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

Peculiarities

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

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

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

An important feature of flooring is the presence of an additional basis. Some materials require a special level base or even a sub-floor, while others can be laid on plain concrete floors.

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

Views

Floor coverings are either hard or resilient. Separately, there is a group of wooden floor coverings. Different manufacturers offer different types of flooring, which differ in their functionality, quality and design. Wooden ones include:

• parquet;
• parquet board;

• laminate;
• wood mass;
• Cork.

Elastic coatings include:

• linoleum;
• carpet.

Hard coatings include:

• ceramic tile;
• stone floors;

• porcelain stoneware;
• expanded clay;
• self-leveling floor.

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

Natural parquet

This is a classic version that is traditional and very popular. Such classics never go out of style. This coverage will highlight the high social status of the apartment owners. The parquet is made only of valuable wood species.

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

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

Parquet is made from durable and reliable species, the wood of which is characterized by high density. For its manufacture, oak, beech, maple, ash, larch are used. This floor covering is considered to be the most durable. It can last about 50 years if you provide it with proper care.

Any parquet is completely environmentally friendly and completely safe. The peculiarity of installing such a floor is that it is imperative to install sub-floors under it. Only then can block parquet be laid.

Parquet flooring is not possible in all apartments. An important requirement is the observance of a certain temperature regime and air humidity level.

Parquet is a very expensive and noble flooring option.

Parquet board

This is another option for a natural wood floor. The parquet board differs from the previous type in that it is rather large in size. The difference is the composition of such boards. So, parquet board lamellas consist of three layers, securely connected to each other. They have convenient locks and are easier to install. Their size assumes easy installation and easy dismantling.

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

Plank covering

Such floors involve laying ordinary boards on logs. It looks rustic, but natural. It is rarely used in apartments because it is quite heavy. But the big advantage of boardwalk is that it is 100% environmentally friendly and very practical. With its help, you can create interesting stylistic solutions for the premises.

The floor is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to walk on barefoot. Plank flooring is more affordable. At the same time, in terms of external characteristics, it is not inferior to other options for wooden floors.

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From cork

Cork floors are elite floor coverings. They are suitable for installation in almost any room, except for rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom, if there is no good ventilation. However, the cork may only be placed on a hard and level surface. Most often, plywood is installed under it. In no case should you lay it on bare concrete floors. otherwise, even small particles can ruin the flooring.

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

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

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

Cork is a practical material as it is not at all susceptible to temperature extremes.

In addition, it can withstand high physical exertion and stress. Even the heaviest furniture can be put on it. The cork can be quite interesting in design thanks to modern production technologies. Manufacturers present models in different shades. In addition, it is not a static material, on which dust and hair do not accumulate.

Laminate

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

Such slats are easy to install and maintain. By itself, the laminate board includes four layers. Each of them has a specific functional purpose. In the complex, they all make up a high-quality and reliable flooring option.

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

The penultimate layer is the most basic and thickest, on average, its thickness ranges from 5 to 9 mm. It consists of compressed wood, as well as locks built into this level, the basis of which is made up of tenons and grooves.

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

Laminate is an affordable and practical material.

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

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

Linoleum

This is the most popular floor covering in Russia. It is very easy to install and at the same time affordable. There is practically no need to look after him, it is enough just to periodically carry out wet cleaning. The material is completely moisture resistant and not subject to external influences. Such coatings can look very beautiful.

Manufacturers present a variety of options that differ in their pattern and shades. Typically, these floor coverings are sold in rolls. You just need to roll them on the floor. There is also an option in the form of plates.

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

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

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

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Carpet

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

The coating can be in rolls or tiles. Sheet models are easy to assemble by yourself without assistance. Only glue is required for installation. The material looks very presentable outwardly. Manufacturers present options that differ in their texture, pile length, color and pattern.

But this coating, with external presentability, has a number of negative properties. So, it has short service life. In addition, it is considered the most non-waterproof of all floor coverings. It requires special care and systematic cleaning, otherwise the coating will lose its former gloss. The basis of the carpet is jute, felt or rubber.

Such a coating is completely unsuitable for floors in the hallway or bathroom. Some stains may not be able to get rid of.

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

Ceramic tile

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

Ceramic tiles are a versatile option that has a number of advantages. It can be placed on any floor, including concrete, wood, plywood, drywall, soil. Ceramic tiles can have different designs and patterns.

This floor is suitable even for classic interiors.

The tiles can be matte or glossy. Due to its texture, this material is able to hide dust and dirt. Plus, it's pretty easy to care for. It is moisture resistant and practical.

Manufacturers present corrugated tiles that can be stepped on with wet feet. That's why this coating is perfect for the bathroom. You don't have to worry about slipping.

The color scheme of this material for finishing can be absolutely any. The tile itself is very strong and durable. These are high quality vapor barrier and non-combustible floors. The tiles are fixed with glue and serve for a very long time. But the coating is hard, so it is traumatic. Cold tiles are uncomfortable to walk barefoot.

Self-leveling floor

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

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

Which ones to choose?

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

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, then the coating must withstand mechanical stress, for example, scratches.

When choosing, you should also assess 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 because the closer the basement is to the apartment, the higher the humidity level in it.

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

As for individual rooms and functional areas, there are a number of requirements. So, the hallway area is always the most walk-through and dirtiest. It involves a lot of stress on the flooring and a lot of external influences in the form of moisture, dust and dirt. If you have children, then you will put strollers and sleds there, which can damage the coating.

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

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

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 coating should be warm and pleasant to the touch. For this, parquet, parquet board is perfect.

The 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 noise insulation, which is so necessary for sleeping quarters. In this area, you can lay laminate, but you will have to put rugs near the bed, since without a backing in the form of warm floors, the laminate is cold.

Work technology

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

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

If you choose a wooden floor from planks, then it is already placed on the joists without a subfloor. In their capacity, reinforced concrete products, timber, metal profiles are used.

During repairs, the cement screed method is often used. This is one of the simplest types of installation. In this case, a special cement mortar is made. Initially, the floor surface is cleaned from the old concrete. After that, the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt. Then it is important to measure the slope and calculate the required volume of cement mortar. The mixture can be bought ready-made or you can make it yourself.

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

Another option is to install a semi-dry screed. This option dries out much faster and at the same time better protects against moisture and does not release heat. It has much less water and special fibers that prevent cracking. The technology for laying it is about the same as in the previous version.

The dry screed method can also be used. The floor can be laid on such a floor immediately after installation. You need to put plastic sheets on the floors, and then fill them with sand and level them. The layer must be sealed and covered with a metal profile. This method is suitable for laying on strip foundations. Gypsum boards are laid on top and fixed to the profile. Any floor covering can be immediately mounted on such a screed.

Warming

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

Another option for insulation is a dry screed. This is a quick and effective way to insulate floors in an apartment.

A backing is also a rather popular way of warming. It involves laying sheets of foamed polyethylene under a decorative coating. This is not the most efficient method, but it is very easy to install. Since the backing is quite thin, it allows you to retain air and does not allow it to pass between the slabs or lamellas that make up the decorative coating. It assumes a small amount of noise insulation and insulation. Typically, such a substrate is used in combination with other security measures.

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

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

Beautiful examples in the interior

In a modern interior, you can make a light floor from parquet or laminate. It is perfect for Provence and Classic styles. The shade of bleached oak will be suitable. Can be completed with an animal skin rug.

