will be warm, but the costs will be high. Other types of flooring work better with underfloor heating. There is a special laminate, even carpet or carpet tiles. But the cork is perhaps the most ineffective option.

The disadvantages of cork coating are high price, high abrasion. The adhesive plug is more expensive (thicker), the locking plug is cheaper. But, compared to other materials, the price is still high.

It is quite difficult to answer the question “which gender is better”? After all, floor coverings differ from each other, at least in appearance. If we take the decorative factor out of the equation, we can compare the price, service life, advantages and disadvantages of each material. Let's try to find the best floor covering in this way.

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In the photo:

Which coating should you prefer if there is so much choice?

Floor coverings can be divided into three large groups: wooden (parquet, boards, solid boards, cork), elastic (carpets, rubber coating), ceramic and stone. Which floors are better - decide for yourself!

1. Block parquet

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In the photo:

Most people by the word “parquet” mean piece parquet.

2. Parquet board

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In the photo:

The parquet board forms a perfectly smooth, “seamless” floor surface.

3. Cork floor

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In the photo:

4. Solid board

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In the photo:

A solid plank floor does not look “uniform”: chamfers on the plank separate one plank from another.

coating	price	term services	advantages of solid wood	disadvantages of solid wood
Solid board	30-200 dollars sq/m	up to 50 years at correct installation	Beautiful natural finish. Solid boards are universal and suit almost any interior. Very durable.	Requires a high-quality “subfloor”; when laying, it is necessary to use heavy-duty two-component glue (it itself is quite expensive). Solid wood reacts sharply to the indoor microclimate: temperature and humidity.

5. Artistic parquet

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In the photo:

Artistic parquet is a work of art: it is made in a single copy.

coating	price	service life	dignity artistic parquet	disadvantages of artistic parquet
Artistic parquet	From 50-70 to 3000 dollars sq.m.	50-70 years	Luxurious coating, the ability to create a unique pattern. It’s hard to think of which floors are better and have more status than artistic parquet.	Expensive. It “dictates conditions” to the rest of the interior.

6. Laminate

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In the photo:

By appearance quality laminate difficult to distinguish from parquet flooring.

7. Natural linoleum, marmoleum

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In the photo:

Natural linoleum is made using ancient technology from “pure” materials.

8. Rubber flooring

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In the photo:

A not very well-known covering for the home, rubber flooring looks like a cross between linoleum and self-leveling flooring. But much more environmentally friendly.

coating	price	service life	advantages of rubber flooring	disadvantages of rubber flooring
Rubber coating	from 20 dollars sq/m	From 25 years old	Extremely easy to install coating (tiles or rolls). It has good sound insulation and is durable (can even be used in gyms). Rubber flooring is antistatic.	Rubber is sensitive to high and low temperatures. Despite manufacturers' statements about being particularly environmentally friendly, synthetic rubber (rubber) is often used.

9. PVC linoleum

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In the photo:

Modern technologies allow you to imitate almost any material with linoleum: natural boards or tiles, as in the picture.

10. Carpet

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In the photo:

For those who like to walk barefoot, there is no better flooring for the home than shag carpet.

11. Modular carpet tiles

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In the photo:

Modular carpet tiles are an alternative to carpet.

12. Ceramic tiles

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In the photo:

Beautiful, bright, but not too warm. In our climate, you can only walk on ceramic tile floors wearing warm socks or slippers.

13. Porcelain tiles

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In the photo:

In the Russian climate, it is advisable to use porcelain floor tiles together with a “warm floor” system.

14. Stone floor

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In the photo:

Natural stone flooring is great for hallways and atriums in a home - it will be reminiscent of the cobblestones of medieval squares.

15. Self-leveling floor

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In the photo:

There is no other way to create a white glossy floor without a single seam - only the “self-leveling floor” technology is used.

16. Cement floor

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In the photo:

Cement floor is a godsend for designer interiors in loft style.

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The entire range of linoleum can be divided into three main groups: household, commercial and semi-commercial. There are also specialized coatings. How do these types differ?

The word “natural” would seem impossible to apply to linoleum. In our minds, this concept is closely associated with synthetic flooring. And yet natural linoleum exists.

Important

It is equally important to consider the number of floors of the apartment. I’ll explain why: if you live on the first floor, then remember that there is an unheated basement below. This means increased humidity and cold. If you live on the second floor or higher, then below you there will be a residential heated and dry apartment.

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

If your apartment has a wooden floor, then I do not recommend pouring concrete screed. There will be a lot of stress on him. On the contrary, choose a coating that is light in weight, such as laminate or linoleum. Well, it’s also important to pay attention to aesthetics.

From a practical point of view, I also advise you to choose flooring by zone. For example, you can use tiles for the kitchen and bathroom; you can lay wood, laminate, and the like in the bedroom.

Advice

Zone the area. Separate it with color, it’s beautiful and convenient.

Here's what zoning floors look like:

What base to use

The rough foundation in an apartment can be made from:

1. Wet screed.

2. Semi-dry screeds.

3. Dry screeds.

Wet screed

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

• There is a lot of dirt during the work process.

· There is a serious load per square meter, which can reach up to 70 kg/m2.

· Shrinkage may occur as moisture evaporates.

• Serious labor costs are required.

• High strength.
• Relatively low cost.

· Various engineering systems can be installed in the screed.

· To achieve the required level, a thick layer can be poured without consequences.

Important

Provided that there will be at least three people pouring the screed: one on the batch, the second on the rule, the third on the tray, then on average you can fill the screed per working day with an area of ​​up to 50 m2 with a thickness of about 50 mm. In this case, it takes about a day to install the beacons.

Pouring work wet screed costs about 400 rubles. per m 2.

Semi-dry screed

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

· Dependence on weather conditions. It is prohibited to carry out work at sub-zero temperatures.

• Difficult to implement on your own.

· Excellent quality is maintained at high speed.

· After time, cracks do not appear on the surface.

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

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

Important! One brigade traditional way Pouring semi-dry screed can fill up to 100 m2. If you use the mechanized method, then up to 300 m2 in one day.

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

Dry screed

Flaws:

· Hydrophilicity. Let me explain: if a pipe breaks under a dry screed, then the screed will have to be completely re-done, with preliminary dismantling work.

• Cannot be installed in a shower or bathroom.

Advantages:

• There are no wet processes at all.
• Sound insulation and thermal insulation are increased.
• Environmental friendliness.

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

• After installation, the floors are ready for use.

Important! In one day, a team of qualified specialists is capable of producing 50 m2 of dry screed.

The cost of installing Knauf dry screed per m2 ranges from 450 to 1300 rubles. The price depends on the manufacturing method and volumes. For example, dry floor screed up to 10 m2, which includes dry backfill and a floor element 1000 rub./m2. With a similar composition, a volume of 30 m3 or more will cost you 450 rubles. I advise you to compare offers from several construction companies at once to choose the best price.

Noise insulation

Foam plastic

Advantages:

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

• Highly flammable material.

· The presence of joints, which reduces sound insulation properties.

The cost of polystyrene foam per m 3 with a thickness of 10 mm is 280 rubles. (I couldn’t find a price for the work)

Mineral wool

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

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

· Throughout the entire service life, mineral wool retains its properties.

• Vapor permeability.

• Afraid of moisture.

· Difficulties during installation (it is necessary to wear protective clothing).

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

Important! The cost of installing sound insulation with mineral wool per m 2 will cost 200 rubles.

Expanded clay

If the screed is poured, then in my experience and practice, expanded clay is the best solution. Its price is much lower. The price depends on the faction. It is sold in bags. For example, a fraction of 10–20 mm with a volume of 0.05 m3 costs 85 rubles, and a fraction up to 5 mm with a volume of 0.05 m3 costs 140 rubles.

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

Positives:

• Low price.
• Natural product – environmentally friendly.

