Which floor is better to choose for an apartment - rating of the best materials, characteristics, pros and cons

When there is a desire or need to carry out major renovations in a home, the question “which floor is best to choose for an apartment” arises in almost all cases. Depending on how correctly the covering is selected, as well as how well it is installed, the overall comfort of living of any family depends. Aesthetics also play an important role - the flooring should look beautiful and please those who live in the house. And now there are many types of floor finishing. To understand how suitable this or that option is, it is worth considering the main characteristics of the most popular coatings and find out which ones are installed in certain conditions.

Which floor is better to choose for an apartment?

Choosing flooring for an apartment - TOP 9 coatings

Today there are many floor coverings, as well as their variations and combinations. A large selection allows you to choose the ideal option for each person and for each room. All types of materials differ in their properties and characteristics, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. And you should choose the one that will meet all the requirements and is also suitable for the price. Below is a rating of the most common flooring variations found in apartments. Let's see which one will be better in one case or another.

What kind of covering to lay on the floor in an apartment

Important points when choosing coverage

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

The main criterion 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, it is necessary to select a different material based on their functional characteristics and the loads carried by the floor.

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

No. 9 - Carpet

This pile flooring option is very widespread. Carpet is made from natural or synthetic fibers and can have different pile lengths. By the way, there is a type of material even without lint at all. The “hairs” are fixed on a jute, felt or rubber base.

Carpet - operation and care

pros

• inexpensive
• Beautiful
• easy to lay
• suitable for bedroom or living room
• lots of color variations

Minuses

• difficult to clean
• quickly loses its appearance
• may cause allergies
• not suitable for every room

Carpet

You can lay carpet in the same way as linoleum; there is nothing complicated here, which means we can talk about ease of installation. The material is quite cheap and looks like carpet. As a rule, it is laid in bedrooms, living rooms, and living rooms. It is not suitable for a kitchen or bathroom - debris and dust will get stuck in the pile; if it gets wet, the material will have to be dried, and after drying, unsightly stains may remain on its surface. In short, carpet, although easier to care for than a regular carpet, is still not so convenient. In order to remove, for example, a juice stain from it, you will have to clean it with special means. By the way, laying such material in the hallway is also a bad idea.

Some types of carpet

Carpet prices

Carpet

Expert opinion

Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the pol-exp.com project Engineer.

Another disadvantage of carpet is the rapid loss of appearance. It's only beautiful when it's new. Old carpet looks bad, and updating it even with special tools simply won’t work. And in general, dust that accumulates between the fibers is very difficult to remove from there - the material is not suitable for allergy sufferers.

Stages of laying carpet on a wooden floor

What types of floors are there?

There are many criteria for choosing finishing materials. Different ones will be important for each consumer. Therefore, first decide which characteristics are important to you and which are not, and only then choose a coating.

First of all, it is worth deciding on the purpose of the room. Natural materials are suitable for living rooms, bedrooms or children's rooms. The main criterion is safety.

Savings are inappropriate here. In addition, it is better that the floor is soft, this way you can avoid many accidental injuries. Any covering is suitable for a hall or living room. But if you often receive guests, then it is better to choose easy-to-care materials for these rooms. You will get tired of scrubbing dirt off a difficult-to-clean surface every time very quickly. You need to lay durable and wear-resistant materials in the hallway. The room has a lot of traffic, and over time the coating may lose its appearance. But for a kitchen or bathroom, one of the main criteria is water resistance. Material that is afraid of water will not last long in these rooms.

Any coating has its price; not many can afford the most expensive options. When calculating your budget, remember that, despite their high cost, many materials in this category will last for decades.

Inexpensive types, on the contrary, will become unusable in five years. By saving, sometimes you can do just the opposite - spend more. Taking into account the specifics of each room, some materials are used more often for installation, others less often. Tiles are most often used in the bathroom. This option is very common. The tiles will withstand all conditions, making them ideal for this space.

In small kitchens, tiles or waterproof laminate are also often used. But in a large kitchen, space zoning is often used. So the working area is separated by installing tiles on it. And for the dining area they use other materials.

Any material can be placed in the hallway. But it must be durable, so you will have to spend money. So tiles, laminate or linoleum are suitable for the hallway. This room, like the kitchen, is also often divided into zones. The entrance is finished with non-marking tiles, and the rest of the space with other materials. Selecting a cladding option for a nursery is not so easy. Some people use carpet. It is soft, the child will not be injured, and it will not be cold for him to sit on the floor. But this coating attracts dust, which can negatively affect health. Another option is cork flooring or laminate. But in this case, it’s better to lay out several small rugs.

No. 8 – Linoleum

This is one of the most common variations of flooring. Its popularity is due to its low price and durability, as well as very simple installation and a lot of color variations, which make it possible to choose linoleum for absolutely any interior.

Linoleum

Linoleum is usually a synthetic material, but there are also natural options. The natural look is rarely used now, since it is very expensive and it is easier to lay some other covering option instead. But in any case, linoleum is a durable, high-quality and at the same time budget material that is suitable for installation in almost any room.

The structure of household linoleum

There are several variations of this coating, differing in thickness and level of strength. The thickest type is usually installed in commercial premises and is not recommended for residential installations. The reason is that it contains a large amount of harmful impurities that are hazardous to health. But standard thin linoleum is quite suitable for use in an apartment, and its level of strength will be enough for several years with care and proper installation.

Types of linoleum

On a note! Linoleum can be single-layer regular, as well as thick with a backing, which allows you to additionally insulate the floors under your feet.

The material can be laid on plywood, concrete, wood - on almost any type of rough foundation. You can lay it in any room, with the exception of the bathroom - it is not recommended to do this there, since linoleum does not allow water to pass through, which means that if it gets under it, it will remain there and create favorable conditions for the development of mold. Otherwise, household-type material is completely safe for humans, even though the non-natural type is most often used.

Linoleum is sold in rolls

Linoleum is quite durable. But he is afraid of piercing and cutting objects. They can easily damage and ruin it. In case of severe cuts, the entire coating will have to be changed; small ones can be covered with a patch, but the defect will still be visible to the eye. Linoleum does not require special care.

Classes of linoleum coating used in residential premises

Prices for linoleum

Linoleum

What are the properties of linoleum

Development of linoleum laying

The whole process of installing linoleum on the floor can be divided into a couple of steps:

Surface preparation:

• Make the best temperature conditions - at least 18°C, humidity up to 60° two days before and two days after finishing the flooring;
• Dismantle the baseboards, remove all debris and dry the surface;
• Seal cracks in the cement base;
• The floor must be insulated with fiberboard pages.

Preparing the coating. Place the rolls vertically and leave them in this position for two days. Linoleum must be located in the room in which it will lie. One day before installation, roll out the roll, cut it taking into account the bends near the doorway and walls.

Laying without fixation:

• Lay out linoleum and tuck seam allowances;
• If 1 canvas is missing, then it is necessary to join the sketch of different segments;
• Glue the connections with double-sided tape or mastic;
• Place a ruler touching the wall and draw it with a sharp knife, cutting off excess fabric;
• Install baseboards.