For apartments in classic or modern style, a parquet brown floor with a wenge or oak look is perfect. This coating looks noble and sophisticated.

In most cases, a modern apartment is a concrete box, subject to rough and final finishing. In the case of the floor, the homeowner needs to decide several fundamentally important questions - which rough structure to choose, how to perform its insulation and soundproofing, as well as which topcoat to use in each of the premises. The floors in the apartment - what to make so that they are not only aesthetically attractive, but also safe, durable and practical. This is what today's material is about.

Most decorative flooring requires a flat, solid base. Sometimes the quality of the floor slab allows finishing without preliminary preparation, but more often the leveling of the base, its insulation and sound insulation is required. The type of floor structure ensures its reliability, practicality and durability. Therefore, it often consists of an intermediate (rough) floor, mounted on the floor slab and a final (decorative) floor, which must also have 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 the features of the device and a calculator for calculating the amount of ingredients for a floor screed solution

Previously, it was practiced to lay the finishing material directly on the floor slab, 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 therefore 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 a reduction in its service life.

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

Fundamentally, there are two types of black floors - 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 under 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 utility lines and electrical networks in the floor structure.

When installing the floor in an apartment, one of three types of screeds is used:

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

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

Wet screed

This is a traditional method of screed construction, a significant disadvantage of which is the presence of water in the composition of the solution in large quantities. 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 compounds are used that allow you to obtain a monolithic, seamless coating or ordinary dense polyethylene, which is laid with an overlap of at least 15 cm and carefully glued with a waterproof tape.

Important! Waterproofing is installed on the walls at the height of the screed.

A variation 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 the foam in two layers with an offset. This will increase 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 tight, add. As part of the screed, this substance affects the following points:

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

The durability 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 topcoat, as well as for laying the "warm floor" system. Of the disadvantages 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 lighthouses, to know how to install them correctly.
4. The screed takes a long time to dry (at least 3 weeks).
5. The screed during hardening requires special care - wetting, in order to avoid the formation of cracks on its surface.

Semi-dry screed

This variety is an excellent alternative to a wet screed. This method is also quite inexpensive and differs in 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 "gartsovka", which is sand, dry mixed with cement and a minimum amount of water, barely moisturizing 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 makes it possible to use this type of screed regardless of the height of the floor where the apartment is located - moisture does not penetrate into the apartment below, even without a waterproofing layer.
3. The ability to create a perfectly flat base without air bubbles, which are removed during the compaction of a semi-dry mixture.
4. Low probability of cracking. If fiber is added to the composition, then the screed will acquire additional strength and will definitely not crack.
5. Formation of an excellent sound insulation 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 heat carrier.
8. Reliably protects internal communications from mechanical stress.
9. Due to the low moisture content, the screed dries quickly, which generally speeds 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 amount of work experience, it becomes difficult to add the optimal amount of water to the composition of the screed.
2. The low fluidity of the solution becomes the cause of difficulties in laying the screed and the formation of a flat surface.
3. A high-quality coating is obtained using special tamping tools.
4. The screed height should not be less than 4 cm.
5. When forming a high screed, it is imperative to use a reinforcing mesh.

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 multi-layer flooring that does not use water.

To form a flat 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 turns out to be strong and reliable.

The advantages of a dry screed device include the following:

1. Significant reduction in terms of work execution - you can keep within one working day.
2. Differences of any height can be efficiently leveled.
3. Laying the topcoat can be carried out directly after the installation of the screed.
4. Dry backfill provides high-quality heat and sound insulation of the room.
5. "Clean" process of work.
6. The low weight of the floor structure allows this screed to be used in rooms with weakened 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.

Floor construction on logs

This technology for creating a roughing base 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 base the most optimal for apartments:

1. When installing 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.

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

A modern and convenient way of arranging the floor along the logs is the 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.

The following can be used as the material for the sub-base flooring:

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

What should be the floor in rooms for different purposes

The material of the finishing coating is selected depending on the purpose of the room, where different requirements are imposed on it in terms of appearance and performance.

Bedroom floor

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

Bedroom flooring must meet the following requirements:

1. The surface should be pleasant to the touch, as you often have to walk barefoot in the bedroom, 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 covering should absorb noise when walking on it, especially if it is a spouses' 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 correspond to the style and color scheme of the room, take into account the level of illumination in it, and contribute to the creation of a cozy, warm atmosphere.
4. An optimal microclimate should be created in the sleeping room, therefore, preference should be given to natural, "live" finishing materials. In the case of the floor - natural wood and products from it.
5. The surface of the floor 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 durable, even and durable. Despite the fact that the bedroom is a room with a low level of traffic, the coating will last longer.

Children's room

Serious dynamic loads appear on the surface of the floor in the nursery, there is a possibility of mechanical damage, wetting and pollution. At the same time, the floor must remain warm, easy to clean and maintain its aesthetic appearance throughout the entire period of operation.

There are several requirements:

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

Living room floor

The living room is a room where all family members meet, spend family holidays, receive guests. Sometimes, the room performs several functions, being the 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 covering should be aesthetically pleasing, organically combined with the rest of the decoration and furniture, emphasizing the style of the interior.
2. When choosing a floor covering, the shade of the door and window opening is taken into account.
3. The surface of the floor must be durable and durable - this way the coating will last longer.
4. The living room can be called the hallmark of the house, so the expensive flooring is chosen here, creating a presentable appearance of the interior.
5. The coating should be easy to maintain and durable, especially if children and pets live in the house.

Kitchen floor

The kitchen area is distinguished by its special performance characteristics. The floor material is exposed to various adverse influences here:

1. The surface of the floor in the working area of ​​the kitchen is exposed to the greatest wear.
2. The microclimate in the room is characterized by high humidity and temperature extremes.
3. The coating must withstand repeated wet cleaning with detergents, as it is subject to frequent contamination.
4. The surface of the floor must be solid because heavy or sharp objects are often dropped on it.
5. In addition to the strength and durability of the floor in the kitchen, it should be aesthetically pleasing.
6. The floor must not absorb dirt and liquids.
7. The hygienic coating will ensure the absence of pores and relief on the surface.
8. The material must be moisture resistant.

Hallway floor

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

The floor material in the hallway should 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 be resistant to 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 surface of the floor has dirt-repellent properties.
7. The coating will protect against shock loads by the high strength of the material.

Bathroom floor

The floor cake in rooms with high humidity must include 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. Non-slippery surface.
6. Easy maintenance.
7. Aesthetic appeal.
8. The minimum number of joints or their careful sealing.

Types of flooring and their characteristics

All floor coverings that can be used in an apartment differ in the way of installation, requirements for the preparation of the base, appearance and performance. Let's consider the most popular options.

Tongue-and-groove board

Wood flooring is the traditional way of creating a warm, tactile, natural finish. For finishing, 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, there are grooves on the back side, which provide natural ventilation of the flooring.

Important! The tongue / groove lock ensures even distribution over the deck 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 of an optimal microclimate in the 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 - painting, varnishing, brushing, oil and wax coating. 5. Wooden floors create a cozy, warm atmosphere in the interior.

1. Compared to other materials, wood is more expensive. 2. Natural wood is not resistant to mechanical stress and, if severely damaged, cannot be restored. 3. Treatment with antiseptic compounds is periodically required. 4. The material is flammable, therefore it is additionally treated with anti-perenes. 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 first floor above the unheated subfloor.