· Does not change its structure when temperature changes.

• Various microorganisms do not grow in it.
• Fireproof material.
• Sound insulation is provided by the porosity of its structure.

Negatives:

• Due to porosity it is very fragile.

· Due to the low density, it is necessary to fill in a soundproofing cushion of a decent height. Impossible to implement in apartments with small ceilings.

• Ability to absorb moisture.

Insulation

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

Important

If a heated floor system is installed on the floor, then insulation of the floor is simply necessary. The insulation must have a reflective film on it. Due to this, all the heat generated will rise to the top of the apartment.

Various materials are used for insulation.

Expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene is sold in packages. Depending on the manufacturer, the price ranges from 1.1 to 4 thousand rubles. Work per m2 will cost you 150 rubles.

• Easy installation.
• Light weight.
• Environmental friendliness.
• Various microorganisms do not live in it.
• Does not allow moisture and heat to pass through.
• Service life 50 years and above.

• Flammable
• When the temperature reaches 90° it deforms.

Cork

A roll of cork 2 mm thick costs 1,200 rubles. The thickness of the cork is 6 mm and the price per roll is 3800 rubles. In my opinion, the use of this insulation is unjustified. There are much cheaper insulation materials. But in some cases this is the only optimal solution. The price for installation is 320 rubles. m 2.

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

• Difficult installation process.

· High cost. But in my opinion, the quality is completely worth the price.

Ecowool

One of modern solutions. In my opinion, the most effective way insulation of a wooden floor in an apartment. Cost 1 kg – 28 rubles. Work for 1m2 costs from 1600 rubles. (wet method). In my opinion, perfect combination quality at low cost.

• Lets air through.
• Low cost.

· Does not grow mold, does not rot. It does not harbor insects and mice.

• Easy installation.
• Seamless insulation.

FYI

Cons: main drawback The problem is that after a while, dry laying of ecowool cakes. Therefore, when insulating the floor, I recommend compacting it thoroughly; on average, per 1 m 3 the consumption will be 50 kg.

Water heated floor

For many customers living in apartments, I advise making a warm water floor. However, this cannot always be done. For example, your apartment has low ceilings, and the heating pie can occupy at least 70 mm. It is not always possible to pour screed onto a water-heated floor due to weak overlap. It is also important to consider the choice of flooring. For example, all the heat is absorbed under the laminate and it will be difficult to achieve a comfortable temperature.

Advice! As my practice shows, water heated floors are ideally combined with ceramic tiles. She has high level thermal conductivity, which allows not to delay thermal energy in the body of the screed.

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

Floor materials

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

Parquet

• Ease of use.
• Durability is about 100 years.
• Beautiful appearance.
• Ideally matches any interior style.

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

• It needs polishing from time to time.
• It makes a lot of noise when walking.

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

Laminate

There are many laminate manufacturers, and accordingly the cost of laminate varies. I push away from the class. For an apartment, I recommend purchasing a laminate class of at least 33. So the price per m2 is in the range from 300 to 2400 rubles/m2. The cost of installation is on average 350 rubles/m2.

Advantages of laminate:

· Packaging is convenient for transportation and hand carrying.

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

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

• Does not breed mold and mildew.

Disadvantages of laminate:

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

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

· The presence of formaldehyde calls into question environmental friendliness.

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

Linoleum

The cost of linoleum ranges from 200 to 1.5 thousand rubles/m2. The cost is affected by its class, for example, commercial, household, etc. For an apartment, I recommend buying linoleum for no less than 500 rubles/m2. Installation cost: with glue 320 rub./m2, without glue 250 rub./m2.

• Relatively inexpensive flooring.

· Resistant to moisture and steam. Relevant for rooms in an apartment with high humidity, for example, the kitchen.

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

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

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

Tree

In my opinion, wood is the most win-win option when finishing the floor in an apartment. just keep in mind that it fits on logs. Therefore, the height of the ceilings should allow such luxury. The cost of a wooden floor per m2 varies depending on the thickness of the board. Average price 450 rub./m2. Laying boards over joists will cost 400 rubles/m2.

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

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

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

· New flooring can be laid over an old wooden floor.

• Easily repairable.

· Difficulties during installation. There are many nuances to consider.

• It is impossible to achieve a perfectly flat floor.
• If the installation technology is not followed, they creak.

Tile

The cost of ceramic tiles varies depending on its collection. You can find tiles for 400 rubles/m2, and there are collections for 17 thousand rubles/m2. The cost of work is within 1000 rubles/m2.

• Hard and reliable coating.
• Does not allow moisture to pass through, unless there is a flood.
• Long service life.
• Hygiene.
• Easy to clean.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Resistant to aggressive chemicals.

· High thermal conductivity. Without underfloor heating, it's cold to walk on the tiles.

• Harmful if exposed to moisture.
• High cost.
• Difficulties in installation.

Rating of flooring materials

Floor material	Appearance (10 points)	Material price	Installation cost	Price with work	Durability	Time until restoration
		950 – 2000 rub.
		300 – 2400 rub.
Linoleum		200 – 1500 rub.	For glue – 320 rubles. Without glue – 250 rub.
		400 – 17,000 rub.

/h4>Combine foam cellophane with other materials. Before you make the floor in the apartment with your own hands, you need to calculate the expected effect in comparison with the budget and the availability of the chosen material. different types finishing: foam cellophane. It applies in a narrow layer, but it is better to combine it with other types to obtain real protection from noise and cold. Foam plastic, expanded clay. A low-cost option, but it involves installing joists for the floor covering and requires space in height, cm. This also includes dry screed technology. Practice has shown the highest results in heat conservation and sound insulation. The disadvantages include a huge specific moisture absorption, so it can be done in fairly dry rooms. When choosing insulation, keep in mind that mineral wool does not tolerate moisture well. Mineral wool. It also fits into wood sheathing, but does not tolerate water well, and is not recommended for use in living rooms due to environmental characteristics. A candidate is a type of fiber insulation such as ecowool. It is created on the basis of cellulose and sprayed in a continuous layer. Insulation in the form of cotton wool is sensitive to high humidity. Polymer boards. Expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene for an apartment can be laid in 1 layer (if the ceiling height is sufficient - multi-layered). The seams are coated with adhesives. The highest density and the inclusion of acrylic and rubber additives make it possible to withstand significant mechanical stress. In rooms where it is planned to lay clay tiles, it is advisable to use “warm floor” technology. Surface layer In all the variety of coatings, it is necessary to understand which floors are best made for each specific situation (concrete floor or parquet). So, what to use to cover the floor, which room it will correspond to, choose from the following main positions: wooden board; parquet; clay or polymer tiles; laminate; linoleum; carpet; cork sheet. A visual comparison of performance indicators can be seen from the table: The presented flooring can cover a concrete, wood base, lined with sheets of plywood or waterproof plasterboard. Manufacturers produce products for finishing the floor in an apartment, having a wide variety of colors, textures, patterns and entire compositions, panel Linoleum

• /h3> That is, in addition to its strength, it must protect the apartment from extraneous sounds and alien climates. A concrete, well-executed floor adds completeness to the apartment ensemble. Installing a floor is not a cheap undertaking. However, the abundance of materials and methods for its construction allows you to build a fairly comfortable and aesthetic floor on the basis of the most moderate budget. Thus, the floor in the apartment carries subsequent multifunctional overloads that must be taken into account when constructing it: Bearing. Warming. Soundproofing. Moisture-proof. Aesthetic. Floor design in the apartment

Which floor is better to make in an apartment: wood or concrete?

Which floor is better to make in an apartment?

Basic interior design issues include deciding how to make floors in an apartment, which determines the overall style of each room.

Not only the artistic part is important, but also resistance to wear, ease of cleaning, environmental friendliness and simply a feeling of comfort underfoot.

