Floors in the apartment are the best solution. Porcelain stoneware and ceramic or tile

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

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What coverage to prefer, if the choice is so great?

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

1. Block parquet

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Most people under the word "parquet" mean exactly piece parquet.

2. Parquet board

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The parquet board forms ideally smooth, "seamless" floor surface.

3. Cork floor

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4. Massive board

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A solid wood floor does not look “homogeneous”: the chamfers on the board separate one plate from another.

coating	price	term services	solid board advantages	solid board disadvantages
massive board	30-200 USD sq/m	up to 50 years old correct styling	Nice natural finish. The massive board is universal, suitable for almost any interior. Very durable.	It requires a high-quality "rough" floor, when laying it is necessary to use a heavy-duty two-component adhesive (it itself is quite expensive). The massive board sharply reacts to the microclimate in the room: temperature and humidity.

5. Art parquet

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

coating	price	life time	advantages of artistic parquet	disadvantages of artistic parquet
Art parquet	From 50-70 to 3000 USD sq/m	50-70 years old	Luxurious coating, the ability to create a unique pattern. It is difficult to think which floors are better and more status than artistic parquet.	High cost. Very "dictates conditions" to the rest of the interior.

6. Laminate

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By appearance quality laminate difficult to distinguish from parquet flooring.

7. Natural linoleum, marmoleum

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Natural linoleum is made according to the old technology from "pure" materials.

8. Rubber flooring

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A not too well-known coating for the home, in appearance, the rubber floor is a cross between linoleum and self-leveling flooring. But much more environmentally friendly.

coating	price	life time	advantages of rubber flooring	disadvantages of rubber flooring
rubber coating	from 20 USD sq/m	From 25 years old	Extremely easy to install coating (tile or roll). It has good sound insulation, hardy (can be used even in gyms). The rubber floor is antistatic.	Rubber is sensitive to high and low temperatures. Despite the claims of manufacturers of special environmental friendliness, synthetic rubber (rubber) is often used.

9. PVC linoleum

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

10. Carpet

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

11. Modular carpet tiles

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Modular carpet tiles are an alternative to carpet.

12. Ceramic tiles

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

13. Porcelain stoneware

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

14. Stone floor

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Gender out natural stone great for halls and atriums in the house - it will be reminiscent of the cobblestone pavement of medieval squares.

15. Self-leveling floor

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It is impossible to create a white glossy floor without a single seam otherwise - only the “self-leveling floor” technology is used.

16. Cement floor

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Cement flooring is a godsend for loft-style designer interiors.

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The basic interior issues include the decision on how to make the floors in the apartment, which determines general style each of the rooms.

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

The desired effect will be achieved by choosing a material that is appropriate in its characteristics and observing the technology of its installation.

Main elements of the device

Repair the concrete base before finishing the floor

Regardless of the decision on how to cover the floor in the apartment, whether new floors are being laid or the floor is being replaced in the apartment with your own hands, work starts from concrete base.

The slab may already have a high-quality screed, otherwise you will have to do it - concrete large drops and fill it with a self-leveling compound. The horizontal plane will give sure support to all sections and layers of future beautiful floors.

If the floors are not insulated, it is necessary to lay insulation

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

• concrete floor slab;
• waterproofing (for bathroom, kitchen, toilet);
• thermal insulation (simultaneously performing the task of sound insulation);
• flooring (includes additional technological accessories - plinth, ventilation grilles for a wooden floor on logs).

It is necessary to determine which floor in the room is better to make (PVC tiles or parquet) for each room separately, depending on its purpose. A children's room, a bedroom, a corner for sports activities differ in terms of loads and intensity of impact on the entire structure to the very foundation.

Protective level

A crucial step in the work is to calculate what to put on the screed under the selected floor, which material is better to use as a heater.

Each species has certain characteristics, including minimum thickness at which they appear in normative values and determine which floors are best done in the apartment.

Consider the brand and type of insulation under various options floor finishes are needed according to the following characteristics:

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

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

Material

Foamed polyethylene combine with other materials

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

In rooms where it is planned to lay ceramic tiles, it is advisable to use the "warm floor" technology.

Surface layer

In all the variety of coatings, you need to figure out which floors are best made for each specific situation (concrete floor or parquet).

So, what to use to cover the floor, which room the material will correspond to, is chosen from the following main positions:

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

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

The flooring materials shown may cover a concrete, wood base lined with plywood sheets or moisture resistant drywall. Manufacturers produce products for finishing the floor in an apartment, having a variety of colors, textures, patterns and entire compositions, panels.

Linoleum

A modern manufacturer offers a wide selection of colors and properties of this finishing material.

It is one of the most popular coatings today. Easy to fit, waterproof, reasonably priced, with a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can be insulated with fibrous underlays, made on a foamed bottom layer, to be immediately laid on the concrete floor in the apartment.

The material is quite soft, subject to residual deformation from heavy objects, and needs to be treated with care. Of all the options with which you can cover the finished base, the fastest.

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

In comparison, which flooring to choose, the first type wins in terms of wear resistance, but you need to pay attention to the fact that it was not originally designed for small rooms and poor ventilation.

The commercial type has a higher content of harmful components, so it is not recommended to use it in residential premises.

Laminate flooring

Laminate boards imitate any textures and colors

For changing natural wood came finishing the floor with multi-layer types of artificial boards with increased operational characteristics. The invoice and drawing successfully imitate a parquet, a stone, valuable breeds of wood and many other things.

At the same time, laminate is much more affordable and easier to install than parquet. The standard size is 0.25 × 1.5 m, the design is prudently equipped with locks that connect the lamellas into a beautiful floor.

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

carpet

It is a common decision when choosing which floor is best done in a recreation area, a children's (play) room. The cloth is made of synthetic, natural threads.

The pile can be long or absent, like a carpet. The basis is rubber, felt or jute.

The carpet structure can be wrinkled under load, clogged with dirt, absorb liquids. Carpeting requires careful handling, careful maintenance, and cleaning. Therefore, you should not start them in the hallway, use them in the kitchen, but rather lay them in the living room or bedroom.

Cork

Available in 2 types: decorative and technical (for the substrate). It is available in rolls and slabs. About the pros and cons of cork flooring, see this video:

Cork has full set desired qualities in all respects, except for the price. The material is environmentally friendly, has excellent thermal resistance, low sound conductivity, mechanical strength with small thickness.