Table 2. Plank 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 in such a way that the head of the fastener subsequently ends up behind the plinth.
	For further installation of the flooring, you can use long self-tapping screws that are 2 times the thickness of the lamella. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the boards at the locations of the lags. 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 wood flooring is block parquet. You can also install modular parquet, which looks like a tile with a geometric pattern of several dies.

Important! Parquet differs from other materials in that it is made of solid wood, so its cost is quite high. At the same time, such a coating has a very long service life.

The presence of a groove and a ridge on each plank ensures their snug fit; in addition, the elements are attached to the glue during installation. For the manufacture of parquet, such woods as oak, cherry, ash, beech, maple are 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 separate 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 installation, it is required to hire a specialist with experience in carrying out such work. 3. The material is more picky about microclimatic conditions than others. 4. Like any wood material, it is afraid of moisture.

Block and modular parquet flooring differs in cost and, if you wish, you can pick up the material at a fairly affordable price.

Table 4. Average cost of parquet

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

Parquet board

Parquet board is a three-layer flooring material with a lock joint, like a laminate, but differs from it in that the front layer, like all the others, is made of natural wood. Therefore, the parquet board looks noble and natural. The lamellas have high strength due to the fact that the middle layer of the slats is located perpendicular to the outer layer - the lower plywood and the front decorative, impregnated with a protective compound.

Externally, a parquet board can imitate a block 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 parquet boards

Dignity

disadvantages

1. The lamellas 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 of additional processing methods. 6. Variety of laying methods. 7. Can be used in the "warm floor" system. 8. Nice surface. 9. Ability to sound absorption. 10. Durable, even coating that does not require difficult maintenance. 11. The ability to create a collapsible cover.

1. Vulnerability to moisture. 2. Vulnerability to chemicals and overheating when used in the underfloor heating system. 3. In case of mechanical damage, the entire lamella must be replaced.

Table 6. Laying parquet boards

Illustration	Description
	The material is left unpacked for 48 hours.
	First, the substrate is laid with the establishment of the material on the wall around 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 of the strips, the technology of tapping them with a hammer through a special bar is used.
	A jigsaw is used to trim 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 method of laying is called floating and ensures the integrity of the coating when the material expands during the period of temperature fluctuations.
	To lay the boards in the area of ​​the doorway, the lamella itself and the door frame are cut.
	In the doorway, a sill is installed 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 multi-layer 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 any technological layers that improve the performance properties of the laminate. The simplest instance consists of the following layers:

1. Bottom stabilizing paper layer with melamine impregnation.
2. The load-bearing and thickest layer based on HDF is a plate with lock joints at the ends.
3. Decorative paper layer patterned with texture of natural material.
4. A protective polymer layer that determines the wear resistance (class) of the laminate. For residential premises, material of 32 classes is purchased.

Table 7. Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

Dignity

disadvantages

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

1. Some species are afraid of moisture. 2. It is not a natural material. 3. The surface is not as warm as natural wood. 4. A very sonorous material requiring high-quality soundproofing of the base.

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

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

Laying is carried out on an even and clean base on the substrate, leaving an expansion gap along the perimeter between the coating and the wall.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the most common types of flooring that can be used in rooms for any purpose and degree of traffic. Its popularity is due to many factors, one of which is the moisture resistance of the material and the possibility of using it in humid rooms.

Linoleum can be with or without a base. By 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, a three-layer semi-commercial linoleum is used. It has higher performance properties, resistance to mechanical stress and abrasion. It consists of the following layers:

1. Protective polyurethane layer with a thickness of 0.4-0.6 mm.
2. A decorative (front) one-color or multi-colored layer.
3. The bottom layer is in the form of a foamed PVC backing.

Table 8. Advantages and disadvantages of linoleum

Dignity	disadvantages
1. Low price. 2. A rich variety of colors, imitations of various materials and textures. 3. Wear-resistant face layer. 4. Durability. 5. Resistance to moisture. 6. Resistance to mechanical stress. 7. Monolithic coating that does not absorb odors and dirt. 8. Non-slip. 9. Suitable for the "warm floor" system. 10. Does not require complex maintenance.	1. Unnatural material. 2. The presence of a specific odor is possible in the first 2 weeks. 3. Formation of traces from the sole of black color is possible. 4. Requires a flat base. 5. If damaged, it cannot be repaired.

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

Table 9. Laying linoleum

Illustration	Description
	At the first stage, the roll is rolled out indoors and allowed to rest for a while.
	Linoleum is cut along the perimeter of the room, adjusting it to size.
	A day later, you can start fixing the canvas with double-sided tape. The scotch tape is first fixed on the floor, having previously folded back part of the linoleum.
	After the surface of the tape has been smoothed over with a paint roller, remove the backing layer to expose the outer sticky side of the tape.
	Linoleum is carefully returned to its place, fixing in a given position. Also do with the second half of the canvas.
	At the final stage, the plinth is fixed.

Marmoleum

A natural variety of linoleum is a modern material - marmoleum. It contains exclusively natural ingredients:

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

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

Marmoleum can be rolled and slab. The rolled material must be laid on an insulated or heated base, since it does not have additional layers. Another option - slab, differs in a multilayer structure, when a strip of marmoleum is fixed to the supporting HDF-plate with a lock, and a cork backing is attached from below. The laying of such plates is carried out quickly, and the locking method of connection ensures a tight fit of the elements and excludes the occurrence of cold bridges.

Table 10. Advantages and disadvantages of marmoleum

Dignity

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. Possesses sound and heat insulating 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, does not support or contributes to the spread of fire. 11. It can have any shade and imitate the texture of various materials. 12. Easy to install.

1. The edges of the marmoleum are fragile, which requires careful handling during transportation, storage and laying. 2. The material does not lend itself well to cutting, therefore it is recommended to cut marmoleum only at the joints with the wall, provided that the cutting place will be hidden behind the skirting board.

Laying marmoleum is easy and does not require any special skills.

Table 11. The process of laying marmoleum

Illustration	Description
	The base must be cleaned of dirt and dust.
	Marking is applied to the floor surface, the middle of the room is marked, taking into account the indentation from the wall along the perimeter of the room at a distance of at least 6 cm.
	The adhesive is applied using a spatula.
	With a spatula with cloves, the solution is leveled, forming grooves.
	A fragment is laid out from a tile of marmoleum.
	Excess glue that has come through 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 cutting line for trimming tiles is marked with a sharp clerical knife.
	The fragment is trimmed 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 - Laying marmoleum with your own hands

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

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

The surface of ceramic floor tiles is matte and glossy. A safer, with a pleasant embossed, porous structure is matte tiles. It does not slip and is therefore recommended for bathrooms. It is easier to remove dirt from a glossy surface, its shine visually makes the room brighter and more spacious. Mosaic is one of the options for floor cladding, but its disadvantage is the large number of joints, which are the most vulnerable places prone to contamination, so the bathroom will be the best place to use it.

Important! Choosing a tile for the floor, take into account the operational characteristics of the room and the load. We will show you how to choose the right floor tiles.

Self-leveling floor

The self-leveling floor differs in composition. In this regard, its surface may be:

1. Matt.
2. Semi-matte.
3. Glossy.
4. Semi-glossy.

In appearance, the floors are multi-colored or monochromatic, 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, filling with a transparent composition of cuts of wood, stone, coins and other elements.