No. 7 – Ceramic tiles

Tiles are a universal, strong, durable and beautiful type of coating that will never lose its popularity. Material that was previously installed mainly only in the bathroom or kitchen can now be used in almost any corner of the apartment. Yes, it is dense and cold to the touch, but it is quite possible to solve the problem of a cool floor by installing a heating system. But the tiles are not afraid of moisture, look beautiful, and are ideal for almost any interior style. It can be called a universal coating.

Ceramic tile

On a note! In the bathroom and kitchen, tiles can be laid without a base heating system, but if this material was chosen for the bedroom or living room, then installation of a heated floor system is almost mandatory.

Floor tiles come in a variety of colors and sizes. This material is characterized by a certain complexity of installation, but after installing it once, you can forget for a long time that the floors need repair. Laying can be done on almost any surface - the main thing is that they are sufficiently rigid and even.

Multicolored ceramic tiles

The tile is easy to clean from absolutely any dirt, it is not afraid of water, heating or cooling, and does not fade in the sun. If treated with care, it can serve for decades and does not deform. The only thing she is afraid of is falling heavy solid objects and improper installation. The material can crack if something heavy is dropped on it, and if voids are left underneath it during installation, then it will fail in that place and break. Fortunately, damaged tiles are easy to replace with new ones.

The floor is laid with hexagonal tiles

Advice! You can create a beautiful panel on the floor from ceramic tiles if you use different sizes and colors and lay the elements according to a certain pattern.

Panel of tiles on the floor

By the way, ceramics is an absolutely inert and environmentally friendly material. It will not cause harm to health and will not provoke allergies under any circumstances.

Floor tile laying technology

pros

• durability - can last for decades
• beautiful appearance
• durable after installation
• not afraid of water, heat
• compatibility with heated floors
• environmentally friendly natural material
• various sizes
• suitable for any room

Minuses

• it's uncomfortable to walk barefoot
• complex installation
• can be easily broken

Quartz vinyl tiles

Elastic coatings

These include two materials: linoleum and carpet.

Linoleum

Is the absolute leader among floor coverings:

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

Linoleum can have a wide variety of shades and patterns, and is sold in sheets, rolled, or in the form of tiles. This covering 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 very easy to install and is attached with glue.
• Diverse in texture and color, safe from injury.

The disadvantages of such flooring are its relatively short service life, lack of moisture resistance and difficulty in cleaning and cleaning.

No. 6 – Self-leveling floor

This type of coating was previously used only in various production workshops, but is now also used for home improvement. Now many people are choosing self-leveling floors, and there are many reasons for this. For example, self-leveling floors look beautiful, they turn out perfectly smooth, can have absolutely any color and even an original design, even printing photographs.

Self-leveling floor

On a note! 3D drawings, which are often done on self-leveling floors, can look very realistic. For example, in the bathroom you can create a “lake” under your feet or a whole oasis.

What is self-leveling floor

This is an inert material that is not afraid of either water or heat, and if desired, you can make heated floors underneath it. By the way, if a self-leveling floor is installed in a bedroom or living room, then, as in the case of tiles, heating is almost mandatory, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to walk on the base barefoot. Also, this coating option is not afraid of almost any impact and is easy to clean to an almost sterile state.

Mixtures for self-leveling floors

Expert opinion

Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the pol-exp.com project Engineer.

The main disadvantage of self-leveling flooring is the complexity of its installation. Not everyone will be able to fill such a foundation on their own, since the installation process has a lot of subtleties and nuances. It is better to entrust this matter to a professional. But properly made floors are durable and beautiful. Another disadvantage is the tendency to scratches if the floor is glossy.

Prices for self-leveling floors

Self-leveling floors

Stages of installing a gypsum self-leveling floor

Polymer coatings

Self-leveling floor

Decorative floor 3D. Volumetric image on your floor

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

Materials for the installation of polymer floors

Advantages

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

• resistance to high humidity;
• attractive design;
• long service life;
• good tolerance to chemical influences;
• high adhesion properties;
• resistance to fire, temperature changes;
• excellent hygiene;
• ease and unpretentiousness in care.

Self-leveling floors 3d photo

Flaws

The material also has its weaknesses, namely:

• high price;
• comparative difficulty of dismantling. Over time, even the most beautiful 3D floor can get boring for the owner, and considerable efforts will have to be made to remove the coating;
• demands on the subfloor;
• complexity of arrangement.

self-leveling 3d floor

No. 5 – Parquet board

A material resembling something between parquet and laminate. Parquet boards are made from natural wood, they are easier to install than real parquet, and they are much easier to care for. The coating elements look like long boards with several rows of dies in the finishing layer.

Parquet board

The material is much cheaper than regular parquet, and that is why it is often chosen if you want to get a beautiful, but relatively inexpensive floor. The color can be very different, but, as a rule, these are woody shades.

The structure of the parquet board

Like regular parquet, the board also sometimes needs sanding. This will update the appearance of the coating. Installation is relatively simple and is done using floating floor technology - no glue. If desired, such a floor can be easily dismantled. Service life - up to 20 years.

Types of decorative layer of parquet boards

pros

• environmental friendliness
• ease of installation
• beautiful appearance
• made of natural wood
• relatively low cost
• installation without glue

Minuses

• sometimes you need to cycle

Prices for parquet boards

Parquet board

Wooden group

A place of honor among floor finishing materials is occupied by floor coverings made from wood.

Natural parquet

Parquet is a classic flooring material. It has not gone out of fashion for many years and is an indicator of the well-being and excellent taste of the apartment owners. Today's parquet looks like a finished board of a fairly large size, made of valuable wood with a pattern already on it. There is also piece parquet. You can use it to create unique compositions. It is most often made from durable wood:

• oak;
• beech;
• maple;
• ash

Parquet is environmentally friendly and completely safe, but requires the preparation of a high-quality subfloor, is an expensive material and requires maintaining a certain temperature and humidity in the room.

Parquet board

Natural wood is also used to make parquet boards, but each lamella is not a solid piece of wood, but a firmly glued three-layer structure. This type of coating will be cheaper than parquet and is easier to install and maintain. Parquet boards are available in different shades, they can be combined and composed. This type of floor will last about 15–20 years.

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

• 100% environmentally friendly;
• accessibility, practicality;
• the ability to create 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 delight its owners for about 30 years.

Cork

The cork coating is close to ideal:

• It is natural, warm, quite durable, pleasant on the feet and good for health.
• Cork floors come in a variety of shades, allowing you to create interesting compositions.
• This material does not accumulate static electricity at all.

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

Laminate floors

Laminate is gaining increasing popularity due to its outstanding characteristics:

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

READ MORE: How to make a heated floor in a bathhouse with your own hands

No. 4 - Cork covering

This is an expensive and not the most practical floor covering option. But the material is environmentally friendly, it is pleasant to walk on it even with bare feet, it is elastic and, in general, even by itself creates coziness and comfort in the room.