The desired effect will be achieved by choosing the one that is appropriate in its features and following the technology of its installation.

Basic elements of the device

Repair the concrete base before finishing the floor

Regardless of the decision of what to cover the floor in the apartment with, whether fresh floors are laid or the floor in the apartment is replaced with your own hands, the work begins from the concrete base.

The slab floor may already have a good-quality screed, otherwise you will have to make one - concrete the huge differences and fill it with a self-leveling compound.

The horizontal plane will provide confident support to all areas and layers of future beautiful floors.

If the floors are not insulated, you need to install insulation

The structure of the floor for an apartment is a sequential alternation of the following levels:

• concrete floor slab;
• waterproofing (for bathroom, kitchen, toilet);
• thermal insulation (at the same time performing the task of sound insulation);
• flooring (includes additional technological devices - baseboards, ventilation meshes for wood floors on joists).

Determining which floor in the room is best (PVC tiles or parquet) is necessary for each room separately, depending on its purpose.

A children's room, a bedroom, a corner for sports activities differ in the overloads and intensity of action on the entire structure to the very foundation.

Security level

Each species has certain characteristics, including minimum thickness, in which they appear in standard values ​​and determine which floors are best made in the apartment.

Consider the brand and type of insulation under different options Floor finishing is necessary according to the following characteristics:

• thermal conductivity (an important indicator for first floors, mansions with non-residential basement levels with low air temperatures);
• recommended thickness;
• noise absorption;
• water absorption coefficient, vapor permeability;
• fire resistance;
• weight, ability to withstand load (density);
• application technology, consumption per 1 m², amount of waste;
• health safety.

The difference in floor levels between rooms is not desirable (not safe) with the exception of sanitary and hygienic premises, in which it is provided for by the building regulations for the event of accidents with water spills.

/h4>Combine foam cellophane with other materials

Before you make the floor in your apartment with your own hands, you need to calculate the expected effect in comparison with the budget and the availability of the selected material for different types of finishing:

In rooms where it is planned to lay clay tiles, it is advisable to use “warm floor” technology.

Surface layer

With all the variety of coatings, it is necessary to understand which floors are best made for each specific situation (concrete floor or parquet).

So, what to use for flooring, which room it will correspond to, choose from these main positions:

• wooden board;
• parquet;
• clay or polymer tiles;
• laminate;
• linoleum;
• carpet;
• cork sheet.

A visual comparison of performance indicators can be seen from the table:

The presented floors can cover a concrete, wood base, lined with sheets of plywood or waterproof plasterboard.

Manufacturers produce products for finishing the floor in an apartment, having a wide variety of colors, textures, patterns and entire compositions, panels.

Linoleum

A modern manufacturer provides a wide selection of colors and parameters for this finishing

It is one of the most popular coatings today. Easy to install, waterproof, fairly affordable, the range has a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can be insulated with fiber substrates, made on a foamed bottom layer, so that it can be immediately laid on the concrete floor in the apartment.

quite soft, subject to residual deformation from heavy objects, needs careful handling.

Of all the options for covering a finished base, this is the fastest.

Linoleum is made using a natural or polymer base. According to its purpose, it is divided into 2 types: commercial (intensive overloads in office and industrial buildings) and household (non-commercial).

When comparing which flooring to choose, type 1 wins in terms of wear resistance, but you need to pay attention to the fact that it was not initially designed for small rooms and poor ventilation.

The commercial type has higher levels of harmful components, so it is not recommended to use it in residential areas.

Laminate flooring

Laminate slabs imitate any texture and color

Natural wood has been replaced by multi-layer floor finishing artificial board with high performance characteristics.

The texture and outline successfully imitate parquet, stone, valuable wood species and almost everything else.

At the same time, laminate is much more affordable and easier to install than parquet. The usual size is 0.25×1.5 m, the design is prudently equipped with locks that connect the slats into the overall picture of the beautiful floor. The typesetting surface without breaks in area can reach up to m².

For rooms for various purposes, when asked which floor to choose, use the appropriate strength class (marked with a two-digit number, starting with 2 for domestic needs or 3 for commercial).

Carpet

It is a common decision when choosing which floor is best to install in a recreation area or children's (play) room.

The fabric is made from synthetic and natural threads.

The pile may be long or absent, like a rug. The base uses rubber, felt or jute.

The carpet structure can wrinkle under load, become clogged with dirt, and absorb water. Carpet requires careful handling, meticulous care, and cleaning. Therefore, they should not be used in the hallway or used in the kitchen, but rather placed in the living room or bedroom.

Cork covering

Available in 2 types: decorative and technical (for substrate).

It comes in roll and slab versions. Watch this video about the pros and cons of cork flooring:

Cork has a full set of desired properties in all characteristics, not counting the price. environmentally friendly, has good thermal resistance, low sound conductivity, mechanical strength with small thickness.

The roll is unrolled, cut to size, and placed on a base prepared with adhesive. The slab is laid end to end. When laying directly on a concrete floor, a softening substrate is needed so as not to push through small particles.

Floor covering in an apartment: what is better to do?

Every person wants his apartment to be comfortable, cozy and beautiful.

In solving this problem, the choice of flooring plays an important role. And since the floors in the apartment are subject to severe overload, the chosen one must not only be attractive, but also meet the requirements of safety, durability and ease of maintenance. Let's look at the more popular flooring options and find out which one would be better suited for installation in an apartment.

Variety of floor coverings

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

All coatings can be divided into three conditional groups:

1. Wooden - parquet and parquet boards, solid wood, cork, laminate.
2. Elastic - linoleum, carpet.
3. Ceramic or stone - clay tiles, porcelain stoneware, self-leveling floors.

Wooden group

Place of honor in the middle for finishing The floors are occupied by floor coverings, in the manufacture of which wood is used.

Natural parquet

Parquet is a classic flooring choice.

It has not gone out of fashion for many years and is an indicator of the well-being and excellent taste of the apartment owners. The current parquet looks like a finished shield of quite a huge size, made of valuable wood with a pattern already on it. There is also piece parquet.

You can use it to create inimitable compositions. It is most often made from hardwood:

• oak;
• beech;
• maple;
• ash

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

Parquet is environmentally friendly and one hundred percent safe, but it requires the preparation of a high-quality subfloor, is expensive and requires maintaining a certain temperature and humidity in the room.

Parquet board

Natural wood is also used to produce parquet boards, but any lamella is not a solid piece of wood, but a tightly glued three-layer structure.

This type of coating will be cheaper than parquet and is easier to install and maintain. Parquet boards are presented in various shades, they can be combined and composed. This type of floor will last about 15–20 years.

Solid wood plank covering

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

• 100% environmentally friendly;
• accessibility, practicality;
• the ability to make the interior of a room in a certain style;
• This flooring is pleasant on the feet and looks great.

With proper care, this coating will provide owners with pleasure for about 30 years.

Cork

The cork coating is close to ideal:

• It is natural, warm, quite strong, pleasant on the feet and good for health.
• Cork floors come in a variety of colors, allowing you to create eye-catching compositions.
• This one does not accumulate static electricity at all.

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 strong mechanical action Cork flooring may leave marks.

Laminate floors

Laminate is gaining increasing popularity due to its outstanding characteristics:

• It is affordable, practical and quite reliable.
• Laminate perfectly conveys color and texture natural wood, stone, tiles.
• Laminate boards are equipped with a locking system.
• Even a beginner in the renovation business can handle laying such a floor.

Laminate has several strength classes.

The higher the class, the stronger and more expensive it is.

Elastic coatings

These include two linoleum and carpet.

Linoleum

It is an absolute favorite among floor coverings:

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

Linoleum can have a wide variety of colors and patterns, and is sold in sheets, rolled, or in the form of tiles. This coating is attached to the base floor with special adhesives.

After 5-10 years it will have to be replaced.