They are entrusted to professionals with experience, since there are many technologies for making the composition, depending on the components and methods of creating a decorative coating.

Table 13. Advantages and disadvantages of self-leveling floor

Carpet

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

Note! Any carpet consists of a base for securing the pile (woven or non-woven), an anchorage layer based on latex, a secondary backing that is in contact with the floor, giving the coating elasticity, heat and sound insulation qualities, wear resistance, and pile.

The carpet differs:

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 to care for and costs more.

Table 14. Advantages and disadvantages of carpet

Cork floor

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

There are several varieties - in the form of a material with an adhesive base or plates (laminate) with a thorn-groove lock. The latter can have different thicknesses. Tiles less than 6 mm are placed on any flat surface and fixed with glue. Material up to 12 mm thick can be installed floating on wood flooring, screed or linoleum.

Table 15. Advantages and disadvantages of cork coating

Summary table of floor materials 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

Index	Bulk floor	Laminate	Parquet board	Array. board	Cork	Linoleum	Keram. 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
Decorativeness	high	low	low	low	low	low	average	low
Care	easily	average	average	average	average	easily	average	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 what premises is it recommended	Hallway Living room Bathroom Kitchen	Hallway Living room Kitchen	Living room Bedroom Children	Living room Bedroom Children	Bedroom Children	Hallway Living room Bathroom Kitchen	Hallway Bathroom Kitchen	Bedroom

Not only the aesthetic side of the interior, but also the ecological and sanitary situation depends on which floors are chosen for residential premises. To know which floors are best for an apartment, you need to consider their basic technical and operational characteristics. Each of the rooms requires a special approach to the choice of flooring, and this must be taken seriously, since the material laid on the floors can positively or negatively affect the health of family members.

As a rule, the floors in the apartment have a concrete, fairly flat base, and this fact is already an aid for the installation of any of the existing types of coatings. Depending on what effect needs to be obtained from the floor being arranged, the desired type and material necessary for it are selected.

Concrete floors are strong and durable, but they have two significant drawbacks that all owners of modern apartments are trying to deal with - cold and high sound conductivity. To eradicate these shortcomings, you can resort to one of several methods of insulation and soundproofing. Since floor slabs are designed for a certain maximum weight, heavy loads on them are prohibited, and therefore, lightweight material should be chosen for these purposes.

Heat and sound insulation methods

There are several ways to make heat and sound insulation in an apartment using the following materials:

1. The first, the most well-known and used method is the laying of thin foamed polyethylene under the decorative coating. But this method will not fully give the desired effect, it will only slightly drown out the noise from below and make the floor a little warmer. Therefore, it is better to use polyethylene in combination with other materials that have the characteristics necessary to create comfort in an apartment.

2. Another, more effective method - with fixing wooden logs on the laid thin polyethylene, between which you can put foam plastic 50 ÷ 100 mm thick, expanded clay or mineral wool. Then, such a heat and sound insulating "fur coat" is closed on top with a floorboard or plywood, which in turn is covered with one of the decorative coatings.

3. The third way is a floor made of dry screed. This type of thermal and sound insulation will do the job well. It is easy to install and perfectly protects the room from noise and cold.

4. A little-known, but very effective method of insulation has recently been considered pleasant and lightweight materials - ecowool, made on the basis of cellulose, and noise-absorbing plastic, consisting of expanded polystyrene, rubber and acrylic additives.

Video: sound and thermal insulation using shumoplast

5. A fairly well-known and simple way to achieve silence and warmth in an apartment is to lay the extruded foam immediately on the concrete. If necessary and with sufficient ceiling height, the material can be laid in several layers, and on top of it a hard decorative coating, for example, parquet board or laminate, is laid.

Flooring

Having decided on the insulation or having made a risky decision to leave the floor cold, you can proceed to the next stage - the choice and flooring of the finishing floor covering. It must be remembered that for each room you need to choose your own material that will meet the requirements of staying in this room. In addition, much will depend on the base of the floor, which will be covered or filled with a decorative coating.

In hardware stores today there is a huge selection of floor coverings, from which you can choose the right option for a particular room.

So, you can make a choice from the following list:

• ceramic tile;
• laminate;
• carpet;
• linoleum;
• cork covering;
• batten.

Ceramic tile

This material can be laid on a concrete or wood floor, lined with plywood or moisture resistant plasterboard. The tile is intended mainly for cladding floors in bathrooms, hallways, kitchens or corridors, but if a warm floor is installed in the rooms, then it is suitable for any of them.

Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of shades and patterns. So, for example, you can choose:

1. For a large room with a heated floor, an elegant floor panel will come in handy, which will give the room the appearance of a palace hall.
2. For the hallway and corridor, the rich dark tones of the material are suitable, which can hide the dirt and dust brought from the street. In these rooms, it is better to lay unglazed tiles with a corrugated surface in order to avoid the possibility of slipping and getting injured.
3. The floor in the bathroom and tub also needs to be laid out with corrugated or matte tiles, for better grip with bare feet when leaving the shower. The color scheme can be chosen for every taste, and with its selection to the wall decoration.
4. Tiles are also the best flooring in the kitchen, as they are easy to clean and will not absorb grease and oil accidentally on its surface. The material is strong and durable, which is very important for the flooring in the kitchen.
5. If the balcony is not insulated and is used only in the summer, the tiles will be an excellent protection for the concrete covering from moisture. In this case, when choosing a tile, you need to pay attention to the frost resistance of the material.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the most popular coatings today, and largely due to the fact that it has an affordable price, is easy to install and is varied in color and pattern.

1. This material can be made using natural materials and based on polymers. The first of them is used very rarely, since it has a rather high cost, and basically the second coating option is purchased.

2. Apart from the first criterion, linoleum is divided into commercial and non-commercial types.

• the first of them is more durable, and is installed in public buildings with a high intensity of human traffic, but it is categorically not suitable for residential premises, as it has harmful impurities;
• for an apartment, you need to choose only a non-commercial type of flooring. Its durability is quite enough for home conditions, and it will last for many years, provided it is properly installed and used carefully.

3. Linoleum is produced without a base or on a warm and thick substrate, as well as on an average thickness of a foamed base.

The disadvantages of linoleum include the following points: unnaturalness, deformation during temperature extremes and when heavy objects are installed on it.

Linoleum is laid on a concrete, plywood covering, using most often a polyethylene foam backing. It is suitable for flooring in any room. The only place where it is not recommended to lay it is the bathroom, due to the fact that these rooms have high humidity, and ceramic tiles are more suitable for it.

The choice of linoleum design in color and pattern completely depends on the tastes and preferences of the apartment owners.

Cork cover

Cork flooring is expensive, but well worth it when you look at its characteristics. Cork is an environmentally friendly material, excellent heat and sound insulator, has elasticity and resilience, is pleasant to walk, has the ability to create a cozy, favorable atmosphere in the room.

The cork is suitable for any room except the bathroom - because of its humidity. It can only be laid on an even and hard surface such as plywood. If you plan to lay it directly on concrete, then it is imperative to lay a substrate under it, otherwise, even small solid fragments can damage the material.

