The question of consumers about which flooring is better is difficult to answer unambiguously. When choosing a particular species, one should pay attention to the purpose of the surface, performance characteristics, decorative properties of the material and its price range.
The floor is the pluses and minuses
The filler floor is obtained as a result of its pouring by self-leveling liquid mixture, upon solidification of which an even horizontal surface is formed. The use of self-leveling floors in the apartment has pros and cons, according to consumers' reviews, there are more positive moments:
- The resulting surface has no seams, it is sealed, eliminates the accumulation of dirt, the emergence of mold and fungus.
- Versatility, which allows to use the floor in any premises.
- Antistatic, due to which a layer of dust does not accumulate on the surface.
- Resistance to chemicals used for cleaning.
- Fast hardening.
- Compatibility with various systems of "warm" floors.
- A variety of decor.
- A large operational period (with careful use and maintenance of floors will last at least 18-20 years).
When deciding which is better to choose a bulk floor, pay attention to the following drawbacks:
- Special care when preparing the base.
- Coverage, for whatever reasons, not arranged the owner (poorly produced works, disappointment in the design), it is very difficult to remove, sometimes impossible.
- An inexperienced performer may not be able to cope with the technological process of pouring the mixture.
- High cost of material.
Types of self-leveling floors and their characteristics
Each mixture, designed to create self-leveling self-leveling floors, has pros and cons, its choice depends on what kind of result you need. There are two main types of flooring mixes used in living areas:
- Cement-containing , consisting of sand, cement, lime and plasticizer. They are used where it is necessary to level the base, put a layer of 8-10 cm. Such a layer will level and smooth out the differences and elevations, it is not subject to shrinkage deformations, cracks and flaking. Cement-based mixtures can gain strength for one to two weeks, work is carried out at temperatures from +10 to +25 ° C, with no drafts at all, on the most repaired surfaces (with embedded cracks, holes, well-primed).
- Polymeric (polyurethane, epoxy, methyl methacrylate).
Polymeric self-leveling floors are used in the form of a finish coat, and at the base of each species are different polymers:
- Polyurethane filling - the so-called "liquid linoleum". They are made of matte and glossy, has a wide color range, high elasticity, high strength, resistant to high loads, aggressive chemical attack, has thermal and noise insulation, and has great decorating capabilities.
- Epoxy mixture - included in the resin and hardener promote the formation of the most flat and hard surfaces that are moisture resistant, resistant to chemical attack and abrasion;
- Methyl acrylate filling floors are suitable for industrial, storage, garage areas.
Which mixture is better for the floor?
Specialists, answering the question what kind of flooring is better, advise for different premises in the house to purchase different mixtures. A moisture-resistant compound suitable for use in a bathroom or toilet can be obtained from an epoxy mixture, and in residential premises, polyurethane types of self-leveling floors are preferable. You should also pay attention to the brand of the material used.
Which type of floor is better?
It is not easy to decide which filling floor to choose, because their compositions are different. Solving the problem, which filler floor is better, should be based on those requirements that are presented to specific premises. If special requirements are not put forward, then you should compare the quality and cost of the proposed product and choose a suitable option for the floor.
Domestic manufacturers produce mixtures for liquid floors that are not inferior to foreign brands, among well-proven brands can be called:
- The Elders;
- Horizon;
- Establish;
The most popular goods of foreign companies are products of the following companies:
- Knauf;
- Ceresite;
- Bergauf.
Design of filling floor
Self-leveling floors have wide decorative possibilities and varieties. Depending on which type of pattern is selected, the pattern can be applied:
- With the help of vinyl film, chips, other small items. It can be produced by usual and volumetric, for its gluing the finishing component is applied. Working with film is more difficult than with other decorating materials, before it is applied, you need to completely get rid of air bubbles.
- Paint using different stencils.
When deciding which floor to use in your home, it is worth paying attention to modern self-leveling 3d floors . The effect they produce, their aesthetic and design capabilities are dramatically different from conventional self-leveling floors, although the technology of their laying is the same. Many owners gave preference to this design, with beautiful three-dimensional images.
