To give the floor beauty and aesthetics, various are used. Modern manufacturers of building materials offer a huge selection of floor coverings: expensive and cheap, natural and artificial, tiled, piece and rolled, soft and hard, etc.
1. Linoleum and rubber. This is one of the most common types of flooring. Linoleum is most suitable for the floor in the kitchen, in wet areas. It is easy to clean and waterproof. For laying linoleum, a flat base is required, then it will last a very long time.
2. Polyvinyl chloride: These are soft, elastic, embossed floor coverings. Their service life is about thirty years. They consist of several layers and are designed for different loads, are inexpensive and suitable for wet rooms, are difficult to ignite.
3. Cork: this type has high thermal insulation and sound-absorbing qualities. It is a natural material made from cork tree bark. It is strong, durable, reliable. In some cases, it is necessary to varnish the floor to keep the cork in perfect condition. Some cork slabs are already on sale treated with varnish or wax.
4. Laminate. Relatively recently, it began to be used on a mass scale. It perfectly imitates wooden natural floors, but it can be even better in terms of strength and stability. At the same time, the price of laminate is quite affordable and installation is very simple. This material is best not to use in wet areas. To reduce noise, a layer of soft padding under the laminate is used.
5. Ceramic tiles. This material is distinguished by a huge variety of types, shapes, sizes and colors. Unglazed tiles are more often natural greyish-reddish hues. It is more practical, looks natural and strict. Glazed is more elegant, used for original and bright interiors. Has an unlimited number of colors.
There are also very durable ceramic tiles that are absolutely insensitive to any chemical attack. More porous, but also durable semi-gressive tiles.
6. Natural and artificial stone. These are the most durable floor coverings. They are heavy and cold enough for residential use. They create a patriarchal tradition in the house, a special charm. They are great for antique-style fireplace halls, in mansions imitating ancient castles. The most expensive stone coating is marble. At the same time, the color palette of this material is quite wide.
7. Carpets. They can also be natural or artificial. The latter are more common today. They are resistant to moisture, do not fade from the sun, are easy to care for and inaccessible to moths and rodents. There are a lot of options for floor carpets, and their quality can be very diverse.
Today, acrylic carpets, woolen, nylon, polypropylene, silk, vegetable fiber carpets and many other types are produced. There are also carpet tiles that can be easily laid on and removed from the base. There are a lot of color options too.
8. Massive board and parquet. These are the most classic and traditional floor coverings. Their cost is relatively high. For such floors, a variety of types of wood are used, on which the strength and decorativeness of the floor largely depend. The wooden floor in any house creates an improbable cosiness, warmth, comfort.
9. Polymer: these are the so-called self-leveling floors, which are often used for finishing rooms with a large mechanical and chemical load. Polymer floors can be epoxy or polyurethane. Below we will dwell in more detail on the properties and benefits of some floor materials.
Cork flooring
Modern and popular flooring material -. It can be in the form of rolls or plates. It is especially advantageous to use it in rooms where underfloor heating, silence, comfort and environmental friendliness are required. Main qualities:
- naturalness, environmental friendliness;
- floor insulation;
- noise reduction;
- high strength, durability;
- cork floors do not rot, do not mold;
- they are not spoiled by rodents, moths;
- when heated, they do not emit harmful compounds;
- do not support combustion;
- do not attract dust;
- hypoallergenic;
- do not accumulate static electricity;
- chemically inert;
- have high decorative qualities;
- moisture resistant;
- very light and dense;
- elastic and resilient;
- easy to install and operate;
- durable.
Rubber floor coverings
Very often today, polymer or rubber floor coverings are used for indoor and outdoor areas. Rubber tiles are quite capable of competing with asphalt or reinforced concrete tiles. Here are her main qualities:
- high strength;
- low cost;
- harmlessness to others;
- environmental friendliness;
- elasticity;
- elasticity;
- resistance to intense mechanical and chemical influences;
- the rubber coating does not crumble and does not break under the influence of shocks or temperature changes;
- installation is easy and fast, no need for heavy special equipment;
- such a coating eliminates trauma, providing reliable adhesion to the surface;
- ease of maintenance: it is enough to wash with plain water with any soap;
- high aesthetic qualities, it is possible to use a variety of colors and images;
- low thermal conductivity, etc.