Cork covering

Cork is a material that not only makes the floors warmer to some extent, it also insulates sound, and the neighbors below will not hear all noise from the apartment, except the loudest. This type of coating is considered elite and is quite expensive.

Forms of production of cork flooring

Installation of cork flooring can be done in any room, except those where the level of humidity is high, since the material will simply begin to absorb moisture and deteriorate. Also, installation must be done on a flat and solid base. You can't put a cork on bare concrete either - you must use a backing. Overall installation is very simple.

Cork is especially popular in children's rooms

Cork is available in the form of slabs or rolls. It must be installed using special glue. Some options have a layer of immediately applied adhesive component in production, which allows you to fix the material on the floor. The upper part of the material is coated with a special compound that protects the cork from moisture.

pros

• heat and sound insulation properties
• environmental friendliness
• easy installation
• high strength
• elite material
• it's nice to walk on it barefoot
• suitable for any room except the bathroom
• does not bend and can withstand heavy loads
• not afraid of rising or falling temperatures

Minuses

• it costs expensive
• cannot be placed in the bathroom

Cork prices

Cork covering

A practical floor for every room

Requirements for flooring in different rooms differ. For the floor in the kitchen and bathroom you need a moisture-resistant material. In the hallway, the floor quickly becomes dirty and wears out from constant contact with shoes, bicycles, and sleds. The cladding must withstand frequent cleaning and scratches, while still looking attractive. The worn, unsightly floor in the hallway leaves an unpleasant impression of the apartment. The floor covering that emphasizes the interior is relevant for the hall. In the children's room and bedroom, a flooring with soundproofing properties that is pleasant for walking is chosen. Material connection lines at the junction of rooms are formed using moldings, flexible profiles, and cork compensators.

Bedroom

Laminate and parquet in neutral shades will create a relaxing environment and become a backdrop for bedside rugs.

A high-pile carpet will bring warmth and coziness to the bedroom and take care of comfort for your feet. You can relax and walk barefoot on the warm carpet. A carpet with a textured pile looks beautiful. Wool carpeting regulates the level of humidity. The pile absorbs excess moisture and releases it back when the air in the room becomes dry. The intensity of foot traffic in the bedroom is low, the material will retain its attractive appearance and will not deform.

The cork does not accumulate dust or static electricity.

Gray, beige, milky, and caramel colors help you get into the mood for sleep. They are suitable for small and large rooms.

Living room

Guests are received in the room, the family gathers in the evenings, and dances are held during holidays. In order not to frequently spend money on repairs, a high-quality covering is laid in the living room. A laminate that imitates stone or wood is appropriate in any interior. Cork and parquet are expensive, but they justify the cost by their attractive appearance and do not lose strength.

Budget linoleum with a clearly drawn wood texture will make the living room floor interesting and create the visual effect of expensive cladding.

A good background for furniture would be solid boards or laminate, stylized as wood. Shades of ash, oak, and walnut are considered universal.

Kitchen

For the kitchen, choose a non-slip coating that will withstand frequent cleaning, will not absorb drops of grease, and will not crack when dishes fall.

These requirements meet:

• porcelain stoneware;
• tile;
• linoleum;
• self-leveling floor

In the large room, combined with the living room kitchen, the dining area is finished with laminate and cork. Before designing a kitchen design, for a successful combination with the floor, the decor and color of the walls, facades of wall cabinets, and countertops are thought out. The white color of the floor, grass-green or apricot facades diversify the kitchen in the style of minimalism or ECO.

Children's

When choosing cladding, preference is given to safe, non-slippery, warm materials. It is convenient for a child to move and crawl on the carpet. The soft flooring does not slip and protects from cold, injuries, and bruises. Woven, tufted, velor carpet is suitable for a children's room. Short pile is easier to care for and less dust sticks to it.

To avoid triggering allergies in your child, do not buy high-pile carpeting made from natural wool.

Parquet boards and laminates are easily cleaned of chocolate, watercolors, and plasticine. When the baby grows up, the floor will withstand gymnastic exercises.

The most environmentally friendly covering for a nursery is cork flooring, which has bactericidal properties. The lining pleasantly springs when walking, muffles children's steps and ball hits.

Bathroom

Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles with a rough surface do not slip and do not allow moisture to pass to the base. Surfaces are cleaned with aggressive agents and are not afraid of changes in humidity. Mold and microorganisms do not take root on porcelain stoneware and tiles. Tiles with a realistic imitation of old boards and wooden panels will turn a boring bathroom into a rustic bathhouse. For eco-style, ceramics that imitate wood are combined with green decor.

Artificial stone is superior in reliability to all moisture-resistant cladding. Granite or marble-like walls and floors will transform the bathroom into an antique bath.

Minimalist neutral finishes are suitable for small bathrooms and showers.

Cabinet

A good floor in the office creates a visually attractive space and creates a working atmosphere.

Classic and modern styles include:

• parquet;
• leather;
• stone;
• massive board;
• cork covering.

Expensive high-quality coating will emphasize the beauty of furniture and withstand high loads. Linoleum and laminate as an economical option are suitable for any office design. Disadvantage of cladding - dents and deformations from furniture legs

In the absence of a separate room, a home office is set up in the living room using a floor, podium, and screen that differ in texture and color.

No. 3 – Piece parquet

One of the oldest flooring options that still remains popular. Parquet consists of small boards laid according to a certain pattern. They are laid individually using a special adhesive composition, which is why the installation of such a coating is long, expensive and complicated.

Piece parquet

On a note! Modern parquet does not have to be laid piece by piece. There are variations of the material when several elements were combined into a single larger system during production. This means that installation will go faster and easier.

Block parquet is the most durable type of parquet

Parquet is created from pure wood. Moreover, the top layer of the plank is, as a rule, made of elite species. Ash, oak, beech and other durable wood options are commonly used. Accordingly, the pattern of the parquet is the pattern of wood. The material is safe and environmentally friendly. It will not harm your health. The coating also has good heat and sound insulation, it is pleasant to walk on and can be installed in all rooms except the bathroom and toilet.

The process of laying block parquet

Expert opinion

Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the pol-exp.com project Engineer.

Parquet is an expensive type of flooring. But it also looks expensive, beautiful, solid. It is also not easy to care for - it needs to be scraped, rubbed, and so on. But this is one of the most durable floor covering options, lasting for decades - up to 50 years, according to manufacturers. It just needs to be regularly subjected to special procedures, and it will be like new again. However, in order for parquet to last a long time and retain its beautiful appearance for a long time, it must be laid in a room with a certain level of humidity and temperature.

Block parquet

Prices for piece parquet

Piece parquet

What is the best way to cover the floor?

Laminate

Laminate is in demand. It looks modern and stylish, and its prices are quite affordable. The pattern of the laminate can imitate any materials and it will look expensive.