Carpet

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

• Carpet can contain both artificial and natural fibers.
• Sold in rolls or as carpet tiles.
• It is extremely easy to install and is attached with glue.
• Diverse in texture and color, safe from injury.

The disadvantages of such a floor covering are its relatively short service life, lack of water resistance and difficulties in cleaning and cleaning.

The hardest

This type of flooring has excellent performance characteristics.

Ceramic coating

Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles have many advantages:

• floors covered with this material are not afraid of moisture;
• have an extremely nice appearance;
• strong and durable;
• Easily attached to special adhesive mixtures.

But they also have disadvantages:

• The coating comes out hard, traumatic and cold.
• It is better to install heating systems under it; otherwise, walking on the floor without shoes will be uncomfortable.
• Before installation, special preparation of the base is required.

Self-leveling floor

Modern self-leveling floors are used not only as a rough screed.

They can become a beautiful finishing coating and contain highly artistic large pictures and various decorations under the polymer layer.

Self-leveling polymer floors are:

• epoxy;
• polyurethane.

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

The disadvantage of this type of flooring can be called the extraordinary demands on the surface on which it is laid. The base under them must be completely level, dry and clean.

Important points when choosing coverage

Each person decides for himself how to make the floor in the apartment.

But when choosing, you should not miss a few fundamental points.

The main aspect for choosing a coating is the room in which it will be installed. The entire apartment can be roughly divided into zones:

• area for receiving guests and relaxation (these are bedrooms, living room, children's room);
• “wet” area (kitchen, bathroom);
• passage area (hallway, corridor).

For each of these zones, you need to choose your own based on their multifunctional features and the loads the floor bears.

What is suitable for the floor in the hallway

In any apartment, the hallway is an area of ​​greater stress on the floor. Dust, street dirt, water, bicycle wheels and sled runners require especially strong and durable floor coverings. At the same time, the hallway must be beautiful and not stand out from the overall interior of the entire apartment. What is the best material to make the floor from?

Of the ones listed above, porcelain tiles and clay tiles would be perfect for the hallway. They are actually not limited by their service life, they are easy to clean, tolerate water, dirt and are resistant to mechanical stress.

Glossy tiles will not fit in the hallway.

When snow hits, it becomes extremely slippery, which can cause injury.

Linoleum is also good option for the hallway, the main thing is not to stop at its cheap varieties. It's better to choose with natural composition, commercial or semi-commercial: such coatings can withstand virtually anything.

If the choice falls on laminate, you need to pay attention to its strength class. For the hallway, coverage from class 32 is suitable.

How to make a floor in the bedroom

What floor should be in the bedroom? Everyone who makes renovations in an apartment faces this question. The bedroom is a room for relaxation; people often walk here with bare feet.

Therefore, the floor should be warm, pleasant for the feet and beautiful.

• Among natural coverings, solid wood, parquet and cork can handle these tasks perfectly.
• From the arsenal of synthetic carpets, carpet is perfect. It is pleasant to the touch, walking on it is soft and comfortable. Moreover, he owns good sound insulation, which cannot be achieved from other artificial ones.
• Laminate is also often used for flooring in the bedroom.

  It is durable and beautiful, but it is not very pleasant to walk on it with bare feet, so it is better to put small rugs on the floor near the bed.

Whatever gender is ultimately chosen, let it amuse its owners with its appearance for many years to come.

How to do the flooring in an apartment correctly: an overview of practical options – Floor School

In this article we will look at how to make a floor in an apartment and at the same time be proud of the future own work and enjoy the result. And for this it is important to do everything right.

Much depends on what it is like at the moment and what kind of flooring you want to make in the apartment in the future.

New flooring is always good

• If you purchased a bare box in a new building, then you should definitely start with screeding the floor of the apartment.
• If the boards creak and sag, then you may be able to limit yourself to partial or complete replacement of the wood covering.
• If you want to insulate the base or increase sound insulation, then you can only add the necessary ones to the design.

Concrete floor

Preparing the base

In what cases might you need such a skill as how to make concrete floors in an apartment with your own hands? In almost all of them. This is a typical panacea for a disgusting floor.

So, the prerequisites for concreting:

• No coverage at all.

  If this, for example, is just a newly commissioned building.

• The need to level the surface for the next covering with parquet, laminate or tiles.
• Preparation for installation of “warm floors”.

If you are wondering which floors to make in an apartment are more reliable, then opt for concreting. A correctly placed screed will not bother you for a couple of decades.

Photo of cement screed

To realize the correctness of such a judgment, let's group all the advantages of this.

Benefits of concrete

• Ease of use.
• Relatively low price.
• Versatile functionality.

  Thanks to the presence of various additives, it can be the lightest, the strongest, the fastest setting and have other additional properties that, however, increase the cost.

• High strength and durability.

Installation progress

How to make a smooth concrete floor in an apartment? First of all, you should perfectly level the base using an expanded clay pad.

The following instructions will help you not to skip installation steps:

• We completely clean the base down to the ground if it is a private house, and up to the floor slab if it is an apartment.
• We create a pad by filling it with sand or expanded clay.

  We also use this method to level the surface.

• We set up beacons.
• We take care of how to waterproof the floor in the apartment. Cover the surface with plastic film. We fasten the joints with mounting tape.

Protection against high humidity

• We install a metal mesh.

Steel mesh

• Using wooden blocks we roughly divide the surface into several parts.
• Pour in the prepared mixture.

Advice: use a ready-made cement-sand mixture. It has the highest characteristics and greatly simplifies the work process.

• Let's ram it.
• We take out the bars and fill the resulting recesses.
• Cover with film so that the screed does not weather during the drying process and cracks do not appear.
• We are waiting for complete hardening.

Dry screed

Very exciting and modern variety concreting is a dry screed.

How to properly make floors in an apartment in this way? Much easier than classic concreting.

Installation process

Until the moment of using the DSP, the installation process points are the same as in the “wet” screed.

• We lay gypsum fiber moisture resistant sheets carefully, without fidgeting them on the surface, with an offset to ensure greater durability of the coating.

Advice: get an assistant to install the sheets. Since they are huge in size and weight, when installing them alone, you can forget about accuracy.

• We fix it with self-tapping screws.

  For the most reliable result, you can also use glue.

• We putty the uneven spots and crevices.
• We process the surface with a grinding machine.
• We apply bitumen insulation.
• Easy to install. No dirt.
• High heat-saving properties.
• Ease of installation of communications.
• Fast installation.

Of course, using one is also the most expensive, but it all depends on the situation. If the question becomes how to quickly make a floor in an apartment with your own hands, then the option of using gypsum fiber sheets can completely help you out.

After concreting, the surface is ready for installation of the finishing layer of your choice.

Parquet laid on a concrete base

Wooden floor

The next problem is how to make wooden floors in an apartment.

After all, it can be incredibly pleasant to walk directly on wood flooring. Or you simply don’t have enough financial resources to completely replace the floor, and the creaking of the floorboards is already unbearable.

Then you can carry out a partial or complete replacement of the boards. At the same time, it would be completely reasonable to take care of sound insulation and insulation of the floor covering.

Let's do everything in order:

Workflow

• We check the condition of the lag. We replace those that sag and become unusable.
• Between the floor joists we install insulating mineral wool, glass wool, and expanded polystyrene. This will also serve as additional sound insulation.

Floor insulation

• Using a plastic film, we install a vapor barrier over the insulation.
• Reinstall the floorboards.
• We fasten it to the joists with self-tapping screws.

Tip: using an electric screwdriver will significantly speed up and simplify the process of fixing the boards.

• We use a spirit level to check for unevenness.

  If we find it, we cut it off with an electric planer.

• We treat possible cracks with putty.
• Carefully sand the surface.
• We carry out dry and wet cleaning.
• We treat the floor with olive oil.
• We install baguettes.

