Balcony finishing

The days when balconies were used as storage for vegetables and cans are long gone. Today, many owners of large and small apartments turn these rooms into full-fledged and functional rooms in which you can have a good rest, have a cup of tea or do work. To feel comfortable on the balcony, you need to carefully consider its decoration.

Many of us remember what balcony rooms looked like in the past. They were used only for economic purposes. On them unnecessary things were often stored, which it was a pity to get rid of.

Combining living rooms with balconies has become very popular lately. This can be a living room or a kitchen. A dining table or kitchen appliances can be taken out to the balcony area. It all depends on your preferences and the size of the area.

Owners of small apartments especially often turn to such techniques. A very limited space becomes much more spacious and freer when combined with a balcony room. Such solutions are appropriate not only for small apartments and "stalinkas", but also for large areas.

Turning a balcony into a full-fledged room is not so difficult. To do this, it is necessary to make insulation, glazing and interior decoration of the room. Without these works, the design of a functional room simply will not work.

Today, the choice of various materials for interior and exterior decoration is very large. Each buyer will be able to choose something useful, high-quality and practical for decorating a balcony room.

If you want to harmoniously decorate the balcony block, then the matter will not do without wall decoration. Modern manufacturers produce many different materials with which you can decorate a room.

Remember that the interior decoration of the walls should be started only after the balcony has been insulated.

Often, apartment owners turn to plastic panels. They are popular for their wear resistance and durability. It should be noted that plastic is resistant to moisture, dampness and aggressive sunlight. With the help of such details, you can form the interior of the balcony in any style, since they are available in a variety of colors. Panels, the surface of which imitate wood of different shades, have been in great demand lately. They cost a little more, but they look amazing! With the help of such a finish, you can visually make the room longer and wider, especially if you have finished it with white panels. You can hide protruding wires under the plastic. Often, such trifles are striking and spoil the entire interior.

Another popular material for decorating balcony walls is MDF panels. They have a beautiful appearance and boast excellent performance characteristics. The demand for such panels is due to their similarity with natural and environmentally friendly wood. They are distinguished from natural raw materials by high plasticity and flexibility. This property makes it possible to align “wavy” walls with MDF panels. Many apartment owners face a similar problem. The process of leveling the surface takes a lot of time, effort and material. With MDF panels, things are a little simpler.

​You can decorate the inside of the balcony block using siding. Today this material is used for a variety of purposes, from the exterior of private houses to the interior of residential premises. There are three types of siding: vinyl, wood and wood. The most attractive is wood siding. It is made from pressed wood fibers with the addition of a small amount of resin. Wooden siding is a little easier. It consists of solid boards, which affects its cost. Vinyl siding is in great demand. During the production of such panels, polyvinyl chloride is added to the base, which gives the material additional strength, rigidity and wear resistance.

​Balconies with plasterboard trim look neat. This material is also fireproof and environmentally friendly. You can arrange any balcony in this way. It doesn't matter which side it is on - the sun or the shade. Drywall is not afraid of daily exposure to sunlight.

For the past few years, decorative stone has been enviable. It has an original appearance that fits perfectly into the design of balconies, fireplaces, living quarters in houses and apartments, etc. Artificial stone is a high-tech product with many interesting characteristics and properties. A stone imitating brickwork is especially popular. It can have different shades, but the most popular are artificial white stones. They are complemented by kitchens, living rooms, balconies or bedrooms. Everyone can cope with this finishing material. This does not require special knowledge, skills and abilities. To install decorative stones, you do not need to stock up on special tools. You just need to buy an adhesive mixture.

Many apartment owners today decorate their balcony rooms with decorative plaster. Modern manufacturers offer this finishing material in a variety of color palettes, from neutral to contrasting. It is recommended to choose only high quality plasters, as they are safe and environmentally friendly.