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

Modern flooring for the home

The floor is not only an indispensable part of the design of any building, but also one of the most important elements of interior design, and therefore the choice of the only right option for flooring should be taken with all responsibility. The design of the room, the atmosphere that reigns in it, to a large extent will depend on what material you prefer, as well as on the structure of the flooring, color, pattern, its compatibility with other decor elements.

The market of finishing materials today is replete with a variety of floor coverings, which, of course, allows you to choose the option that suits you specifically, but at the same time, the richness of the assortment can be confusing: how to decide what exactly is required? You need to know at least a little about each of the offered flooring options and study the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of flooring.

Parquet and laminate flooring have been improved so much that they can now be installed almost directly in front of the shower. PVC, always considered unreliable, was quietly renamed CV (cushioned vinyl - soft vinyl). However, this did not help him in the fierce competition with polyurethane (PU or PUR). Being more hygienic and completely safe for health, this artificial material is gaining more and more square meters our dwellings.

So let's start short overview of the flooring market and some guidelines for their use. Consider what criteria should be followed when choosing a gender, as well as evaluate the advantages and disadvantages various kinds coatings.

What should be considered when choosing flooring?

Worth it in the first place take into account the purpose of the room for which you are going to purchase flooring. If we are talking about an apartment, there are no such strict requirements for the strength of the floor as in the case of industrial or commercial space.

The floor must be safe for everyone who live in the premises, complying with sanitary and hygienic standards. For example, synthetic materials (and maybe natural ones) can cause allergic reactions, as well as adversely affect the health of people from the "risk group", especially the elderly and children.

If there are animals in the house, you should abandon carpet, cork or other soft materials in favor of stone, tile, laminate. On parquet made of hardwood, pet claw marks, as a rule, do not remain, but the varnish layer still suffers, which must also be taken into account.

The floor covering, if there are animals in the apartment, should be with a durable surface layer, but not slippery

Depending on the specifics of operation, it is worth evaluating the degree of moisture resistance of your future floor. For example, when choosing a material for a bathroom, it is inappropriate to consider options such as parquet or carpet. Although some options modern parquet and even some types of laminate are quite suitable for the bathroom.

Coating aesthetics plays one of the main roles in the overall design of the space. Imagine how organically the option you like will fit into the decor of the room, whether it will fit the furniture and walls.

No less important are aspects such as access to communications that lie under its surface, as well as the temperature that the coating will have to withstand. The latter refers to, for which it is recommended to choose a specially designed laminate that transmits heat better than usual.

Parquet or parquet board

Natural and ecological parquet today is synonymous with quality. It creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort even in a high-tech room. New technologies expand the artistic possibilities of this material, offering new wood species, original ways of laying. with proper care, it will serve for a long time, keeping the heat in the house qualitatively and serving as an obstacle to the noise coming from the neighbors below.

However, parquet is tricky to handle, requires regular maintenance, and also suffers from solid particles brought from the street, studs and animal claws. In order for the parquet floor to last longer, a flooring should be made at the entrance to the room, which would hold back small stones and sand that can scratch it. However, the combination of aspects such as moisture-resistant woods (eg merbau), installation method by full adhesion to the surface of the substrate, allows it to be used even in splash areas.

Ceramic tile

The main characteristics of ceramic tiles are durability and reliability, so it can be used in hallways, kitchens and bathrooms. . Thanks to this, such ceramic tiles, firstly, are laid in a floating way; secondly, it can be easily removed and replaced if necessary.

This material is much cheaper than parquet and has excellent functionality, thanks to which it has become widespread. Laminate is able to resist abrasion, impact resistance, impact resistance household chemicals, moisture, elevated temperatures, easy to install and hygienic.

In order for the laminate to last longer, it is recommended to choose those types that belong to the increased strength class (34 or 33), since only these classes can boast good wear resistance and load resistance. Laminate should be laid on a perfectly flat surface, otherwise it is quickly deformed, gaps form between the joints, into which moisture can get.

It is the appearance and reasonable price that makes such materials the clear favorites of residential premises that you want to make cozy and comfortable. Good laminate outwardly no different from a real tree. At the same time, it is stronger and more durable than a floor made of real wood. But there are also disadvantages: instability to scratches and the practical impossibility of grinding.

Among the disadvantages of the laminate and its low soundproofing. Weakness of all multilayer materials is poor resistance to moisture. That is why until now it was not possible to use laminate and parquet boards in bathrooms. But time passes and everything changes. differs in that this material is protected from all sides by plastic, due to which it is moisture resistant.

Vinyl laminate or laminate with polyurethane surface

When it comes to artificial flooring materials, many people think of PVC roll materials, but not necessarily. Vinyl flooring is durable, water-resistant and comfortable to walk on, but it is also unhealthy due to the chlorine content. PVC is used in areas where the floor needs to be waterproof and easy to clean, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

A fairly new floor covering meets these requirements perfectly - polyurethane floor. He has the same positive characteristics like a PVC floor: it is pleasant to walk on, it has high wear resistance, and we are not talking about a self-leveling field, as you might think. In fact, this laminate with polyurethane face or as it is also called vinyl laminate. But also a polyurethane floor can be self-leveling, but more on that below.

Here, in order not to confuse anyone, it is immediately worth clarifying. There are three options for vinyl laminate:

• Elastic moisture resistant laminate, also known as flexible vinyl (PVC) tile. Therefore, although it is called a laminate for a very similar appearance, it would be more correct to attribute it to plastic tiles (section below). Examples include Contesse Floor products;
• - a full-fledged, familiar and understandable laminate, a panel 5-10 mm thick, based on a fibreboard high density(HDF - High Density Fiberboard), with a variety of vinyl and cork backing. A striking example of HDF vinyl laminate can be products from Floover (Switzerland);
• Vinyl moisture resistant laminate- outwardly conventional stove standard laminate, but based on a composite plastic panel with a vinyl outer coating. For example, Floover products;

In particular, Floover's laminate flooring comes in several fundamentally different designs: the laminate flooring can be made from an HDF panel or a composite plastic panel and can have many different skin layers. It can be natural leather or varnished cork, or a decorating layer of digital photo printing, or a woven layer of vinyl, or a layer of natural linoleum.

A few examples of the use of modern laminate from the Floover collection:

This material is distinguished by the widest variety of colors, the absence of difficulties in laying and affordable price. In addition, it is a dielectric, does not rot, is practical, does not require special care and can be used in any type of premises.

The choice of linoleum is now simply huge.

Modern linoleum can be divided into five main types: natural linoleum (marmoleum), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) linoleum, glyptal (alkyd) linoleum, colloxylin (nitrocellulose) and rubber (relin) linoleum.