The wooden surface is ready for finishing. But since the wood itself is also beautiful, you can limit yourself to applying paint or varnish.

The beauty of wood coating

Conclusion

We have explained to you how to make a floor in newest apartment from concrete and how to give fresh life to old wood flooring.

(see also the article Floor design: solutions worthy of attention)

The main thing is to do everything correctly, using all available new products and to suit your needs. During the repair work Don’t forget about additional insulation and sound insulation.

The result of the work carried out

The video in this article for us will introduce you to pleasant information on this.

The video in this article will introduce you to pleasant information on this.

Let the flooring in your home constantly impress with its durability, warmth, dryness and its appearance!

How to properly lay floors in an apartment

The floor in the apartment is the most important part of it.

Firstly, furniture and most of the equipment are installed on the floor, washing machine, stove, bathtub, shower stall, toilet and other plumbing fixtures. A person is constantly in contact with the floor, walking on it, often with bare feet. From time to time you have to lie on the floor, even sleep. The floor must be perfectly adapted to cleaning, as any debris falls on it, water spills, and food remains. The floor separates us from the people living in the lower apartment, and the comfort of the apartment depends on how well it is insulated.

/h3>

That is, in addition to its strength, it must protect the apartment from extraneous sounds and foreign climates.

A concrete, well-executed floor adds completeness to the apartment ensemble.

Installing a floor is not a cheap undertaking. However, the abundance of materials and methods for its construction allows you to build a fairly comfortable and aesthetic floor on the basis of the most moderate budget.

Thus, the floor in the apartment carries the following multifunctional overloads, which must be taken into account when installing it:

1. Carrier.
2. Warming.
3. Soundproofing.
4. Moisture-proof.
5. Aesthetic.

Floor design in the apartment

The floor in the apartment is installed on the upper surface of the interfloor ceiling and consists of two main layers:

• intermediate;
• floor covering.

In the simplest versions, for example, in a Khrushchev apartment, there is no intermediate layer.

The flooring in it, most often PVC tiles, linoleum, or thin pinless parquet strips, is glued directly to the upper surface of the concrete floor slab with bitumen mastic, latex or PVA glue.

In the best case, the upper surface of the slab was smoothed with a thin layer of cement screed before gluing. It’s no wonder that in such apartments the audibility and thermal properties leave much to be desired. The horizontality of the floor plane in such apartments is also far from ideal.

IN modern houses inter-apartment floors are complex reinforced concrete or iron structures, equipped with layers of heat, moisture and sound insulation.

In frame-monolithic structures, floors are most often cast from expanded clay concrete - an excellent insulating material. In these options, insulating layers should be installed in the intermediate layer if the insulating characteristics of the ceiling are insufficient.

The wooden beam floor may also contain heat, moisture and sound insulation. Most often it is mineral wool laid between the supports. A layer of waterproofing may also be provided there. Already on the beams an intermediate layer is installed, which can consist of joists, a subfloor, insulating layers of insulation and waterproofing, screed, and a floor covering is placed on top.

A wooden floor, which, thanks to the cottered boards, forms a single sheet, can be laid directly on the beams. If the beams are placed too far from each other, use joists attached to the beams.

There may be no ceiling, for example, in basements or basements. In this case, the floor is installed on a screed, which covers a specially prepared pad, consisting of compacted layers of sand and crushed stone, lying on the ground.

Types of flooring bases

The floor in an apartment, unlike in an individual house, is installed on the existing floor “from the builders” in a new house, or on a beam floor in an old one.

For this reason, before laying the floor, you need to carefully study the ceiling. In old houses, it is necessary to raise the old floor and carry out an examination of the floor beams. Replace or strengthen the warped beams or replace them with new ones. The best solution the beam covering will be replaced with reinforced concrete.

Floors in new houses, depending on the construction technology, can be made of reinforced concrete panel floors, or in monolithic frame houses - solid expanded clay concrete.

The following can be used as beams:

• wooden beam;
• reinforced concrete beam;
• metal profile (T- or I-beam support or rail).

During construction, beams are installed directly into the wall, or onto concrete crossbars mounted into the wall.

Beams can be wood or concrete.

In Khrushchev's houses, hollow-core panels were most often used as flooring, which served as the basis for the floor on one side and the ceiling on the other.

Floors from builders, in addition to surface defects, may have a slope. Therefore, the surface of the ceiling is covered with a screed, which solves two issues:

• makes the surface quite smooth for the position of the floor covering;
• makes the surface horizontal.

Cement screed

The simplest type of screed is a cement screed. The solution for pouring is prepared from grade cement and washed and sifted river sand.

Currently, ready-mixed dry mixtures are available for sale. But you can cook it yourself. Mixture composition:

1. Sand - 3-4 parts.
2. Cement - 1 part.
3. Water - so much so that the solution resembles sour cream.

Sequence of actions when installing cement screed:

• clean the floor surface from destroyed, cracked concrete;
• thoroughly clean from debris and dust;
• measure the slope and calculate the required amount of solution;
• decide on the composition of the consistency for the solution, prepare it or use it ready-made;
• add water and mix the solution in a concrete mixer or in a container using an electric drill with a mixing attachment;
• pour the solution, distributing it moderately over the floor area, immediately smoothing it along the guides to the desired level.

After completing all work, during the entire curing time, you need to moisten the pouring surface once a day by sprinkling it with water.

To maintain moisture, you can cover the pouring surface with polyethylene.

The final setting and drying time of the screed is 28-29 days.

Semi-dry cement screed

Recently, the method of semi-dry screed has become widespread. Its main advantages are:

• short hardening time of the consistency, sufficient for laying the floor covering;
• no risk of leaks to the lower floor;
• the plasticity of the screed and, as a result, the absence of cracks and cavities after hardening;
• additional heat and sound insulating properties.

The composition of the consistency for laying semi-dry screed differs from wet screed significantly less than water.

In addition, a significant amount of plasticizer is added to the solution - fiber fiber, which keeps the screed from cracking.

The consistency is as follows:

1. Pure construction sand, fineness modulus = 2.0; fraction up to 5 mm - 2 parts.
2. Cement grade D20 - 7 parts.
3. Water - 1 part.
4. Fiber - gr. per 1 cu. m of solution.

The installation procedure is the same as in the case of a cement screed with the difference that:

• the prepared solution should be a mixture of wet sand;
• level the beacons and guides;
• install thermal insulation along the wall in the form of tape, mineral wool or expanded polystyrene;
• pour the solution, spreading it moderately over the floor area;
• as a rule, smooth the solution into a horizontal surface in accordance with the beacons;
• when the solution begins to stick, wipe the surface clean.

The main advantage of semi-dry screed is that after 12 hours it hardens enough to be walked on.

After 42 hours, porcelain stoneware and tiles can be laid on it, and after 7 days - laminate, PVC tiles or linoleum. The fact is that although a semi-dry screed gains strength extremely quickly, the moisture evaporates from it little by little over the course of a month. Therefore, it is better to install a parquet floor on a fresh screed after a month of aging, since even insignificant fumes can spoil dry parquet.

Dry screed

The main advantage of a dry screed is that it can be covered with flooring immediately after installation.

The intermediate layer of dry screed is formed in the following way. Waterproofing in the form of a sheet of cellophane 0.2 mm wide is laid on the surface of the ceiling. From above it is filled with expanded clay or sand, which is painstakingly leveled and compacted with a flat vibrator or roller.

A special iron profile is laid on the layer formed in this way, which is covered on top with gypsum fiber boards located in checkerboard pattern, which are attached with mounting screws to this profile. If the backfill is more than 7 cm thick, the top layer is reinforced with another layer of gypsum fiber boards.

The floor covering is immediately laid over the finished screed.