Vinyl flooring
More often produced in the form of tile materials with unique performance properties. The range of such products today is large enough to find a suitable option for any room. Here are the main benefits of vinyl tile that have made it popular in a very short time:
- it is very fashionable;
- vinyl tile is very beautiful;
- it is easy to install and operate;
- very elastic, strong and rigid;
- does not deteriorate from exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- moisture resistant;
- environmentally friendly;
- has a wide variety of colors and textures;
- has a small weight;
- durable, resistant to abrasion;
- affordable and economical;
Polymer
There are several varieties: epoxy, polyurethane, methyl methacrylate. They are used for rooms with high loads. Polymer coatings can be thin-layer, thick-layer, self-levelling, etc. They can also have a variety of characteristics:
- high wear resistance;
- chemical resistance;
- high decorative effect due to the use of colored chips and 3D design options;
- solidity, lack of joints;
- durability;
- dustlessness;
- harmlessness and safety due to the creation of a rough surface;
- hygiene;
- fire safety: most of them are not combustible or self-extinguishing.
The choice of floor finishes largely depends on the type of room, its purpose, load intensity, temperature and humidity conditions, etc. Any type can significantly decorate and ennoble the room with proper installation and care.
There is a wide range of floor coverings available for sale. Coming to the store, it is quite possible to get confused before you make the only right choice. However, it is probably not worth choosing one or another, especially unfamiliar material, without knowing its characteristics, since some modern floor coverings for the home may not be entirely useful, especially for people prone to allergic reactions or asthma.
Floor coverings can have different prices, natural or synthetic base, different quality levels, different types of output (piece, tile or roll), can be soft, elastic and hard. In addition, materials vary in color and pattern.
To get a little familiar with the characteristics of flooring, you need to consider at least some of them.
Carpet floor coverings are used to be called by one term - "carpet", although such material is divided into different types. It can be made from natural or artificial raw materials, on a textile or rubber base, have a high pile or not have it at all. It is with the "carpet" that you need to be extremely careful when choosing, since this coating tends to accumulate a large amount of dust and dirt in its structure, so when laying it, you need to immediately purchase a powerful vacuum cleaner.
In terms of popularity, the first place among carpets is occupied, of course, by materials on a natural basis, such as armeria and sisal. The second of them is characterized by increased strength, and hence wear resistance. It can be compared in these characteristics with synthetic coatings - linoleum or polyvinyl chloride.
Sisal
Sisal is arguably the most environmentally friendly of carpet flooring, as it is made from natural fibre. It is available in rolls, can have a variety of weaving patterns. The color scheme of the material is quite diverse, but all its shades are discreet and have soft, calm, pastel colors. The texture of sisal is pleasant for bare feet, and gives a pleasant massage effect for the feet.
In appearance, sisal resembles a mat made from bamboo shoots, but the modern coating is much stronger, since the basis for it is agave, to which other natural fibers are added. These additives include wool, which reduces the coarseness of plant fibers, and jute, which adds wear resistance to the coating.
The woven top cover is most often placed on a latex basis - it gives dust resistance and a good fit to the floor. It is latex that increases the operational capabilities of sisal.
Sisal flooring has gained popularity due to its many positive qualities:
- the main thing is, of course, the naturalness of the material;
- sisal is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, so it can be laid in any room, even if there are people with hypersensitivity to allergens in the house;
- compared to other carpets, sisal does not collect a large amount of dust, as it does not accumulate a static electric charge and does not have a high pile;
- the material is wear-resistant and strong enough, which allows it to be laid not only in residential, but also in office premises;
- restraint in colors and excellent calm design also make it possible to use sisal for flooring in working rooms- he will not cut his eyes and distract from business;
- this flooring is easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner;
- ease of installation can also be called an advantage of the material, since almost any homeowner can carry it out independently, which means saving a decent amount on this;
- Sisal has a low cost, so it is available for people with average incomes.
The only drawback of this coating is its fear of excessive moisture, so you can not carry out its wet cleaning, as well as lay it in the bathroom. If a large amount of water gets on the material, its fibers spread, and with constant humidity they begin to rot.
To independently cover a room with sisal, you need to have some simple tools and materials: a sharp construction knife, a tape measure, for applying an adhesive - a notched trowel; hard roller for smoothing the flooring material.