Cork is available in three types:

1. Floor decorative option, which is produced in the form of rolls and slabs. This material has a special impregnation of the top layer, which protects it from moderate moisture. In addition, often such a tile has an applied adhesive that allows you to easily arrange it on the floor.
2. For a substrate under another floor covering, for example, linoleum or laminate, a technical version of the coating is used, which has a lower quality. It is used for thermal insulation and soundproofing of the floor. The substrate is produced in the form of roll and tile material.
3. In addition, the cork is covered with MDF, which serves as a base for it. Such a covering is produced in the form of panels measuring 18.5 × 90.0 cm, which have special locks for assembly into a general covering.

The material almost does not deform from temperature changes, withstands heavy loads, does not squeeze when installing heavy pieces of furniture on it.

Laminate

In recent years, flooring, called laminate, has been increasingly appearing in apartments and houses. It successfully imitates parquet or natural board, but much more affordable. Laminated panels are produced in standard sizes, most often - 25 × 150 cm, along the edges they have locks of various designs, with which they are connected into a common plane.

Structurally, the laminate consists of four layers, each of which plays its own role, and the complex produces a fairly reliable, durable and aesthetic material.

1. The upper transparent layer not only emphasizes the decorative effect of the laminate, but also plays a protective role for the underlying ones, guaranteeing them moisture resistance and protecting them from mechanical damage and abrasion. This part of the laminate is made of acrylic or melamine resins, which contribute to its protective function.
2. The second layer is the decorative layer that imitates a particular pattern - it can be not only the texture of wood, but even various types of stone or sand.
3. Pressed wood fiber forms the third layer, which forms the basis of the entire panel, as it has the largest thickness - from 4 to 8 mm. It is at the level of this layer that the locking elements fastening together the panels are located - a spike and a groove.
4. The lowest layer consists of a special resin-impregnated paper that is designed to protect the material from moisture that can damage the material underneath. In addition, some types of laminate are equipped with a heat and sound insulating water-resistant backing.

This flooring is divided into operational classes, and for laying in residential premises, 21-23 class laminates are mainly used.

Laminate cannot be called 100% environmentally friendly material, since phenol-formaldehyde resins are used in its production. But each manufacturer can use them in different proportions, and the norm is when the content of formaldehyde does not exceed 0.01 mg, and phenol does not exceed 0.003 mg - these data can be found on the packaging of the floor covering.

Laminate flooring is well suited for laying in the living room, hallway and in the kitchen, but it is better to refuse from its flooring in a children's room or bedroom for the reasons described above.

Carpet

Carpet is a floor covering made of synthetic or natural fibers. It can be long-haired or even have no nap at all. This coating is made on a rubber, felt or jute base.

Carpet is good only when it is new, but it "gets old" very quickly

1. The material is pleasant to walk and externally aesthetic, but only when he's new. Quite quickly, he loses these attractive qualities - the pile is crumpled in places and becomes not so soft and beautiful. In addition, a lot of dust collects in the carpet, so when buying this covering, you immediately need to purchase a powerful vacuum cleaner.
2. It is tempting to lay a carpet in the bedroom or nursery, especially since the assortment for such options is rich. But you need to remember that in addition to heat and sound insulation, this coating can also bring allergies, which will be difficult to get rid of. Therefore, in these rooms it is better to choose a coating that can be subjected to regular wet cleaning.
3. It is not recommended to lay carpet in the hallway and corridor, as it will look beautiful for a very short time and will quickly become clogged with street dust brought on shoes.
4. If there is a great desire to have carpet in at least one of the rooms, then the living room is best suited for it. But you need to remember - you will have to clean it very often.

Wooden floor

A wooden floor will be the most comfortable of all the presented coatings if you put it on logs and insulate it with mineral or eco-cotton wool... Due to its structure, wood is a warm material, and when laid in combination with insulation, it will make the floors absolutely comfortable.

Video - Insulated wooden flooring

Video - Wood flooring. Step by step

The environmental friendliness of such a coating allows you to lay it in the nursery and bedroom. Its sound insulating properties make rooms calm and relaxing.

Do not install wood floors in the kitchen, bathroom and hallway.

1. There are many smells in the kitchen, which tend to be absorbed into floor and wall coverings, and wood is prone to the perception of various aromas. But their mixture over time can lead to the fact that the smell will be very unpleasant and ineradicable. Therefore, in the kitchen, it is best to use a neutral material for the floor - ceramic tiles, laminate or epoxy self-leveling floors.
2. Due to the high humidity, you should not arrange flooring from boards and plywood in the bathrooms. The tree absorbs well not only smells, but also moisture, from which it swells and deforms, so it is better to abandon this idea.
3. The floors in the hallway are on the same level as the floors in the entrance. If you install logs and a floorboard, then they will rise by at least five centimeters, and you will get an uncomfortable step, and if the door opens inward, then it will have to be reinstalled or replaced. Therefore, the best option would be to cover the hallway with laminate, tiles or linoleum.

In addition to the above-described floor coverings, there are others, such as epoxy 3D floors, parquet boards, polymer tiles and, of course, the well-known parquet.

For more information on how to make self-leveling floors with a 3d effect on your own, read the publication

Video: unknown quartz-vinyl floor covering so far

The material from which the floor is made determines how warm the rooms will be. In addition, the floor covering has a particular influence on the design of the entire interior. Therefore, it is very important to approach this issue with all seriousness, to calculate all the pros and cons in order for the floor covering to serve for a long time, and also not to harm the tenants of the apartment.

The basis of the interior of any house, apartment or office space is floors. Today there are a large number of floor coverings that can be chosen exactly for your room design. Someone stops at the most famous and relatively inexpensive materials, such as linoleum, laminate, carpet or tile. Others give preference to novelties in the world of flooring or more expensive options - marmoleum, self-leveling floors or parquet.

When choosing a floor covering, it is necessary to consider in which room it will be laid. After all, different materials carry different characteristics and properties. That is, the floor coverings in the bedroom and the hallway should be different, since the permeability in these rooms is different.

Individual characteristics of flooring in different rooms

Before moving on to an overview of the different types of floor coverings, first you need to consider what features the floors have in each individual room.

In addition to the main characteristics, it is also worth paying attention to the price categories for each coating and the ease of installation.

Types of floor coverings in the apartment

Today the market is filled with a variety of models and types that will suit every taste and wallet. All of them will differ in characteristics, composition and place of use.

Floorboards

Linoleum is fixed to the floor in 3 different ways:

• simply by means of skirting boards,
• on double-sided tape;
• using special glue.

Advantages linoleum boils down to the following: it has good moisture protection, it is easy to wash it, there are no great difficulties in laying, it is not subject to decay, has a low cost among all floor coverings, a large selection of colors, has a long service life of several decades.

Disadvantages consider low ergonomics and often a long preparation process for styling. In order for linoleum to serve for a long time, it is necessary to lay it on an absolutely flat surface. In addition, before fixing, it should lie down unfolded for several days to maximize adherence to the base. It is also a less environmentally friendly material than wood. With large temperature drops, it can crumble or crack.

Laminate

Laminate is MDF panels treated with special resins, with layers of paper glued to them, and varnished.

This product appeared on the building materials market not so long ago, but has already won a large number of buyers. It imitates real wood floors in its colors.

This coating is divided into several classes depending on the degree of strength of the panels. Less durable and wear-resistant classes 21-23.

Such a laminate should be laid in living rooms. Grades 31-33 are stronger and more reliable, they are usually placed in hallways and kitchens.