Self-leveling floors

In the case when you need to get a completely smooth horizontal surface, ready for laying linoleum, PVC tiles or laminate, the best intermediate layer can be obtained by pouring an aqueous solution of a certain composition onto a perfectly waterproofed base. Such a solution is created by diluting with water, in accordance with the instructions attached to each package of ready-made consistency, a huge abundance of which is currently available on the construction market.

The mixture consists of cement, gypsum, fillers such as small sand and contains various chemical components that promote rapid and uniform spreading, plasticization and stabilization of the resulting coating.

Flawless horizontal surface appears on its own under the influence of gravity. That is why these consistencies are called self-leveling. Different compositions are associated with different criteria and different widths of the formed coating.

Wooden floor

Before installing the floor, heat and sound insulation should be placed between the supports. This can be mineral wool, expanded clay or slag. Porous insulation largely loses its insulating characteristics when absorbing water or steam.

Therefore, it must be painstakingly insulated with a moisture-proof film, for example polyethylene or roofing felt. If the size of the film is insufficient, its sheets should be overlapped, sealing the edges with tape.

1. If the distance between the supports does not exceed 60 cm, then the floor can be laid directly on the beams. If not, then logs are laid on the beams, perpendicular to their direction at a distance of 50–60 cm.
2. The logs are placed directly on reinforced concrete floor or a screed.
3. Logs are wooden beams with a cross section of 50× made of coniferous wood.

   When laying, you need to use a level to set the top edge strictly horizontally. The distance between the joists should not exceed 60 cm.

Cut in advance is applied to the joists. batten, which, thanks to the cotter pin, forms a single floor sheet. In the walls you need to install ventilation ducts coming out of the walls at a distance of a couple of cm from the baseboard, closed with openwork hatches. These moves are needed to ventilate the space between the joists and the underside of the board. For greater strength, the boards are attached to the joists with self-tapping screws inserted at an angle at the level of the cotter pin in order to hide their heads and make it possible to process a single floor surface with a polishing machine.

The best flooring boards are redwood and oak, but they are most often made from softwood.

Boards made from Siberian larch have a good price-quality ratio.

After polishing, the floor can be varnished or painted. In both cases, you need to follow the instructions for painting and, if necessary, carry out a preparatory primer with special primers. This will significantly extend the life of the paint layer.

A subfloor can also be laid on the logs, on which PVC tiles, linoleum, or laminate can be laid as a floor covering. To do this, the subfloor is covered with an additional leveling sheet. example of fiberboard. Covering with tiles or porcelain stoneware wooden covering can only be provided that a reinforcing reinforced screed is applied on top.

The subfloor can be made from floorboards, chipboards, or OSB.

In this case, an additional leveling layer is not needed. Parquet is laid on the subfloor.

Types of flooring

Floor coverings complete the floor installation. This is specifically the one that will be addressed to a person, will have specific contact with him and will take on all external influences.

Board

To cover with wood boards, a tongue and groove floorboard is used. It is a planed board in the form of a regular parallelepiped, along one of the narrow edges of which a ridge (tongue) is milled along the entire length, and on the other, opposite, there is a corresponding groove.

This form allows you to assemble boards so that the tongue of one fits into the groove of another, and form a strong, continuous floor from individual boards.

The thickness of the floorboards ranges from 25 to 45 mm. The thicker the board, the less it “plays”, that is, the floor bends. The thinner the floorboard, the smaller the distance between the joists should be. For example, with a board 25 mm wide, the distance between the joists cannot exceed 60 cm. When installing floorboards, you must leave a gap between the wall and the edge of the floor of at least 1 cm for expansion from moisture and temperature.

The board must be perfectly dried (at least 10% humidity).

After installation, the wood floor can be polished, varnished or painted. The gap near the walls, upon completion of installation, is covered with a plinth. The floorboard is not made from linden and alder.

Parquet and laminate

Parquet, in fact, is a small-sized floorboard that has grooves and cotter pins on all sides in pairs. This allows you to assemble the flooring from tiles of relatively small size.

1. The small size of the parquet board allows it to be made from valuable types of wood, while the yield of products without flaws (knots and other defects) is significant.
2. The small size of the parquet board requires a subfloor for installation. In this case, any fourth or fifth board is attached to the underlying subfloor with a self-tapping screw screwed into the tongue obliquely and flush.
3. Parquet flooring can be set in patterns, the most common of which are herringbone and checkerboard.

   But the vast floors in the halls of palaces make it possible to assemble parquet from blocks various sizes and shapes that form a beautiful pattern. Such parquets are piece products and are very expensive.

Parquet is certainly the most peaceful floor covering in relation to humans. But it has a significant flaw. When even a small amount of water gets in, it warps, and when flooded, it “rears.”

An alternative to parquet is an unpretentious laminate. From the outside, laminate flooring is extremely similar to parquet.

In essence, it is a parquet board, but made not from solid wood, but from a four-layer one, the main, load-bearing layer of which is a narrow fiberboard impregnated with resins.

A mounting layer is glued onto it from below, providing hardness; on top there is paper with a pattern applied, usually imitating natural wood, coated with another layer of melamine or acrylic resin provides wear resistance. Structurally, the laminate board replicates the tongue-and-groove lock of parquet, which makes it possible to simply, quickly and reliably assemble the covering.

Linoleum and PVC tiles

Linoleum is probably the most common and most versatile coating available now. The first linoleum was a jute burlap, on which it was applied from cork chips, pressed with linseed oil as a binder.

It has proven itself for almost all years as a coating for floors, walls and tabletops. Today's linoleum has retained the basic idea of ​​2 layers, fabric and surface, but both have undergone many configurations.

Basically, in modern linoleum, various woven and non-woven, such as felt, are used as a fabric base, which serve as both a base and insulation. Numerous wear-resistant materials are used as a surface layer, for example PVC in various versions and compositions.

Modern technological capabilities make it possible to imitate any texture on the surface of linoleum and paint it with indescribable patterns.

All this made it possible to produce an indescribable range of strength, insulating and other abilities. But a distinctive feature of linoleum, which distinguishes it favorably from ceramic tiles and stone, is its “warmth” feel and a certain softness. Dishes that fall on a linoleum floor will not necessarily break. And bruises when falling on linoleum will not be so painful.

PVC tiles are tiles made from a special multi-layer composite, which is based on crushed natural stone and very strong vinyl.

It comes in a variety of colors. Thanks to its modularity and variety of colors, it allows you to achieve indescribably designer decor on the floor. Its main advantages:

• ease of installation on bitumen mastics and adhesives;
• ease of installation and dismantling allows you to simply replace warped tiles;
• and cheapness means changing a boring pattern;
• The tiles are very wear-resistant and adhere well to the surface.

PVC tiles are the most affordable for flooring.

Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the oldest facing materials in the world.

Previously there were two varieties:

• facing tiles coated with glaze and having underglaze painting;
• metlakhskaya, unglazed, rough, for the floor.

Nowadays there are also clay tiles of various sizes and purposes. Their main advantage is strength and resistance to any brutal actions. But in the manufacture of tiles, heat treatment modes are also of great importance.

Such tile producing countries as Spain, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic have proven themselves to be excellent. By choosing tiles from new market participants such as Turkey and China, you can win on budget, but lose on quality.

But these manufacturers also have high-quality products, which allows you to save on cladding. The disadvantages of tile flooring are slipperiness when water gets on it, fragility when hit by a heavy object, “coldness” in sensation, hardness, which leads to the fact that dropped glass and ceramic dishes break into small fragments, which can pose some danger to children and pets.

If earlier the installation of tiles was carried out using mortar, then with the development of the industry, the construction of adhesives and installation is done with their help.

The main equipment is a wide spatula with cutouts for applying glue. Glue is applied to the tile, and then the tile is fixed to the prepared surface. You must remember to leave a small gap between the tiles, for which there is a standard and readily available equipment. This gap is needed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the tile when the ambient temperature changes. The seam is then sealed with special grouts and improves the aesthetic perception of the surface.