Linoleum is a synthetic material, consisting entirely of artificial components, and although under normal conditions this does not affect its environmental safety in any way, the floor still does not breathe. At low temperatures, it can break and crack, and is also unstable to fire, acetone and other solvents.

Marmoleum or natural linoleum

This modern version floor covering environmentally friendly, as it includes jute fiber, linseed oil, natural dyes, tree resins and other components of natural origin. Due to its antibacterial properties, it is perfect for use in hospitals and kindergartens. Such material does not accumulate dust and dirt, and its wear resistance only increases over the years.

Marmoleum - natural linoleum

It is produced, like ordinary linoleum - in rolls, but there are also marmoleum tiles with locking joints, which are laid similarly to laminate - Marmoleum Click. Unlike ordinary linoleum, marmoleum tiles have a very large variety of colors.

However, during transportation, natural linoleum must not be bent, otherwise it may break. It is recommended to lay marmoleum on a perfectly flat surface, and in the first week after laying point loads on the floor should be avoided (for example, heavy furniture and high heels should not be placed).

cork floor

Cork is a fairly young, but already widespread type of flooring. In addition to its environmental safety, it is resistant to moisture, does not rot, retains heat and noise well, and is easy to clean. It is pleasant to the touch, soft, slightly springy underfoot. Cork is not eaten by rodents and insects, does not destroy microorganisms.

Over time, the protective layer covering the cork wears out, traces of furniture may remain on the surface, and in those places where the movement is especially intense, a path is formed. Among the disadvantages of cork coating and its high cost.

Cork flooring elements can be equipped with click connections. As a result, this material has the same features as laminate and parquet board: without additional external processing, it is not advisable to use cork in rooms with a high level of humidity, such as bathrooms, but, nevertheless, as in all rules and there are exceptions here too - the cork can be used both in the bathroom and in toilet room. After all, the cork itself is moisture resistant, very warm, elastic, environmentally friendly and antistatic.

Cork perfect material for the bedroom, it can also be used in the kitchen. Cork is not recommended for the hallway, because in this area it will wear out very quickly. However, in the bathroom it can still be used if it is completely glued to the surface of the base, and covered on top protective composition- varnish. When laying a completely new material, such as mosaic cork, all joints and edges must be carefully sealed with a special elastic mortar.

This material creates a feeling of warmth and comfort, is easy to clean and maintain, durable, has sound and heat insulation. The carpet is environmentally friendly, does not wrinkle, does not attract dust, is resistant to ignition, and also has a wide range of colors and a variety of patterns.

Sometimes modern carpet looks no different from natural carpets.

Such a coating is relatively short-lived: from 5 to 8 years, and can also quickly lose its appearance. Before laying requires careful leveling of the floor. Carpet made from natural ingredients can scare away with its high price.

Vinyl flooring

This coating is a mixture of vinyl with natural fine stone. Vinyl flooring is affordable, durable, moisture resistant, easy to clean, resilient, has a wide range of colors and is easy to install. It can also be used to decorate walls.

Such a coating can become a luxurious and very original element of the interior. It is not necessary to install it on the entire surface: it is allowed to highlight some sections of the floor with glass.

Durable glass, from which the coating is made, is durable, moisture resistant, has a presentable appearance. The glass floor is difficult to install, needs constant cleaning, scratches, and is also expensive.

Polymer floor or self-leveling decorative 3D floor

This seamless coating is poured directly onto concrete, mixed with quartz sand of various colors, thanks to which it is possible to create variety of options floors. The polymer surface is durable, hygienic, does not burn and does not pass moisture, and is resistant to acids.

Among the disadvantages of polymer flooring, it is worth noting the need for special skills in its installation, therefore the creation of a self-leveling floor is best left to professionals.

Wood-polymer composite or WPC

It is called "liquid wood" because it consists of a polymer and wood. With a high content of wood filler, the coating externally approaches MDF or fiberboard, with a low content - to plastic. Possessing the properties of wood, the material is moisture resistant, does not burn, does not rot or mold, has a smooth surface without defects, and is also more durable. WPC is perfect for regions with low temperatures. This is modern coating can be sawn, planed, stained, lined with natural or synthetic materials.

WPC is used not only as a floor covering, but also for other types of work. For example, today this composition is used for the manufacture of window and door profiles, siding, balustrades, roofing, and many different floorings. In addition to construction, WPC is used in formwork for concrete work, in the production of railway parts, railings, piers, sidewalks, sea piles, noise barriers. This material can also be found in garden structures, as well as in furniture, pallets and even in equipment for children's and sports fields.

How to choose floor color?

Bright hues

In order for the room to visually expand, it is necessary to bring more light into it and. Light shades of flooring are perfect for cramped rooms, creating the illusion of space and perfect order. A light floor can be combined with a variety of colors in the interior, harmonizes with cool tones in the decoration of the walls, and the wood flooring, made in such shades, creates interesting effects next to dark furniture.

However, in combination with light walls a light floor can create an atmosphere of cold, facelessness in a room. If the tone of the walls is much darker, the horizontal lines of the interior will be highlighted. If you want to decorate the floor with a carpet, choose light or neutral tones to emphasize the texture of the material.

Dark tones

A room completely made in may seem shapeless. Such shades are able to expand the room, while making it visually lower. A combination of dark and warm colors brings a sense of comfort to the room. If the walls and floor are decorated in dark colors, in combination with a light ceiling, they can cause a well effect (light at the top). With the help of a dark floor, you can play on contrasts, alternating dark and light shades in decor elements.

We'll probably end here. Some flooring options had not even been mentioned in this article (for example,), otherwise it would become truly gigantic. Having become acquainted with the main selection criteria and the range of floor coverings, you will be able to take into account all the nuances in order to purchase exactly the option that best suits your taste and requirements of the room.

Having started repairs in an apartment, one cannot help but face the question: how to make a flat floor correctly so that the price of materials does not “bite”, and do all the work yourself, without calling specialists. And it doesn’t matter at all whether work starts from scratch or is it an old floor that needs updating, the issue is serious and worth considering in detail. If only because not only strength, beauty, but the abrasion of the coating, the features of sliding, styling, and so on are important.

What to lay?

Market offerings are practically unlimited. Each user can choose coverage according to price, color and preferences. Finishing materials are divided into groups, prices and the manufacturer tries to take into account all the wishes of customers. But not every material can be used in a particular room. For example, tiles. Plain, ceramic, dense and beautiful. Finishing is ideal for the hallway and bathroom, but in the living room and bedroom it is not always appropriate. Therefore, you should first think about what and where to lay in an apartment or house. For example, pay attention to universal coatings: laminate, linoleum.