Laminate flooring is made from wood shavings. Many therefore consider it a natural, safe material. But it is not so. No toxic substances are used in the production of laminate, but the chips are pressed using various polymers. Therefore, there is no point in talking about its naturalness.

The process of installing laminate flooring is not complicated. You can install it yourself without the skill of this kind of work. Laminate flooring is installed using glue or using the locking method.

The glue method is much simpler. It is used in rooms with high levels of humidity, because in this way the joints are sealed. But in this case, the base needs to be prepared to a perfectly level state and there is no way to replace a separate plank. The castle method is more complicated, but not much. The strips installed in this way are at some distance from the floor, so wires and insulation can be laid under them. But this is also associated with a lack of material.

Laminate flooring must be laid on a substrate. Otherwise, the material will last much less. But the cost of the substrate can reach and sometimes exceed the cost of the material itself.

Tile

Tiles can be found in every apartment. It is mainly used to decorate a bath or kitchen. But modern designers have long been using it to decorate other rooms. One of the problems with this material is its coldness. The tile does not retain any heat, remaining cold even in the hot season. You can cope with this problem with the help of heated floors. They will use more electricity, but not too much. Tiles are associated with something ugly, but modern types have a decent appearance. Now the same type of tile is a thing of the past. On the market you can find material in any shape, in any color and with a wide range of designs and patterns.

A pleasant plus of the material is its ease of cleaning. You can remove any type of dirt from tiles using many chemicals. You can even scrub it with a brush. At the same time, cleaning will not take much time.

The service life of the tiles exceeds 20 years. Many people have it for several generations, and they change it because they are tired of it, and not because of loss of appearance.

The tiles are made from clay and contain no toxins. The material is completely safe and can be installed even in a nursery. But it's not safe. The surface of the tile is slippery, so injuries cannot be avoided if you are not careful. If you have children or pets, you should choose matte tiles with a relief pattern, so the surface will not be slippery. The process of installing tiles is quite labor-intensive. It is possible to install it on your own without hiring craftsmen, but not everyone can do it carefully. The cost of tiles can vary from the cheapest options to decent amounts.

Linoleum

This material is classified as budget material. However, as with others, its cost depends on the raw materials. Initially, linoleum was made based on natural ingredients. The price for this type will not be cheaper than other materials, and will surpass many.

But linoleum made from synthetic components will cost three times less, which will play a role in its quality. This material cannot be called safe, because it contains various polymers. Rubber linoleum cannot be installed in residential premises at all, because it emits harmful substances. You can check the quality of linoleum by smell. A slight odor is allowed, but if the material has a strong, tasteless odor, then the amount of harmful components in it most likely exceeds the norm.

Linoleum will not last as long as other types of coatings. Over time, it wears out and becomes deformed. Also, it will not support heavy furniture, so rearranging it without replacing the covering will be impossible. In terms of installation, the material is one of the simplest. There are three options: using tape, glue or the floating method. Anyone can handle all three. It is very easy to care for the surface.

However, remember that it is afraid of high temperatures, so it cannot be installed in the kitchen or with a “warm floor” system.

Carpet

Carpet can be laid on any surface. He is not afraid of unevenness. It will keep your floors warm and soft. It is often covered in the nursery. However, you will have to clean it very often. The material attracts dust, which can be harmful to health. If there are allergy sufferers in the apartment, this coating is not recommended. Carpet is made from natural or synthetic components. It can live for 15 years, depending on how you care for it. But light-colored carpet tends to acquire a dirty coating over time, which is not so easy to get rid of.

Cork covering

One of the most expensive. It is made from natural wood, which costs a considerable amount. There are cheaper types, but in this case, various adhesive polymers are used in their manufacture, which negates the environmental friendliness of the tree. Cork coating can be used in rooms with high fire safety requirements; the coating does not burn, but smolders. Cork can be used in rooms with high traffic; it is not afraid of heavy furniture.

Self-leveling floors

This method of floor covering is one of the most modern. Self-leveling floors are not yet in such demand due to their novelty. This method is expensive, and it is impossible to install it yourself due to the difficulty of installation. The decorative properties of the material are far behind all others. The self-leveling floor can be of any color and with any pattern. You can even make a 3D drawing. The coating is not afraid of any mechanical damage; they can be cleaned using any means. But removing them is more difficult. The glossy surface may leave streaks.

Parquet

Many people choose parquet because of the environmental friendliness of the material. This floor will last for many years. However, it cannot be installed in every room. The material is afraid of water, so it is not used in the kitchen or bathroom. It is impossible to install a heated floor under the parquet, although it itself retains heat and remains warm at any time of the year.

No. 2 - Floorboard

The most pleasant feeling and best option for human health is a regular floorboard. It is a natural wood floor, created without any adhesives, that is almost the best for any home.

Batten

Installation of the floorboard is carried out using previously installed and secured joists. Under the floor covering itself, materials such as ecowool are laid as insulation. And wood itself, due to its structure, retains heat well in the house, plus it is also tactilely pleasant.

Sorting solid boards

Another advantage is the durability of wood floors. When installed correctly and properly cared for, wood floors can last for decades. And the environmental friendliness of the material makes it an ideal option for those who care about their health.

Solid wood board is an absolutely natural, environmentally friendly material

Wood flooring has excellent heat and sound insulation properties and does not even require additional sound insulation. This is a great option for families with children and simply active people.

Wooden flooring is best suited for installation in a bedroom or living room, or children's room. But in a bathroom or kitchen, wood will quickly deteriorate due to high humidity. Therefore, for such premises it is better to choose another option. Another drawback of wood is its tendency to absorb odors that hang in the house. But getting them out is not an easy task. Also, due to the installation features (the need to install joists), you need to take into account that wooden floors will slightly reduce the ceiling height - for some this may be a critical factor. And over time, the plank floor may begin to creak. Fortunately, this deficiency is usually quite easy to correct.

The most environmentally friendly flooring option is wood.

Surprisingly, wood flooring doesn't cost as much as it could. In fact, it will cost much less than some other coating options. But installing it is not the easiest and not the cheapest task.

pros

• looks good
• environmentally friendly material - natural wood
• tactilely pleasant
• durable
• good heat and sound insulation properties
• ease of care
• inexpensive option

Minuses

• complex installation
• may start to creak
• not suitable for wet areas

Prices for flooring boards

Batten

Main requirements for flooring

Different rooms in the house have different requirements. Operational characteristics, construction standards are clarified in SNiP 2.03.13-88 and SP 29.13330.2011.

Non-specialized requirements for all coatings:

• Non-slip smooth surface;
• Great fortress;
• Easy to care for;
• Resistance to abrasion, mechanical action and UV rays;
• Sufficient level of sound absorption;
• Eco-friendly and hygienic;
• Fire and explosion safety.