The floor in the living room
Choosing which flooring to choose for an apartment, the owners often stop on polymer floors, the quality characteristics of which resemble ceramics, and the appearance - linoleum. Whichever design style was chosen for the living room, the decoration of this room should be expensive, including the floor. The living room with a decorative filling floor looks more modern and spectacular than with a traditional type of finish coat. Choosing a system of "warm" floors, and to decorate a colorful panorama with a landscape or an image of plants, you will get a comfortable and original living room.
The floor in the kitchen
Having studied the reviews about which filler floor is better, it can be concluded that the popularity is gained by coatings based on polymer mixtures. Most housewives agree that they are attracted to such floors not only by the magnificent appearance, but also by the possibility of keeping them in perfect purity. Using a vinyl film for decoration, individual elements of the picture can be applied not only to the floor, but also to furniture.
An important factor is their practicality, they are resistant to damage, wear, and due to the lack of joints, have increased moisture resistance. Particularly in demand are 3d self-leveling floors in the kitchen, for the creation of which a transparent varnish is used, between which several layers have various elements of decor and image.
The floor in the bedroom
Self-leveling floors easily fit into any interior solutions, they look great in the bedroom. Having found out what kind of filler floors there are, it is necessary to choose a suitable decor:
- polygraphic substrate for self-leveling floors (made on a plotter and placed under a transparent layer);
- decorative elements (the principle is the same as in the previous version, painting is used instead of the substrate);
- 3d filling floor.
The floor can be glossy and matt, for the bedroom more often choose the second option, it is more practical. The glossy floor sparkles with cleanliness and novelty, has the ability to mirror the furniture, which in itself looks bright and festive, but for the bedroom is not always suitable. In addition, glossy floors - slippery, which can not be said about matte.
The floor in the nursery
Being an environmentally friendly and safe material, without any smells and toxins, the floor for the children's room has become a newfangled and original solution. Polymer floor can withstand frequent cleaning, which the children's room needs, without affecting the appearance, the coating can be made non-slip, preventing injuries and bruises.
Pleasant to the touch the floors allow you to walk on them barefoot, their temperature is comfortable for a person. Design features of self-leveling floors can turn a room into a stylish room decorated with drawings, colorful, monochrome or with a 3d room. A high indicator of hardness will prevent dents from impact, which are inevitable during children's games, such wheels are not frightening to the floor as well.
The floor in the hallway
When deciding which type of flooring is best, follow the advice of specialists who suggest paying attention to the following criteria:
- Simplicity of installation;
- amount of consumable material;
- drying time;
- moisture resistance;
- elasticity;
- price.
The hallway is a room where the floors must be particularly wear-resistant, because they can suffer from sharp heels and frequent washing. The most liquid floors that have been adapted to solve these problems have become a salvation for the housewives. Choosing which color the floor is in the hallway, do not limit yourself in the choice, even the smallest room can be made stunning and exclusive, because the hallway is the visiting card of your home.
Which flooring is better for a bathroom?
The bathroom is considered to be one of the best rooms for installing the floor, because it does not need additional waterproofing, and the temperature regime that it can withstand ranges from -35 to +65 ° С. The main requirement for finishing materials in this room is hygiene, and the flooring floor, like no other, has this quality. Thanks to the new design possibilities, the bulk 3d floor in the bathroom will transform this room beyond recognition.
Which flooring is better for a garage?
If you decide which flooring is best to choose for a garage, then consider the specific requirements for indoor coverage:
- strength;
- resistance to chemical influences (gasoline, acids);
- operational longevity;
- environmental neutrality (especially when heated);
- smooth, defect-free surface.
All these requirements will easily satisfy the filler floor, not subject to cracking in frosts and not softening in the heat. The assortment of garage floor floors, which includes epoxy, polyurethane and methyl acrylate compounds, will provide reliable grip of tires to the surface (even worn out) and easy parking (with minimal driving experience).