Laminate for the loggia which one to choose. Step-by-step instructions on how to properly sheathe a balcony with laminate. Laminate floor leveling and laying

September 7, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works (laying the foundation, erecting walls, constructing the roof, etc.). Internal construction works (laying of internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communication, high technologies, computer equipment, programming.

Recently, more and more popular, at least according to my observations, is acquiring the finishing of the balcony with a laminate. Moreover, with its help, not only the arrangement of the floor is carried out, but also the decoration of the walls (and sometimes the ceiling).

Just recently I was asked to sheathe a loggia and a balcony in a client's apartment with this material. And I decided to tell about this technology to all my readers along the way. After all, covering a balcony with a laminate is one of the simplest ways to finish it, which is easy to implement with your own hands.

Pros and cons of using laminate for finishing a balcony

Laminate is a modern decorative material that was originally used for flooring in residential areas and replaces parquet. The price of the product was lower than natural parquet with a similar appearance, so the new flooring quickly gained popularity in private construction.

To justify before you the choice of this particular material for finishing a balcony or loggia, I will list its main pros and cons.

Advantages	Flaws
Environmental friendliness. In the manufacture of laminate, adhesive compositions with minimal or no emission of harmful substances are used. Therefore, the material does not harm human health and can be used to convert a balcony into a living space.	Susceptibility to moisture. With insufficient waterproofing of the balcony, the material can absorb into the liquid and increase in size, which will lead to warping of the decorative surface and damage to the laminate itself.
Durability. If you choose a laminate of the desired wear resistance class, as well as follow the technology of its installation and operation, the finishing material will serve you until you decide to replace it with something else.	Large coefficient of thermal expansion. When heated, the material expands quite strongly in size. Therefore, if you have to put laminate on the balcony in winter, I advise you to leave a significant gap between it and the walls, which compensates for the expansion.
Cheapness. Standard laminate panels of 31-33 classes are quite cheap and available to all categories of the population. Especially when compared with other decorative materials that are suitable for finishing balconies.
Manifold. In stores you can find such a large number of laminate models that differ from each other in texture and color that even the most fastidious buyer will choose the right option for himself.
Ease of installation. The technology for installing laminate on the floor and on the walls is as simple as possible and even a novice home master can easily handle it.

As you can see, the laminate for the balcony, although controversial, is quite an acceptable solution. However, you need to choose the right material. Yes, and the very laying of the laminate on the loggia or balcony should be carried out in strict accordance with the technology, which I will bring to your attention below.

Features of the choice of material and its installation

The technical characteristics and performance properties of laminate flooring make it an excellent choice for residential applications. But on the balcony, unlike the rooms, a specific microclimate is formed, which needs to be slightly adjusted before choosing the considered finishing option.

Now let me explain what I mean:

It is possible to cover the floor and other surfaces with laminate only if the balcony or loggia is glazed. Otherwise, a large amount of moisture will quickly ruin your decorative finish, regardless of the strength of the selected material.

Laminate can only be installed in pre-insulated rooms. The air temperature in unheated balconies that can be finished with laminate should not fall below + 5 degrees Celsius.

It is necessary to mount the casing only on a previously leveled surface or a pre-insulated crate. Immediately decide which installation method you will use, since the list of necessary materials depends on this.

I advise you to use class 33 laminate for the balcony, which has increased abrasion resistance. To work in the described case, I chose dark brown panels, on the surface of which pollution is not so visible.

I do not recommend using laminate for finishing balconies where you are going to arrange a greenhouse or nursery for seedlings. In this case, the humidity level will be too high and the material will deteriorate.

Installation of laminate on the balcony

Well, now I'll tell you how to put a laminate on the floor and walls of the balcony. And I'll start, as usual, with preparation.

Preparatory stage

Before starting work, I performed the dismantling of the old flooring. There was a ceramic tile, which I knocked down with a perforator. After that, I cleaned the surface from protruding areas, mortar residues and other defects.

Then such an incident happened. The owner initially decided to make a water heated floor on the balcony.

And so I bought metal-plastic pipes and a cement mixture for screed. But no one told him that, according to SNiP, water heating, which will be part of the general engineering systems of the house, cannot be equipped on the balcony. And underfloor heating can only be electric.

In the course of a lengthy debate, I generally dissuaded him from making heated floors on the balcony, since, based on my experience, several (or even one) electric convectors are enough for comfortable heating of this room.

Therefore, I did the rough floor for laying the laminate like this:

A waterproofing membrane was laid on the cleaned concrete surface of the ceiling. One sheet was not enough, so a seam formed in the middle. I laid the sheets there overlapping at a distance of 15 cm and additionally sealed this area with adhesive tape.

On top of the film, I fixed the logs, which I made from wooden bars with a section of 100 by 50 mm. I put them along the balcony to make fewer cuts. Pre-treated them with an antiseptic that will extend the life of the wood.

In the gaps between the lags placed sheets of foam. I deliberately made the distance between the supporting elements such that the insulation would enter there without additional trimming. The resulting seams were blown out with mounting foam to avoid the formation of cold bridges.

