Regardless of how fully you use your balcony (it is glazed, or exists in its original version), you will have to think about the floor finish. Today there are enough options: more expensive or cheaper, modern or from the Soviet past, durable or for one season. What to consider when choosing a material and determining the scope of work?
The choice of flooring for a balcony or loggia depends on the operating conditions of the room
How to choose material
Content
- How to choose material
- Coating types
- Ceramic tile
- Wooden floor
- Porcelain stoneware
- Cork floor
- Bulk
- Linoleum
- Laminate
- Parquet
- Carpet
- Warm floor
- Video: DIY plywood floor on the balcony
- Photos of examples of floor design on the balcony
There are a number of characteristics that will have to be taken into account when choosing a material:
- Resistant to temperature extremes and high humidity.
- Resistance to wear, mechanical and other influences.
- Lifetime.
- Cost per square meter (so that it does not happen that having chosen the material, you suddenly realized that your finances are enough for you only for one square meter).
- The ability of the material for thermal insulation (this is only relevant if the glazed balcony is used as an additional full-fledged room).
For an open balcony (loggia), the ideal choice is ceramic tiles or liquid floor (polyurethane).
Coating types
Immediately, we note that finishing the floor on the balcony is not an easy task. If you are not a professional in the construction industry, then entrust the work to those who know what and how to do, because re-flooring is an even bigger problem. In addition, only a professional will advise which material is best to use in your particular case. Moreover, the assortment is so large that it is simply shocking for an inexperienced buyer in this matter.
Much depends on the design of the balcony space.
Almost any floor covering can be used on the glazed balcony
Consider a kind of TOP-9 of the most popular floor coverings on the loggia.
Ceramic tile
This is the best choice for an unglazed balcony. It is easy to care for, it tolerates both wet cleaning and the use of chemical and abrasive substances. In this case, the only drawback is the cold surface. Although, in fairness, we note that on an open balcony in winter, no one expects to feel +20 degrees underfoot. So the disadvantage is very relative. If the tiles are laid on a warm balcony, then, as a rule, the floor is equipped with additional heating.
For the floor, choose ceramic tiles with a rough surface that excludes slipping.
Stages of work:
- The old coating is removed and the waterproofing film is laid.
- Insulation is placed on top of the film.
- A cement screed is made, and then it is expected to dry completely.
- Ceramic tiles are laid.
- They "pass" along the seams with a special grout.
If the floor surface is not leveled, the tiles will come loose and break. That is why a cement screed is used. It comes in three types: dry, semi-dry, or regular. And no matter what kind of screed you use, there are general rules. For example, the surface must be primed, and beacons are set to control the level. If you do not do this, the floor will turn out to be crooked.
Lighthouses are metal strips leveled and fixed with mortar
A cement screed is created from a mixture of sand and cement. If your choice is a semi-dry screed, then water should be added half the norm. And the amount of sand depends on the brand of cement. The mixture in this case will have the consistency of mashed potatoes. If there is too much liquid, the surface will crack.
A well-prepared screed is a guarantee of a long service life of the ceramic coating
Dry screed is one of the most complex technological processes. In this case, gypsum-fiber boards are laid on a claydite cushion. The thickness of the latter should be no more than three centimeters.
A dry screed made of fine expanded clay performs two functions at once - it levels and insulates the floor
The main thing is to strictly follow the technology, and not artificially speed up the process (for example, without waiting for the screed to dry, proceed to the next stage). Then finishing the floor with tiles will not take much time, and the result is guaranteed to delight you.
Wooden floor
In fact, wood is not a leader in terms of wear-resistant qualities, but with proper care, such a floor will last for a rather long period. First of all, the lumber should be treated with a special antiseptic solution. After that, dry well and process again. Only after final drying can you start working. If funds permit, you can immediately purchase treated wood.
Wood flooring is aesthetically pleasing, suitable for many interiors and can be done on your own
The best base for a wooden floor is concrete. Therefore, first dismantle the old coating. Then, with the help of polyurethane foam, all slots and holes, if any, are sealed. And after that, experts recommend using a heat-reflecting film and covering it around the entire perimeter of the balcony. This little trick will help you "save" heat not only on the loggia, but also in the room adjacent to it.
For the device of a heat-reflecting layer, a thin roll material with a foil surface is used.
Now you can start the main work. Attach the transverse joists to the base of the floor using the nail dowel. Lay wooden logs on top of them (perpendicularly) and fasten over the transverse logs. Thus, you also level the floor surface. Well, fixing a massive board is the final stage.
Before laying, it is advisable to impregnate wooden logs with an antiseptic.
After installation, the wooden floor is covered with a protective and decorative compound
If you neglect the preparatory and secondary work, the floor will begin to crumble in a couple of years.
Porcelain stoneware
Strength, durability, durability... It's all about him, about porcelain stoneware. By the way, the modern assortment of this material for flooring allows you to choose not only a reliable material, but also a creative one. A sufficient number of colors and textures are offered.
Porcelain stoneware is a very strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads.
Cork floor
Cork is one of the most modern materials (while having a rich history) that are becoming more and more popular.
