Do-it-yourself balcony decoration: step-by-step instructions and tips. Do-it-yourself balcony decoration step by step instructions Do-it-yourself budget balcony decoration

In addition to the aesthetic component, the lining of the balcony and loggias will have a positive effect on reducing heat loss your apartment. So, when glazing and insulating a balcony or loggia, this indicator will improve by at least 8-10%.

In the course of interior finishing work, significantly increased functionality balcony space (you can build a hidden niche with shelves, a window sill with a folding table for tea parties and much more).

Sheathing options

Ideas for decorating a balcony can be different. You need to choose based on the appropriateness of using a particular type of material in your particular case. In order to make the right choice, you need read in detail with each of them.

MDF

To positive properties MDF finishes panels can be attributed increased environmental friendliness, which is close to that of solid wood.

MDF boards are created by pressing small and dry wood shavings under high pressure.

The binding element is urea resin, does not emit toxic formaldehyde, which is used in the manufacture of chipboard panels.

Siding

Great for both indoor and outdoor exterior finish. Material resistant to aggressive weather conditions, has increased frost resistance.

Thanks to the thoughtful design of the material, almost anyone can finish siding. Another significant advantage is that such panels will serve you for at least 25 years.

Plastic panels

Plastic panels are a cost-effective finishing material that has the property of increased sound insulation, which will be useful when arranging a secluded place on the balcony.

The color palette is so diverse that using PVC panels you can not only dilute the grayness with bright colors, but also imitate natural stone, wood, fabric and other textures.

Plastic unpretentious in care, In case of slight contamination, it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth. However, this finishing material, like siding, is deformed during temperature changes.

Decorative plaster

Finishing with decorative plaster is a great option for a balcony in a romantic style. Through various finishing techniques you can create ornaments and patterns, which will make the balcony not only cozy, but also unique. The most popular finish is bark beetle, as in the photo.

Decorative plaster keeps heat well while not absorbing moisture. This property eliminates the appearance of dampness, which is the cause of unpleasant odors.

Read also about how to decorative plaster with your own hands.

Block house

Block house is a wooden decorative panel with a flat surface on one side and a cylindrical surface on the other. Flat surface equipped with mounting grooves and spikes to facilitate installation, and provide the necessary ventilation between the wall and the finishing layer.

With the help of sheathing, a block house creates imitation of natural log cabin however, such panels are much cheaper than natural wood. There is one drawback - the block house has a thickness of 2 cm or more, which excludes the possibility of its use for small balconies.

When creating these panels deciduous tree is used or conifers . The second option has a much greater water resistance and resistance to decay, since such panels contain coniferous resins.

Decking

Decking is a multilayer sheet, consisting of a steel base, which is coated in layers with zinc and chrome coating, primer and a layer of polyester.

Thanks to several protective layers of coating, such a sheet does not corrode.

Decorative rock

Decorative stone allows you to give the balcony walls the look of natural rock. Since this material is attached to the wall without any additional work on the crate, but simply “sits down” on the glue, this greatly simplifies the installation work.

The cost of this material much cheaper natural specimens, which also cannot but please the consumer.

Laminate

Laminate - decorative coating, the basis of which is a fiberboard increased strength.

Before choosing a laminate finish, please note that it can only be applied for insulated and glazed balconies, where the temperature does not fall below zero.

It is used not only for finishing floors, but also as a wall covering.

Cork

To finish the balcony usually sheets of agglomerated cork are used, the surface of which can be both natural color and painted.

There are options with porous front side sheet, which additionally impregnated with wax.

Cork veneer is an excellent sound and heat insulator, does not absorb foreign odors, not subject to aging. Cork is not subject to fire, does not require additional care.

Material selection criteria

When choosing one or another option for interior decoration of a balcony or loggia, it is necessary to take into account the basic properties of materials, which are planned to be used. Let's take a closer look at what materials are best to use depending on the type of finish.

So, for a non-glazed balcony, the choice of finishing coatings will be significantly narrowed.

Finishing options for such premises:

• plastic panels;
• siding;
• clapboard;
• block house.

If you plan to glaze and insulate the balcony, then you can use any of the above options finishes.

For the exterior decoration of the balcony, you need to choose materials that will be resistant to constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wind, as well as frequent temperature changes.

Sheets of corrugated board or siding would be excellent options in this case. If you live on the first or second floor, then it is better to use corrugated board for facing, as it has increased resistance to blows. In addition, mounting such panels is much easier than siding.

However, if the surface of the corrugated sheet is even slightly damaged, this will lead to corrosion.

How to decorate the balcony inside yourself?

In order for the overall composition of your balcony to look harmonious, you need to take care of its complex finishing: floor, ceiling, walls, as well as slopes. Let's take a closer look at the finish of each of the surfaces.

Ceiling

One of the most common options finishing the balcony ceiling is a single-level device false ceiling from MDF.

slopes

Plastic slopes are the most versatile option. Preparatory measures include cleaning the slopes from the old finish, as well as treatment with antiseptics and cementing cracks.

In order for the future slopes to be perfectly even, you need along the side and top side of the opening fix wooden slats .

This is done with screws. 95 mm long. Next, the starting U-shaped PVC strip is fastened (using self-tapping screws) along the outer edge of the window.

Then the installation of the F-shaped profile is carried out so that its groove is opposite the groove of the U-shaped strip, and the upper part is overlapped. Now you can start installing the most accurately cut plastic slopes into the grooves of the profiles.

For additional thermal insulation can be used roll insulation, which keeps within together with PVC a strip of a slope.

Walls

If you want to decorate the walls MDF panels, then worth taking care of preparatory work Oh on the structure of the frame. Depending on the materials used, the crate is metal and wood.