I considered it unnecessary to fix the foam plastic on glue or dowels, since it is installed on the floor and will not go anywhere from there.
I laid a vapor barrier membrane on top, which will protect the insulation layer and the supporting logs from moistening with water vapor formed on the balcony during the life of people.
I fixed plywood sheets on the membrane, which will serve as a support for laying the laminate. They must be positioned so that there are gaps between adjacent elements and walls to compensate for the expansion of the material during use.

Thus, I prepared the floor surface for laying the laminate. After that, he moved on to the next stage of work.

Floor mounting

Now I'm telling you how to lay a laminate on a plywood sheet base, which I arranged on the balcony.

This is done as follows:

First of all, I measured the distance between adjacent walls on the balcony with a tape measure and marked the required distance on the laminate sheets. I always cut a few details in advance so that I don’t get distracted later during the laying process. The length of the part must be such that there is a gap between the floor covering and the wall, which compensates for the change in its size as a result of heating or getting wet.

It is very important to cut the laminate so that the cut line runs at a right angle. Otherwise, then it will not be possible to lay the lamellas evenly along the walls. For this I always use a square.

For smooth cutting of parts, I use an electric jigsaw. The cut should be made at a slow speed so that notches appear along the edge. Especially slowly you need to drive the jigsaw at the end, so as not to chip the edge of the laminate plate.

After cutting, I swept up all the sawdust and debris and laid a substrate on the plywood surface. Since the base is already quite strong, even and, among other things, insulated, it is not necessary to use a thick one.

To keep the underlay from fidgeting and moving during the laying of the laminate, I attach it to the wooden base with staples and a construction stapler. You can also use double sided tape.

Having finished with the underlayment, I installed the first piece of flooring. As you can see, in my case, the width of the balcony made it possible to install the laminate so that one lamella covered the entire surface of the floor. And the seams themselves were located perpendicular to the long walls of the balcony.

However, this is not the only styling method. In my practice, I had to apply others:

longitudinal;
diagonally;
herringbone or squares.

But I’ll immediately warn you that in this case you need to be prepared for a large number of trimmings, which means you will have to buy more material. But of course, it's up to you to decide.

After laying the first element, you can proceed to the installation of the following elements. Here the technology depends on the method of processing the ends of the products. I had a lock that snaps into place with a slight impact on the lamella.

Minor difficulties arose on that section of the floor where the threshold of the front door was installed. There was a small depression there, which required a cut of a complex shape. Therefore, I first measured the length and width of the notch, after which I transferred everything to the lamella and cut out the desired area.

The laying of the laminate itself on this section of the floor did not cause any particular problems.

The last lath of the laminate is laid after precutting. There, the cut will have to be made along, but do not worry. If it turns out a little crooked, later this area will be closed with a plinth, so the defect will not be visible.

Well, this is what the flooring looked like after finishing work on the balcony.

As I said, laminate flooring can be finished not only on the floor, but also on the walls of a balcony or loggia. I will discuss this technology in more detail below.

Wall mounting

While agreeing to work with a client, I was going to sheathe the walls of the balcony with laminate. However, in the process of work, the owner abandoned this method of finishing in favor of plastic panels, so I won’t be able to show you photos from that repair.

But that's not a problem. I have enough similar experience, so I will describe the technology here, illustrating it with pictures from other objects:

So, first you need to clean the wall of dust and debris, and then cover the finished surfaces with a waterproofing membrane.
After that, mount the crate. To avoid additional processing of wood, you can use a galvanized profile on which plasterboard sheets are mounted.

Then a heater is installed inside the crate. I used mineral wool. To keep it on the walls, I use U-shaped fasteners for the profile, which hold the material in place during installation and operation.

I covered the insulation with a vapor barrier membrane. If this is not done, then the moisture from the room will penetrate to the insulation and moisten it. And, as you probably know, this greatly reduces the efficiency of fibrous heat-insulating materials.
Installed a counter. These are the elements of the crate, which are placed on top of the membrane and allow you to place decorative material (in my case, laminate) at some distance from the film. Such a gap is needed so that the accumulated moisture is removed to the outside.
Laminate is placed on the counter-lattice.

The edges can be finished with fittings, which are usually used during the installation of plastic panels.

There is another way that I have resorted to more than once. You just need to level the walls of the room with plaster and putty, and then glue the laminate to the surface using "liquid nails".

Ceiling mounting

Installing laminate on the ceiling is also possible, although I would not recommend resorting to this method of finishing. Still, the material is quite heavy and if the installation technology is violated, the lamellas can fall. And well, if not on your head.

If you are a brave person, I can offer two ways:

Using glue on a pre-plastered surface. I don't recommend it for two reasons. Firstly, the plastered ceiling already looks good in itself, you can just paint it and enjoy the peace. Secondly, it will be difficult to equip the backlight (if you want to make it on the ceiling, and not on the walls).
With the help of a crate. In this case, you can firmly fix the laminate, and at the same time insulate the surface and lay the necessary electrical cables there.