The cork floor has good sound insulation, the surface is warm to the touch
The cost of which finishing will be quite high
Several variations of this material are available today:
- Technical. Most often it is used as an insulator and insulation.
- Adhesive. Represents rectangular tiles with decorative veneer. Available in different colors.
- Floating. It is somewhat similar to the previous version, but differs in the way of fastening.
Cork flooring is beautiful, stylish and very comfortable. This coating is incredibly comfortable for the feet. But it is recommended to lay such a floor on the loggia only if it is protected. Otherwise, if precipitation and dust constantly fall on the loggia, the floor will quickly fail.
Bulk
Quite popular "version" of the floor for the loggia. The whole technology includes three stages: base, drawing, coating.
Self-leveling floor can serve as a base for other materials, and as a final finish
The advantages of this model are obvious:
- durability;
- easy care;
- moisture tolerance;
- wear resistance;
- beautiful appearance.
You are unlikely to be able to make such a floor yourself, so it is recommended that you contact the masters specializing in such work. And don't trust ads. In such cases, word of mouth is the best recommendation.
Self-leveling floor allows you to create a unique design of the balcony space
Modern technologies even make it possible to create a 3D picture. This is a very interesting solution. Since the area of the balcony is small, the cost of the project will be quite acceptable.
Linoleum
As they say, an old friend is better than two new ones. The material, known since Soviet times, does not lose its popularity today. Moreover, modern technologies make it even more durable and attractive in appearance. There are insulated options, and there are thinner and more affordable options. As they say, the choice is yours.
The use of linoleum allows you to make repairs in a short time and save the family budget
Of course, this is not the most durable, and not the most stylish way to decorate a balcony, but it is the fastest and most budgetary one. An important nuance: you also need to be able to lay linoleum. Therefore, not being confident in your own abilities, it is better to invite a professional. And remember, if direct sunlight falls on your balcony, then over time, such a coating will not only fade, but also deform.
On a cold balcony, linoleum can be laid directly on a pre-leveled concrete floor
On the insulated balcony, linoleum is laid on a plywood base
If you decide to do this work yourself, then here is a step-by-step action plan:
- Prepare the tools in advance: a sharp knife, hammer and nails.
- Spread the linoleum well. All bumps should be aligned. Do not regret this time, so that later you do not have to redo or buy other material.
- After the "canvas" is well smoothed, carefully fasten it with nails.
- Final step: fix the linoleum on the balcony with skirting boards.
By the way, the shops have linoleum specifically for public spaces. This is the most ideal option for balcony flooring. It is more durable and guaranteed to last longer.
Laminate
Absolutely environmentally friendly material. Differs in high wear resistance and decent appearance. The cost depends on the class of the laminate. Before laying this material, it is recommended to place it in a warm room for two days.
Laminate is considered one of the available design methods, well-proven in operation.
Laminate panels are perfect not only for the floor, but also for the walls and even the ceiling of the balcony
This material is a kind of mosaic, in which there are individual elements with locks. Therefore, they are quite simply attached to each other. It is recommended to start installation from the most flat area without any flaws. And before work, it is necessary to carefully level the floor surface on the balcony, otherwise, over time, the material will swell and crack. Laminate on the balcony is an affordable and practical solution.
Parquet
Immediately, we note that parquet is not a frequent guest on balconies. Only on insulated and expensively finished loggias can you find this expensive option. Installation is recommended at a temperature not lower than +18. Before laying, the material must be kept in a warm room for at least a week.
For an open balcony, a special garden parquet is used, which is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes
Today, a variety of parquet floors are available both in appearance and in cost. It is not recommended to choose cheap material, as its service life is very limited. Today, special options are available for the corridor and balcony. They are characterized by high wear resistance and a long service life.
Carpet
Today, a large assortment of carpets is available, not only in different colors, but also textures. This material is placed over a laminate or wood floor. You cannot put it on a cement screed.
The carpet can only be used in dry rooms.
Carpet is indispensable especially in cases when a study or a playroom is equipped on the loggia. Just make sure that during bad weather the windows in such a room do not remain open, otherwise, if the carpet floods with water, it will be extremely difficult to correct the situation.
Warm floor
Such know-how is no longer surprising for a modern person. Stepping on the floor and feeling warm, no one thinks that it was imagined. This is modern reality.
There are two options for such "heating":
- Water floor. Water is used as a heat source.
- Cable system. Special units are installed, and heating is carried out by electricity. At the same time, energy consumption is minimal.
Underfloor heating requires connection to the heating system, which is not always possible in an apartment
The electric film floor does not require special permits and can be used as the main or additional heating of the balcony
It is worth noting that recently, designers have actively taken up the balcony space, trying to make it as functional as possible. On the loggia, they do not just equip a recreation area, they move the kitchen or bedroom here.
But it is important to remember that if the question concerns the transfer of communications or redevelopment (demolition or transfer of walls and doors), then you will have to run around the authorities for permissions. Therefore, it is much easier to work without major changes to the original layout, and, of course, without transferring communication systems. Although, in the end, it's up to you to decide what you want and how you will achieve it.
Even if your balcony is not insulated, it is worth thinking about finishing the floor. Firstly, it is guaranteed to make the space pleasant to find, and, secondly, it will make it possible to use it with greater efficiency.