Sisal flooring technology
- After measuring the room and drawing up a floor plan, calculate the amount of material.
- Then the plinths are removed.
- The purchased sisal is spread on the cleaned and primed surface - it should lie down for 20-30 hours and straighten out.
- Further, the coating is cut according to the drawn up scheme in compliance with the dimensions marked on it. In areas adjacent to the walls, it will be necessary to leave allowances of one to two centimeters.
- Then, the coating is rolled off one side of the room into a large, loose roll. Apply glue based on synthetic resins to the floors.
- The roll is unrolled and leveled on the glue-covered area of the room.
- Then wrap the second edge of the coating and repeat the gluing procedure.
- Having leveled the sisal completely, you need to cut off its excess, which will be found on the wall and once again roll the edges around the entire perimeter with a roller. The glue dries for about three days, at this time it is not recommended to walk on the floor.
- Skirting boards along the edges are fixed last, after complete drying.
Synthetic carpets
Artificial carpets have a wider range of shades and patterns than sisal. They can have a high or very small pile, which makes them either soft and fluffy, or quite hard. However, all of them are designed to create coziness and comfort in the premises. Synthetic coatings are divided into nylon, acrylic, silk and others - they are produced in the form of rolls and tiles.
Carpet is easy to install, just like sisal. This coating is wear-resistant and serves as a good heat and sound insulation for the floor, so it is no less popular than natural sisal. But it has significant drawbacks:
- the material is contraindicated in a house where there are tenants predisposed to allergies;
- the coating requires frequent cleaning, as it collects a large amount of dust in its fibers;
- the long pile of the carpet in certain parts of the room is quickly crushed, in this case the carpet tile is more practical than a solid coating, since it can be partially replaced.
3D - self-leveling floors
One of the latest inventions of interior designers is 3D floors, which are used to decorate interiors in apartments and public buildings. Such a polymer coating consists of several layers and allows you to make the floors exclusive.
Masters offer a huge selection of three-dimensional drawings in various colors, so everyone can find exactly the option that is most suitable for a particular room. So, the obvious advantages of this floor can be considered:
- Self-leveling floor can be easily selected and fit into any style solution of the room.
- Its perfect evenness will create impeccable accuracy, so as not required special efforts in order to put such a floor in order.
- The elegant and exclusive look of the floors will delight homeowners for 10-25 years, as they are quite durable.
- The heat resistance of the coating will not allow ignition to occur, even if an open flame hits the coating.
- The environmental friendliness of the material makes it possible to install such a coating in any of the residential premises, as it does not emit fumes hazardous to health and does not cause allergies.
- Self-leveling 3D floors do not absorb, and therefore do not retain extraneous odors.
- The coating is non-slip, so it can be laid in the bathroom and nursery, hallway, living room and even on the stairs.
This type of decorative flooring is made using airbrushing, photographs printed on film, colored mosaics, ornamental panels lined with various objects, relief drawings, highlights and other various techniques. All these objects or images are placed between layers of polymer coatings. Moreover, in order for the image to visually appear more voluminous (3D), small objects or individual parts of paintings are placed in different layers of the self-leveling floor. Rhinestones and stones, coins, old vinyl or CDs, stone chips or sand can be used as decorative elements.
Photographic images of landscapes of the deep sea or flames, favorite cartoon characters and much more are popular. The choice of composition in essence limited only fantasy and financial capabilities of the customer.
A polymer self-leveling floor is well suited for balconies and garages, as it is itself an excellent waterproofing and this is another advantage of this technology. In such places, it is not necessary to choose deep drawings, you can perform the simplest one or do without it at all, since the main aesthetic advantage in these rooms is, first of all, accuracy.
The process of working on the coating will take three to five days, depending on the number of layers and the quality of the applied material. It is possible to make this work of art on your own only if you have good knowledge and experience, and if there are none, then it is better to entrust this process to the master.
Vinyl laminate
Another relatively new type of flooring is vinyl laminate, which has a polyurethane outer surface.
This type of material is well suited for rooms with high humidity and for those where frequent light cleaning is necessary - it can be a bathroom, hallway, kitchen or corridor. It is undesirable to lay this coating in bedrooms and nurseries, as well as in the living room, since it includes chlorine-containing substances, which means that at least minimal evaporation will occur that will not benefit health.