Installation of skirting boards

The installation of skirting boards completes the finishing process, which give the room a finished look. For a laminate installed on a balcony, I advise you to use plastic skirting boards, which have excellent technical characteristics (taking into account the specifics of use) and blend well with the type of finish in question.

The technology for installing plastic skirting boards with a cable channel is as follows:

I take the plinth, take out the decorative plug from the cable channel and attach the part to the wall.
After that, using a perforator, I make a hole in the plinth and the wall that is located behind it.
Then I screw dowels with screws into the holes, which will firmly hold all the parts in place.
For arranging joints and corners, I use special additional elements (fittings).
After installing the skirting boards, I insert the plug into the plastic channel.

Plastic plinth is also good because it has some flexibility. Therefore, if the walls of the room are slightly uneven, it will hide these defects, as it will adhere tightly to the surface after screwing in the screws.

Summary

As you can see, to finish the balcony with laminate, you do not need to have a civil engineer diploma. It is enough just to follow the proposed technology.

September 7, 2016

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Laminate has long gained popularity as one of the most functional and practical floor coverings with a long service life, wear resistance, durability and excellent appearance. A huge selection of textures, patterns and color schemes allow you to implement any design solution when renovating a living room, bedroom, nursery, office. However, in addition to these premises, the apartment also has a kitchen, a balcony, a corridor. Can they be covered with this? And if so, which laminate to choose?

In the kitchen

The kitchen is the room with the highest traffic in the apartment, significant humidity and serious temperature fluctuations. These features dictate the choice of flooring. Ceramic tiles and a more budget option - linoleum have become familiar to us in the kitchen. However, without disputing the advantages of these coatings, the laminate makes it possible to create a floor that is difficult to distinguish from a floor made of natural wood. Wood-look ceramic tiles seem a bit far-fetched, and undeniably a much more expensive option.

Laminate structure

By its structure, it is a multilayer panel, in which each layer is responsible for performing its “own” task:

The lower layer provides protection against deformation. It should be emphasized that laminate models with a substrate integrated into the panel have appeared on the market.

The heat and sound insulation properties, as well as the moisture resistance of the panel, depend on the carrier layer. This layer is made of High Density Fiberboard (in English, HDF). The panel interlock is located in the carrier layer.

A layer of special kraft paper or PVC film with a printed pattern and texture is “responsible” for the decorative qualities.

On top is one or more layers of melamine or acrylate resin, which should protect the floor from damage. The service life of the laminate depends on the composition of the protective layer and the number of applied layers.

Moisture resistance is a relatively weak point of a conventional laminate, which is “not friendly” with water. A protective layer of melamine or acrylate resin repels moisture, but getting into the interlock, water causes the panel to swell. It is for this reason that moisture-resistant or even water-resistant laminate is recommended for laying in the kitchen. These are two floor coverings that are different in composition and properties.

What is the difference between moisture resistant laminate

Important! The technology for manufacturing a moisture-resistant coating differs from the technology for the production of a conventional (standard) one in that the carrier layer is made from solid wood fibers, and not wood shavings. Fibreboard under the influence of high temperatures and significant pressure gets a denser structure than a standard coating. Such a dense structure allows you to resist the penetration of water. After the formation of the plate is completed, it is treated with a special antifungal agent, and coated with a wax composition containing resins. Waxing seals the carrier layer of the panel.

The name of the moisture-resistant coating may contain the words Aqua Protect (Resist), and the carrier layer is colored greenish. So it is customary to paint and moisture-resistant drywall. A pictogram depicting a tap or an umbrella with a drop is applied to the packages.

The top layer of a moisture-resistant coating is often ribbed so that the wet surface is not very slippery.

However, we must not forget that the panel will not withstand prolonged exposure to water, it will swell and be unsuitable for further use. Therefore, water from the floor surface must be removed immediately. This applies to any, the most high-quality moisture-resistant coating of the world's leading manufacturers.

For an experiment in order to test the water repellency of such a material, as well as to control the time how long the panel can "hold" in water, it is better to take waste from the laying. Remember, in the cult Soviet comedy film "Operation Y" the phrase: "Train ... on cats!"?

Features of waterproof laminate

The water-resistant coating does not contain a carrier layer of fibreboard. The carrier layer of a standard or moisture resistant laminate in a waterproof coating is replaced by a layer of pressed vinyl, which makes up the "pie" together with a reinforcing mesh, quartz sand, decorative and protective layers. A pattern is applied to the decorative layer by photo printing, and the protective layer is made of polyurethane varnish, to which aluminum oxide is added. In appearance, vinyl laminate is similar to both standard and linoleum.

In terms of wear resistance, this coating belongs to class 43, and it can be in water for several weeks. At least that's what the manufacturers say. It is better not to check their words in practice - vinyl is likely to withstand and retain its properties, but the waterproofing of the screed ...