Any living space can be divided into a couple of multifunctional areas: utility/passage areas, living rooms and recreation rooms. Based on the systematization, rational methods of finishing the floor are determined:

1. The hallway is an extraordinary gateway between the house and the street. Shoes bring sand and dirt into the room, so the floor must be strong, easy to clean and resistant to water. Clay tiles and linoleum will do an amazing job with these tasks.
2. Bathrooms and toilets are areas of high humidity. The floor covering must be sealed and 100% moisture resistant. Porcelain stoneware and tiles meet these requirements.
3. Kitchen. The finishing must have the same characteristics as in the bathroom. In addition, it is important that grease contamination is simply removed from the floor.
4. Balcony. For an insulated loggia, a coating that is resistant to temperature fluctuations is suitable. On open balconies it is better to lay stone or tiles.
5. Bedroom and children's room. The finish must be environmentally friendly, wear-resistant and have good heat dissipation.

No. 1 - Laminate

Among all floor coverings, this option is the most commonly used. Why is laminate so popular? It's simple: it's inexpensive, easy to install, practical, beautiful type of covering that's easy to install yourself.

Laminate

Laminate is a material consisting of lamella boards with special locking joints that allow the floor to be assembled without the use of glue. However, types of laminate that are glued on also exist, but now such options are rarely seen on sale. When assembling the floor, the locks of two adjacent lamellas are connected to each other until they click, and thus two adjacent elements are securely fastened to each other. This is how the entire coating is assembled.

Laminate installation process

The laminate itself consists of several layers. In the middle there is material from wood processing waste, at the bottom of the lamella there is a protective layer, and above the wood material there is a layer with a pattern, usually imitating wood. On top of it is a laminated layer, which can be smooth or have a wood structure. The top and bottom layers are not afraid of moisture and protect the material from it and a number of other influences - for example, abrasion. But still, laminate itself is afraid of water. And, similar to most of the options described above, it cannot be installed in a bathroom or toilet. But for the kitchen, laminate flooring is quite suitable.

Laminate structure

The material as a whole is not capricious, but requires special attention. Thus, installation of the laminate should be carried out on a flat surface free of debris using a special substrate. Otherwise, the coating will begin to creak over time and quickly become unusable. It is also important to understand that moisture is dangerous for laminate flooring, and you should not spill anything on it, and if this happens, it is important to quickly wipe the floor to remove the moisture.

Laminate DECORIA

On a note! Laminate is not the most durable material. But if you choose the right strength class (and the laminate has several of them), then this coating will last a very long time if the operating conditions are met.

pros

• looks good
• inexpensive
• There are several strength classes
• ideal for decorating floors in almost all types of rooms
• easy installation
• It is not necessary to use glue during installation
• tactilely pleasant
• can be bought at any hardware store

Minuses

• doesn't like moisture

Video - Comparison of different floor coverings

§ 37. FLOORING WITH TILES

The floors are tiled most often before the walls are tiled, but sometimes the floors have to be tiled after. In the first version of cladding, the wall tiles are placed against the floor and they fit tightly to it with their weight. When laying floor tiles according to the second option, they have to be pressed tightly against the tiles laid on the walls, tamping the mortar, sometimes wedging it with pieces of brick or concrete. Before you start laying tiles, you need to know the floor level. Typically, the floor level is moved from the landing to the room where the tiles are laid. To do this, they make marks on the walls using a level, from which they mark the level of the floor to be laid. These marks can be in the form of separate lines or solid lines drawn on all walls parallel to the floor. Patterned floors are made in strictly rectangular rooms or after appropriate floor breakdown. If the cladding of the room begins with the walls, then well-planed wooden slats are fixed to them at the level of the finished floor. The first rows of tiles will rest on these slats when tiling the walls. A day after cladding, these slats are removed. Before tiling begins, the floors are cleaned of dust, dirt and swept. Places contaminated with gypsum are especially thoroughly cleaned, as it causes swelling of the tile covering. Oil or other stains are removed with a 2-3% solution of hydrochloric acid or warm water with caustic soda diluted in it at the rate of 100-150 g

for 10
liters
of water.
After this, the surface is washed with clean water. The quality of cladding is subject to the requirements specified in table. 14. Floor covering with ceramic (ordinary) tiles.
Preparations are made for tiling the floor with regular tiles;
its level should be 25-30 mm
.
The missing height to the level of the finished floor will be filled with mortar and tiles. The accuracy of preparation is checked using the 1.75 m
.
Gaps between the rule and the preparation are allowed no more than 15 mm
. If there are defects in the preparation, they are corrected. After this, they begin to verify the correctness of the corners of the room. The first check is to stretch the cords along the diagonals of the room. If the diagonals are equal, then the floor in the room has a regular rectangular shape; if not, then this defect has to be corrected. For example, when laying a floor with a frieze, the frieze and general background are made exactly according to the square, and the wall rows are laid from chopped tiles, thereby hiding imperfections in the shape of the floor.

Table 14

Assessing the quality of tile floors

Quality indicators

Notes: 1. Tiles to be laid must be sorted by color and shade, 2. Tiles with cracks, chipped corners and other defects on the front side must be removed. 3. The joints between the tiles must be filled with cement mortar of a 1:1 composition. 4. Open cracks and seams between the floor and baseboard must be sealed. 5. The adhesion of the tiles to the base is checked by tapping the entire floor area. In places where the tiles recede from the base, the covering must be re-laid.

The seams between the tiles must match, the floor must have a horizontal surface. If some tiles are sunk, then they are taken out, the mortar is cleaned from them, a new portion of mortar is applied, the tiles are laid in place, recessing them at the same level as the previously laid ones, the seams are filled with mortar and they are cleaned. Floor covering with tiles of the same color without frieze

.
The floor layout for laying tiles without frieze (Fig. 190) is performed as follows. 7
diagonally , the center of the floor is found, through which the axes are laid along the length and width of the room.
Then find the level of the clean floor and install reference tile 1
near the door or
2
in the center of the floor, which depends on the size of the room.