​The room will turn out to be beautiful and cozy if you decorate it with a block house. It is used not only for internal but also external cladding. It is worth noting the simplicity in the installation of such material. In the future, he does not require special care. Externally, the house block imitates a cylindrical bar. It comes in classic, wood, vinyl and metal.

Many people want to stick wallpaper on the balcony. But it's better not to go to simple paper versions. It is better to decorate the walls with liquid wallpaper. They are more wear-resistant and durable. Outwardly, these materials are not at all like traditional wallpaper canvases. They are a special decorative putty produced in bags. The composition of such raw materials contains not only dyes, quartz chips, glue, but also various fibers. As a rule, it is silk or cotton. Also, for facing balconies and loggias, cork and bamboo wallpapers are ideal. One layer of bamboo material is made from rice paper and the other is made from bamboo strips. As a rule, such canvases combine several different shades at once.

Many owners clap their balcony walls with clapboard. It is very easy to install. Even a person who is far from construction and installation work can cope with it. The lining serves for a very long time. Over time, it does not fade and does not lose its attractiveness. Today there are several varieties of this finishing material.

The most popular are: eurolining and shaped lining. Shaped lining is an ordinary wooden lath or board with a perfectly finished surface. Similar options are made with a special lock or concession. The lining is equipped with a tongue-and-groove lock with an enlarged tongue-and-groove comb. It does not tolerate moisture. Damp, such wall panels begin to swell, which leads to significant deformation and malfunction of the locks.

In the balcony room, the floor must be decorated with finishing materials. This is necessary not only for the aesthetic appearance, but also for your own safety. Walking on bare concrete is very harmful as it can lead to colds.

One of the most popular materials is floorboard.... Most often it is chosen for environmental friendliness and safety. Such options boast a very long service life. To maintain an attractive appearance, it is necessary to treat floorboards with antiseptic compounds from time to time.

Often the floors on the balcony are finished with cork. Cork flooring has excellent sound and thermal insulation properties. It is pleasant to walk on them, as they have an interesting texture. This floor is unpretentious and undemanding to care for.

Another popular option is laminate flooring. This material is chosen because of its low cost. Today, the range of such finishes is rich and diverse. In hardware stores, you can see floor coverings of a wide variety of modifications. For example, floors with imitation of stone, natural wood, multi-colored ceramics or luxurious parquet are very popular lately. These options look very expensive and often in their beauty are not inferior to expensive materials of natural origin. Laminate is not afraid of moisture and temperature extremes. These properties are very important for balcony flooring. Installation of such material is simple and affordable. Every owner can put a laminate on the balcony. This finishing material can be combined with the underfloor heating system. First, the heating component is installed, and a laminate is laid on top of it.

Plywood flooring has been relevant for many years. You can also refer to it for decorating a balcony room. Plywood can make the overall look more aesthetically pleasing. Another advantage of this material is its affordable cost and ease of installation.

Cheap materials such as chipboard can also be used for flooring. It is better not to expose such material to water and moisture, as this can lead to its darkening and deformation. Externally, chipboard sheets do not look very nice, so you can lay a rug on top of them.

The balcony floor, tiled with high-quality tiles, is very strong and durable. It will serve for many years without causing any problems. Modern types of tiles are resistant to low temperatures and mechanical damage. Even if there is a bitter frost outside the window, this will not affect them in any way.

Clinker tiles boast excellent performance characteristics. She is ranked among the eternal materials. For a long time, such a finishing material in our country was a curiosity and was distinguished by its high cost. It was supplied to Russia from Europe: Germany, Holland and Belgium. Today in hardware stores there are unique examples of Polish production. They are much cheaper, but this does not affect their quality and durability in any way.

The floor lined with a terrace board will look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing on the balcony. Such panels can be installed both on a closed and on an open balcony without glazing. Such floor coverings serve for at least fifteen years. The service life directly depends on the type and type of terrace panels. Models made of natural wood will not require replacement even after twenty years, and WPC boards can last all thirty years. There are two types of such boards: panels made from natural cedar, larch or exotic trees, as well as decking made of wood-polymer composite material. The second option is based on special wood flour and plasticizing additives. Both materials are of high quality and reliable. They differ from each other only in that natural wood panels are dried to a low humidity state (10%) and are perfectly sanded.