How to choose the right cover for the kitchen

To choose a coating for the kitchen in which you will not be disappointed, follow the simple rules:

A high-quality moisture-resistant laminate from well-known manufacturers cannot cost less than 1300 rubles / m². On the Internet, you can find offers with a price of about 500 rubles / m², but such coverage will definitely not have a guarantee of a quarter of a century or more. Moisture-resistant laminate is commercial, so there can only be 31-33 classes. If you are offered material of class 31 or 32, moisture resistant, for a very small price, this is a cheap fake. You will save on the purchase, but on the operation of the savings will not work.
The higher the density index of the wood fiber carrier layer of the panel, the higher the quality of the coating and its moisture resistance. Choose a coating with a density of 900 kg/m³. Another indicator is the swelling ratio, which measures the loss of the geometric shape of the panel when it is in water for 24 hours. If the coefficient is higher than 18%, then refrain from buying such a laminate.
Experts consider moisture-resistant laminate of 32 and 33 classes to be the optimal solution for the kitchen. At the same time, both buyers and experts note that the moisture resistance of class 33 coatings is much higher than that of its “brothers” of classes 31 and 32. Buying a new class 34 laminate for laying in the kitchen is not advisable because of the ratio of price (it is much higher) and quality.
The joints of high-quality moisture-resistant laminate panels are treated with wax, while the impregnation should be deep. Such impregnation will provide good protection for the most vulnerable point of the material.

Important! For the kitchen, it is desirable to purchase a laminate with a corrugated surface. A smooth surface on which water is spilled will be slippery.

From foreign manufacturers of moisture-resistant laminate, pay attention to the products of Pergo, Tarkett, Classen, Witex, Kronospan. Do not turn away from the laminate produced at the Russian factories of Tarkett or Quick Step. It is cheaper, but has good quality.

On the balcony

Another room in the apartment where laying laminate flooring often raises questions and doubts is the balcony. And to the question of whether it is possible to lay this coating on the balcony without fear of negative consequences, the answer will be positive. Yes, you can, but the choice of model will depend on the condition of the balcony.

For an open or uninsulated balcony (for example, there are frames made of “cold” aluminum), only vinyl laminate is suitable. However, due to its relatively high cost, the question of whether to use vinyl laminate on an open balcony is up to you. Moisture resistant and, especially, a standard laminate, will not withstand temperature changes and constant precipitation.

It is possible to lay a laminate on a balcony in the event that two- or three-chamber glazing is installed, the walls, floor and ceiling are insulated. On such a “protected” balcony, the temperature, even in cold winters, will not fall below 14 ° C and there will be no threat of leaks. In such conditions, it is possible to use a conventional coating, but this will be determined by the functional purpose of the balcony. If you decide to create a winter garden on an insulated balcony, it makes sense to think about laying a moisture-resistant laminate - it is unlikely that you will be able to completely eliminate the frequent contact of the floor with spilled water.

For laying on an insulated balcony, the choice of laminate class will depend on your capabilities. Of course, the coating of class 31 (and higher) has excellent performance properties, but you will not need any special wear resistance of the material on the balcony.

Important! When laying laminate on a balcony, one should not forget about the mandatory installation before the installation of restrictive wedges. An expansion joint is necessary even on an insulated balcony. Without it, there is a high probability that inevitable temperature changes will cause the material to expand, which, due to the lack of a seam, will lead to its deformation.

Be sure to treat the interlocks with laminate gel. Such treatment will increase the elasticity of the connection and will serve as additional protection of the floor from moisture.

On an elongated balcony, it is advisable to lay the coating perpendicular to the longest side. So it will be possible to visually expand the balcony. But in any case, on a small balcony area, the problem of illumination of the seams between the panels will not be as relevant as in the rooms.

The choice of color, pattern and texture of the laminate is a matter of taste and your design ideas. So, a wood-like coating would be appropriate on a balcony with a winter garden or, intended for recreation, sports, or an office.

In the corridor

As a floor covering in the corridor can be used:

Laminate.
Parquet board or parquet.
Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles.
Linoleum.
Carpeting (carpet).

There are options when different coatings are used simultaneously to finish the corridor.

It follows from the area of the corridor, the load and design of this room. Laminate is one of the best options in terms of price and quality.

In order to visually expand a narrow corridor, the panels should be laid across the room, perpendicular to the side walls. This is not only a well-known design technique, but also the most economical way of laying.

It is advisable to make a choice in favor of household (grades 21-23) or commercial (grades 31-33) coverage not from a simple comparison of their qualities, but based on the actual load on the floor in the corridor in your apartment. If there are 2-3 people in the family, there are no small children and dogs, then it makes no sense to buy a much more expensive class 33 laminate, simply because it is better, apparently not. This is a commercial flooring for high traffic areas. You will not have 50-70 office workers walking down the corridor every day. Another thing is that small children - 2-3 kids with constant running around can easily replace these same office workers. Therefore, make a decision based on the composition of your family.

As a conclusion

Important! Having decided to lay a laminate in any room of the apartment, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base. The base for laying must be even, solid and dry. When installing the cover, do not forget to pre-lay the substrate. The required distance between the material and the walls of 10 mm will help you keep plastic or homemade wedges.