After this, near the walls at the same level as the tiles 1

or
2
install several beacon tiles
3
, placing them at a distance of 2-2.5
m
from one another.
4
beacons are arranged - rows of tiles located on the same level as the previously laid beacon tiles.
If the distance between the beacon tiles is more than 2.5 m
, then it is recommended to install intermediate beacons or hangers between them.
They serve to control the levels of laid tiles. In the case when the whole number of tiles does not fit into the dimensions of the floor and it is necessary to use chopped tiles, placing them along all walls, cladding begins from the center of the floor, i.e. from the installed tile 2
.
A cord is pulled from this tile to the wall, firmly attaching it to the previously driven pins. 5
is laid along this cord .
Then a second cord 7
perpendicular to the first and a second row of tiles
6
, after which the wall row is filled with chopped tiles
8
.
The tiles of the first row are laid in this sequence. Prepare the solution, moisten the surface of the tiles with water, lay the solution, leveling it so that it is 3-5 mm
higher than the solution under the previously laid tiles.
Then they take the tile, place it on the mortar next to the previously laid lighthouse tile and push it down with light blows of a hammer or trowel so that it is flush with the cord. The laid row of tiles is checked and leveled using a rule. If some tiles have sunk, they are lifted and leveled so that they lie without distortion. It is convenient to level the tiles using clappers. In this way, row after row of whole tiles is laid. In the process of laying wall rows, chopped tiles are laid. To do this, the tiles are cut, but their edges are not ground, since they will be covered by the tiles and plinths laid on the wall. There are seams between the tiles, which after laying the entire floor, but not earlier than 3-5 days, are filled with liquid cement milk. The mortar and cement laitance can be tinted with paint to match the color of the tiles. To fill the joints, cement mortar or cement laitance is poured onto the floor and leveled with a broom. Excess laitance is removed from the surface of the floor before it begins to set, wiping the floors with a wet rag and then with moistened sawdust, which is then swept away. To make the cement mortar harden better, water the floor every other day or sprinkle it with wet sawdust. After three days, the floor is cleaned with a hard broom, removing sawdust and mortar. Finally, the floor is cleaned of the solution with a rag soaked in a 3-5% solution of hydrochloric acid. To prevent hydrochloric acid from penetrating deep into the seams and destroying the cement, its effect is immediately neutralized by washing the floor with a weak solution of soda or soap, and then with clean water. The organization of the workplace when laying tiles can be different. The organization of the workplace with grips in the form of steps is shown in Fig. 191. For convenience, tiles 1
are placed in stacks in several places.
Solution 2
is placed on the floor preparation or box so that it is convenient to take.
Rows of tiles 3
are laid along stretched mooring cords in the sequence indicated by the numbers
1'—10'
.

Floor covering with frieze.

A floor with a frieze (Fig. 192, a) consists of three main parts: wall rows of tiles
1
, frieze rows
2
, background
3
, i.e. tiles on the rest of the floor. The frieze and background of the floor are always laid from whole tiles. Cut or reduced tiles can be laid in wall rows.

Floors with a frieze are broken down and laid like this (Fig. 192, b). Beacons made of individual tiles are installed along the floor level mark. There are three types of lighthouses: reference beacons I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII

, installed against the wall to determine the floor level, frieze, placed in the corners of frieze strips at the level of reference beacons, and intermediate beacons, or hangers
7
, which are installed in large rooms and are intended mainly to control the level of laid tiles.
All these beacons are placed exactly on the same level with the reference tile. The hangers are placed every 2-3 m
so that rules with a level can be laid on them to check the horizontalness of the floor.
The beacons are installed on cement mortar or plaster, then they are removed, the mortar is cleaned and the tiles are reused in the right place. After installing the beacons, pull the mooring cord 5
along the line where the frieze joins the background (line II-IV).
The cord is attached to a pin driven into the floor so that it is at the level of lighthouse marks or benchmarks. A row of frieze tiles 4
.
Then, perpendicular to the stretched cord and the laid row of frieze, pull the mooring cord 8
along the line
II-VI
and lay out a strip of frieze
9
.
Following this, the second transverse frieze side 6
along the line
IV-V
.
To ensure precise alignment of the seams, the tiles should be laid along the strip on which the rows of tiles are marked. Finally, the mooring cord is pulled along the V-VI
and the last frieze row is laid.
The correctness, i.e. perpendicularity, of the frieze rows to each other is checked with a square 10
.
To check the horizontality of the laid rows of background tiles, between these rows it is necessary to lay beacon strips (lines III-VII
) in such a way that the rule (rail) fits on two adjacent hangers. The distance between them must be a multiple of the whole number of tiles. After the frieze rows, the background rows are laid, checking the horizontality of each laid row using a level rule and observing the exact distances between the tiles. Laying control rows of tiles using a cord, ruler and level is shown in Fig. 193. Having laid the background and allowing the solution to set, they begin laying the wall rows. Some craftsmen lay the wall rows and the background at the same time. As work progresses, the markers are removed.

Floor covering with hexagonal tiles (Fig. 194). Hexagonal tiles are used to cover the floor in this order. The frieze strip is laid first 2

, then wall row
1
.
The first row of background 3
adjacent to the longitudinal frieze strip is laid out from halves of hexagonal tiles, and adjacent to the transverse frieze strip is laid out from tiles and half-tiles, which alternate.

It beacon strips or hangers 5
from two rows of hexagonal tiles by pulling two parallel cords
4
along lines
A - A
and
B - B. The installation procedure is the same as for square tiles.

Floor covering with octagonal tiles with inserts (Fig. 195). First of all, lay out the frieze strip 3

, and then rows of octagonal tiles or row covering
2
.
Halves of tiles are inserted into the space between the frieze strip and the tiles. Having laid several rows of tiles, the spaces between them are filled with whole inserts 1
, which bring the crackers down to the same level as the laid tiles.

If the solution has set in between, knock it out and add fresh one. Excess mortar is removed with a spatula or trowel. If this is not done, it will be impossible to install the inserts. A wall-mounted one is placed near the frieze row 4

.
Using templates for tiling floors
.
To increase labor productivity when tiling floors, various templates, wooden and metal, are used. I. N. Korneshov’s template for tiling floors (Fig. 196, a, b) is a firmly fastened rack board with two handles, by which the template is carried. There are bosses with studs on it, between which tiles are laid. Having filled the template with tiles, they are secured using locking rods-spokes 1
made of reinforcing steel. The spokes prevent the tiles from falling out when carrying the template and laying the tiles.

Tiling using a template is done as follows. Prepare a solution, place it on the base and level it with a trowel into a thin, even layer, thereby making a bed (Fig. 196, c). The template is filled with tiles, laying them with the back side up (Fig. 196, d), and secured with locking rods (Fig. 196, e). The filled template with tiles is turned over, taken by the handles, transferred to the place of cladding, the tiles are laid on a bed prepared from the mortar and carefully pressed so that the tiles are on the same level as the previously laid ones (Fig. 196, f). Having laid the tiles, remove the steel rods and remove the template (Fig. 196,g). The template can be used when covering large areas of the floor. The remaining part of the floor, on which the template does not fit, is tiled manually. Laying tile floors with a slope

.
Where water drainage is required, for example in baths, laundries, etc., the floor is made with a slope. The slope ranges from 1 to 6% of the length of the drain; it is usually specified in the project. The slope of the floor is checked with a lath (Fig. 197) (rule 3

4
attached to it .

If a slope is not provided, then you have to arrange it by applying thicker layers of mortar. In this case, the tiles are laid as on horizontal floors. Since the drain (sewer) where the water flows can be located in different places on the floor - at the end, in the middle, the floor, depending on the location of the drain, is divided into two or three or more grips. Each grip is lined separately. The joints of the grips must be made so that they do not stand out in any way and the tiles are tightly adjacent to each other. In these places, chipped tiles are often laid, the edges of which must be well ground. Otherwise, the tiles are laid as described earlier. Installation of chemically resistant floors.