Laminate pluses many. This material is considered resistant to influences such as pressure, stress, abrasion. It does not leave indentations from heavy furniture. It tolerates high temperatures well and is fire resistant. Laminate flooring does not need to be carefully looked after, unlike parquet flooring. Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, as it is produced without harmful chemicals. Quite a simple procedure for laying laminate flooring. Suitable for covering underfloor heating systems. Service life over 10 years. Sold at affordable prices.

but there are also disadvantages. Not suitable for rooms with high humidity. It is advisable to treat after installation with a special waterproof solution or wax.

A lot of preparatory work is required before laying. If the laying technology is violated, then the boards may swell or the surface may blister.

If the surface is not properly leveled, the laminate will start to squeak.

PVC floors

These coverings are in the form of soft elastic embossed materials. They include several layers. They have a long service life - about 30 years. Withstand heavy loads and burn poorly.

In addition, to advantages of PVC floors can be attributed to the fact that their strength is higher than that of linoleum or laminate. Their transportation is easy. They have good soundproofing and moisture-proof properties. A wide variety of colors and textures.

disadvantages are that laying skills and a well-prepared surface are required. The seams can dry out over time. This is not a cheap material, and in small towns it is not always on sale. If stored improperly, the tiles can bend, which will cause difficulties during installation, therefore it is necessary to carefully check all packages before purchasing.

Cork flooring

This is a completely environmentally friendly material, as it is made from bark of balsa tree in the form of compressed chips or veneer sheets. They are produced in the form of slabs or rolls. The coating is laid on MDF panels and fixed with glue.

This type of flooring many advantages... Cork floors have very good thermal and acoustic insulation properties. Resistant to deformation, so heavy furniture is not terrible for this type of coating. The coating does not slip, has a positive effect on the human musculoskeletal system due to its shock-absorbing qualities. Affects only caustic alkalis, which are not used at home. Does not attract rodents and insects.

Disadvantage first of all, a high price is considered. Heels, pet claws, sharp furniture legs can damage the surface.

Due to the low thermal conductivity, it is impractical to install a floor heating system under this covering. Not suitable for rooms with high humidity, as the MDF base can swell.

Parquet board and parquet

Classic flooring. Parquet is a valuable type of wood glued onto a wooden base, it looks like small planks.

Laying takes place in a mosaic way on the base, which is prepared in advance. Fix with glue or mastic.

TO advantages certainly include environmental friendliness and durability of the material. With the correct laying technology, parquet will serve for more than a decade.

Disadvantages are high cost and small selection, limited to natural wood species.

Carpet

One of the most popular types of flooring materials is carpet. They can contain both natural ingredients and artificial ones. The latter are more common. Carpets can be purchased at affordable prices. Huge selection of colors. There is no difficulty in leaving. Also, rodents and moths show no interest in them. Just like linoleum, carpet is produced in the form of rolls and tiles.

To their advantages include good noise insulation, which is provided by an elastic and soft pile. The carpet is abrasion resistant.

Wherein disadvantage is that carpets can fade when exposed to sunlight. In high humidity, mold can form. Due to the accumulation of dust in the pile, frequent vacuuming is necessary.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles have long been used by mankind as a floor covering.

Most often it is placed in rooms with high traffic and humidity. Today there are a huge number of ceramic tiles of different appearance. The differences are in size, appearance, strength, water absorption, degree of slip, etc.

Most often, it is put in bathrooms and in the kitchen due to its certain characteristics. But recently, it has often begun to be laid in bedrooms and living rooms in view of its good thermal conductivity, installing a floor heating system under it.

The advantages of ceramic tiles are in its durability, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness, strength and ease of use.

TO disadvantages include difficult installation and dismantling, the presence of seams. If a floor heating system is not installed, then walking barefoot on such a floor will be cold.

Marmoleum

New in the flooring market.

This coating contains only natural ingredients: linseed oil, ground lime, wood flour and resins.

Available in rolls, panels or tiles.

Marmoleum has a large range advantages... The most important of them is an environmentally friendly product.

It is laid without any particular difficulties, while there are no special requirements for leveling the base, for example, for laminate or linoleum.

Service life from 20 to 30 years. Resistant to fire, does not absorb moisture. A damp cloth is sufficient to clean the cover.

Main flaw- brittleness of the material when cutting. Therefore, the trimmed parts are hidden under the skirting boards. At the same time, the material is solid, and this property increases over time, therefore it is given a high level of injury hazard.

Polymer floors

This coating is also called self-leveling or liquid floors. According to the components in the composition, they are divided into several types: cement-acrylic (the most environmentally friendly), epoxy, methyl methacrylate (the most expensive) and polyurethane.

This new type of coating is gaining in popularity. They are used not only in residential premises, but also in enterprises, trading floors, in sports facilities.

In apartments, self-leveling floors can most often be found in the bathroom. They have an unusual design of 3D images on the floor.

Large row advantages helps to make more and more choice in favor of self-leveling floors. First of all, it is their appearance, beautiful and unusual. They are durable, resistant to moisture, fire and harsh chemicals. They are easy to clean and clean.

but, the pleasure of having a self-leveling floor is quite expensive. The preparation of the base and the installation process itself requires professional skills. And liquid floors are made entirely of artificial materials.

Conclusion

Everyone who wants to replace the floor covering at home will find among all this variety of types exactly the option that suits him best. When choosing, it is worth remembering such characteristics as strength, heat and sound insulation, fire and wear resistance, chemical inertness, hypoallergenicity.

If you take the issue seriously and carefully study the flooring market, you can get a result that exceeds expectations.

The choice of flooring is one of the most pressing issues for those who have started repairs in the house. What kind of floor should be used to create coziness in the room and at the same time make the interior stylish and attractive? And so that in 2-3 years you do not have to change it again or restore the worn out surface. The price factor is no less important, because any repair involves high costs, which means that you need to use every opportunity to slightly reduce these costs.

Let's take a look at how to choose a floor covering from the many options on the market.

Floor coverings are available in a very wide range, for every taste and budget. Some of them are more in demand, others are less, there are completely exotic options for connoisseurs of unusual interiors. Depending on the materials of manufacture, floor coverings are usually divided into two types - artificial and natural. The first group includes linoleum, laminate, carpet and similar products, the second - wood, cork, ceramic tiles, stone. To choose the best coverage option for your home, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each material, compare their pros and cons.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is one of the best-selling flooring. It is a multi-layer panel based on dense wood-based panels, superior in strength and durability to natural wood. Thanks to the decorative layer on the front surface, the laminate can imitate boardwalk, parquet, natural stone or ceramic tiles. The coating is distinguished by a rich palette of colors and shades, a wide selection of patterns.

All laminate flooring is divided into two types. The first is a household type, not designed for high loads, and used in residential buildings. Its service life usually does not exceed 6 years, and it is suitable only for dry rooms.

The second type is commercial, with improved characteristics. Such coatings are highly resistant to wear, moisture, temperature extremes, and their service life is many times longer - up to 20 years, depending on the class. Commercial laminate flooring is widely used in both public and domestic environments.

Prices for Tarkett laminate

laminate Tarkett

Pros of coverage:

• relatively low price;
• a large selection of models;
• good thermal insulation properties;
• light weight;
• ease of care;
• installation does not require special skills.

• for laying, the most even base is required (differences in height should not exceed 3 mm);
• low sound insulation.