Laminate on the balcony is a great option for finishing the floor. The material is made in a variety of colors, which allows it to be used in any design ideas. Laminate is easy to work with and laying it out on your balcony is not difficult.

Laminate is a material with several layers. As a basis, fiber boards (MDF) or wood shavings (chipboard) are used. The bottom of the laminate is covered with a special water-repellent material, and several protective layers of acrylic resin are applied on top.

Laminate has many properties that make it a suitable flooring material for a balcony:

Resistance to external influences. The balcony, unlike other rooms in the apartment, is most affected by weather conditions. The laminate endures any temperature fluctuations. This material is not afraid of high humidity, and also does not fade in the sun.
Protection against mechanical damage. The number of layers of acrylic resin determines how difficult it will be to scratch or push through the laminate. Acrylic resin protects the material well from any mechanical influences.
Durability. Laminate is one of the most durable materials. It does not require special care and is not afraid of household chemicals.

Laminate flooring will suit any room decor, as it is produced in various colors. For the floor on the balcony, most often choose a laminate with imitation of wood species. You can also purchase material that resembles solid granite or ceramic tiles.

Guide in choosing a laminate is using a class system. The class consists of a two-digit number, the first of which indicates the type of premises: 2 are residential, and 3 are commercial.

Domestic laminate is suitable for laying floors in residential buildings. Its service life is from 2 to 5 years. Due to the low level of wear resistance, many manufacturers have abandoned the production of household laminate 21-23 in favor of commercial. Therefore, now most often you can find four main types of laminate: 31, 32, 33, 34.

Laminate class 31 is designed for rooms that will be used by several people. Therefore, the material is suitable for balconies. The thickness of such a laminate is 6-8 mm. Thin material can be used for laying in insulated rooms. Keep in mind that it is easily damaged. Class 31 is not impregnated with a moisture-resistant composition, therefore it is not suitable for rooms with a high level of humidity.

Laminate class 32 in thickness reaches 7-12 mm. It is embossed, impact-resistant and has a protective impregnation against moisture. The surface of the laminate is treated with hydrophobic and wax compounds, which protects the coating from excessive humidity in the room. This floor will last more than 10 years.

The best option for a balcony without insulation is the choice of class 33 laminate. It has the same thickness as class 32, but is most resistant to temperature extremes.

34 laminate belongs to the premium class. Often this flooring comes with a lifetime warranty. The bottom layer of the laminate has the function of soundproofing. For an ordinary balcony, there is no need to purchase a class 34 laminate, but if you plan to make a workshop or mini studio out of the balcony, it will be a great solution.

You should also pay attention to the waterproof laminate. Its composition is slightly different from the classic coating. Instead of fibers and wood shavings, household polyvinyl chloride is used. The material is often used for flooring in bathrooms and showers. The laminate made using this technology is absolutely not afraid of water, so if the balcony windows leak during rain, the floor will not be damaged.

Balcony preparation for laminate flooring

In order for a laminate floor to last as long as possible, a number of prerequisites must be met:

It is worth laying the flooring after the balcony is fully glazed. By observing this condition, you can extend the life of the laminate.
If you plan to insulate the balcony, it is worth doing this before the installation of the laminate will take place. The most optimal temperature for a laminate is at least -5 degrees.
Class 31 laminate should be laid if the humidity level on the balcony is not increased. Condensation will accumulate in the room if proper thermal insulation is not done.
Before laying laminate flooring, the floor surface must be completely cleaned and leveled.
For class 31 and 32 laminate, an underlay must be used. It will create the necessary sound insulation, as well as extend the life of the flooring.

Choosing a laminate flooring

In order for the floor covering to last as long as possible, it is necessary to make the right choice of substrate. There are several main types of substrates:

cork;
isolon;
expanded polystyrene.

Cork is an environmentally friendly type of substrate. For the manufacture of material used oak bark. This is a fairly dense coating, so the floor will not deform under the influence of a heavy load. But the material deteriorates under the influence of moisture, so installing it on the balcony is quite risky.

Izolon is called polyethylene foam. In addition to the fact that it levels the floor, isolon refers to heat-insulating materials. Another plus of such a substrate is moisture resistance. But if you are going to store heavy things on the balcony, you should not choose this type of substrate. Under high load, the material is compressed, which will lead to dents in the laminate.

Expanded polystyrene is a material with an ideal price-quality ratio. It levels the floor well and is ideal as a substrate for laminate flooring. Also, the polystyrene foam substrate creates a heat-insulating layer. The material dampens the sound well.

Laminate installation is quite simple and does not require special skills. After purchasing the flooring, you can not immediately install it. Laminate panels should stand on the balcony for several days so that the material is prepared for the humidity level of the room. The only exception is the waterproof coating.

It is worth laying a laminate with closed windows, as well as in sunny and calm weather. It is advisable to carry out installation work in the summer. It is worth postponing the laying of the laminate in sub-zero weather.