If you plan to insulate the walls of the balcony, then you should give preference wooden version. For its construction bars 4x4 cm, 4x5 cm, 5x5 cm are used- for racks, and slats 2x4, 2x5 cm for transverse strips.

Racks are mounted in increments of no more than 1 meter, and horizontal ones - no more than 50 cm. If there is no need for vertical racks, then horizontal ones are mounted directly on the wall surface. The main racks are attached to the walls with self-tapping screws and dowels.

horizontal rail must be installed at a distance of 10 mm from the floor, this space is filling up mounting foam. The correct installation of each subsequent row should be checked using the building level.

Warming made by laying slab insulation in between the frame space, with its subsequent fastening to the wall using dowels and self-tapping screws. Further, on the constructed crate, MDF panels are mounted using self-tapping screws, kleimers or nails.

Floor

In order to sheathe the floor with cork, you need pre-clean concrete from pollution. Logs are mounted on a clean base (using self-tapping screws and dowels). The distance between the elements should not exceed half a meter.

Between wooden elements foam is laid down with a foil layer down, for additional thermal insulation.

Next, the subfloor is installed, consisting of chipboard sheets, which is attached to wooden lags using self-tapping screws. On the subfloor cork material is laid, then they fix it around the perimeter with skirting boards.

External cladding

Outside, the balcony is finished with siding or corrugated sheets. Before installation a number of preparatory works are being carried out. First, the old cladding and railings are dismantled.

Then the lower part of the balcony lattice is cleaned and painted. After preparation, the level checking the surface evenness around the perimeter. Next, a wooden crate is mounted and painted in two layers.

In order to close the balcony with corrugated board, you will need self-tapping screws with a rubber washer, which acts as a waterproofing of the mounting hole.

Installation is carried out from one corner to another, without changing the direction of movement.

The screws are screwed in two rows. For installation of internal and external corners, between the wall and adjoining sheets of corrugated board leave a gap of 5 mm.

The exterior finish is completed on this, you can enjoy the result.

In the next video, see how to properly finish the balcony:

Finishing the loggia is a very important stage that requires maximum attention from you. To do the job efficiently and for a long time, you should pay due attention to the choice of materials, their correct installation and proper care after installation. Finishing a loggia with your own hands is a fairly easy task, but many factors should be taken into account and taken seriously.

What material to choose

When choosing options for finishing a balcony, the first thing to do is to choose facing material. The most popular for finishing are the following materials:

• Wooden lining.
• Siding.
• Drywall is moisture resistant.
• Plastic panels.

The four presented materials are leaders, and each has its own characteristics. All of them are able to serve for a very long time, I have wide range of colors and patterns. They are very easy to install, in most cases the installation is almost the same, except for drywall, where the technology is somewhat different.

But some of these facing elements have clear advantages. Siding and lining perfectly tolerate moisture and sudden changes in temperature. In turn, drywall and plastic can deform and deteriorate under the influence of such factors.

Varieties of lining

In order to finish the loggia with the highest quality and durability, we recommend using wooden lining or siding. They will definitely be able to serve you for a long time without losing their appearance. Finishing loggias or balconies with the help of such materials will not be difficult and can be done on your own.

Calculation of the amount of materials

The next step in our step-by-step instructions for finishing the balcony inside will be the calculation of the required amount of finishing materials. This is done very simply, it is enough to measure the length of the site on which the installation will be carried out. And multiply the resulting number by the height.

We divide the total area of ​​​​the wall, ceiling by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bone board and get the final result.

Yes, we will get total area zone to be modified. If niches or shelves are present, the dimensions of their walls should be additionally measured. The material that will be used to finish the loggia is purchased exactly in the required amount, often there should not be any waste left.

The calculation of the insulation should be done based on the same proportion. It is not worth buying with a margin, since the resulting value displays 100% of the required material and there should be no unused residues or waste.

To calculate the required length of the rails for the crate, you should know the exact size by which it will be installed. Draw a sketch on paper, indicating all dimensions, and make a calculation according to a visual drawing.

We assemble the frame

The crate will be made of wooden bars, twenty by thirty millimeters in size. Immediately prepare a tool for cutting, drilling and tightening fasteners. It is advisable to have a small level so that the design is as even as possible, of course, if you have a well-developed eye, you can do it without a level.

The distance between the two rails should be 40-50 centimeters. The lower rail is fixed at a distance of about 3-5 cm from the floor.

You should start from the extreme point, and move sequentially to the opposite. Often, the crate is installed in increments of 40-60 centimeters, this is quite enough and thus, the design will turn out to be of sufficient strength. It should be fixed with self-tapping screws with a dowel. If you can’t fix it to the wall, then you can fix it from the bottom to the floor, and top to the windowsill. But in this case, the decoration of the loggias will not be of such high quality.

We produce balcony insulation

Finishing the loggia implies not only external, but also inner part process. The hidden component of such a repair will be insulation. Thanks to such materials, it becomes much warmer on the loggia and it becomes possible to spend your time there, at work or just relaxing.

Thermal insulation scheme, The optimal material for insulating balconies and loggias is Penoplex heat-insulating boards.

The insulation is installed after the installation of the crate. If it is used together with vapor or waterproofing, then they are installed under the frame and pressed on top of it. As a heater, you can use foam, polystyrene or mineral wool.

For walls, foam is best, if you need to make good sound insulation, then mineral wool. They are cut to the size that the cells of the crate have.

A little trick to make the insulation better is to add a few centimeters, then the insulation will set a little tighter and will perform its functions better.

Fixed with glue or mounting foam. If this is not possible, then you can use long nails or self-tapping screws and lightly fix the material with them. But don't overtighten the mount, it only serves as a small retainer.