This floor covering has good characteristics for the above-described premises:
It has high wear resistance and moisture resistance;
It is easy to clean;
The material is very pleasant to the feet and to the touch.
It should immediately be noted that three types of vinyl laminate are produced:
Laminate based on NDF
Vinyl laminate based on NDF has a thickness of 0.5 to 1 cm and consists of several layers: when viewed from above, the first is a protective film, the second is a decorative layer, third - layer vinyl, the fourth - NDF plate and the fifth - a heat and sound insulating substrate made of cork material.
The laminate can be given a different external design - invoice different types of wood, polished stone structure with natural color, or the material can be plain, with a decorative layer without patterns.
Thanks to the protective film, the laminate is durable, resistant to mechanical, chemical, temperature and ultraviolet influences, does not accumulate static electricity, i.e. does not attract dust. In addition, it is easy to install and easy to clean.
Panels are fastened together with a friend with using a thorn-groove lock. With a monophonic design of the coating, the seams of the joints are almost invisible, and in the presence of a structural pattern, only it determines the width and length of the panels.
According to external data, this version of the material differs little from the NDF-based laminate, but other components are used in its production, which make the coating moisture resistant. It also consists of several layers: the first, transparent - protective, the second - decorative, the third - vinyl, the fourth - composite plastic, the fifth substrate made of ethylene vinyl citate. If NDF does not withstand high humidity and can swell, then plastic does not care about moisture. Thus, this type of material has all the above-described qualities of a laminate on NDF, plus pronounced moisture resistance.
Often it is given an interesting design with drawings that are made using digital printing, or a textured pattern in the form of a braid.
The moisture-resistant version of vinyl laminate is also easy to install, and has the same joint.
Moisture resistant elastic laminate
This moisture-resistant material is more likely to be called a flexible vinyl tile. It is similar in structure to laminate (two top layers) and is difficult to distinguish when laid. Its thickness varies from 0.3 to 0.7 cm, but in terms of reliability it is not inferior to laminate, and even surpasses linoleum.
The benefits of vinyl flooring more include the following qualities:
- operational life of the material - from 15 to 25 years;
- heat resistance;
- affordable price;
- withstands heavy loads;
- wear-resistant;
- ease of installation;
- heat and sound insulator;
- pleasant to the feet, so great for the bathroom;
- varied in colors and texture patterns;
To lay the material, you need to prepare an even and clean base, and if the old tiles in the bathroom are laid with high quality, then you can put an elastic laminate directly on it.
But besides the positive qualities, it also has some disadvantages, which are also better to know in advance. So, with prolonged use, the seams sometimes diverge.
You need to know that the tile is available in two versions - with or without a ready-made adhesive base - then for its installation you need to purchase a special glue. When buying such an elastic laminate, it is necessary to carefully check the integrity of the package and the release date, since the lower adhesive base may not meet the required quality due to long or improper storage.
Cork
This type of coating is still not popular enough, although it has excellent qualities, and not only for flooring, but also for wall decoration.
The most important advantage of this material is its natural origin, since it is made from cork oak, or rather, its bark. Cork flooring is produced in rolls and in the form of slabs of various shapes. In addition, they differ in texture pattern - it can be made up of small crumbs or large pieces. Over the whole material has amazing warmth Yu and cozy structure, which is confirmed by touching the coating.
Slabs of cork material can have a thickness of up to 1.2 cm. By the way, only 3 cm of such a coating in terms of soundproofing qualities is equal to 35-40 cm of brickwork.
Cork is good for arranging a nursery or bedroom, since it is they who need to be protected from extraneous sounds. So, cork coating has the following remarkable qualities:
- heat and noise insulation;
- ecological purity of the material;
- resistance to deformation - the material tends to return to its original shape;
- the ability to good depreciation, which is useful for the human musculoskeletal system;
- The coating is non-slip, which means safety.
What you need to consider if you decide to purchase just such a coating:
- the material has a fairly high price;
- Poorly laid coating may break, so it must be laid based on the manufacturer's technological recommendations;
- it is undesirable to use panel laminated cork in rooms with high humidity, although the cork itself is not afraid of water and is not subject to decay.
To properly put the cork on the floors, you need to proceed in stages:
- Surface preparation - it must be even and dry, so the best option is to arrange a base of plywood or other reliable and even materials under the cork coating. If the floors are of high quality and there is linoleum on them, then you can put a cork directly on it.