The ceiling also needs finishing. If you leave it unattended, it will catch your eye and spoil even the most beautiful interior.

• Most often, the ceilings are decorated with plasterboard. Such material is able to make the upper part perfectly smooth and beautiful.
• Many apartment owners turn to plastic ceiling cladding panels. They are able to visually make the room more spacious and bright, especially if painted in light colors. Flat lamps can be built into the plastic ceiling. This is very convenient since they do not take up much space and are easily installed in the panel.
• The ceiling can be decorated with putty or decorative paint. It is recommended to purchase not ordinary paints, but special facade mixtures. They are more wear-resistant and durable.
• Euro-lining and wooden lining look beautiful and impressive on the ceiling. But the second option is not the most convenient, since such panels must be regularly processed with special means.
• You can create a beautiful and expensive interior using a ceiling covered with laminate. This non-standard solution is used very often. Installation of laminate flooring is very simple and does not require any special maintenance.

The balcony needs to be refined not only inside, but also outside. For this, there are also a large number of different materials.

Plastic panels and PVC lining differ in availability and low cost. They are very lightweight and easy to install. Installation of such parts can be done independently both on the outer and in the inner part of the balcony block. The main disadvantages of such panels are their susceptibility to mechanical damage and vulnerability to ultraviolet rays. It is enough to hit them with some hard object, and a trace of damage will immediately appear at the place of impact. Under the influence of sunlight, PVC lining and plastic quickly fade and lose their original appearance.

Siding is more practical and durable. It can be metallic or vinyl. Today, for the exterior decoration of balcony blocks, similar options are often turned to. Siding is not afraid of adverse environmental conditions. He is not afraid of aggressive exposure to sunlight, bad weather conditions or mechanical damage.

Balconies decorated with corrugated board are often found on the streets of the city. It is a thin and galvanized metal sheet with a corrugated surface. Decking can have absolutely any color. Such sheets are covered with special paints. They are applied at high temperatures. This method makes the painting more durable and wear-resistant. It will not peel off, peel off or fade.

Another popular solution for exterior decoration is wooden clapboard. If you decide to turn to this option, then you should know that the surface of the lining must be treated from time to time with special protective compounds. This is necessary in order to protect the boards from dampness and mold. Also, it is recommended to cover the lining with paints and varnishes. This method will have to be resorted to more than once.

Polycarbonate is used for external finishing of balcony blocks. This material can be used to make not only a neat parapet, but also a visor and side walls. This solution is a great alternative to traditional glazing. These balconies are very lightweight. They are sheathed with special sheets made of special plastic. Polycarbonate is not cheap, but the appearance of balconies made from such raw materials fully justifies the high cost. There are two types of polycarbonate: cellular and monolithic. Both options are able to effectively transform an open balcony, even if before that it seemed completely unsuitable for any repair work. Installation of such structures is quick and easy. To do this, it is necessary to disassemble the old structure of the balcony and install a solid frame in its place, on which monolithic or cellular polycarbonate sheets will subsequently be attached.

There are several ways to insulate a balcony block.

The cheapest and most widespread insulation material is expanded polystyrene. It is lightweight and has a honeycomb structure.This raw material has one important advantage: expanded polystyrene is not afraid of moisture and dampness. After installation, this insulation can be easily processed, and its surface becomes favorable for coating with thin plaster mixtures.

Styrofoam also has some disadvantages that everyone should be aware of. Such raw materials are not environmentally friendly. In a balcony room, such a heater will necessarily heat up, and this is a provoking factor for the release of a poisonous compound, such as styrene. In the process of burning, polystyrene releases an even more dangerous substance - fasgen. This gas was used in the First World War and was considered a weapon of mass destruction. Living in the vicinity of these chemicals is very dangerous.