Finishing our balcony

Finishing loggias occurs in the same sequence as the installation of the frame. You should start from any extreme point, and move to the opposite. Finishing materials are made with a special installation system, using a groove. Thus, the installation is very fast and high quality.

Small gaps should be left between the floor and walls so that the sheathing surface does not turn out exactly “butt”.

Wooden lining is installed using kleimers or through, directly to the crate. Siding is fastened with nails or staples in the appropriate place, near the groove. Thus, the appearance of the material is not disturbed. When installing, always keep an eye on the level, check it on each installed part. Then the installation will be carried out as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

The nail must be held as shown in this photo, that is, at an angle of 45 degrees

Often the siding and the car are covered with a protective film; you should not remove them in advance. If you immediately remove them, then the risk of spoiling the surface in the process increases. If it spontaneously begins to fall off, then try to attach it back, if it doesn’t work, then carefully cut off the interfering part of the film.

After completing all installation work and complete cleaning, remove the protective film. If your balcony is on the sunny side, then from exposure to rays, it can stick very tightly and it will be quite difficult to remove it.

To preserve the appearance, try to occasionally wipe the surface and clean it of dust and dirt, so you do not let them soak into the material. Then the decoration of the loggias will serve you much longer.

To produce high-quality work and do everything as quickly as possible, you should follow our instructions. Then you will not make mistakes and do everything as you want. The loggia and its decoration are an important attribute in any apartment, and creating a cozy place to relax is really the right decision.

Thanks to modern materials, it became possible. All you need is a desire to work and finish with all your soul, so that the end result will exceed all your expectations.

Balconies and loggias are an integral part of many apartments and houses. It is not uncommon for residential property owners not to carry out any repairs in these premises, saving money, however, this is considered the wrong decision. If do-it-yourself balcony decoration step-by-step instruction which is presented below, will be performed correctly and efficiently, then a full-fledged living room will be obtained, which can be used for any purpose. To finish this building can be used different materials, but optimal solution it is considered the use of special panels, which can be plastic, wood or any other. Clapboard trim is the ideal choice because the material has beautiful view and is environmentally friendly. quality repair work, performed for loggias or balconies, provide a beautiful and warm room.

For finishing work, a variety of materials can be used, providing great result work. The following options are considered the most popular.

Material	The specifics of its application
Wooden lining	Cladding of balconies and loggias with clapboard is considered the best solution. This material is made of natural wood, and also has a beautiful appearance. Photos of this design are very beautiful. It is easy to work with the material, but it is considered expensive.
Siding	Its installation involves not only improving the appearance of the balcony, but also carrying out additional work related to the insulation of this room. The siding is available in numerous colors, and is also equipped with special fasteners during the production process, which guarantees a simplified procedure for its installation.
Moisture resistant drywall	It is mounted on the crate, after which all the resulting joints are sealed. Such a coating can be covered with wallpaper, paint or other finishing materials. This option does not require investment a large number funds for repair work for the loggias.
	They are a good choice for a balcony, however, they do not have the required vapor permeability index, so an airtight finish is obtained. Available in numerous colors, so with their help you get an interesting and bright design.

Siding
Drywall
Wooden lining

The above materials are considered the most relevant and often used in the process of finishing balconies. They make durable and beautiful coatings. Every person who does not have experience in this direction can perform all the work on their creation.

Most often, lining is chosen for loggias, which forms a beautiful coating. It is easy to work with, and is also processed under production conditions with special protective compounds that prevent possible decay or the development of microorganisms. Photos of such a finish are widely presented in the selection, so you can make sure that the choice of cladding for the balcony surfaces is correct.

Do-it-yourself step-by-step instructions for finishing a balcony

If you plan to independently carry out repair work on the balcony, then it is important to understand how the installation of all the details of the coating is carried out. The step-by-step instruction describes the sequential actions with the help of which the independent creation of the correct and high-quality design is carried out.

First, it is important to calculate necessary materials for upcoming work. To do this, the size of the balcony itself is taken into account, as well as the dimensions of the lining panels or other selected material. It is recommended to initially purchase panels with a small margin, since a beginner can make mistakes that lead to the destruction of materials, which will significantly increase consumption.

Necessary materials and tools

Not only the panels themselves are purchased, but also Additional materials that will be used in the course of work. If the walls of the balcony are uneven, then it is desirable to form a crate, for which high-quality and properly dried wooden slats are used. Particularly much attention is paid to the acquisition of fasteners, which should not violate the integrity of the lining, but must ensure its optimal and reliable fastening.

It is important to prepare the following items for work:

• since it is planned to line the balcony with clapboard, it is purchased quality material in the right amount;
• polyethylene film or other waterproofing material;
• wood slats, which must be of high quality and properly dried;
• insulation, which should correspond in size to the cells created in the frame, and the heat-insulating material can be represented by plates or rolls;
• self-tapping screws, with the help of which the main structural elements will be fixed, and it is desirable that they be galvanized, since in this case they are highly resistant to numerous negative factors;
• dowel nails;
• polyurethane foam, which provides filling of joints formed during operation;
• a drill and a screwdriver are prepared from the tools, as well as a level, thanks to which a perfectly even design is obtained;
• since the walls of the balcony are covered with clapboard, it is important to prepare a wood jigsaw for cutting it, and it is also allowed to use a hacksaw.

In the process of cutting the lining, it is necessary to work only with safety glasses in order to avoid possible contact with small and dangerous objects in the eyes.

Tool for finishing the balcony clapboard Thermal insulation materials

Balcony surface preparation

Do-it-yourself balcony decoration begins with preparatory stages, which involve bringing all surfaces to the desired look:

• the previous coating is dismantled, if it is on the walls of the balcony;
• the surfaces are inspected for the presence of areas in which there is mold or crumbling areas, since they must certainly be eliminated;
• all surfaces are treated with special antiseptics;
• after the antiseptic has dried, a primer is applied, for which you can use rollers, brushes or sprayers.