If you try hard, you can always find acceptable material in terms of quality and affordable price. And then proceed to the process of renovation, restoration or complete repair of the floor with your own hands.

Stages of laying a floor with a concrete base

Even starting repairs from scratch, you must first prepare the base. Not every consumer likes concrete, especially if it is the floor in an apartment on the first floors, so the base will have to be insulated. The process is carried out, as a rule, with the help of a log, which allows you to get a flat floor, which is inexpensive.

Concrete base repair

Often the subfloor has chips, dents or notches that can be removed with your own hands. The easiest option is a screed. The execution will not take much time or effort, and will not require knowledge. And even if the user takes up work for the first time, it is enough to buy a ready-made mixture and do everything as written on the package. Dry powder is sold in packages that are clearly calculated on the area, so you will have to find out this point before work. Now cover the base with waterproofing and proceed to renovate the floors with your own hands:

1. Lay the rolled materials overlapping with an edge overlap of 10-15 cm;
2. Leave an allowance for wall panels also 10-15 cm;
3. Fix the edges of the strips with construction tape along the entire butt border;
4. Pour the finished screed.

To make a flat floor in an apartment correctly, watch a video that will help you calculate the time spent on repairs. An important point: if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apartment is large, it is worth dividing the space into sections and pouring the foundation gradually. The use of metal guides in this case is necessary so that the solution does not overflow. After pouring, they are removed, the joints are sealed and transferred to another area, you can use metal elements as many times as you like.

In order for the floors in the apartment, made by hand, to please with strength and warmth, you will have to choose a heat-insulating substrate. In this case, the floor will always remain dry, and the final coating, for example, parquet, will not creak after the first year of operation. Manufacturers offer a large assortment materials that differ in structure, appearance and characteristics. For example, expanded clay is a dry filler, the price of which is very affordable. Possessing high quality and practical indicators, expanded clay fits comfortably. It is enough to scatter dry material over the base, level and pour another layer of screed. It's good to make reinforcement with a reinforcing mesh. They lay it on top of the insulation, thereby fixing the screed and at the same time, without limiting its "flexibility".

As for roll or tile insulating materials, after laying it is worth covering them with waterproofing in the form of cellophane, for example. Otherwise, liquid (condensate), falling on them, will destroy quality properties and the heater will be useless.

Watch again the video on how to make the floors in the apartment with your own hands and you will definitely get a flat floor that will last for decades.

How to make a joist floor

Making floors in an apartment or house with your own hands along the logs is even easier, but only if the height of the ceilings allows. Many experts recommend this option, emphasizing the optimality for several reasons:

1. This is a dry method that does not require a screed;
2. The increased speed of the entire procedure allows you to move on to the final work without much time.

If you do everything right, a new flat floor will be ready in just a matter of days. But for starters, they putty, fill cracks, chips, and so on. Then waterproofing and installation of a log. For this, a bar with a height of up to 70 mm is used, which is set in a horizontal plane. It will facilitate the process of setting two extreme logs with stretched transverse threads - it is easier to align the intermediate elements along them, without losing their height and evenness.

After preparing the crate, lay out a layer of insulation and waterproofing between the lags, which is attached directly to the bars, and any material of your choice is placed on top of the structure. For example, if you want a wooden floor in an apartment, take boards, but under heated floors you need to make a solid foundation:

• plywood sheets;
• Boards.

Under the sheets and slabs, the crate is adjusted so that each element covers three bars: one in the middle, two on the edge. The support must be strong, but the tiled material should be laid out, slightly shifting. This improves the distribution of the load, it will evenly fall on the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe base. What and how much material to take will have to be decided independently, calculating the area to be covered. Floors on logs are convenient to do in new apartment starting repairs from scratch and in a room where the floors are pretty worn out. The option is extremely economical, especially with the use of expanded clay as a heat insulator, while the materials are lightweight, which means excess weight will not cover.

But there are a number of points, the implementation of which is mandatory:

1. The tree is covered with an antiseptic;
2. Plywood from the top side is coated with hot drying oil so that the base always remains dry;
3. Fastening with self-tapping screws on the logs will provide strength;
4. The joints are sealed with dry construction tape, puttied.

Important! If you want to make a solid floor, you can lay plywood in 2 layers, but in this case, self-tapping screws and glue are used for the top sheets. Now the cover is ready for final finishing and you can lay parquet, laminate, carpet or tile. To make the process even clearer, watch the video.

Alternatives

You can make the floors in the house with your own hands in a different way. For example, by means of a dry screed. It is enough to lay gypsum-fiber sheets with density and strength. But here you need a flat surface and laying in at least 2 layers. How many items to buy will tell you the size of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. The ease of use of this material is that connecting element tiles - a castle, you don’t have to buy it in addition or think about how to fix the fragments on the base.

Important! GVL slabs are laid both on concrete and on logs. Watch the video, which shows the main points of laying out and fastening GVL sheets, perhaps this option for updating or repairing floors with your own hands will be the most acceptable.

Which option to choose is up to the owner. But remember that even the most complex processes do not always require vast knowledge and experience. A few tips, patience and full calculation: how much material to take, how to fix, what to put will help you cope even in a difficult situation when you need to make the floors in the house with your own hands. And thanks to new technologies, manufacturers offer almost completely finished materials, the process of working with which is extremely simplified.

In most cases, a modern apartment is a concrete box, subject to rough and fine finishing. In the case of the floor, the homeowner needs to resolve several fundamentally important issues - which rough design to choose, how to insulate and soundproof it, and also which topcoat to use in each of the rooms. Floors in the apartment - what to make them so that they are not only aesthetically attractive, but also safe, durable and practical. About this today's material.

For styling most decorative coatings a level, solid foundation is required. Sometimes the quality of the floor slab allows you to finish without pre-training, but more often it is required to level the base, its insulation and sound insulation. The type of floor construction ensures its reliability, practicality and durability. Therefore, it often consists of an intermediate (rough) floor mounted on a floor slab and a finishing floor (decorative), which must also have the characteristics and properties corresponding to the purpose of the room.

A rough screed does not require special qualifications of the builder, but, nevertheless, it involves a large number of works associated with its creation. You will find device features and a calculator for calculating the amount of ingredients for a floor screed solution

Previously, laying the finishing material directly on the floor slab was practiced, but it soon became clear that decorative material in the form of linoleum, carpet or parquet does not provide the required level of heat and sound insulation, and hence the proper degree of comfort and safety for human health. In addition, the absence of a rough leveling structure affects the evenness of the coating and reduces its service life.