Laying features: the panels are connected to each other using a special lock - a special shape of the spike and groove along the perimeter of each strip. There are two types of lock - click and lock. The first type is considered simpler and more convenient and allows the presence of small irregularities on the rough base. The lock allows the panels to be laid only on a perfectly flat base; moreover, the installation process itself requires more skill and physical effort.

Between the laminate and the subfloor, lay a waterproofing film and a soundproofing underlay made of foamed PVC or cork.

Castle quartz laminate RefloorFargo

It is worth paying special attention to this floor covering, it is not at all accidental that it is separated from the usual laminate. Due to its structure RefloorFargo is a 100% waterproof laminate suitable for use in all heated areas, including public ones.

Absolutely waterproof quartz laminate - the best solution for rooms with high humidity

Quartz laminate strips are four-layer.

1. The bottom layer (stone polymer composite) ensures the physical stability of the coating - the strength of the stone during its entire service life. The content of crushed stone filler is 66%.
2. The next layer is decorative. In the collection RefloorFargo 32 noble shades of natural stone and precious woods. The textures fit perfectly into any modern interiors. Synchro-embossing adds naturalism - the pattern on the photo printing is combined with the relief of the surface of the quartz laminate.
3. The upper layers are protective. PVC and PU varnishes provide high resistance of the floor covering not only to UV light, but also to mechanical damage.

Quartz laminate is a long-lasting coating, the shades of which do not lose their saturation even in sunny rooms.

The decorative micro-bevel on the quartz laminate strips adds a touch of natural wood flooring. The room in which the laminate is laid Fargo seems to be more spacious.

Installation of laminate flooring is very simple and can be done without much effort even in large rooms. Fourth generation lock connection ClickSystem guarantees a tight and even connection of the elements.

On a note! Thresholdless laying of quartz coating is possible in rooms up to two hundred square meters.

Key benefits of interlocking quartz laminate

Dignity	Description
	Quartz laminate can be used in a wide temperature range (-15 ° C ... + 65 ° C). It does not deform when heated. The geometry of the dies remains unchanged, there is no risk of divergence of the locks and the appearance of cracks.
	Wear resistance class - 33/42. On the surface of the laminate there are no traces of heels, office chairs, claws of pets. Refloor Fargo is the ideal covering for both home and high traffic areas.
	Impact noise absorption up to 20 decibels. Conventional laminate flooring does not possess such properties.
	For both people and electrical appliances. The flooring does not accumulate static electricity, is not slippery, and is environmentally friendly. The safety is confirmed by a hygienic certificate.
	The unique property of quartz laminate is the “anti-break effect”. Having dropped a fragile object, you do not have to worry, it will most likely remain unharmed.

Choosing a stylish flooring with high performance, you can safely opt for a quartz laminate. Refloor Fargo is an improved new generation laminate that combines the aesthetics of natural wood, the strength of stone and an affordable cost.

Advanced luxury flooring - the choice for those who value comfort and strive for excellence

Linoleum

Among budget coatings, linoleum is considered the most popular. There are many of its varieties on the market, differing in the material of manufacture and operational characteristics, but PVC linoleum on a foamed and felt basis is most in demand. The coating is highly decorative: manufacturers offer linoleum of all kinds of colors with patterns, ornaments, imitation of artificial and natural materials.

There are three types of linoleum, depending on the strength characteristics. The household type is designed for installation in rooms with low traffic and can be used for up to 5 years. Semi-commercial is more resistant to wear and tear, therefore it can be used in any domestic premises and public buildings. Its service life reaches 20 years.

The commercial type is the most durable and suitable for industrial premises with intensive floor loads. The service life of such a coating reaches 25 years.

Prices for Tarkett linoleum

linoleum Tarkett

• affordable cost;
• ease of installation;
• a wide range of patterns and colors;
• ease of care;
• good heat and sound insulating properties.

• the material becomes brittle in the cold, therefore it is not suitable for unheated rooms;
• in case of mechanical damage, it is not always possible to eliminate defects imperceptibly;
• linoleum of low quality for a long time after installation emits a sharp unpleasant odor.

Styling features: linoleum is laid in butt strips. To avoid displacement of the canvas and the formation of air bubbles, it is recommended to glue the coating to the subfloor.

In small rooms, for these purposes, you can use double-sided tape, in spacious rooms use a special mastic or glue - a bustilate for a felt base, acrylate for a synthetic one.

The sub-floor for linoleum should be smooth and even, since the coating has a small thickness and all the irregularities show through well on the surface. During operation, abrasions and tears appear very quickly in these places.

Carpet

Carpeting combines the characteristics of linoleum and carpeting. It can be laid on a finished floor (laminate, tiles, parquet) and on a concrete screed. Carpets are produced on a single-layer and two-layer basis, most often made of wool, polyamide or propylene. A natural wool covering is the most expensive, but wears out too quickly, unlike synthetic options. The basis is jute fabric, rubber, artificial fibers.

• the coating is warm and pleasant to the touch;
• muffles sounds well;
• easy to fit;
• wide range of colors;
• can be laid on any base.

• high price;
• tendency to dirt and dust accumulation;
• not suitable for allergy sufferers;
• cannot be installed in rooms with high humidity.

Laying features: like other roll coverings, the carpet is laid with a continuous canvas over the entire area of ​​the room. The coating strips are laid end-to-end. To avoid displacement, along the perimeter of the room, the carpet is fixed with baseboards.

Natural wood floors have always been highly valued, and therefore solid wood flooring is still in high demand today. Manufacturers offer a wide range of materials from oak, walnut, ash, larch, wenge and other species with attractive texture patterns. A standard solid wood board has a thickness of 15-22 mm, a width of 125 to 190 mm and a length of 0.6 to 6 meters. The most popular option is boards with a length of 1.5-1.8 m.

• environmental friendliness;
• attractive appearance;
• low thermal conductivity;
• durability;
• the possibility of restoration or replacement of individual elements.

• high price;
• sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity in the room;
• tendency to rot and damage by insects;
• drying out of wood and the appearance of cracks in the floor;
• the need for protective treatment after installation and periodically during operation.

Laying features: modern solid board is produced with a thorn-groove locking system or a click-joint, therefore, it is laid like a laminate. The coating itself is mounted in two ways - along the logs and along the wooden flooring, where a layer of plywood acts as a base. The installation process requires at least basic construction skills and the ability to handle tools.

Video - Laying solid boards

Parquet

Natural parquet looks very solid and gives the interior a noble and at the same time cozy look. Parquet is made from wood of classic and exotic species - oak, ash, walnut, cherry, wenge, bamboo, merbau and others.

Standard parquet planks have a thickness of 14-22 mm, a width of 30-90 mm, a length of 15 cm to half a meter. The smaller the elements, the more difficult it is to lay the covering.

There are several ways of laying, the most popular of which are deck, braid, herringbone, Dutch.

• environmental friendliness;
• external attractiveness;
• durability;
• low thermal conductivity;
• good sound insulation;
• the possibility of restoration and replacement of individual strips.

• high material cost;
• the complexity of styling;
• the tendency of the coating to dry out and deform;
• susceptibility to decay;
• the need for competent and regular care.