After preparation, the installation of the frame begins.

Balcony preparation for decoration

Creating a crate

The instruction for the formation of a high-quality finish of the balcony with a clapboard involves the formation of a reliable frame. It is to him that the selected finishing materials will be further fixed.

To create a framework, it is usually used wooden beam, and correctly dried and high-quality elements are selected. Their thickness depends entirely on what parameters the panels selected for finishing have. It is taken into account whether insulation will be used in the process of finishing loggias, since it can affect the parameters of the crate.

Bars for wooden crates

Before using any wooden materials, which include a wooden beam, it is important to cover them with high-quality antiseptics that increase their resistance to moisture.

The frame is installed in the following sequential steps:

• marking is applied, with the help of which it will be clear in which particular places it is necessary to fix the main elements of the crate;
• profiles or slats are cut in such a way that exactly the same elements are obtained;
• rails or profiles are nailed or screwed to the walls, and the distance between them should be equal to the width of the panels used for finishing loggias or balconies;
• the most commonly used beam, for fixing which dowels are used.

Photos of the finished crates are presented below, so it is very easy to understand their device and design. At the same time, their parameters may be different, since they completely depend on the panels used, since the balcony is not always finished with clapboard. Often, other materials are used for this, which are also fixed to the frame.

Horizontal crate
Lathing on the balcony floor

Construction insulation

Finishing loggias most often involves their additional insulation. Since a crate is created that has empty cells, it is in these cells that the selected insulation is laid.

Thanks to the creation of a heat-insulating layer, the formation of a warm room is ensured. The best choice for loggias and balconies is penoplex, produced in slabs. Mineral wool is also often used, but its use is only allowed in conjunction with waterproofing films, since it is important to prevent water from entering the insulation, which negatively affects its main parameters.

Penoplex can be used as a heater

Also, interior decoration often involves the use of foam during insulation. However, it is taken into account that it has poor vapor barrier parameters. Insulation plates must enter the cells very tightly.

The heat-insulating material is fixed with glue or mounting foam, but it is allowed to use different mechanical fasteners for these purposes. A photo of the finished result can be seen below.

Insulation mount

Waterproofing

The step-by-step instructions assume that the next step in finishing the balcony with clapboard is to cover the created frame with waterproofing materials. The most commonly chosen for these purposes is polyethylene film, which is considered affordable and easy to use. However, there are many types of modern membranes on the market, which provide excellent protection of the structure from moisture. Their photos are presented in a selection, and usually one of their sides is foil.

If roofing material is chosen as the material for waterproofing, then before installation, the material must be heated from the mounting side. If foam is planned to be used as a heater, then plastic dowels or glue without toluene will be required for its fastening. With this adhesive, it is necessary to process the mounting area with a notched trowel. For more reliable fastening, dowels are located along the edges of the plates.

Reliability of sealing will ensure additional use sealant tapes. Also, do not forget about such work as treating the surface of the frames with special hydrophobic compounds, as well as installing a low tide that blocks the access of water under the frames.

Wall waterproofing with polyethylene film
Balcony vapor barrier with foil isolon

Wall covering

The whole process is divided into the following steps:

• work begins from a certain corner of the room, for which the starting element made of plastic is fixed;
• installation is carried out using self-tapping screws, but it is allowed to use staples and a stapler;
• the rest of the sheets are connected to each other by the existing grooves and spikes;
• if it becomes necessary to cut the panels, then a special hacksaw is used for this, designed to work with a specific material.

Thus, finishing the walls of a balcony with the help of lining is considered a simple and understandable process that everyone can handle.

Installation of the guide profile
Panel fixing

Floor

For a complete finish of the loggias, it is important to pay attention to the floor. For this, the following structures are most often formed:

• the base can be created from cement, for which a screed is poured or self-leveling mixtures are used, and you can also make a structure on logs or a wooden floor;
• a high-quality floor covering is laid on top, and for balconies a terrace board is considered an excellent choice, ceramic tile, better laminate or linoleum.

It is important to focus on those materials that will be resistant to changes in temperature or high humidity.

Ceiling

The interior decoration of the balconies also affects the ceiling. For this, the following types of finishes can be used:

• the formation of the same coating as on the walls, for which lining sheets, plastic panels or other elements are used, and they can be fixed directly to the base or a frame can be used;
• the use of whitewash for the ceiling;
• creation of a stretch or suspended ceiling.

Each type has its own characteristics, so the choice depends on the purpose of the balcony and on the wishes of its owners.

Stretch ceiling
Drywall

Lighting

The end of the decoration is to create high-quality and bright lighting. Photos of the finished result are presented below in large numbers. For loggias, you can use not only standard chandeliers located in the center of the ceiling, but also spotlights as well as LED strips.

Thus, the decoration of any balcony or loggia is a complex process, which consists in the implementation of a large number of actions. All of them are clear and simple, so they can be done on their own.

Video

Step by step instructions for finishing the balcony.

Photo examples of finishing balconies

A selection of photos with options for finishing balconies with various materials.

September 26, 2016
Specialization: a professional in the field of construction and repair (a full cycle of finishing work, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrics and finishing work), installation of window structures. Hobbies: see column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

If you want the interior decoration of the balcony to be not only beautiful, but also effective and durable, then you should not limit yourself simple installation decorative materials for walls and floors. I would recommend a complete renovation, from the repair and waterproofing of the load-bearing structures, to the cladding of the walls and ceiling over the thermal insulation layer.

In general, the work ahead is quite laborious, therefore below I will tell you how best to do each of the work operations without involving third-party masters and independently coping with complex tasks.