Now the design of the floor in a modern apartment is a complex multilayer technological system in which each layer is thought out and technologically justified - hydro, sound, heat and vapor barrier.

Fundamentally, two types of black floor are distinguished - in the form of a screed and a structure with lags. Each variety has its own characteristics and advantages.

Varieties of screeds

In addition to the fact that the screed is designed to level the base for the finishing material, it affects the following factors:

1. Makes the base more rigid.
2. Forms a heat and waterproofing layer.
3. Allows you to create a slope for water drainage in rooms where it is needed.
4. Allows you to lay engineering communications and electrical networks in the floor structure.

When installing a floor in an apartment, one of three types of screeds are used:

1. Wet.
2. Dry.
3. Semi-dry.

Each of these varieties has its own characteristics, technology, advantages and disadvantages.

Wet screed

This is the traditional screed method, significant disadvantage which is the presence of water in the composition of the solution in in large numbers. Before pouring it, it is imperative to provide a high-quality waterproofing layer of the base (floor slab), otherwise moisture will seep through it. To create a waterproofing layer, coating compositions are used that make it possible to obtain a monolithic, seamless coating or ordinary dense polyethylene, which is overlapped at least 15 cm and carefully glued with a waterproof tape.

Important! Waterproofing is brought to the walls to the height of the screed.

A variety of this type of screed is one of the cheapest options. You can fill it yourself. And the issue of providing thermal insulation can be solved by laying foam in two layers with an offset. This will lead to an increase in the cost of the floor structure, but it will become much warmer.

To create a solution, cement of a grade not lower than M400 is used, which is mixed with sand and water. In order for the components to form a stronger bond and the screed to be strong and dense, add. As part of the screed, this substance affects the following points:

1. Increases the mobility of the solution.
2. Increases mortar strength by 50%.
3. Increases the adhesion of mortar to reinforcement by 1.5 times.
4. Reduces cement consumption by -20%.
5. Reduces the amount of water in the solution.

The strength of the screed is also ensured by its thickness, which should not be less than 2 cm. This type of base is suitable for any finishing coatings, as well as for laying the "warm floor" system. Of the shortcomings of a wet screed, the following are noted:

1. The work is classified as labor intensive.
2. The process is associated with wet, "dirty" work.
3. To get an even layer, you need to have the skill of working with beacons, to know how to install them correctly.
4. Drying of the screed requires long time(at least 3 weeks).
5. The screed during the hardening process requires special care - wetting, in order to avoid the formation of cracks on its surface.

Semi-dry screed

This variety is great alternative wet screed. This method is also quite inexpensive and is distinguished by the use of a small amount of water. As a result, a certain mass is obtained, which in the circle of professional builders is called “carving”, which is sand mixed dry with cement and a minimum amount of water that barely moistens the mixture. The device of a waterproofing layer when laying such a composition on a floor slab, in fact, is only a convention.

The advantages of this type of screed include the following:

1. It can be used both in new and old apartments, in private houses and cottages.
2. The presence of a small amount of water allows the use of this type of screed, regardless of the height of the floor where the apartment is located - moisture does not penetrate into the lower apartment even without a waterproofing layer.
3. The ability to create a perfectly even base without air bubbles, which are removed during the tamping process of the semi-dry mixture.
4. Low probability of crack formation. If fiber is added to the composition, then the screed will acquire additional strength and will definitely not crack.
5. Formation of an excellent soundproof barrier between apartments.
6. The ability to make even the floor on an unheated loggia warmer.
7. It can be used in the "warm floor" system with water or electric coolant.
8. Reliably protects internal communications from mechanical impact.
9. Due to the low moisture content, the screed dries quickly, which allows you to generally speed up the repair process.
10. Availability and low cost of components.

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

1. Without a certain work experience, it is difficult to add optimal amount water into the screed.
2. The low fluidity of the solution causes difficulties in laying the screed and forming a flat surface.
3. A high-quality coating is obtained using special tools for tamping.
4. The height of the screed should not be less than 4 cm.
5. When forming a high screed, a reinforcing mesh must be used.

Dry screed

For an apartment located in a multi-storey building, a screed made using this technology is an ideal option. This method can be called a screed, rather, it is a multilayer flooring that does not use water.

To form an even horizontal plane, as well as in the manufacture of other types of screeds, guide beacons are used. At the same time, the liquid solution is replaced by a dry granular heat-insulating backfill, which is also distributed by the rule. After that, to form a rigid base, two layers of gypsum fiber boards are laid. Such a screed is strong and reliable.

The advantages of a dry screed device include the following:

1. A significant reduction in the time of work - you can keep within one working day.
2. It is possible to qualitatively level differences of any height.
3. Laying the finish coat can be carried out immediately after the installation of the screed.
4. Dry backfill provides high-quality heat and sound insulation of the room.
5. "Clean" work process.
6. The low weight of the floor construction allows this screed to be used in rooms with weak ceilings, for example, in wooden houses or on balconies.
7. The dismantling of the structure is carried out quickly, which is especially important when laying communications and engineering networks inside the floor.

Lag floor construction

This technology for creating draft foundation is also traditional and has been used for a long time. It is endowed with special advantages that make this method of arranging a rough foundation the most optimal for apartments:

1. When constructing such a floor, there are no “wet” processes.
2. The construction material is environmentally friendly and safe.
3. The installation process does not require special skills and tools.

Differ similar designs lag laying method and type of flooring material. The lags can be simple and adjustable. They differ in the way they rest on the base. In the first case, bars or chocks are used to install the log, which must be selected in height so that all logs laid in increments of at least 50 cm are located in a single horizontal plane.

modern and convenient way flooring by joists is a method using adjustable supports in the form of studs and nuts. By rotating the latter, the required height of each beam is set. This technology is convenient and allows you to quickly mount the logs, but it costs more than the first option.

As a flooring material for the rough base, you can use:

1. Boards. Moreover, such flooring can be both rough and finish, if you use a top-class grooved board.
2. Plywood. Sheets are laid in two layers with spaced seams. It is smooth and durable, but quite expensive material.
3. OSB boards, fit like plywood, but are cheaper.
4. Chipboard. Most a budget option for flooring. In terms of characteristics, it is inferior to the above options.

What should be the floor in rooms for different purposes

Material finish coating is selected depending on the purpose of the room, where different requirements are imposed on it regarding the appearance and performance.