Porcelain tiles are extremely similar to tiles, but have some of the same properties.

Porcelain tiles were obtained in Italy at the end of the 1920s and are produced by sintering ceramics and natural minerals at extremely high temperatures and pressure. This process is extremely identical to natural actions, occurring in the bowels of the earth during the formation of granite. The result was indescribably strong, surpassing granite in strength and approaching corundum.

Technologies allow you to paint it in such a way that tiles made from it not only imitate all known gems and semi-precious stones, but also allow you to get any color and pattern, while distributed throughout the entire thickness, and not just on the surface.

In addition, it is lighter than natural stone and has additional thermal insulation qualities. It polishes well and is somewhat warmer than clay tiles.

The most important advantage of porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is their absolute hygiene, which makes them an indispensable floor covering for the bathroom and kitchen.

Conclusion

The topic of flooring is extremely broad. Of course, the abundance of technology makes it possible to build a successful, multifunctional and beautiful floor for every taste and for any means. However, I would like to note that, despite the simplicity and clarity of floor installation procedures, it is better to entrust this responsible work to a specialist, since to obtain a good result you need a synthesis of knowledge, experience and practical abilities of a person constantly engaged in work in this fundamental direction.

For a comfortable life in an apartment, you cannot do without repair work related to flooring. Options for what exactly can be laid on the floor in different rooms for now is enough, because it is important to know the basic rules and patterns of choice.

In order to lay a suitable floor yourself, you need to have sufficient knowledge and skills that will allow you to do the job efficiently and for many years.

Design Features

Since each living space in an apartment involves a certain type of occupation, everything must be subordinated to this. That’s why they put wallpaper in the bedroom and children’s room, tiles are laid in the kitchen and bathroom, and in the hallway you can generally use decorative brick. But the floors become especially important; it is on them that a person spends the entire time at home. Thanks to a good and high-quality coating, it is possible to achieve maximum comfort in the room and ease of use by household members.

It is important not only the covering itself, which is located under your feet, but also the structure itself, which is hidden under it.

In apartments, floors are mounted on interfloor slabs and have two main layers:

1. intermediate;
2. the floor covering itself.

In some homes, the intermediate layer is not installed and the covering is placed directly on the slab. It can be PVC, linoleum, laminate, carpet or parquet. Due to this design, sound and heat insulation is very weak. The evenness of the floors also suffers because there is no leveling layer. Modern buildings have a completely different flooring system; it is reinforced concrete and metal structure with a complex device. They initially have a layer of thermal insulation and an additional soundproofing layer.

If the house is built in the form of frame-monolithic elements, then the floors are made of expanded clay concrete. This material has good insulating qualities. If the coating has weak insulating properties, then it is advisable to install an additional insulating layer for it. When creating a ceiling from beams, mineral wool can serve as a heat and moisture insulation material, which is placed between the beams, where, if necessary, a layer of waterproofing can be added.

When the beams are ready, an intermediate layer can be mounted on them, for which they use logs, a subfloor, layers of insulation and waterproofing, and screeds on which the floor covering is laid. Wooden flooring can also be laid over wooden beams, which will ultimately create a solid floor covering..

For some rooms it is possible not to make floors at all, these include basements, cellars, in which the floor is a screed that is as close to the ground as possible. In a strip foundation, sheet foundations can help make the floor warmer and suitable for long-term occupancy. For such rooms, ventilation plays a special role, because there are no windows in them and in the absence of air outlet it will be impossible to be in such conditions. The size of the ventilation shaft will depend on the size of the room. If the basement is small, then the pipe removed will be enough; if it is large, you need to plan a more complex system.

If the quality of the floors is not satisfactory, you need to dismantle the old covering and install a DSP on which a new floor can be formed.

To delimit rooms you can use thresholds. They are especially important in the bathroom, because they will help protect other rooms from moisture accumulated after swimming and washing. When the base for the floor is done, the underlay is laid, especially if laminate was chosen as the flooring. If there is a need to insulate the floor, then you need to prepare a cake and pour it into the place where a heated floor is planned in the future.

There are a wide variety of flooring options, and the work involved in installing them differs dramatically. Some surfaces can be laid on a finished floor, but for some you need to screed and raise the level up to 10 cm to achieve the desired result.

Sound and noise insulation

In order to insulate the floor and reduce noise levels, there are a variety of materials that can be used during renovation work.

These include:

• Foamed polyethylene. This material is installed in the form of a layer that fits under the main floor covering and helps muffle noise and partially influence the warmth of the covering. The presence of such a layer alone will not be enough to finish the floor; it is important to equip it with additional elements.
• Construction of a structure made of wooden beams. If the room has high ceilings, then you can raise the floor level using beams that are installed on spread polyethylene foam. Mineral wool or polystyrene foam is placed between the beams, but expanded clay can also be poured. When everything is ready, sheets of plywood or OSB cover the floor. It is on such a coating that any base can be laid.

• Dry screed option. In this case, a polyethylene film is placed on the coating, on which beacons are placed, which are then used to adjust the height thermal insulation material. Only after this can a gypsum fiber sheet be laid on which any coating can easily be applied.
• One of the simple but reliable coating options that achieves good insulation is ecowool. Quiet running on this floor is ensured due to the complex composition of the coating and its characteristics.
• A simple but effective insulation option is polystyrene. It is laid directly on the concrete floor. Based on the height of the ceilings, you can raise the floors to a certain level by laying the above material in several layers. Solid flooring options can be laid on this type of flooring.

In a new building, you can get any type of coating, and it is on this basis that you can plan subsequent work. A variety of materials will be used for each room; for the bathroom, toilet and kitchen it is necessary to lay a waterproof floor, since the presence of moisture on the surface will be constant. Vapor barrier floors will also help cope with condensation, which often accumulates in rooms with high humidity.

If repairs are made in the kitchen, then the first criterion when choosing a floor will be its non-flammable properties and polyurethane backing. The combination of these components will achieve better results. Bulk flooring can be used in any room, the main thing is to choose the right type of content, so that it helps to enhance sound insulation and create an additional layer of thermal insulation, making the floor in the room warm and pleasant in any weather.

Types of coatings

For a comfortable stay in any room, it is important to choose the right flooring. If the renovation is carried out at home on your own, then it is important to lay new floors well and efficiently.

There are now many options for such coatings, the main ones are:

• board;
• parquet or a more modern variation - laminate;
• linoleum, or alternatively PVC plates;
• ceramic floor tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Choosing a board to cover, it is important to select only tongue and groove materials. These are planed boards that have the shape of a parallelepiped. One edge has a ridge that runs along the entire length of the product. This is done using a cutter, which helps make the shape even, which is convenient to work with. The other side of the same board piece has a groove that fits into the tongue and snaps it into place.

Such boards can have a thickness from 25 mm to 45. Hollow floors need to be covered with thicker boards, while cast floors can be covered with thinner ones. The thickness level allows you to regulate the strength of the coating and the level of its vibrations. Thin boards are laid at a minimum distance from each other and the logs should not be located more than sixty centimeters from each other.

When installing such a floor, it is important not to reach the wall itself, leaving about one centimeter for the size of the board to change under the influence of temperatures.

When choosing materials, it is important to pay attention to the material itself. Floor boards must be well dried. After installing the entire covering, the boards can be painted, polished or varnished. The gaps from the walls, which allow the covering to expand, are covered with a plinth. When choosing the material from which it is best to make a floor for a living room, you should not give preference to alder or linden, they are not suitable for this function.

Larch floor has similar characteristics, but its distinctive feature is the ability to absorb moisture in the room itself. Thanks to this property, a person can feel great at any time of the year. Moisture does not spoil the coating and it lasts for a long time, bringing pleasure from use.