Stage 1. Preparation

Foundation inspection and repair

Before finishing the balcony with your own hands inside, you must definitely check the condition of all supporting structures. The reason for this is quite obvious: in old-built houses, balcony ceilings and fences are very often subjected to intense wear and tear and are in a deplorable state, therefore, reconstruction, which is usually accompanied by an increase in load, may not withstand.

Glazing will be a critical moment here: frames with sashes and double-glazed windows weigh a lot, therefore it is precisely before installing translucent structures that you need to carefully study the condition of the balcony base.

Performing the reconstruction of my loggia, I acted like this:

1. At the first stage, I dismantled the old frames installed on the parapet and prepared an opening for glazing with metal-plastic structures.
2. Then he removed the boardwalk on the floor - all the same, the boards began to rot and sag under minimal load.
3. Removed the remnants of wallpaper from the side walls and removed the peeling putty.
4. The lower floor slab was checked for cracks by gently tapping with a hammer. I removed the breaking off fragments, since it would be almost impossible to fix them.

1. The discovered cracks were cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, embroidered with a “grinder” and filled with a cement-adhesive mortar. I did the same with the joints of the walls and the floor from inside the balcony: I had to pick out the remains of the mortar that was used for sealing from the cracks .

In my case, the concrete slab of the lower floor was in fairly good condition, but this is not always the case. So, in addition to the operations described above, the instructions for performing the preparatory work must necessarily include an inspection of the edge balcony slab. If necessary, repair of the end face is carried out using cement mortar with additional fixing with a steel corner.

After completing these works, it is worth taking a break for the polymerization of the repair composition. However, if there were relatively few cracks and crevices, then waterproofing can be done in one or two days.

We carry out waterproofing

Waterproofing of load-bearing structures, from my point of view, is part of the mandatory measures. The thing is that the interior decoration of the balcony can be severely affected by an increase in humidity levels. In addition, the risk of precipitation through open windows therefore, it is necessary to protect at least the lower plate from water.

Three methods can be used to perform waterproofing work:

Waterproofing technology	Short description
Okleyechnaya	This technique is one of the most common. To protect the base from moisture, a layer of waterproof material is laid on it, which acts as a barrier to liquid. For waterproofing are used: ruberoid; dense polyethylene; foil polymer films; waterproof membranes.
Painting shop	In contrast to the pasting method, when painting waterproofing, a liquid composition is applied to the areas to be trimmed, the basis of which is most often bituminous mastic. Products of this type have good adhesion to concrete base in addition, after polymerization, they form a continuous waterproof film.
Impregnation	Waterproofing impregnations for concrete can also be used to protect against moisture. When applying the material to the balcony ceiling, the active components penetrate into the thickness of the pores, where they polymerize. As a result, the top layer of the concrete slab becomes practically airtight, which significantly reduces the risk of leaks even if the floor on the loggia is flooded with a continuous layer of water. The downside of the technology is the high cost of consumables.

For waterproofing balcony bases, I usually use paint technology, but I have also worked with penetrating compounds, and it seems to me that they deserve only good reviews.

In any case, we must not forget that during waterproofing, not only the floor of the balcony is processed, but also the lower part of the walls and fences - to a height of about 10-15 cm above the ceiling.

Stage 2. Flooring

We warm the floor

After the waterproofing material is securely glued or the applied composition polymerizes, the actual decoration of the balcony inside begins. Here it is best to move from the bottom up, starting with the thermal insulation of the floor.

If the bearing capacity of the floor allows, then you can pour a screed up to 10 cm thick. In order for the poured material to not only level the floor, but also provide it with the necessary thermal insulation, I usually prepare a post-styrene concrete solution:

1. I install beacon rails on the base, forming a slight slope to outer wall(albeit small, but still protection against rainwater flowing into the apartment).
2. I mix the cement mortar with granular polystyrene, achieving maximum uniformity of the composition.
3. I fill the floor along the beacons, after which I carefully level the surface using the rule.
4. I remove the beacons, wipe the floor surface and dry it for at least two weeks. Protecting from external influences with a polyethylene film. I periodically open the film to inspect the surface, and when the top layer dries, I moisten the concrete for complete hydration.

However, such strong foundations are rare, because much more often the interior decoration of the loggia is accompanied by floor insulation along the logs:

1. From a bar with a section of 40x40 mm or more, I cut out three or four logs, the length of which should be about 50 mm less than the length of the balcony itself. Details are treated with moisture-proof impregnation.
2. I lay out the logs on the floor in such a way that the step between them is equal to the width or half the width of the panel thermal insulation material.
3. I fix the extreme logs to the wall with steel brackets, fixing them at the desired height (just below the threshold). I set the middle lags according to the level of the extreme ones, relying on cranial bars and flattening.

1. In the space between the lags I lay panels of heat-insulating material. Inexpensive finishing is carried out using foam plastic with a thickness of 75 to 150 mm, but I prefer to overpay a little and take mineral wool with an equivalent heat saving index .
2. On top of the insulation I lay a layer of vapor barrier membrane (instead of it, you can use durable thick polyethylene).

Rough flooring and flooring

Next, you need to lay the floor itself. This operation can be performed both immediately and after finishing the walls - it all depends on what technologies you will use. I usually postpone the installation of the flooring until the last moment only if the walls are to be covered with gypsum plaster - in this case there is a risk of glue or putty getting on the decorative materials.

The rough floor is easiest to make from plywood:

1. For laying on a screed, I take plywood with a thickness of 10 mm or more, for installation on logs - 15 mm or more. It is better to use moisture-resistant varieties, since they not only show greater stability when exposed to water, but also are more durable with a comparable thickness.