The subfloor needs to be level. For this, a concrete screed is suitable. The floor is poured with a solution of several centimeters, making it absolutely even. Then you should cover the floor with a vapor barrier film and place the substrate.

You need to make sure that the surface under the laminate is completely flat. A recess of more than a few millimeters will create cavities and other surface irregularities.

Laminate panels are laid in one of three directions relative to windows:

Perpendicular. For this method of laying laminate, you need to purchase material with a margin. Since the flooring will lie parallel to the sunlight, the joints will be almost invisible. This will create the effect of a solid canvas. This installation method is perfect for a laminate with imitation of natural stone.
Parallel. This is a floor installation method that visually lengthens the room. Parallel laying is suitable for small glazed loggias. But it should be borne in mind that the seams between the panels may be noticeable. Therefore, it is advisable to choose a dark-colored laminate.
Diagonally. This is a great solution for non-standard layout. If the balcony has an oval shape or a polygonal design, it is best to place the laminate diagonally. Due to this method of laying, the dimensions of the balcony will visually increase. True, and the laminate must be taken with a large margin.

After all the preparatory work has been carried out and the method of laying the laminate has been chosen, you can lay the floor. It should be borne in mind that a small gap of no more than 1 cm must be left between the panels and the wall. It is necessary to avoid subsequent deformation of the material.

To work with the material, it is best to use an electric jigsaw. It cuts the laminate cleanly without damaging it. A circular saw will also work. Only you should choose a model with small teeth. A hacksaw is also suitable for cutting thin laminate. It is worth starting the installation of the laminate from the far corner of the balcony. Each joint must be sealed with a sealant.

Improvement of the balcony is one of the most important stages of work on the reconstruction and repair of apartments in multi-storey buildings. Indeed, with the “correct use of hands” and the availability of appropriate materials, this small and modest room can be turned into a full-fledged room for work and relaxation. For this purpose, a variety of methods and methods of arrangement are used. For example, finishing the balcony with laminate. But with all the advantages of the material, you still need to know how to properly lay the laminate.

The term "laminate" is commonly understood as a special type of flooring, with a base of high-density fibreboard. Translated from Latin, "laminated" means "layered". That is, in its structure, this material resembles a “dough puff”, the upper part of which is a protective wear-resistant film that acts as a finishing decorative coating.

Some of the undoubted advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring include:

Original and spectacular appearance, a wide variety of color options.
High strength, resistance to various types of chemical, mechanical and bacterial effects.
Fire resistance.
Versatility. Laminate can be used to finish any balcony surface, including floors, ceilings and walls.
Ease and convenience in installation and maintenance.
Affordable cost.

Laminate in the decoration of the balcony: quality and installation requirements, installation features

The combination of excellent physical and technical characteristics and low prices make laminate one of the most popular materials used in the interior decoration of balconies and loggias. However, along with numerous advantages, this coating has a number of features that should be considered when laying it. These include:

High demands on the foundation. Laminate is laid only on perfectly flat, thoroughly dried surfaces, completely free from all kinds of debris and dust.
Not a very high level of heat and sound insulation, which must be considered before putting the laminate on the balcony with your own hands.

In addition, when choosing this material for finishing these rooms, it must be borne in mind that the laminate flooring can only be used on balconies and loggias that have undergone thorough insulation. That is, before laying the laminate board on the balcony, glazing with two-chamber or three-chamber double-glazed windows should be made, as well as the insulation of its parapet, walls, floor and ceiling. As a result, the minimum temperature in this room should not fall below +5 degrees.

Which laminate to choose for the balcony? For cladding this room, you can use panels of any class, but it is preferable to choose a material of 31-33 classes, which is highly resistant to stress and abrasion.

When finishing the loggia with a laminate, do not forget that it does not tolerate excessive moisture.. So, if later you plan to organize a mini greenhouse with house plants in this room or use the balcony for hanging and drying clothes, it is better to replace it with other types of finishing materials.

Preparatory work and tooling

Laying laminate on the balcony begins with preparatory work, including the dismantling of the old coating, cleaning the base from dust and dirt, leveling and insulating it.

The biggest "enemies" of this coating, which significantly reduce its service life, are all kinds of bumps, pits and bumps, so they need to be eliminated. “Normal” and suitable for subsequent work is the base on which the depth of possible drops and irregularities does not exceed 2 mm per 1 m.

Tip: 48 hours before the installation work, the purchased laminate panels must be transferred to the balcony, where the laying will be carried out, unpacked and inspected for defects.

Before you put the laminate on the balcony, you need to familiarize yourself with the installation technology of this material. In particular, the following rules must be observed:

The laying of the material must be carried out on a suitably prepared, carefully leveled base, on which a special substrate is spread, providing a sufficient level of heat and noise insulation.
Laminate boards should be laid parallel to the sun's rays, in a checkerboard pattern.
How to lay laminate flooring correctly? When installing laminate be sure to leave technological gaps(1-1.5 cm) between the material and the walls, using expansion wedges during installation.
The minimum length of the lamella to be laid must be at least 30 cm.

