The design of the loggia allows it to be used as an additional living space, since the three walls are common with the rest of the apartment, and only the exterior is facing the street. Depending on the chosen method of finishing the loggia, it can be made open, that is, summer, or warm and used at any time of the year.
External furnish of a loggia
Basically, the exterior of the loggia serves to create aesthetic appeal to it from the outside. You try not only for the sake of the opinion of passers-by, because you yourself will be more pleased to see the well-arranged segment of your house. In addition, carrying out such work leads to significant savings in heat loss, so this part of the dwelling becomes more suitable for year-round operation for various purposes. The options for finishing the loggia are very diverse. This can be plastic lining, siding, panels, imitating brickwork or even artificial stones.
Finishing of the loggia siding
If you are looking for a durable, beautiful and practical material, siding will suit you. It is customary to apply it just for exterior work on the facing of residential buildings. Among the advantages of vinyl siding - it is moisture resistant and well tolerates temperature changes. Its properties allow maintaining a constant temperature regime inside the premises, which is important, if you store vegetables on the balcony or want to arrange a winter garden here.
Like other modern materials for finishing the loggia, siding has a large selection of textures and colors. It can also be wooden, but it is not customary to use it for outdoor work. Wood is deformed under the influence of moisture and sun, can be spoiled by insects. The vinyl siding does not have all these drawbacks. Among other things, it does not develop fungus and corrosion.
Decorating the loggia with artificial stone
The exterior decoration of the loggia with a decorative stone refers to a more expensive and beautiful method. Tiles with an artificial stone seem to be no worse than a natural natural material, but they have a lot of advantages. Creating a complete imitation of masonry, such a tile is more simple to lay, weighs much less, especially if it is made on the basis of expanded clay.
In its considerable variety, artificial stones can imitate different natural breeds. When choosing, you must carefully monitor the quality of the material, since not all varieties are suitable for external cladding. For example, inexpensive gypsum tiles very soon will deteriorate under the influence of moisture. It is best if the surface of the stones is smooth, without pores. And even such stones should be topped with varnish for additional protection.
Finishing the loggia with panels
The most common material for finishing the loggia is plastic panels. They are affordable, very light in weight, they are simply mounted outside and inside the room. However, at the same time they are very fragile, that is, they can be damaged by the impact of a solid object. They are also not particularly fond of temperature changes and do not always tolerate the effects of ultraviolet light.
If for various reasons you have discarded other ideas for finishing the loggia and preferred panels, for their more durable service it is preferable to choose reinforced models. To prolong the service life, the correct installation is also important. In this case, with the panels, this process is much simpler than, say, vinyl or tile. PVC panels can be attached even with a construction stapler.
Interior decoration of the loggia
Recently, loggias are increasingly seen as full-fledged rooms. To create conditions and a cozy interior they glazed, warmed, landscaped and equipped with comfortable furniture. Finishing the loggia inside is the most important moment in this process, and in addition to choosing and evaluating the aesthetic aspects of these and other materials, one must reckon with how suitable they are, because the balcony is a tiny heated room with its own characteristics. So the practicality of the materials comes to the fore.
Finishing the balcony with a lining
A very common way of internal arrangement of loggias and balconies involves the use of a wooden lining from a particular type of wood. It can be positioned vertically and horizontally depending on the desired visual effect. From this, the furnishing of the loggia itself will change: the direction of the boards dictates the way of the construction of the crate - the supporting structure must go perpendicular to the direction of laying of the cladding material.
Lining is possible to finish the ceiling of the loggia, and not just its vertical surfaces. Often this material is sewn up all the surfaces inside, as a result, a very cozy wooden interior is obtained. If the correct hydro and thermal insulation is made, after the plating on the balcony it will be warm and dry. In addition, the europanels will require impregnation with water-repellent compounds.
Laminate flooring
Modern decoration of the loggia allows the use of sometimes unexpected options, such as the use of a laminate not only for laying on the floor, but also for facing the walls. This material has a number of advantages and universal qualities that help make the balcony a cozy place for work and leisure. Just do not skimp on choosing the right laminate. Especially if the temperature here falls below zero and there is a higher level of humidity than in the rest of the apartment.