Parquet and laminate have many similarities to wood floors.. Parquet has pairs that are located on each side of the board, which is small in size. Small sizes make it possible to use valuable wood species and produce a high percentage of products without any defects. For parquet floors, a subfloor will be required., to which you need to attach every fifth board using a self-tapping screw, which is screwed in diagonally so that it is not visible.

Laying parquet boards can be done in several ways. The most popular are herringbone and chessboard. For large areas, you can combine different installation options, creating unique designs. This type of floor is one of the most expensive.

In front of everyone positive aspects This material has a very important drawback. When moisture gets in, it deteriorates, and if there is a lot of it, it rises and putting it back is extremely difficult task. That's why it was invented alternative to parquet boards in the form of laminate. It is very similar to parquet, but is not made of wood, but of a four-layer material. It is based on a wood fiber layer, which is thoroughly impregnated with resin, and with reverse side Additionally, there is a mounting layer that helps make the coating more rigid.

The top layer is paper on which a certain design is applied. The most common option is imitation wood. Another layer of melamine or acrylic resins is applied on top of it, which ensures resistance to abrasion and moisture. Installation of the laminate almost exactly repeats the system of parquet boards, which allows you to quickly and without much difficulty install a new coating.

Linoleum is a radically different floor covering.. It is very popular and finds its application in almost any room. It consists of a layer of fabric and its coating, which has wear-resistant characteristics. For the fabric layer, they now use both real fabric and non-woven felt-type options, which at the same time also insulate the floor. A variety of materials are applied on top. It could be PVC with various options and compositions.

The design of linoleum can be very diverse - from various patterns and shapes to a huge palette of colors. In addition, there is a wide variety of this coating in terms of strength and wear resistance.

Another flooring option is PVC tiles, which is a composite material having several layers. The base is stone, which is very crushed, and the top layer is vinyl with high strength characteristics. They lay her on bitumen mastic or glue, which simplifies the process, and damaged elements can be easily dismantled and new ones installed, which allows us to talk about the versatility of the coating.

The low cost makes it possible to periodically replace the flooring, changing colors or patterns and updating the space. A high degree of wear resistance makes it irreplaceable, and its good adherence to the surface makes it possible to use it in a wide variety of rooms.

For more information about PVC tiles, watch the following video.

Oldest material used for installation of floors, ceramic tiles are considered. The modern variety of shapes, textures and colors allows it to fit into any interior. Its main characteristics are strength and resistance to any external factors. The only disadvantages include fragility when hit by heavy objects and slippery floors if water gets on them.

Modern tiles are laid using mounting adhesive, which speeds up the process. During installation, a seam is left between each tile, designed to change the shape of the product at different temperatures. All seams are sealed using a special product.

A similar material is porcelain stoneware, which was obtained by baking ceramics at high temperatures and pressure. The resulting floor covering has unique strength characteristics. Outwardly, it looks like a product made of natural stone, but is much lighter in weight. The stone floor looks very impressive and expensive. Hygienic properties This coating allows it to be successfully used in the bathroom and kitchen.

These are some of the most common floor coverings that you can use in your apartment and install them yourself.

Design

In order to create a cozy atmosphere in the apartment, attention is paid not only to the walls and furniture, but also to the floor covering. It is important to choose the right material from which it is made, as well as the color scheme so that it is in harmony with the entire environment. Walls often create the main accent in a room, which is why color selection gender will often come from them.

The material for living rooms, such as a bedroom, children's room, living room, is selected as natural as possible so that there are no harmful fumes or other negative impact on the body. For the hallway, bath, kitchen and corridor you can use the floor from practical materials, which will withstand moisture, high-heeled shoes and other factors.

The variety of coatings also gives rise to new trends in interior design, and specifically floor coverings. New materials make it possible to use them in any room, while receiving the priorities necessary for a given space. The classic version of the flooring design involves a single color color palette, close to natural shades and textures. Modern trends dictate a riot of colors, a variety of textures and patterns that can fit into any interior.

Classic floors were often made of wood, and to create them you need to order parquet from solid real wood. The parquet itself can be piece, artistic or panel. For the same task, you can use massive boards made of oak or exotic species: acacia, walnut, elm and others. Oak boards are often artificially aged.

You can also use parquet boards, but you need to choose a pattern that will fill the space with the era of classicism.

Modern design interior requires and modern coatings. The use of laminate, parquet boards, solid wood, carpet, carpet tiles - everything is suitable for making the interior modern. The only exception is the bathroom, for which it is better to use vinyl coverings.

Laminate is considered the most versatile, because it can be used throughout the apartment.

An original solution would be to use tiles in the kitchen or bathroom. For a shower room, using a marble finish will create an atmosphere of luxury and wealth. The marble floor will fit well into the design of the corridor, where the coating should be wear-resistant, but at the same time beautiful, in order to present the room to everyone who enters.

For the kitchen suitable color the tiles will be brown, but this also depends on the interior of the room itself.

If it is antique, then dark colors will complement and continue the chosen direction, and for modern motifs it is better to choose a metallic shade of tiles, which will visually expand the space and make it lighter.

Modern materials come in a wide variety of forms - from small to quite large. They can have unusual and very interesting textures and patterns, in addition, have unique and unusual color solutions that will help make the interior of any room unique.

When planning to purchase a new floor covering, it is important not to make the wrong choice. To do this, you must follow certain rules and criteria when choosing. The most important thing will be the selection of flooring for a specific functional area.

Throughout the apartment you can highlight:

• an area for guests and complete relaxation (living room, bedroom, children's room);
• high humidity area (kitchen and bathroom);
• non-residential area (corridor, hallway).

Depending on each zone, you need to choose a floor covering. In addition, when choosing gender, it is important to take into account the rhythm of life in which the family lives. Lovers of home feasts and mini discos will need a durable covering, while homely and quiet household members will like carpet.

The presence of children also plays a role, in this case all floors must be as safe as possible: environmentally friendly, non-slippery, not hard.

Pets also influence the choice of flooring. If there are a lot of them, then it is best to choose something reliable, resistant to scratches, moisture and any other external influences.

Based on the family budget, you can divide the range of materials into two parts - affordable ones, which will not burden the family, and expensive ones, the purchase of which will have unpleasant material consequences. It is difficult to do a cheap floor repair, but with desire and patience it is possible.

For the first floor, the choice of flooring will not be as wide, because the close proximity to the ground or basement will increase the level of humidity, which can negatively affect some surfaces. In those houses where the interfloor ceilings are thin or already dilapidated, in no case should heavy floors be made. It is better to replace them with something durable, but as light as possible.

Do right choice It’s not difficult if you approach the process with knowledge and don’t rush. It is important to find the optimal solution that will allow you to get the desired result and will not require large quantity financial resources.

Beautiful examples

When creating your own unique apartment design, it is important to take care of the quality, comfort and beauty of the flooring. Modern materials can make it possible to create not only fashionable options interior, but also to lay a covering that will serve for many years and delight its owners.

The use of parquet has always been popular. This material has a pleasant color, and if desired, you can create a beautiful room design using a pattern. It is recommended to use it in the living room, in the hall, you can also put it in the bedroom, but it is better to add a carpet to it for coziness and comfort.

For the hallway, the best option would be to use laminate flooring., which can be combined in color and create an interesting pattern. This coating is not afraid of moisture, so it can be washed frequently, and good protection from damage will allow you to walk on the floor in shoes with any heel.

In the bedroom, wooden floors would be most suitable., which are environmentally friendly material, they are warm enough and will not cause discomfort when walking in the cold season. The color of the wood can be matched to the interior of the room, and can also be decorated to match a certain tone, if necessary.

The best option for flooring in a children's room is carpet.. It protects the baby from bruises when falling, prevents fragile objects from breaking, does not collect dust and is easy to clean. You can lie on it at any time of the year without fear of catching a cold.