1. I cut plywood sheets into squares, the width of which is approximately 30-40 mm less than the width of the balcony.
2. I lay plywood sheets on the base and fix them to the logs with the help of self-tapping screws. When mounting on a screed, I use dowels with a plastic sleeve and a wide neck for fastening, and I perform additional fixation with the help of adhesive mastic.
3. When fixing the subfloor, I make sure that the plywood slabs are not located close to each other. The optimal gap is 8-10 mm: this distance is quite enough to compensate for temperature deformations, so that the base does not swell when the weather changes.

When choosing what material to finish the floor with, I usually consider the following options:

1. Linoleum is a budget solution that is extremely easy to implement. Yes, the coating is not abrasion resistant, but let's be honest: do we plan to constantly walk on the balcony?
2. Tile - great choice not only for a glazed loggia, but also for an open balcony. It is quite expensive, and it is more difficult to mount it, but the coating is very resistant and durable.

Before tiling the floor with tiles or clinker tiles, it is worth treating the plywood rough flooring with a moisture-proof compound. Otherwise, the plywood will “pull” moisture from the glue, and the strength of the material will decrease.

1. Laminate - a good option for a glazed balcony with high-quality waterproofing of the base. Here, the potential risks lie in the swelling of the back layer: if the front surface of the laminated floor panels can still withstand moisture well, then the moisture resistance of the inside is not regulated, so the likelihood of swelling will be very high.

1. Cork flooring - in principle, the same laminate, only with the use of natural cork veneer as a decorative layer. Moisture resistance is slightly lower than that of a traditional laminate, but with high-quality waterproofing it can be used.
2. Polymer self-leveling floor - "eternal" coating, which is not afraid of moisture or mechanical stress. The difficulty lies in the preparation of the base, in addition, the polymer floor is clearly not suitable if you are looking for the cheapest way to finish a balcony.

In principle, other types of flooring can be used, but the main requirement - moisture resistance - should not be overlooked in any case.

Stage 3. Wall insulation

Sheathing for thermal insulation

After finishing the floor or in parallel with this process, you need to deal with the walls. On your loggia in order to save free space I just warmed up balcony parapet and side walls, but if you want to achieve maximum energy efficiency, then you also need to sheathe the wall between the balcony and the living space.

Here you can not do without crates. It can also be made from a steel profile for drywall, but I prefer a wooden beam - it is easier to work with it, and its thermal conductivity is several times lower.

The crate is done in this way:

1. I cut the beam into fragments, the length of which should correspond to the width of the area to be trimmed (the gap along the edges is about 20 mm on each side).
2. I apply the part to the wall and, using a perforator, make mounting holes in increments of about 40 - 50 cm.
3. I hammer plastic dowels into the nests and fix the timber with locking screws.
4. It is very important to choose the correct location of the crate parts. As a rule, I make the gap between the wall and the edge of the frame in such a way that the dimensions of the structure are slightly larger than the thickness of the heat-insulating material.

1. The step between the horizontal bars should also be selected to ensure maximum strength. When installing with my own hands, I usually install the supporting elements of the frame at the height of the knee, hip and shoulder (with approximately the same step, so that it is easier to adjust the thermal insulation). This minimizes the risk of damage to the sheathing, especially thin, such as drywall or MDF panels. .

If you plan to install lighting or bring outlets to the balcony, then the wiring must be laid at this stage. Wires must be placed in casings made of non-combustible material and pass either under the lathing bars along the wall, or in specially drilled holes.

Installation of thermal insulation material

1. Styrofoam, polystyrene or mineral wool I cut it in width so that they almost effortlessly fit into the gap between the bars of the crate.
2. On the wrong side of the insulation I apply polyurethane adhesive-foam.
3. I install the plates in the crate, level them so that there are no gaps, after which I fill the gaps with scraps of heat-insulating material.
4. I fill small gaps and internal voids with self-expanding adhesive foam.
5. From above I cover the insulation layer with a vapor barrier membrane or foil film. The second option is more preferable, since it provides much better heat retention due to the reflection of infrared rays.

Stage 4. Finishing sheathing

Actually, it remains for us to decide how to finish the balcony inside. Lightweight materials with good moisture resistance are usually taken for walls and ceilings. Mechanical strength is also important, but still I would not put this parameter in the first place - the operational load of balconies and loggias is much lower than that of other rooms.

You can finish the balcony in two ways - either immediately sheathing it decorative material, or first by mounting gypsum boards on the crate, and then decorating them.

1. Clapboard is a traditional and universal solution that has a lot of quite objective advantages. It looks beautiful, it does not heat up in the heat, in the cold it acts as an effective insulation, and is easy to repair. Cons, by and large, only two: it is quite expensive and weighs not so little.

1. MDF panels - outwardly almost indistinguishable from lining, but they are made not from natural wood, but from pressed cellulose fiber (in fact, quite thick and very dense cardboard). The front layer of lacquered melamine paper tolerates moisture well, but nothing more - with a long stay in a humid environment, MDF is almost guaranteed to swell. However, my cladding has been standing for the third year without the slightest sign of deformation, so I can say with all responsibility: high-quality waterproofing solves many problems!

1. Plastic - favorably differ from MDF in moisture resistance and low price, but seriously lose to them in terms of appearance(especially inexpensive varieties). In addition, the strength of the plastic is low, therefore, under such a sheathing, I strongly advise you to mount a more rigid crate.

The principle of installation of such products is simple: they are cut to size and attached to the beams of the crate either with glue, or with small studs, or with clips - clamps. Choosing the better to fix the skin, I settled on the third option: yes, you have to spend money on buying clips, but the finish turns out to be collapsible

If you do not want to sheathe the balcony with panel products, then a leveling layer of moisture-resistant drywall can be mounted on top of the crate. We fasten the gypsum board to the frame with self-tapping screws, putty, primer, after which we proceed to finishing. You can decorate a balcony using the following materials:

• fake diamond;
• cork, vinyl or non-woven wallpaper;
• decorative plaster;
• interior paint.