Mineral wool is used to insulate a wide variety of buildings, from industrial hangars to ordinary residential apartments. It can be rolled and stone. Both of these options are in use today and are being looked to by many buyers. In terms of thermal conductivity, mineral wool is not inferior to poisonous polystyrene, but there are much fewer hazardous chemicals in it. The only drawback of such an insulating material is its hydrophobicity. Because of this, during the installation process, mineral wool has to be carefully framed with hydro and steam membranes so that it does not become damp and does not lose its main functions. Such processing affects the cost of the insulation, and it becomes more expensive.

Polyurethane foam has excellent thermal properties. It is absolutely safe for the human body. But such insulation is expensive. It is not worth saving on health, but this is not the only problem. For the installation of polyurethane foam, special equipment is required. Not all specialists are ready to come with him for the sake of one balcony block. For obvious reasons, it will also not work to spray PPU on your own.

Not so long ago, such a material as ecowool appeared on the market for thermal insulation compounds. It quickly gained popularity among consumers for its good quality. Such insulation can be applied mechanically or manually. This factor has allowed ecowool to become more popular than polyurethane foam. Such an insulating material regulates its own moisture by itself, like wood. For this reason, it does not have to be supplemented with various membranes.

How to make the insulation and decoration of the balcony, see the next video.

To decorate a warm and closed balcony, you can turn to a variety of tools.

• To create a beautiful and cozy space, you can turn to bamboo, cork or liquid wallpaper. These options look attractive and very neat. If you correctly select pieces of furniture in color, then you will not want to leave such a balcony.

• Another spectacular option is decorative stone. It is completely unsuitable for open balconies, as it does not like frequent temperature changes. For a closed room, this material is ideal. Today, many owners complement the balcony walls with artificial stone imitating large or small white bricks. On a similar background, various pieces of furniture and household appliances look harmoniously. In such an environment, you can both relax and work.

• A popular material for interior cladding of warm balconies is siding and eurolining. Such options will look great both outside and inside the balcony block.They are easy to clean from dirt and dust and look aesthetically pleasing.

• On the floor, you can lay not only tiles or wood covering, but also large sheets of chipboard. They are only suitable for a closed and dry balcony. Such materials deteriorate greatly after encountering unfavorable environmental factors. On top of such cheap components, you can lay a warm rug with any nap.

• This also applies to laminate flooring. It is moisture resistant, but regular exposure to rain and snow will definitely not benefit this material, so you should only turn to it for decorating a closed balcony or loggia. Both the floor and the ceiling can be finished with laminate.

• Another affordable and popular option for finishing the floor on the balcony is linoleum. It retains its attractiveness only in "greenhouse" conditions. Dampness, moisture and temperature changes can deform such a floor covering. In a closed balcony, such troubles are not terrible for linoleum, so they can, without a doubt, arrange a room. Especially popular in recent years are specimens whose surface imitates laminate or natural wood. High-quality and beautiful coatings at first glance are difficult to distinguish from natural materials.

• Ordinary tiles with a matte or glossy surface are perfect for decorating a warm balcony. It will be appropriate in premises for different purposes. This could be a small seating area or a dining table corner.

• Any material is suitable for lining the ceiling. It can be laminate, plastic, lining, drywall or paint. It should be borne in mind that drywall is only suitable for warm rooms. For an open balcony, you should choose more durable and wear-resistant materials.

Not all apartment owners prefer to glaze their balconies. Open spaces cannot be operated all year round, and they are subject to various adverse environmental factors. Whether it is rain or snow, an open balcony or loggia will surely be hit by the elements.

In the winter season, they freeze, and they are often covered with wet and cold snow. In autumn and spring, the weather is completely changeable: at any moment it may rain or the sun may come out. In hot summer, the sun's rays will bake the open balcony.