Finishing the loggia with this material is not an easy process. However, with some effort and doing everything in technology, you will get a durable and very attractive appearance. Thorough insulation of the external wall and glazing with triple-glazed windows will guarantee excellent safety of the laminate flooring, as well as comfortable conditions of staying here even in the cool season.
Decorating loggias with plastic
For internal lining of the balcony plastic is quite acceptable. Among its advantages are moisture resistance, low weight and affordable price. However, it is worth considering the shortcomings of the material, and the main one is fragility. Plastic cracks not only from mechanical damage, but also from low temperatures. To prevent such an annoying phenomenon, you must first carefully insulate the room.
Decorating the balcony with plastic panels is a simple and time-consuming process. As for other materials, you will first need to make a crate under the fastening panels. Thanks to the fact that the plastic panels are presented in a wide color range, the design of the room with such repairs can be very different, but in any case it is discreet and functional, modern and minimalistic.
Decoration of loggias with MDF panels
A very common material for finishing the loggia is MDF panels. They are made of pressed wood chips, laminated on top with a protective film that mimics wood or other natural materials. Choose a better moisture-proof panel or independently cover them with varnish after installation. You need to do this, even if there is a heat-insulating layer. So you will save an attractive view of the premises for a longer period.
Finishing the loggia walls with MDF panels is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, the result looks very decent. You can combine this material with others, such as decorative stone, brick, bamboo or cork panels. The rich variety of colors and textures makes it possible to make such combinations very harmonious. The laying process is simple, the material is wear-resistant, has good sound insulation.
Decorating the loggia with a stone
Use natural stone on the balcony is impossible because of its heavy weight. However, the loggia is quite another matter. Here, such a finish is permissible thanks to another way of distributing the weight of the structure, and yet, instead of natural it is better to use an artificial stone. It is both lighter and cheaper, and it's easier to pack it, because it is sold in the form of neat tiles that do not need to be specially customized.
Decorating the loggia with decorative stone and brick invariably gives the interior of any room an interesting and presentable look. In the care of a stone unpretentious, while durable and very durable. You can impose it as the entire surface of the walls, and individual areas, combining with other materials. The best combination is stone and plaster.
Finishing of the loggia with tiles
With ceramic tiles in mind, its useful properties can be noted, such as increased strength, high decorative, fire safety, ecological cleanness, moisture resistance, resistance to chemicals, frost resistance. All this makes the tile an ideal applicant for finishing the room with a moody microclimate.
Like other ideas for finishing the loggia, the tiling of walls and floor tiles is a modern and relevant solution. Durable material for many years will retain its original appearance. High resistance to wear will allow you to enjoy the repair without the need to adjust something, glue, tarnish and podkarivat. The only drawback is the visual and actual coldness of the ceramic surface.
Finishing of the loggia with decorative plaster
In the hands of the master plaster becomes a masterpiece - ornaments, drawings, colorful panels or simply elegant textures created on the basis of this finishing material, make the interior very cozy. Other advantages offered by the finishing of loggias with plaster are high heat and sound insulation, the ability of the material to "breathe", creating a good indoor microclimate, resistance to mechanical influences, and easy maintenance of the surface.
Wooden loggia finish
Wooden lining and other manifestations of wood as facing material (slats, tiles, etc.), being a completely natural and environmentally friendly material, will make rest on the loggia very pleasant and useful. A beautiful natural pattern and texture will create in the city apartment a unique feeling of being on the terrace in a country villa.
Finishing wooden lining of pine or spruce will be more budgetary way. If you need a long-lasting repair, it is better to give preference to oak, lime or aspen. The convenience of wood panels is that repairing the damaged part will not be a big problem: you just replace it with a new one. Thoughtful grooves make the installation process very comfortable and fast.
Each of the types of finishing materials for both exterior and interior finishes has its own merits and features. Having reviewed their characteristics in more detail, you can choose in favor of the most suitable option for your specific case.