Floor in the bedroom

The bedroom is the quietest place in the apartment. Here a person should be able to fully relax after a working day, relax, sleep. The interior of the bedroom is usually decorated in soothing colors using environmentally friendly and, preferably, natural materials.

The flooring in the bedroom must meet the following requirements:

1. The surface should be pleasant to the touch, as often in the bedroom you have to walk barefoot, going to bed or getting up early in the morning. Natural coatings have a more suitable surface - board, parquet, cork and soft carpet.
2. The coating must absorb noise when walking on it, especially if it is a spouse's room - excess noise can interfere with the rest of the second person. For the same reason, the coating should not creak. Cork and carpet meet this requirement to a greater extent.
3. Particular attention is paid to the aesthetics of the coating. It should match the style and color scheme of the room, take into account the level of illumination in it, contribute to the creation of a cozy, warm atmosphere.
4. An optimal microclimate should be created in the sleeping room, so preference should be given to natural, “live” finishing materials. In the case of the floor - natural wood and products made from it.
5. The floor surface must be antistatic - this quality will provide clean air and a minimum amount of dust in the room. This quality is especially important in a room where people suffering from asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system live.
6. The coating must be wear-resistant, even and durable. Despite the fact that the bedroom is a room with a low level of traffic - this way the coating will last longer.

Children's room

On the surface of the floor in the nursery there are serious dynamic loads, there is a possibility of mechanical damage, getting wet and dirty. At the same time, the floor must retain heat, be easy to clean and maintain its aesthetic appearance throughout the entire service life.

There are several requirements:

1. The material must be of high quality, meet all safety standards.
2. The coating must have soundproofing properties.
3. The surface of the material must be non-slippery, hygienic, hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, free of odors and dyes.
4. The material must withstand repeated wet cleaning, exposure to detergents and cleaners. Also, the coating should not absorb dirt.
5. The coating must be antistatic (the property not to accumulate dust on its surface).
6. It is important that the material is cushioned when walking on it - this property will protect the child from injury when falling and reduce the load on the spine.

Floor in the living room

The living room is a room where all family members meet, spend family holidays, receive guests. Sometimes, the room performs several functions, being a living room and dining room, living room and study, living room and bedroom. All this must be taken into account when choosing a floor covering.

Of the basic requirements for the floor in the living room, the following are noted:

1. The coating should be aesthetically attractive, organically combined with the rest of the finish and furniture, emphasizing the style of the interior.
2. When choosing a floor covering, take into account the shade of the cashing of the door and window opening.
3. The surface of the floor must be wear-resistant and durable - so the coating will last longer.
4. The living room can be called calling card at home, so the flooring here is chosen expensive, creating a presentable appearance of the interior.
5. The coating should be easy to care for and durable, especially if children and pets live in the house.

Floor in the kitchen

The kitchen area has special operational characteristics. The floor material here is exposed to various adverse effects:

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

floor in the hallway

The entrance hall is the room that is most exposed to negative and even aggressive influences. This is where most of the sand, dirt, water gets. The coating is subject to mechanical stress and wear.

The floor material in the hallway must have the following properties:

1. The aesthetic appearance of the coating plays an important role.
2. Preference should be given to coatings on the surface of which scratches and dirt are less visible.
3. The surface must withstand mechanical stress and abrasives.
4. The material is chosen to be moisture resistant, on the surface of which water can stand for some time without harming the coating.
5. The material must be resistant to aggressive cleaning agents.
6. It is desirable that the floor surface has dirt-repellent properties.
7. The high strength of the material will protect the coating from shock loads.

Bathroom floor

Pie floor indoors with high humidity necessarily includes a layer of waterproofing. The most reliable type is the coating method, which forms a monolithic sealed coating. The main features of the coating in the bathroom include the following:

1. Moisture resistance.
2. Durability.
3. Hygiene.
4. Mechanical strength.
5. Not slippery surface.
6. Simple care.
7. aesthetic appeal.
8. The minimum number of joints or their careful sealing.

Types of floor coverings and their characteristics

All floor coverings that can be used in an apartment differ in the way they are laid, the requirements for the preparation of the base, the appearance and operational qualities. Consider the most popular options.

grooved board

The wooden floor is traditional way creating a warm, pleasant to the touch, natural coating. For fine finish a special type of board is used, which is called grooved. In addition to the fact that it is equipped with a groove and a ridge, on back side there are grooves that provide natural ventilation flooring.

Important! The tongue/groove lock ensures even distribution over the flooring surface.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of boardwalk

Advantages

disadvantages

1. Natural wood is a natural, environmentally friendly and safe material. 2. The tree "breathes", and therefore affects the creation optimal microclimate in room. 3. With proper care and the right choice of wood species, the coating will last for many years. 4. The surface can be subjected to a variety of treatments - staining, varnishing, brushing, oiling and waxing. 5. Wooden floor creates a cozy, warm atmosphere in the interior.

1. When compared with other materials, wood has a higher cost. 2. Natural wood is unstable to mechanical stress and cannot be restored if severely damaged. 3. Periodically, treatment with antiseptic compounds is required. 4. The material is combustible, so it is additionally treated with antiperm. 5. Periodic renewal of the decorative layer is required. 6. Wood is afraid of moisture, so it can not be installed in every room. It is also worth performing a thorough waterproofing of the base when installing a wooden floor on the ground floor above an unheated underground.

Table 2. Board laying process

Image	Description
	The first board is laid with a groove to the wall at a certain distance, forming a gap of at least 1 cm.
	They are fixed on a self-tapping screw so that the fastener head is subsequently behind the plinth.
	For further installation of the flooring, you can use long self-tapping screws that exceed the thickness of the lamella by 2 times. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the boards at the lag locations. The fastener caps are subsequently masked with a special putty.
	The second method involves screwing self-tapping screws into the tenon of each board. This method provides a tighter fit of the boards and allows you to hide the fasteners.

Parquet

One of the varieties of wooden flooring is block parquet. You can also install modular parquet, which looks like tiles with geometric pattern from several plates.

Important! Parquet differs from other materials in that it is made of solid wood, so its cost is quite high. However, this coating has a very long term services.

The presence of a groove and a ridge on each plank ensures their snug fit, in addition, the elements are attached to the adhesive during installation. For the manufacture of parquet, such wood as oak, cherry, ash, beech, maple is used.

Table 3. Advantages and disadvantages of parquet

Advantages

disadvantages

1. The use of hard rocks for the manufacture of dies allows you to get a durable, reliable coating. 2. Due to the unique natural pattern, the coating has a unique, aesthetic appearance. 3. When repairing, you can replace a single fragment without disassembling the entire coating. 4. The coating is environmentally friendly and safe. 5. The large thickness of the dies makes them resistant to mechanical stress and allows them to be repeatedly polished. 6. The coating has excellent heat and sound insulation properties.