- First you need to take the tile out of the package and spread it on the floor for about 24-36 hours - this is done for acclimatization and leveling.
- A baseless cork coating must be glued to the base using Novopren glue, specially designed for this material. It is applied with a spatula or roller and the tiles are carefully laid on it, and the top is passed with a hand roller. The floor should dry for at least a day and at this time it is better not to walk on it.
- If a cork coating is laid, which is glued to the base and has a spike-groove lock, then it is mounted in the same way as a conventional laminate. To enhance its insulating qualities, it is possible to lay a substrate from a rolled cork insulation from below, which is of lower quality.
- A small gap must be left between the wall and the coating for thermal and moisture expansion.
Video: another type of modern flooring
To choose the right flooring, you need to critically evaluate the surface of the floor on which it will be arranged. Calculate all the pros and cons of this or that material according to its technical characteristics, and only then it will be possible to pay attention to its design. And the modern range of stores allows you to do this.
Floor covering is an important and integral part of the overall interior solution of the room. The choice of how to cover the floor in the apartment depends on many factors. The floor coverings that exist today are extremely diverse, they differ in purpose, quality, structure, cost, durability, maintenance conditions and installation complexity. Therefore, it is always possible to choose the optimal flooring for each room.
Types of flooring: linoleum
The most common type of flooring - its versatility allows it to be used in any room - from bathroom to the nursery. A variety of colors, textures of patterns (imitation of parquet, stone, wood, ceramic tiles, geometric and natural ornaments, etc.) allows you to fit it into any style - from country to high-tech. Linoleum easy to install and maintain, easy to clean, has good heat and sound insulating characteristics. Fairly wear resistant. Disadvantages - loses color over time (especially in the sun), may crack at low temperatures.
Ceramic tile
Interesting! How to choose, what to look for, how to choose colors?
Covering for rooms, the main characteristics of which are high traffic and high humidity - kitchen, bathrooms, hallways (hall). A definite plus is the abundance of sizes, textures, colors and shades, various decor, which allows you to choose tiles for decorating a room in any style, it goes well with different finishing materials. In addition, with proper installation, tiles allow you to optically adjust the dimensions of the kitchen - visually lengthen / expand or vice versa, make it less elongated, much depends on the skill of the designer. We note other advantages:
practicality - it is easy to care for it, it is easy to wash
durability - waterproof, resistant to moisture and chemicals, does not lose color, does not wear out
It also has a number of disadvantages:
- fragility - if you drop a heavy object, it can crack. However, especially for the kitchen, especially durable varieties of ceramic tiles are produced.
- seams - even with the highest quality styling, they still remain visible. In addition, with poor grouting, the seams can become a place for the active development of mold and fungus.
- tiles are not very pleasant for walking barefoot - they are cold. The problem is solved by mounting the "warm floor" system
- wet tiles are very slippery, there is a great danger of inadvertent injury
Tiles are not suitable for bedrooms and children's rooms.
stone cover
outdoor stone covering(granite, marble, natural stone) are installed in places where the main requirement is wear resistance and strength, so they are most often placed in kitchens, hallways or bathrooms. They are easy to clean, not afraid of moisture, resistant to household chemicals, mechanical stress and temperature changes. But all their advantages are "compensated" by one drawback - a high price. In addition, the stone floors themselves are tactilely cold, although this problem is quite simple to solve by installing a “warm floor” system. Which further increases the cost.
Self-leveling floors
If earlier Self-leveling floors were used mainly in industrial and commercial and office premises, but recently they are widely in demand in the interiors of apartments and private houses, allowing you to get a perfectly flat, seamless surface. Their advantages:
- aesthetics - variety and richness of colors, the possibility of obtaining 3D images
- durability - low abrasion, do not fade in the sun
- durability - even the heaviest furniture will not leave marks and dents
- hygienic - easy to clean, resistant to any chemicals, mold, bacteria and fungi do not appear on the surface, no fumes
- complete fire safety
- moisture resistance
The disadvantages include high requirements for the base, sufficient technological complexity of pouring and high cost.
carpet
Perfect for a living room, nursery or bedroom, it can be made from both natural and artificial (synthetic) materials. Provides comfort to the feet and comfortable walking even in winter. Carpet will add comfort and warmth to the interior, it has good soundproofing and heat-saving characteristics. In addition, the object that fell on the carpet does not create noise. Treatment with special substances eliminates the appearance of moths or mites.