The following tools are used for laying laminate flooring:

Ruler and pencil for marking.
Electric jigsaw, fine-toothed circular saw, or fine-toothed wood saw.
Roulette.
Building level.
A hammer.

Laminate floor leveling and laying

Leveling the base before laying the laminate on the loggia is a guarantee of the duration of its subsequent operation, therefore, this stage must be carried out in accordance with all the rules, strictly observing the chosen technology and procedure.

The most common concrete floor leveling option is screed use. You can do it in two ways:

- with the manufacture of concrete mortar.

- using self-leveling compounds.

For additional insulation of concrete slabs lying at the base of the balcony, it is possible to use expanded clay of small and medium fractions, as well as panels of extruded polystyrene foam.

The process of installing a laminate on a concrete base with a cement-sand screed is as follows:

A layer of waterproofing film with a thickness of at least 200 microns is spread on the prepared surface. It is overlapped with an overlap of 20-25 cm and fixed with adhesive tape.
A laminate underlayment is laid on top of the waterproofing layer.
Cover panels are being installed. Installation always starts from the far corner of the room. Joints are treated with a sealant.

Foamed polyethylene, expanded polystyrene or cork are often used as a substrate.

The leveling of the base with wooden flooring is carried out with the help of floor logs, on which so-called raised floors made of plywood or chipboard sheets laid in a checkerboard pattern are laid, and laminate panels are already laid on them.

Important: During installation, plywood is sawn into small slabs and laid at a distance of 5-10 mm from each other. This is done to prevent deformation of the base under the laminate when the floor moves.

The mandatory stages of preparing the coating for finishing include the installation of layers of waterproofing and insulation. For this purpose, various materials can be used, including polystyrene foam, penofol, as well as various types of penetrating and rolled waterproofing.

Laying laminate flooring on a balcony can be done in several ways:

Parallel to a wall with a window opening.
across the balcony base.
Diagonally.
"Herringbone".
"Squares", etc.

Laminate in the decoration of the walls of the balcony

Finishing the walls of the balcony with laminate is a very profitable and practical solution for the improvement of this room. This work can be done by several methods, depending on the type and method of installation of the coating.

How to fix the laminate on the balcony wall? Adhesive laminate fastened to a metal crate covered with drywall. The joints formed between the sheets of drywall must be glued with adhesive tape and treated with putty. Then the resulting surface is primed, and laminate panels are fixed on it with a special glue.

Laminate click type, which has reliable and durable locking elements in its design, attached to the crate, which can be made of metal or wood. The frame is attached to the surface to be finished with dowels, and the elements of the crate are connected using self-tapping screws. In this case, the width of the frame cells for fastening the panels should be no more than 40 cm. The panels can be fastened to the frame using glue (liquid nails) or small nails. It is very convenient to use a construction stapler for this purpose and kleimers- galvanized brackets designed to fasten this material.

They can be of two types:

- With serrated protrusions (they are driven into the cut end of the laminate board and mounted on the crate or wall using self-tapping screws).

- With flat protrusions (pressing the protruding part of the click lock of the panel and not preventing its connection with other boards).

To sheathe the balcony with laminate sheet pile the crate is also made of wood or galvanized profile. It is attached to it with nails or stapler staples.

Laminate on the ceiling

Laying laminate on the ceiling of a balcony or loggia begins with the preparation of the surface used. At the same time, if before that the base was covered with plaster, it is better to get rid of it completely.

Then the frame structure is mounted with a step, which is calculated based on the dimensions and width of the laminate panels. The cells of the crate can be both square and rectangular, and have a size not exceeding 500x500 mm. Along the perimeter of the ceiling, it is necessary to launch a rail with a width of at least 50 mm.

Installation of the crate begins with the laying of the guides. Then crossbars are attached to them. For laying electrical wiring in the elements of the crate, deep cuts are made into which wires are passed. The fastening of the laminate to the crate is carried out by analogy with the walls: with glue, small nails or kleimers.

Laying skirting boards and sills

Completes the work on finishing the balcony or loggia with a laminate installation of decorative elements - skirting boards and thresholds. Laying a skirting board on a laminate is no less important and significant than the question: how to properly lay a laminate.

The final stage - installation of skirting boards

These elements give the room a neat and finished look, and also perform protective functions, preventing moisture, dust and dirt from getting under the laminate. In addition, sills and skirting boards help to hide small irregularities formed during the laying of the material.

How to install laminate flooring video

And here you can watch a video on the topic of our article, which can be useful for mastering all the intricacies of laying material on the floor.

Laminate has long gained great popularity and trust among consumers. This is a versatile flooring that is ideal for an apartment or office. You can also put laminate on the balcony and loggia. Ease of installation, aesthetic appearance and durability are the main qualities that satisfy most demands of demanding customers. A wide range of colors allows you to choose the optimal shade, ideal for any interior space.