1. Is the most expensive way to finish the floor. 2. For laying, it is required to hire a specialist with experience in carrying out such work. 3. The material is more demanding of microclimatic conditions than others. 4. Like any wood material, it is afraid of moisture.

Piece and modular parquet differ in cost and, if desired, you can choose the material at a fairly affordable price.

Table 4 average cost parquet

Name and image of material brand Papa Carlo	Average cost as of September 2018, rubles
	880
	680
	920
	2800
	3600
	3600
	2500

parquet board

The parquet board is three-layer floor material with a lock connection, like a laminate, but differs from it in that the front layer, like all the others, is made natural wood. Therefore, the parquet board looks noble and natural. The slats are highly durable due to the fact that the middle layer of the slats is located perpendicular to the outer one - the lower plywood and the front decorative, impregnated with a protective compound.

Externally, a parquet board can imitate a parquet flooring. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the front layer of one lamella looks like it is assembled from 2, 3 or 4 rows of dies.

Table 5. Advantages and disadvantages of a parquet board

Advantages

disadvantages

1. Lamels are made of natural wood. 2. Affordable cost compared to parquet. 3. Simple installation and strong connection of lamellas due to the presence of a locking system. 4. A wide variety of shades and types of wood. 5. Variety additional ways processing. 6. Variability of laying methods. 7. Can be used in the "warm floor" system. 8. Nice surface. 9. The ability to absorb noise. 10. Durable, even coating that does not require complex maintenance. 11. The possibility of creating a collapsible cover.

1. Vulnerability to moisture. 2. Vulnerability to chemical reagents and overheating when used in a floor heating system. 3. When damaged mechanically the entire lamella must be replaced.

Table 6. Laying parquet board

Illustration	Description
	The material, without unpacking, is left for 48 hours.
	First, a substrate is laid with the institution of the material on the wall along the perimeter of the room.
	The boards of the first row are cut on one side, removing the locking element. A gap is left between the wall and the first row of lamellas by inserting special spacer plastic wedges into the gap.
	For a snug fit, the slats use the technology of tapping on them with a hammer through a special bar.
	An electric jigsaw is used to cut the lamellas.
	The locking system allows the installation of the coating in a short time.
	Spacer wedges are installed around the entire perimeter of the room. This laying method is called floating and ensures the integrity of the coating when the material expands during a period of temperature fluctuations.
	To lay the board in the area of ​​​​the doorway, the lamella itself and the door frame are cut.
	AT doorway install a threshold with a hidden fastening to match the coating.
	At the final stage, a plinth is mounted around the perimeter of the room.

Laminate

Laminate is a coating consisting of multilayer lamellas, the front decorative layer of which imitates any type of wood, as well as other natural and artificial materials.

Lamellas from different manufacturers can have arbitrarily technological layers that improve the performance properties of the laminate. The simplest instance consists of the following layers:

1. Lower stabilization paper layer with melamine impregnation.
2. The bearing and the thickest layer based on HDF - plates with a locking connection at the ends.
3. Decorative paper layer with natural material texture pattern.
4. A protective polymer layer that determines the wear resistance (class) of the laminate. For residential premises, material of class 32 is purchased.

Table 7. Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

Advantages

disadvantages

1. Castle type connection of the lamellas ensures their tight fit and quick installation. 2. The possibility of creating a collapsible coating for floating laying. 3. The front layer resistant to mechanical stress and the moisture resistance of some models allows the use of the material in hallways and kitchens. 4. Waterproof laminate (PVC) can be used in bathrooms. 5. The coating can be used in any room, as it is environmentally friendly and safe. 6. Affordable cost and a wide range of colors and textures make this material quite popular. 7. The coating is not afraid of UV and does not need additional processing. 8. Material with a special marking can be used in the "warm floor" system.

1. Some varieties are afraid of moisture. 2. Is not a natural material. 3. The surface is not as warm as natural wood. 4. Very loud material that needs organization high-quality sound insulation grounds.

PVC laminate is environmentally friendly and safe for humans and the environment. you can see detailed list advantages of PVC panels.

Laying laminate is carried out according to the same principle as parquet boards - in a floating way.

Laying is carried out on a flat and clean base on the substrate, leaving a compensation gap along the perimeter between the coating and the wall.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the common types of flooring that can be used in rooms of any purpose and degree of traffic. Its popularity is associated with many factors, one of which is the moisture resistance of the material and the possibility of using it in wet areas.

Linoleum can be with or without a base. According to the structure, it is divided into homogeneous (single-layer) and heterogeneous (multilayer). The composition can be natural and artificial (PVC). According to the field of application, the material is divided into:

1. Commercial.
2. Domestic.
3. Semi-commercial.
4. Special.

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

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

Table 8. Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

Advantages	disadvantages
1. Low price. 2. A rich variety of colors, imitations various materials and invoices. 3. Wear-resistant front layer. 4. Durability. 5. Resistance to moisture. 6. Resistance to mechanical stress. 7. Monolithic coating that does not absorb odors and dirt. 8. Doesn't slip. 9. Suitable for underfloor heating system. 10. Does not require complex maintenance.	1. Unnatural material. 2. There may be a specific smell in the first 2 weeks. 3. There may be black sole marks. 4. Requires a level ground. 5. When damaged, it cannot be repaired.

Before you start laying linoleum, the base must be prepared. If laying is carried out on a cement screed or reinforced concrete slab, then its surface is cleaned of debris and primed. Also, laying can be done on wooden (plywood) flooring.

Table 9. Laying linoleum

Illustration	Description
	At the first stage, the roll is rolled out in the room and allowed to rest for some time.
	Linoleum is cut along the perimeter of the room, adjusting it to size.
	After a day, you can begin to fix the canvas with double-sided tape. The adhesive tape is first fixed on the floor, having previously unbent a part of the linoleum.
	After the surface of the tape is smoothed with a paint roller, the protective layer is removed, releasing the outer sticky side of the adhesive tape.
	Linoleum is carefully returned to its place, fixing in a given position. Do the same with the second half of the canvas.
	At the final stage, the plinth is fixed.

Marmoleum

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

1. Pine resin.
2. Linseed oil.
3. Jute fibers.
4. Wood flour.

Important! To the touch, in terms of environmental friendliness and degree of depreciation, marmoleum can be compared with cork.