Acids, alkalis, gasoline, oils and other chemicals quickly destroy floors, which leads to the destruction of the main supporting structures.
To prevent such destruction, in rooms exposed to chemicals, floors are made of chemically resistant materials, such as acid-resistant ceramic tiles and cast stone tiles. Tiles are laid on chemically resistant mastics or mortars. Mastics are prepared using liquid glass and stone flour, which is obtained by finely grinding acid-resistant rocks: diabase, basalt, quartz, andesite. Alkali-resistant mastics are prepared using lime, dolomite or marble flour. Acid-resistant mastic on liquid glass is prepared from 0.92 parts by mass of stone flour, 0.03 parts of sodium silicon fluoride and 0.335-0.4 parts of liquid glass with a specific gravity of 1.34. For work, you should prepare the mastic in a small amount so that it can be applied within 30 minutes
after preparation.
This is necessary because the mastic hardens quickly. Tiles are usually laid in small sections. They are planted in the same way as described earlier. Bituminous acid-resistant mastic is prepared from 1 mass part of petroleum bitumen grade BN-1U or an alloy of bitumen grades BI-U and BN-Sh, 1 part of acid-resistant filler (ground acid-resistant rocks or acid-resistant cement), 0.1 part of asbestos 6 or 7 -th varieties. The bitumen is chopped into small pieces, melted in a boiler and pre-dried and thoroughly mixed dust and fibrous fillers are poured into it. Bitumen and fillers are thoroughly mixed. Apply the mastic with a notched trowel, which leaves a layer of uniform thickness on the surface. Boilers for cooking bitumen must be equipped with tight-fitting fireproof lids. Boilers should be filled with bitumen to no more than 3/4 of their capacity. Fire-fighting equipment should be located near the boilers: dry sand, shovels, fire extinguishers. When bitumen is diluted with gasoline, the bitumen must be cooled to a temperature of 70 ° C and the bitumen must be poured into gasoline, and not vice versa. When using acid-resistant solutions and mastics containing sodium fluoride, as well as when using acids, you should work in gas masks and rubber gloves. The acid should be poured into the water in a thin stream, and not vice versa, so that the acid does not splash out and cause burns. An acid-resistant solution on liquid glass is prepared from 15 parts by mass of sodium silicofluoride, 25 parts of pulverized filler with grains less than 0.075 mm
, 75 parts of quartz sand with grains from 0.075 to 5
mm
and 92 parts of liquid glass with a density of 1.38.
The fillers are pre-mixed until completely homogeneous, then they are mixed with sodium fluoride, and the resulting mixture is sealed on liquid glass. Sodium silicofluoride promotes rapid setting of the solution and it must be prepared in small portions. Alkali-resistant solutions are mainly prepared using Portland cement or Portland slag cement, which have good alkali resistance. When lime is added to a solution, its alkali resistance increases. The fillers in the solution are sand and stone flour from dense limestone, dolomite, granite, diabase and marble, which are sifted through a fine sieve. To increase the density of the solution, increase the amount of cement to 400 kg
per 1
m
3 of solution.
The compositions of acid-resistant solutions and mastics are indicated by construction technical personnel or are given in the explanatory note to the project. The tiles are laid as described earlier. The solution should be prepared no earlier than 30 minutes
before use.
The layer of solution should be no thicker than 10-15 mm
, thicker layers spread out.
Three to seven days after laying the tiles, prepare a liquid acid-resistant solution, fill the seams with it, and immediately clean them, removing excess solution. The floors are not watered or covered with sawdust, since liquid glass dissolves in water. After three to four days, the seams are treated, washing them with a 40% solution of sulfuric acid, which helps to compact the solution in the seams. When working with acid, safety precautions must be strictly observed. Floor covering with small ceramic tiles (carpet mosaic).
Carpet mosaic consists of small tiles glued onto large sheets of paper.
When covering floors with carpet mosaics, labor productivity increases, since small piece materials are replaced by larger ones. Floor covering with carpet mosaic is done in this way. Having made the screed, they select the required number of cards for work and arrange them according to the given pattern. Using the selected maps, the base of the floor is drawn, the places of the frieze, background and wall row are marked. Then the level of the clean floor is determined and temporary lighthouse rows of ordinary tiles are installed along the walls, between which pins are driven. A mooring cord is pulled along them. After this, moisten the screed with water, lay the solution, and level it well with a layer no thicker than 15 mm
. It is best to level the mortar along previously laid wooden slats of the same thickness as the mortar layer should be. First of all, the frieze is laid, laying straight and corner cards (Fig. 198). Then they start laying out the background cards. As the frieze cards are laid, the temporary lighthouse rows are removed, and the space between the frieze and the walls is filled with strips of cards.

The card intended for installation is prepared in this way. Holes are pierced or cut in the paper between the tiles (at the seams) to allow air to escape from under the card while it is pressed to the solution. The card is taken with both hands, placed with the paper facing up and placed with a clapper or, as a rule, level with the lighthouse rows. In order for the tiles to stick more tightly to the mortar, the freshly laid mortar is carefully leveled and dusted with cement through a fine sieve, pouring a layer of 2-3 mm

. The cement absorbs water from the solution and turns into a liquid dough, which adheres more firmly to the tiles and penetrates the seams more easily. The filling of the seams with mortar is determined by the wetness of the paper. The seams between cards should be the same width as those between individual tiles. Otherwise, the pattern of the mosaic floor is disrupted and individual cards stand out as patches. A few days (usually three or four) after laying the floor, the surface of the cards is moistened with water and left for a while. The paper gets wet and is removed with a broom or soft steel brushes. After clearing the floor of paper, prepare cement laitance and fill the joints with it. These operations are performed in the same way as described above. The organization of the workplace when laying carpet mosaic cards is shown in Fig. 199.

Choosing flooring for different rooms

Covering the base underfoot is an important element in any room.
Not only the attractiveness of the room, but also the comfort in it will directly depend on how the floor is finished. Materials are chosen mainly based on their cost, beauty and personal wishes. However, it is important to consider some basic operational characteristics of the selected option. For example, there is a task to finish the base of an average apartment or house. In any case, dwellings have at least one room, an entrance hall, a kitchen area and a bathroom/bathroom. And the microclimate conditions in all these rooms will be different. For example, the humidity in the bathroom is in any case higher than in the living area. This is due to the fact that in the bathroom a person takes a shower, often turns on the water, and performs various tasks related to water consumption. And even if all communications are done well and have no leaks, the humidity will still be increased.

An original solution for the kitchen area

If we talk about the kitchen area, then during cooking, pieces of food often fall on the floor, oil drips somewhere, and so on. That is, the kitchen area needs to be cleaned and washed much more often than the same bedroom or living room. And the requirements for floor covering in both cases will be completely different than in a residential area. For example, the floors in the bathroom should be able to withstand moisture well, and in the kitchen they should be easy to clean and practical. That is, as an option, you can lay ceramics.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen

The biggest test goes to the bases in the hallway. Here there is most of the dirt that is dragged from the street, a lot of sand, and often moisture brought on shoes or on the same umbrella or jacket after rain gets on the base. Even a children's sled, brought from the street and poorly placed, can damage the material that is unsuitable for the hallway. So for a room of this type it is worth choosing a dense, hard material that is resistant to a wide variety of loads. The ideal option is ordinary ceramics. This material will not be afraid of any of the above and will always look like new. But even a very durable self-leveling type of base can still be scratched and damaged.