Flaws:
- poor tolerance to humidity
- requires constant care, accumulates dust, in the presence of pets - wool
- removing stains will require the use of special products or dry cleaning.
- tendency to burn out when exposed to direct sunlight
Parquet
Classic floor covering, durable and environmentally friendly, presented in three types: piece elements, solid board and parquet board. Depending on the type of wood, the size and shape of the individual elements, and the way of laying, you can create different compositions that are in harmony with the stylistic features of the room. Cycling (for parquet, the working layer is several millimeters) allows you to repeatedly update the surface, restoring its color and attractiveness. Possessing low thermal conductivity, parquet serves as a good heat insulator. There are two main disadvantages: the cost and complexity of installation. Moisture sensitivity and seasonal deformation should also be added here - parquet flooring expands in summer and shrinks in winter. Parquet is not suitable for laying together with "warm floor".
floor board
Massive board (grooved board made of natural wood) allows you to get a reliable, beautiful and durable floor covering with good thermal insulation. This option is good for living rooms (where the emphasis in the design is on the naturalness and naturalness of the finish), verandas and balconies. The board is resistant to deformation, but very sensitive to moisture, requires additional processing (protection).
Floors are the basis of the interior of every house, apartment or office. To give the floors aesthetics and beauty, various types of coatings can be used. However, only the right floor covering can set the style of the room, create coziness and comfort in your home.
How to choose flooring
Manufacturers of modern building materials can offer a fairly large number of types of flooring: cheap and expensive, artificial and natural, rolled and piece, tile, hard and soft, in design, quality, and so on.
1. Linoleum and rubber flooring
These are the most common types of coatings. Most of all, linoleum is suitable in wet areas - for the floor in the kitchen.
PVC linoleums come in three types: household, commercial and semi-commercial. Commercial - the most dense, suitable for rooms where there is a lot of traffic (in offices, cabinets). Household hints that it should be used for the home, but semi-commercial is best suited here. It will be a little more expensive than a household one, but it will last much longer, it is stronger and thicker than a household one.
Linoleum
Advantages:
- Linoleum is waterproof.
- Easy to wash.
- Its cost is low.
- Easy to install.
- Doesn't rot.
- Doesn't make noise when you walk on it.
- Shelf life - 30-50 years.
Flaws:
- For its laying, you need a flat base, only in this case it will serve for a very long time.
- Linoleum is an artificial material, as a result, it is inferior to a wooden floor in terms of environmental friendliness, quality, and beauty.
- It can be pressed through if you put heavy furniture on it.
- Inexpensive linoleum can be sensitive to very low and very high temperatures - it cracks and deforms.
- Not expensive options look cheap, while expensive types can imitate wood, tiles, and so on.
2. PVC
Represent elastic soft relief floor coverings. The average service life is approximately thirty years. PVC floors are usually produced in tiles.
PVC tiles
Advantages:
- They are designed for a variety of loads and consist of several layers, are suitable for rooms with high humidity, are inexpensive and hardly flammable.
- Although the total thickness of PVC tiles is approximately 3-7 mm, however, in terms of reliability, it surpasses all types of linoleum, as well as other, denser floor coverings.
- Easily transported and stacked.
- It is a soundproofing material.
- pleasant and warm for the feet.
- It has a large number of textures and colors.
- It is not afraid of moisture and does not beat with time.
Flaws:
- To lay it, you need good preparation of the base, glue for PVC tiles, as well as laying skills.
- Seams may dry out during use.
- Fairly high price.
- In small towns there is a small assortment.
- If the tile is stored incorrectly, it may warp, which will interfere with installation. Therefore, you need to carefully check the packaging when buying.
3. Cork floors
This type of flooring has high sound-absorbing and heat-insulating qualities. It is made from natural material, it is based on cork tree bark. very popular and modern. They can be produced in the form of plates and rolls.
Cork floors are especially beneficial to use in rooms where silence, environmental friendliness, comfort and underfloor heating are needed.
Cork flooring
Advantages:
- Excellent thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity coefficient - 0.03-0.04).
- Good level (sound absorption coefficient 0.85). It is great for panel houses.