Laying features: for high-quality installation, a perfectly flat base is required, therefore it is recommended to level the subfloor with a leveling mixture or make a flooring of plywood. Each strip is glued to the base according to the chosen layout method. It is quite difficult to cope with this without special skills, so it is better to entrust this work to a professional. After the glue dries, the coating is sanded and treated with protective compounds - oil, waterproof impregnation, varnish, natural wax.

Parquet board

In appearance, the parquet board hardly differs from the block parquet, and in terms of operational characteristics, it surpasses it in many respects. Its multi-layer structure provides high resistance to mechanical stress, and the protective layer retains the attractive appearance of the coating for longer. The front layer can consist of one or several dies, on the basis of which four types of parquet boards are distinguished - single-lane, two-lane, three-lane and multi-lane.

• aesthetic appearance;
• low thermal conductivity;
• unlike parquet, this material is less demanding on humidity and temperature conditions;
• long service life;
• good sound absorption;
• relative ease of installation;
• the material does not need additional processing after laying;
• undemanding care.

• quite high price;
• poor resistance to scratches and impacts;
• the difficulty of restoration in case of damage.

Features of laying: there are two ways of installing such a coating - adhesive and floating. The first method is more laborious and is almost never used now. With the floating method, the boards are connected using the “thorn-groove” system, and for greater tightness of the coating, the joints are glued. Between the subfloor and the parquet board, a layer of waterproofing film and a substrate of heat-insulating material must be laid.

Video - Laying parquet boards

Cork floors are still gaining in popularity, although in some ways they surpass traditional wood floors in many ways. They are made by heat treatment and pressing of crushed cork oak bark. The cork floor is available in the form of slabs and panels of various thicknesses.

Depending on the structure, the coating is divided into two types - locking and adhesive. The first is a sandwich panel with a fiberboard core. The thickness of such panels is on average 10 mm, width - up to 30 cm, length 90-100 cm. Most modifications of the lock type have a protective coating of vinyl film, acrylic or varnish. More budgetary options need to be treated with protective agents on their own, after laying the floor. The glue type is most often produced in slabs with a thickness of 4-6 mm and dimensions of 60x30 and 30x30 cm.

• light weight;
• environmental friendliness;
• antistatic properties;
• high heat capacity;
• moisture resistance;
• the floor looks very presentable;
• flame retardant material;
• the coating is pleasant to the touch.

• high price;
• the need for special care.

Installation features: the locking cover is laid on a substrate and connected like a laminate, using the “thorn-groove” system. The subfloor must be dry and level, with a maximum height difference of up to 3 mm. For an adhesive coating, the subfloor must be perfectly flat. Plates are laid from the center of the room, while the glue is applied not only to the back of the tile, but also to the base.

Ceramic tiles and stone

Artificial and natural stone, tiles, porcelain stoneware are among the strongest and most durable floor materials. A well-chosen color and texture can completely change the interior, make it more solid or give it an original look. The range of such coatings includes tiles of all sizes, colors and textures, including those with imitation of natural materials.

• wide price range;
• resistance to moisture, abrasion and temperature extremes;
• attractive appearance;
• ease of care;
• long service life.

• styling requires a certain skill;
• fragility;
• the material is cold to the touch;
• the complexity of restoration and replacement of damaged elements.

Installation features: the tiles are attached to the substrate with glue, which is applied with a notched trowel. In the process of work, it is necessary to strictly observe the width of the seams, using special plastic crosses. Laying is carried out in several ways: direct, wandering, checkerboard and others. Veneering is time-consuming and requires patience and care.

In addition to traditional options, many are interested in floor coverings that are unusual for the floor, which give the room a memorable and spectacular look.

Type of material	Description
	The base of the tile is porcelain stoneware with a thickness of 9 mm, a layer of metal with a thickness of 1 mm is applied on top. The most commonly used floor tiles are stainless steel. The surface can be smooth or embossed in a modern or retro style. There are options for bronze, copper, gold, artificially aged - with a patina. Such a coating is ideal for interiors in the loft style, minimalism, high-tech, and can be used in the living room, kitchen or hallway. In the bathroom, use only tiles made of special alloy that are resistant to corrosion.
	A very effective coating with a number of advantages: the material is not subject to decay, resistant to wear, and has a long service life. This is not ordinary glass, but shock-resistant, so there is no need to be afraid that the coating will break easily. The tile is available in a wide range of colors, can be monochromatic and patterned, transparent, matte, with a corrugated surface, which allows you to create completely exclusive coatings
	Multi-layer coating with colored gel inside. When pressed, the tiles change color and pattern, which looks very unusual and attractive. This coating is perfect for a child's room. The material is environmentally friendly, wear-resistant, resistant to mechanical stress. The risk of accidental damage is minimal, the service life is up to 25 years
	One of the most elite types of coverage. Available in porcelain stoneware, HDF or cork tiles. The top layer is made of genuine leather, processed using a special technology. The material is not intended for rooms with high traffic and requires proper care

Choosing a coverage

So, having studied the characteristics of various floor coverings, we proceed directly to the choice. Here you need to take into account the cost of the material, appearance, compliance with operating conditions and the complexity of installation, if you plan to install the installation yourself.

Step 1. Determine the budget for laying the floor. First of all, you should evaluate your material capabilities so that during the repair process you do not have to save on other materials or limit yourself to something else. The most practical options are semi-commercial linoleum and class 31-32 laminate. These are not the cheapest coatings, but they have excellent characteristics and a long service life. Plus, they can be matched to any room in the house.

Step 2. We choose the material according to the installation method. Two criteria are important here - the complexity of the installation and the duration of the workflow. If you have no building experience, it is best to choose roll coverings (linoleum, carpet), laminate, parquet or cork. They are also suitable if you need to make repairs as soon as possible. Solid wood floors will take more time and skill, the same goes for parquet and ceramic tiles.

Step 3. Choosing a design. The color and pattern of the floor should be in harmony with the overall decoration of the room. For classic interiors, restrained tones with a discreet texture are suitable; for rooms in a modern style, you can take a coating with a pronounced pattern and contrasting shades. In any interior, a coating with imitation of parquet or plank floor looks advantageous, an excellent option is a beveled laminate.

Step 4. Having roughly decided on the main criteria, we select the coverage option separately for each room. In the bedroom, environmentally friendly material is most appropriate - solid wood board, cork or parquet. But it is better not to lay carpet or linoleum in the bedroom: the first collects a lot of dust, the second can emit an unpleasant smell.

Parquet in the bedroom - photo

Step 5. Choosing a floor for the living room. Most of the coatings described above will work here. To give comfort, you can lay a carpet, parquet and laminate will make the interior more solid, the most budget option is linoleum with a wood pattern or beautiful ornaments.

Step 6. We pass to the nursery. This requires an environmentally friendly material with high wear resistance. The ideal option is cork floors, parquet board or laminate of 31-32 class is also well suited.

Step 7. Now we will select a covering for the kitchen and corridor. In these rooms, the floor is exposed to increased loads, pollution, moisture, so that the coating should be as resistant to wear as possible, moisture resistant and easy to clean. Tiles and porcelain stoneware meet these requirements to the greatest extent; linoleum on a foam base of 33 or 34 classes is also suitable.

Step 8. Tiles are traditionally used in the toilet and bathroom. She is not afraid of high humidity, temperature changes, frequent cleaning with chemicals. In addition, a large assortment allows you to choose a finish for every taste, even the most extraordinary.

Video - How to choose a floor covering