• To decorate an open balcony, you should stock up on a special durable mortar... You should not spend money on large bags of cement and sand, as they can be easily replaced by a special composition in dry form. Such material is required for processing a concrete block. There may be cracks or irregularities on it, which must be removed before you proceed directly to the interior decoration.
• The primer plays an important role... It is necessary for better treatment of balcony surfaces. Today, a large number of different mixtures are sold in hardware stores. The appropriate option should be chosen in accordance with the expected result of all finishing work. It is recommended to select primers that are formulated to penetrate even the smallest pores of the mortar or surface.
• The selection of paint must be approached very responsibly. Do not grab the first jar of the color you like. The paint should be as wear-resistant and indelible as possible. The best option is a special weatherproof mixture. It is presented in a rich color palette and is sold in many hardware stores.

For a beautiful design of an open balcony room, you can turn to decorative plaster. Such mixtures contain special additives that make the base material more durable. Cracks and cracks will not appear under high-quality plaster.

Another good option for wall cladding is tiles.It can be tiled, but porcelain stoneware is rightfully recognized as a more acceptable and resistant material. Due to its high cost, most owners of apartments with open balconies turn to traditional tiles in different colors.

The floor can also be finished with tiles or porcelain stoneware. In addition to this material, wood is suitable. But it is worth choosing wood that has been pre-treated with specialized compounds that give the material high strength and resistance to wear.

The perfect solution would be a special garden parquet. It was originally designed for use in an open environment.

The floor can be covered with special paint for outdoor use. Such options do not lose their attractive appearance for about 4-5 years, after which they will have to be tinted from time to time.

Often, owners lay linoleum on the floor. But it is not recommended to use this option. It does not tolerate temperature extremes and deforms noticeably over time. Cracks or spots may appear on it. Very often, linoleum begins to bubble, and it looks very unaesthetic.

Beautifully and efficiently, you can beat a balcony of any size. It can be a very small or very spacious space.

Modern manufacturers of building materials and furniture offer customers a huge number of different products that can be used to effectively decorate a room. Consider some pretty options that are appropriate for small balconies.

• A bright and beautiful balcony will turn out if its walls are trimmed with white-gray liquid wallpaper, white linoleum is laid on the floor, and the ceiling is decorated with plastic panels. In a small space, various flowers and plants in pots will look harmonious. They can be placed on light-colored metal racks near the side walls.
• A wonderful interior will turn out if you decorate the walls with large peach tiles, lay cork flooring material and put on such a balcony a small folding table made of dark wood with two chairs. A small flower rack can be set up against the side wall.
• Under the windows on the balcony, you can equip a small table-shelf and substitute two bar stools for it. A small light sofa with wrought iron legs and a back should be placed against the side wall. These pieces of furniture will look great against the backdrop of marble-print floor tiles and cream-painted walls. The side walls can be complemented with colored decorative stones.

Any balcony can be beautifully decorated. This requires only a drop of imagination and a supply of quality materials for interior decoration. Consider several interesting interiors arranged on balconies of different sizes.

The French balcony looks very nice and catchy. This design is equipped with high windows and beautiful parapets. As a rule, they are forged.

You can effectively beat the balcony with a fire escape. Most often, the steps of the stairs play the role of neat shelves for flower vases and pots. You can put a small sofa or armchair next to it. Such an environment will ideally fit into a cozy seating area, especially if it is supplemented with a small bookcase.

Recently, balconies combined with a kitchen are very popular. Such non-standard solutions are necessary to expand the space and beautifully divide the dining area and the cooking area.

You can move a table with chairs or kitchen appliances (stove, refrigerator, etc.) to the balcony. Many apartment owners turn a balcony into a real bar with a bar and high bar stools. In such a territory, you can relax with friends.

The balconies on the sunny side should be decorated with flowers. With regular watering, they will bloom very quickly and luxuriantly. Place a wicker chair or a small sofa among such a multi-colored flower garden. You will have a wonderful room in which you can be alone and enjoy the wonderful floral aromas.