- High resistance to deformation, convenient in the presence of heavy furniture - no traces remain after them.
- Good depreciation qualities, which has an excellent effect on human health, the musculoskeletal system, joints and back.
- The coating is non-slip.
- Resistant to aggressive chemicals (except for caustic alkalis), which makes it quite easy to care for them.
- Not affected by pests: rodents and wood-boring insects.
Flaws:
- Fairly high price. As a result, the final cost (including auxiliary materials) will be comparable to the cost of parquet.
- The strength of the cork floor is quite low "breaking". He can't stand heels, pet claws, sharp furniture legs.
- Low thermal conductivity does not make it possible to make a "" system, since the cork floor will not let heat into the room.
- Swelling of the floating floor. Under the influence of moisture, the cork floor can swell, which is caused by swelling of the MDF base. This eliminates the use of cork in the bathroom and bathroom, as there is a high level of humidity.
4. Laminate
Represents a panel made from fiberboard (Fibreboard) and several layers of paper. The texture (most often a pattern imitating parquet) is applied just on paper, on top of which acrylate or melamine resin and a protective film are applied. After pressing, it becomes resistant to mechanical damage, abrasion, exposure to sunlight, pollution. A stabilizing film on the bottom is responsible for maintaining its shape and protecting it from moisture.
Laminate for home
This material has become widely used relatively recently. Laminate perfectly allows you to imitate natural wood floors, while it can be better than it in terms of stability and strength. Its installation is simple, and the price is quite affordable. You can find out here. This material is not suitable for wet areas. When laying it, a layer of soft padding is used, made specifically for the laminate.
Advantages:
- Resistant to external influences (pressure, stress, abrasion). It does not leave dents and traces from heavy objects.
- Flame retardant and high temperature tolerance.
- Does not demand careful leaving, unlike a parquet.
- Environmentally friendly material, as it does not contain chemicals that are harmful to health, is not allergic, does not accumulate bacteria and dirt. It can be safely used in children's rooms.
- Easy to install, allowing you to lay on wooden floors, underfloor heating, linoleum, PVC floors and so on.
- Durability (can serve more than 10 years).
- Democratic prices.
Flaws:
- Laminate load. It is necessary to choose the correct load capacity. For an apartment, 21, 22, 23 classes are suitable. 23 - dining room, kitchen, hallway. 22 - living room, children's room. 21 (low load) - pantry, office, bedroom. The lower the class, the shorter the service life under loads and the lower its cost.
- The styling requirements are high.
- Fear of moisture, treatment with a waterproof solution is required. It is not advisable to use laminate in the kitchen, but if you decide, it is better to choose glue.
- Bubbling and swelling of the laminate, which is a consequence of a violation of the laying technology.
- The creak of the laminate, manifests itself with an uneven base.
- You can save only on a short-lived and cheap laminate.
5. Ceramic tiles
It is indispensable as a floor covering, especially in rooms with high humidity and traffic. At the moment, there are a large number of their types for decoration. Tiles differ in size, appearance, degree of slip, strength, water absorption and other parameters.
Ceramic tiles for home
In houses and apartments, floor tiles are used, as a rule, in kitchens, bathrooms, halls and hallways. Modern technologies make it possible to produce tiled material that is suitable for use in any premises. For example, wood-look tiles can look like laminate or parquet in appearance. It can naturally fit into the interior of bedrooms (heated floors are required here) and living rooms.
Advantages:
- A huge variety of colors and shades, decor. Tiles can be matched to almost all building materials.
- Allows you to create an original floor composition, lengthen or visually expand the room (how to lay tiles on the floor).
- Practicality and durability. The tile is not afraid of moisture, easy to clean, resistant to fading and wear, withstands any load.
Flaws:
6. Carpets
Today they have also gained popularity, as they are relatively affordable, diverse in color, inaccessible to rodents and moths, easy to care for, and easy to lay.
At the moment, acrylic carpets, nylon, woolen, silk, polypropylene and many other types are produced. There are also carpet tiles, they are easily laid on a special base and then removed from it.
Advantages:
- Durability.
- Great look.
- Reliability.
- Ecological purity.
- Low thermal conductivity.
- Properly laid and high-quality massive board, parquet will last for decades.
Flaws:
- Deformation of the material, since wood has the ability to breathe. It will shrink in winter and expand in summer.
- The cost is high.