Material Features

So, if you decide to change the floor on the balcony or loggia, then the best solution would be to lay a laminate. This is a modern floor covering that contains several layers:

The basis of the laminate is made from wood shavings, which guarantees the unique properties of this flooring;
For the bottom coating, waxed cardboard or a special film is used, which are impregnated with special resin compounds;
For the top layer, a transparent decorative film is used, which is resistant to mechanical damage and has a decorative pattern that imitates the texture of expensive wood species.

Advantages and disadvantages of laminate

In many ways, it is thanks to the multi-layered material that the positive properties of the laminate are achieved:

Firmly resists any mechanical damage;
It is not afraid of moisture and does not swell from its large amount in the air;
Does not respond to temperature changes;
Not afraid of exposure to ultraviolet rays;
It has a high thermal conductivity, so it is perfect for underfloor heating on the balcony;
Meets all stringent fire safety requirements;
Outwardly looks attractive and noble;
It is easy to care for and is not afraid of the chemical effects of detergents.

But along with the obvious positive qualities of this flooring, it also has some negative sides:

It is very demanding on the base on which it will be laid (the floor surface must be perfectly flat and completely dry);
It conducts sound well, so it is almost impossible to achieve complete sound insulation.

Which laminate to choose

There are several types of laminate. Their main difference is the strength and thickness of the panels. Laminated coatings of classes 21-23 have a small thickness, poor wear resistance and a relatively low price. Nevertheless, such a laminate on the loggia is quite suitable. Laminate of 31-33 classes is characterized by greater density and increased wear resistance, therefore it is most often used in office or industrial premises.

When choosing a laminate, you should look at the marking of the production technology. The DLP designation indicates that all layers are pressed, and the HPL marking means that during production each layer was additionally impregnated with a fixer.

Separately, it is necessary to mention the appearance of the laminate. We advise you to choose panels made to look like natural materials such as wood, stone, parquet and others.

Laying laminate

You can start laying the laminated coating only on the balcony, where two or three-chamber double-glazed windows are already installed and the walls are insulated.

When is the best time to install laminate flooring?

It is not advisable to lay laminate on the loggia in winter, especially at temperatures below 10 degrees and air humidity above 70%. Ideally, the temperature should be above 5 degrees. If these conditions are not met, the surface of the laminate may become cloudy, flake or stand on end.

Before starting installation work, leave the unpacked laminate on the balcony and let it rest for two days.

Preparing the surface for laying

Pay special attention to the surface on which you will lay the new flooring. It should be smooth, well dried and clean. For this:

Remove all objects and things from the balcony;
Remove the old coating down to the slab using a chisel and hammer;
Take out excess rubbish;
If there are cracks, pits and irregularities, they must be eliminated with a new screed or grout;
Check the leveled subfloor with a spirit level.

Required set of tools

To sheathe a balcony with laminate, you will need these tools:

Marker and tape measure;
Building level;
expansion wedges;
Circular saw and hammer;
Clamp;
Metal bracket or bar;
Protective glasses.

How and what to cut laminate

As we have already said, before laying it is necessary to leave the laminate on the balcony for two days, after which you can cut it into segments of the desired size, following the step-by-step instructions:

Draw a line on the board with a ruler and marker.
Take another laminate board and lay it exactly along the line of the future cut, securing it with a clamp. This is done so that the saw does not go to the side. Check that everything is securely fastened.
Wear safety goggles.
Cut the board with a circular saw or electric jigsaw.
Check if this board is the correct size by placing it on the installation site.

If you need to cut a board of complex shape, use a paper template. To do this, draw the desired outline on paper and cut out the template on it. Then attach it to the board and circle it. It remains only to cut off.

Main job

Finishing the balcony with laminate is quite simple and does not require much effort. You can easily cope with this work yourself without the help of specialists. Laminated panels are easily attached to each other with locks that are formed when a spike of one board is inserted into the groove of another, and are adjusted with a hammer and a metal bracket.

Start laying the laminate on the loggia from the side opposite to the exit. Lay the boards perpendicular to the window, then the joints will be almost invisible. Pre-install the wedges at the threshold and wall, as well as at the jambs and pipes. The first row must be laid with a gap of 5 mm to 1 cm from the wall, otherwise the laminate will deform over time, as it may expand or contract after some time. Take a hammer and a metal bracket and gently tap the end of the first board so that the tenon of the second board enters its groove. First cut the last board in the row to the desired size.

The remaining rows are assembled by analogy with the first and are additionally connected along the longitudinal edge. To do this, one board is inserted into the groove of the other at an angle of approximately 40 degrees. When lowering the board, a characteristic click will be heard. Use a clamp to connect the last board to the wall.

When finished, remove the spacer wedges and close the gaps with the plinth by nailing it to the wall. Don't forget to install a threshold that will complete the look of your new loggia. By the way, these details will also protect the laminate from moisture and give it static.

Video instruction

That's all the main stages of work that must be carried out in order to independently lay the laminate on the balcony or loggia. Do not hesitate, laminate is the best and optimal solution for flooring in these rooms. Ease of installation, ease of further maintenance and long service life will meet all your expectations.