Here, as in the case of floor coverings, the resistance of the finish to external influences comes to the fore, since it will not be possible to avoid contact with precipitation and other factors.

Information for budgeting

And the finishing materials used to decorate the balcony, and other raw materials needed for repairs, are quite expensive. That is why it is worth at least pre-planning a budget before starting work.

A table containing prices for the most popular materials will help you with this:

Material	unit of measurement	Average cost, rubles
Mineral wool ISOVER 1200x600x100 mm	pack of 4	1400 -1700
Insulation ROCKWOOL 800x600x50 mm	pack of 4	650 — 800
Foil insulation PENOFOL 2000	material 3 mm, m2	55 — 70
Expanded polystyrene sheet, 1250x600x50 mm	sheet	180 – 220
Penetron (penetrating waterproofing for concrete)	10 kg	3200 — 3500
Moisture resistant laminate	m2	800 – 1400
Massive floor board	m2	1200 – 1600
Ceramic floor tiles	m2	250 – 2500
Polymer self-leveling floor	m2	980 – 2000
Wooden beam for the frame, 6 m	PCS.	90 – 180
Metal profile for the frame, 3 m	PCS.	50 — 120
Self-tapping screw for wood	100 pieces.	100 — 120
Dowel-nail with plastic sleeve	100 pieces.	200 — 250
Silicone sealant for sealing joints	300 ml	140 — 350
Antiseptic wall primer	E5 l	180 — 250
Vapor barrier film	70 m2	670 — 750
Drywall moisture resistant	sheet	300 — 450
Profile for drywall	panel 3 m	50 — 150
Drywall hanger	PCS.	5 — 25
Connecting profiles for plastic panels, 3 m	PCS.	50 — 90
Plastic panels 0.24 x 3 m	m2	170 — 260
Kleimer for MDF	100 pieces.	50 – 80
Liquid Nails	100 ml	60 — 120
Acrylic paint for interior work	5 kg	200 – 500
Vinyl/non-woven wallpaper	roll	550 – 1500
Decorative plaster	20 kg	1300 – 4000
Clapboard for wall cladding	running meter	90 – 250

Conclusion

The interior decoration of the balcony, made in accordance with all the rules, will allow us not only to transform this room externally, but also to improve its thermal insulation: so instead of a warehouse for conservation and old furniture we will get another living room that can be used for relaxation in the spring-summer season. In winter, the finished balcony will act as a buffer, keeping the heat in the house. The video in this article will help you understand the finishes. , and if you need advice on performing a particular operation, contact me in the comments, and I will be happy to advise you!

September 26, 2016

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Many owners of apartments (especially small ones) increase living space by adding loggias and balconies. If you correctly glaze and insulate the balcony, you can save the required heat. However, people who implement such an idea are wondering - what is the best way to sheathe a balcony inside? There are several options, with their help you can not only arrange a place to relax, but also organize, for example, a summer garden, a full-fledged office or even a small gym.

When choosing a specific finishing material, it is necessary to take into account, first of all, the functionality of the future premises; in addition, you need to do the following:

• objectively assess the strengths and weak sides suitable materials;
• determine how appropriate the finish is in terms of care and practicality;
• find out if it will be possible to make repairs yourself if necessary.

Also, do not forget that the balcony is located closer to the street than the rest of the apartment. Consequently, the finishing material will be more influenced by negative factors. Therefore, the chosen option must be durable, resistant to temperature extremes, humidity and ultraviolet radiation.

Today we will look at possible options, and comparison of those. characteristics will help to find out which one is better to use when sheathing.

Until recently, wooden lining was practically the only material that was used to decorate the described premises. People liked (and still like) the aesthetics and attractiveness of these products. Clapboarded walls create the feeling that you are somewhere on the terrace country house, and city dwellers, as you know, are more than favorable to such things.

Main characteristics

Let's start with a distinction between the two concepts. The lining is planed boards with natural moisture, but the eurolining is dry. In addition, eurolining is of higher quality, has a more complicated profile, an increased requirement for the level of humidity, and it also has ventilation channels. Despite significant differences, both materials are similar in their technical characteristics.

Let's get acquainted with the main advantages of lining.

1. Good insulation. Yes, the described material belongs to the finishing, but it has excellent thermal and sound insulation characteristics.
2. Environmental Safety. Lining is a natural material that does not have any harmful properties.
3. Easy to install, quality connections. Using this material, you can create simple, but extremely reliable designs.
4. Durability. If all operational requirements are met, the lining (euro lining) will last from 15 to 20 years.

We also note that some types of material are inexpensive, which today can be called one of the main advantages. But in order for the lining to last as long as possible, it is better to give preference to pine profile boards - they are somewhat more expensive than, for example, linden, but of better quality. For eurolining, selected expensive types of wood are generally used, which, after drying, are treated with special antiseptics and flame retardants.

Lining wooden - types

Important information! Product labeling is equally important. Almost all lining goes through the same production cycle, and sorting is carried out already at the exit during molding. It is at this stage that the material is checked for quality and grouped (one of three classifications is assigned - “A”, “B”, “C”). The higher the class, the higher the quality of the products.

Class "C" material is, in fact, ordinary waste. You can work with such a lining, but you should not expect a good result.

Lining grade "EXTRA"

Mounting Features

Both lining and eurolining are mounted using the same technology.

Stage 1. First you need to prepare the walls. All work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, leveled and prepared for the installation of the crate.

Stage 3 . Final stage- this is directly sheathing, which can be performed in one of the following ways:

• hidden;
• open.