Linoleum for the hallway

As an option, you can lay linoleum or a good expensive laminate in the hallway, but only of a high strength class. The remaining coatings are completely unsuitable - they simply will not withstand the entire level of load.

If we talk about the bedroom, then the coating should be tactilely pleasant and comfortable, as well as environmentally friendly. Here a person will rest, replenish his strength and generally stay for a very long time during the day, plus he walks barefoot. So there should be the best coverage, safe and comfortable to use.

Parquet floor in the bedroom

So, for a room where they sleep and relax, it is best to choose parquet or ordinary natural wood. You can choose carpet or laminate, but in this case these materials are inferior in properties to those mentioned above (at least in terms of environmental friendliness). Laminate flooring can only be laid if there is an insulating substrate or warm floor underneath it, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to walk on it barefoot.

Laminate flooring in the bedroom

Important! Carpet should not be installed in the bedroom where a person with allergies sleeps. This coating accumulates dust, which can trigger an attack.

On a loggia or balcony, the coverage will depend on whether the room is glazed and insulated and whether it is protected from various influences from the street. But the main requirements for any material in such areas of the apartment are durability and resistance to moisture. If everything here is insulated, then inside you can put exactly the same covering as in the living area - alternatively, the same familiar laminate. In other cases, it is worth stopping at ceramics.

Laminate flooring for the balcony

Table. Coating options depending on the type of room.

Tiles are the best option for bathroom floors

Parquet

Parquet flooring has been known and popular for centuries. Mentions of parquet are found in the works of Pushkin, Akhmatova, and Tsvetaeva. Of course, modern parquet floors differ significantly from the floor coverings of the classic times. Unlike parquet floors of past centuries, when each board was laid separately, today manufacturers offer parquet in the form of panels. You don't have to lay parquet flooring elements in patterns. This stage was completed at the production stage. However, if a person wants to create a unique interior in an apartment, then, of course, he will have to use custom parquet floors.

Valuable types of wood are used to produce parquet panels with a pattern already made on them. The types of wood used for production are birch, oak, ash and other high-strength options. The development of computer technology allows you to independently create a design design from parquet boards. Moreover, there are specialized programs that allow you to calculate the optimal amount of material for a given area.

Parquet floor

Parquet flooring is not cheap, but its attractive, solid appearance matches the money spent on it. However, do not forget that such flooring will require additional care, this is especially true for block parquet. In addition, laying parquet assumes that rough finishing has already been carried out.

Tips and solutions

And in the end, we will try to summarize and provide general recommendations for choosing a coating for the base and advice given by experienced users. The basic requirements for any coating are as follows:

• easy care;
• safety for human health;
• beauty;
• pleasant tactile sensation;
• durability.

Choosing flooring for an apartment

These indicators may vary in priority and other parameters depending on the requirements of the homeowner, budgetary capabilities and personal wishes. For some, the main indicator when choosing a material will be its price, while for others - strength and environmental safety. And all people will have different approaches to the choice of material for the foundation, each from their own “bell tower”. Thus, you need to start choosing coverage with a thorough analysis of your own life, your habits and the behavior of your family members.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing flooring

Important! Even the composition of your family can influence which coverage you should choose. For example, some finishing options are completely unsuitable for children (hazardous or hazardous from an environmental and health point of view).

If children and animals live in the house, then one of the main requirements for the base coating will be compliance with the required environmental friendliness indicators. That is, the material must be safe for health. These are ceramic tiles, wood, parquet. Also, the chosen option must be non-slippery, non-traumatic and resistant to various influences. It is desirable that it is easy to clean - just imagine that a child painted the newly laid carpet with his paints. Or your favorite Labrador ran all over it after playing in the dirt outside. It is immediately clear why this covering option is completely unsuitable for a house where such residents live.

Light-colored carpeting is not the best option if there is a child in the house.

If you have a habit of walking barefoot, then in most of the apartment the floors should be tactilely pleasant, not cold in sensation. Otherwise they will be uncomfortable to use. Alternatively, there may be wood, fleecy coverings, or materials that imitate wood covering. But you can also lay tiles if you worry about heating them. It is important to understand that constantly running heated floors waste a lot of electricity, which will definitely affect utility bills.

Expert opinion

Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the pol-exp.com project Engineer.

If the apartment is located in a region where air humidity is high, or it is located on the ground floor, then it is worth purchasing coatings that are not afraid of high levels of humidity. Tiles, moisture-resistant laminate, linoleum, self-leveling flooring are good options.

Beautiful self-leveling floor in the apartment

Important! The closer to the basement the room being renovated is, the higher the humidity level in it.

You will also have to take into account what building the apartment is located in or what kind of floors it previously had. For example, not all houses can be filled with screed. It is usually installed in new buildings or houses that structurally allow this to be done. In most old panel houses, this option for a rough foundation is unacceptable. This means that coatings that require screeding will have to be completely eliminated.

It is important to think about what color of the floor you would like to see, how harmoniously the texture and shade of the floor covering will be combined with the rest of the interior. Dark looks solid and contrasts well with a restrained and light interior. But a room with such a base needs good lighting. For dark rooms, it is better to choose a light floor - it will be fresher and will not absorb light.

Combination of colors in the interior

Also, you should not make one covering option for the entire apartment. This will be a mistake, especially for small rooms. The coating should be chosen depending on the purpose of the room. By the way, floors with a pronounced relief coating are also not the best option. Keeping them clean will not be easy - dirt will get into all these reliefs and grooves if they are very deep. At the same time, in the bathroom, for example, it is worth putting a relief covering in order to reduce the risk of injury to the floor. It's easy to slip on glossy surfaces if you spill water on it.

Which ones to choose?

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

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

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

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

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

That is why only the hardest and highest quality option is suitable. Moreover, it should look presentable and complement the interior of the apartment as a whole. The most suitable for such premises would be ceramic tiles. It lasts a very long time and withstands all of the above impacts.

Linoleum is also often placed in the hallway, but the hardest models with an additional backing are purchased. Another option for the hallway is laying laminate flooring. But for this area of ​​the apartment it is better to select durable models of class 31-33.

You can choose other floor coverings for the bedroom. Considering that it is in this room that you will most often walk barefoot, so the covering should be warm and pleasant to the touch. Parquet or parquet boards are perfect for this.

Carpet is very soft and aesthetically pleasing, so it is ideal for the sleeping area. At the same time, it performs well the function of sound insulation, which is so necessary for sleeping quarters. You can lay laminate in this area, but you will have to put rugs near the bed, since without a backing in the form of warm floors, laminate is cold.