Marmoleum can be rolled and slab. The rolled material must be laid on an insulated or heated base, as it does not have additional layers. Another option is slab, which is distinguished by a multilayer structure, when a strip of marmoleum is fixed on a supporting HDF-plate with a lock, and a cork substrate is attached from below. Laying of such plates is carried out quickly, and the locking method of connection ensures a snug fit of the elements and eliminates the occurrence of cold bridges.

Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of marmoleum

Advantages

disadvantages

1. The material is environmentally friendly and safe. 2. The material is hypoallergenic with bactericidal properties. 3. Affordable cost compared to other natural coatings. 4. It has sound and heat insulation properties. 5. Not subject to shrinkage and deformation, moisture resistant, retains its dimensions throughout the entire service life. 6. Does not absorb dirt. 7. Resistant to point loads. 8. Has a long service life. 9. Has an antistatic surface. 10. Does not burn, support or promote the spread of fire. 11. Can have any shade and imitate the textures of various materials. 12. Easy to install.

1. The edges of marmoleum are fragile, which requires careful handling during transportation, storage and installation. 2. The material is difficult to cut, so it is recommended to trim the marmoleum only at the junction with the wall, provided that the cut will be hidden behind the plinth.

Laying marmoleum is easy and does not require special skills.

Table 11. The process of laying marmoleum

Illustration	Description
	The base must be free of dirt and dust.
	Markings are applied to the floor surface, the middle of the room is marked, taking into account the distance from the wall along the perimeter of the room at a distance of at least 6 cm.
	Apply adhesive with a spatula.
	A spatula with teeth level the solution, forming grooves.
	A fragment is laid out from a marmoleum tile.
	Excess adhesive is removed immediately with a damp sponge.
	With the help of a rolling roller, the tile is pressed in a predetermined position, passing in two directions.
	The cut line when cutting tiles is indicated with a sharp clerical knife.
	The fragment is cut at an angle of 45 degrees using a special tool.
	After gluing the cut fragment, it is also rolled with a roller in two directions.

Video - Do-it-yourself marmoleum laying

Tile

This material occupies a special niche among floor coverings - according to its technical characteristics, it is more suitable than others for rooms with special operating conditions and requirements for floor hygiene (kitchen, bathroom, hallway).

Table 12. Advantages and disadvantages of tiles

Advantages	disadvantages
1. High hardness, density and strength. 2. Hygiene. 3. Hypoallergenic. 4. Moisture resistance. 5. Wide range shades, patterns, textures, sizes and shapes. 6. Biological passivity. 7. Fire resistant. 8. Dielectricity. 9. High thermal conductivity. 10. Wear resistance. 11. UV resistant. 12. Durability.	1. The material is fragile, so it requires careful handling during transportation, storage and installation. 2. Not resistant to point shock loads. 3. It is characterized by low soundproof properties. 4. The coating surface is cold and unpleasant to the touch. 5. Glossy varieties slide. 6. Difficult dismantling. 7. Require experience when laying.

The surface of a floor ceramic tile happens opaque and glossy. More secure, with a pleasant embossed, porous structure is a matte tile. It does not slip, therefore it is recommended for bathrooms. It is easier to remove dirt from a glossy surface, its gloss visually makes the room brighter and more spacious. Mosaic is one of the options for floor cladding, but its disadvantage is a large number of joints, which are the most vulnerable spot prone to pollution, therefore the best place for its application there will be a bathroom.

Important! When choosing floor tiles, consider operational features space and load. We will show you how to choose the right floor tiles.

self-leveling floor

The bulk floor is different in composition. In this regard, its surface can be:

1. Matte.
2. Semi-matte.
3. Glossy.
4. Semi-gloss.

In appearance, the floors are multi-color or plain, with a pattern and pattern or . The self-leveling floor makes it possible to use a variety of methods for decorating them - using a canvas with a pattern, introducing decorative inclusions into the solution, pouring wood, stone, coins and other elements with a transparent composition.

They entrust professionals with experience, as there are many manufacturing technologies for the composition, depending on the components and methods for creating a decorative coating.

Table 13. Advantages and disadvantages of self-leveling floor

carpet

Carpet is roll material with different thickness and height of the pile, shade and pattern, which allows you to choose a coating for any interior. The thickness of the material varies from 5 to 10 mm.

Note! Any carpet covering consists of a base for fixing the pile (woven or non-woven), a fixing layer based on latex, a secondary base in contact with the floor, endowing the coating with elasticity, heat and sound insulation qualities, wear resistance, and pile.

Carpet is different:

1. Manufacturing material.
2. Manufacturing technology.
3. The length and quality of the pile.
4. base material.

According to the material of manufacture, carpet can be natural and synthetic. The first is more whimsical in care and is more expensive.

Table 14. Advantages and disadvantages of carpet

cork floor

Cork is made from natural raw materials by pressing. This floor is distinguished by high shock-absorbing properties, due to the porous structure. Cork is pleasant to the touch, so it is often used in children's rooms. When using cork in rooms with a high load and traffic, the front layer is varnished.

There are several varieties - in the form of material with adhesive base or plates (laminate) with a tongue-and-groove lock. The latter may have different thickness. Tiles less than 6 mm are laid on any flat surface and fixed with glue. Material up to 12 mm thick can be mounted floating on wooden deck, screed or linoleum.

Table 15. Advantages and disadvantages of cork coating

Summary table of materials for the floor in the apartment

Summing up, it should be indicated which coatings are appropriate in certain areas of the apartment.

Table 16. What coatings are appropriate in certain rooms

Indicator	Bulk floor	Laminate	Parquet board	Array. board	Cork	Linoleum	Ceram. tile	Carpet. coating
Service life, years	10 – 30	5 – 15	15 – 30	Up to 40	Up to 50	3 – 7	5 – 15	1 – 5
Environmental friendliness	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
naturalness	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Not really	Yes	Not really
decorative	high	low	low	low	low	low	average	low
Care	easily	medium	medium	medium	medium	easily	medium	hard
Resistance to mechanical load	high	average	average	average	low	average	average	average
maintainability	high	No	low	low	No	No	No	No
thermal insulation	low	low	high	high	high	low	low	average
moisture resistance	high	low	low	low	low	high	high	low
Price	average	average	high	high	high	low	average	average
For which rooms is recommended	Hallway Living room Bathroom Kitchen	Hallway Living room Kitchen	Living room Bedroom Children's	Living room Bedroom Children's	Bedroom Children's	Hallway Living room Bathroom Kitchen	Hallway Bathroom Kitchen	Bedroom