Eurolining panels, for example, can be connected using the tenon-groove method using kleimers (these are special brackets). As for the usual lining, it can also be attached to the kleimers. This method is called hidden. With the open method, self-tapping screws and nails are used for installation.

The installation procedure itself is quick and easy, but, importantly, lining is recommended for use on well-insulated balconies.

Video - How to sheathe a balcony with clapboard

Option number 2. MDF panels

They are wood fiber boards average density. Such products can be of several types - from flat panels covered with veneer or polymer film, to elements with embossed patterns.

Material advantages

The main advantages of MDF panels include:

• excellent operational properties;
• variety of textures and colors;
• ease of installation (and the panels can be mounted in any direction);
• the possibility of laying a heat insulator or wiring in the under-panel space;
• no need to prepare the walls (this does not affect the quality of the installation).

Mounting Features

The procedure for sheathing a balcony with MDF panels is approximately as follows.

Stage 1 . As we have just noted, it is not necessary to prepare the walls, however, the crate will still have to be installed, since the sheathing material will be attached to it.

Stage 2. The launch panel is placed in the corner of the constructed crate, after which it is fixed with a special glue.

Stage 3 . The remaining panels are mounted in the same way and are additionally attached to each other by means of grooves.

Stage 4. The last panel is cut to the required size, fastened with glue and snapped into place with the next one.

As you can see, even a novice can use this material to cover it, because it will not take much effort or time for installation.

Option number 3. Drywall

The following material is also popular, and many are interested in whether it can be used for cladding a balcony. Immediately make a reservation that drywall is fragile, it is quite difficult to clean it, and it loses its original appearance quickly, but at the same time it has its advantages.

These include:

• ease of installation;
• the possibility of implementing various design solutions;
• low cost.

Important information! Drywall can only be used as an initial layer, that is, another finishing material is mounted on top of it. Even drywall (GK) is fragile (if we talk about it as a sheathing), and it is suitable for a balcony only if it is carefully insulated.

Now let's get acquainted with the installation technology.

Table. We sheathe the balcony with drywall

Stages, No.	Brief description of actions	A photo
Stage 1	First you need to build an iron crate on which the GKL will be installed.
Stage 2	Then (if necessary) insulating material is placed in the cells of the crate. All formed slots and joints are filled with mounting foam or sealant.
Stage 3	After that, the installation of drywall begins directly. The sheets are attached to the metal crate with self-tapping screws, while the latter should be screwed in with the utmost care to avoid deformation.
Stage 4	Finishing work is done at the end. A layer of putty or any other material of a similar purpose is applied on top of the drywall.

When all work is completed, the walls can be painted to make the material look neater.

Option number 4. Siding

As a rule, siding panels are used for exterior finish buildings, but they can be successfully used for interior work. In the manufacture of vinyl panels, a special technology is used, thanks to which the material has several significant advantages.

1. It is reasonably resistant to almost all types of weathering.
2. If the surface is damaged, then instead of a costly full-fledged repair, you just need to change the damaged panel (or panels).
3. Siding is environmentally friendly, it does not contain any combustible or harmful substances.
4. The material described is also heat-resistant, so it can be mounted under any temperature conditions.
5. Finally, siding allows you to create "breathing" walls.

Installation Features

The technology of cladding a balcony with siding panels is also nothing complicated and consists of three main stages.

Stage 1. The first thing to do is to install the crate, on top of which the entire installation structure will be fixed.

Stage 2. Using self-tapping screws, fixing profiles are fixed (special, intended for siding). First, the starting bar is mounted in the lower part, and then the profiles themselves (H- or J-shaped) are installed. It all ends with the installation of the finishing bar.

Stage 3. At the end, siding is installed directly on the fixed profiles. What is characteristic, this needs to be done only from the bottom up.

Option number 5. PVC panels

The material is similar in its characteristics to the vinyl siding described above, but differs, first of all, in that it is intended exclusively for interior work. You can learn more about the installation process from the video below.

Video - We ennoble the balcony with PVC panels

Option number 6. Sandwich panels

Such panels consist of three layers - a pair of sheets of durable material and a heat insulator between them. For this reason, sandwich panels can be considered one of the most preferred cladding materials.

Among the advantages are:

• resistance to biological irritants (for example, to mold, fungus);
• security;
• no need for additional finishing;
• environmental friendliness;
• light weight;
• excellent thermal and sound insulation properties.

As for the installation process, it should look like this.

Stage 1. Special fittings are being built (outer and inner corners, as well as final details).

Stage 2. The start panel is mounted (its narrow part is placed in the corresponding groove), after which the installation accuracy is checked using the building level.

Stage 3. To fix the wide part of the panel, self-tapping screws or staples are used.

Stage 4. The second panel is connected to the starting one by mounting the narrow part and further fixing it. All subsequent panels are mounted in the same way.

So what to choose?

Be that as it may, everyone must decide for himself which finishing material suits him best. But if you do not have the appropriate skills, then it is advisable to buy either siding or lining. If the main goal of the work is high-quality insulation, then preference should be given to sandwich panels. And the features of each material described above with the installation rules will help you make the right choice.

Conclusion. Ceiling and floor

Ceilings are often sheathed with the same material as the walls, which ensures the integrity of the room. You can combine different textures to hide the flaws of the balcony. There is, for example, one old method to help raise the ceiling. This method consists in the use of materials that contrast in color.

Important information! When covering the ceiling, remember that it will be placed lighting(if provided).

The floor is usually covered with linoleum, but recently there have been several alternatives having the same performance but looking much better. The floor on the balcony can be covered, for example, with a laminate (necessarily moisture resistant) or ceramic tiles.

Video - Do-it-yourself balcony cladding