Features of linden lining

It has been customary to decorate rooms with wood since ancient times. Once upon a time, natural materials were the only possible option for decoration and construction. Now they have been replaced by multiple solutions with increased performance and a host of design options. But the demand for wood finishes is still not losing ground. Linden is a very common type of tree in our country. What are its features and advantages as a finishing material will be discussed below.

Lining is a type of board for covering rooms. Not so long ago there was a period of frenzied popularity of clapboard decoration of houses, rooms, balconies, verandas and various gazebos. Now, with the development of the construction industry, designers have cooled somewhat towards this type of finish. But there are rooms in the house, in which finishing boards will be the best option for decoration. First of all, these are baths, saunas and steam rooms.

The choice of a tree such as linden for decoration is very relevant. People who are fond of traditional medicine have known for a long time about the healing properties of linden blossom and honey. But for wood, valuable properties are also characteristic. Qualitative characteristics allow the use of linden lining for both external and internal decoration of buildings.

Below are the advantages of linden cladding boards.

• Structure. In terms of use for construction and furniture work, linden is an excellent option. By its nature, the trunk contains few natural defects. The products are uniform, visually perfect, smooth and with minimal relief. This adds comfort to the interior decoration of the baths.
• Density. In washrooms with a heating system, ventilation and air exchange must be provided to avoid overheating of the medium. Wall and floor coverings should also not get scalding hot. In this regard, linden, which has a loose structure, fits perfectly (the density value is within 530 kg / m3).

• Color spectrum. Wood varieties affect natural shades. In general, lime planks are light in color, varying between yellow and brown. Some species can be almost white with a warm shade. It is convenient for use in small baths and any other premises.

• Natural features. In the use of wood, it is usually very inconvenient to release resin when heated. At high temperatures, the resin can burn the skin and irreparably damage the textile by sticking to it and sticking to the structure of the fabric. In the case of linden, the risk is minimal due to its low resin content. The above-mentioned healing properties of the lining are also manifested when heated. The boards are filled with essential oils, which will saturate the atmosphere of the sauna with their vapors and literally cure certain diseases, for example, colds or diseases of the nasopharynx and bronchi. And in general, being in a pleasantly smelling room with a natural sweetish aroma relaxes and tones, and also relieves stress.

• Operational characteristics. Linden lining can withstand high temperatures and sudden changes, as well as high levels of humidity. For steam rooms and baths, this is very important, since the temperatures there reach 140 degrees, and the humidity level is more than 90%. The durability of the board allows us to hope for its long service life.The cheapest types of lining are capable of not losing their qualities for 10 years. Elite types of materials, combined with proper care and cleaning, will last up to 30 years. Over time, the finish begins to darken, but this can also be corrected with additional processing.
• Another indisputable advantage of linden cladding is the simplicity of its implementation. Even a not very trained finisher will be able to do the job at the proper level without much difficulty.

With all the range of advantages, any material has its drawbacks.

• Like any tree, lining can suffer from the influence of microorganisms, especially at high humidity. Mold and mildew can become a massive and difficult problem if antibacterial treatment is not done in time.
• Under the influence of external factors and the proximity of metal structures, the wood darkens over time.
• Compared to other tree species, linden material costs several times more.

• The only way to save money is to use the small dimensions of the boards, even in a large room, by combining them with each other in different directions. But with its environmental friendliness and safety, this type of finish still remains the most suitable for a bath.

When processing, it is impossible to select only perfect boards. Therefore, it is customary to classify them depending on the quality of the surface. The difference in varieties is typical for any lining, both from linden and from other tree species.

There are 4 divisions in total.

• Variety "Extra". This is a top class lining. There are no defects, cracks or chips on it. It is impossible to make many of these planks from one tree, so the highest quality sections are selected and spliced ​​to increase the amount of materials. The premium grade has the highest cost and is used for finishing luxury houses and cottages. When buying, it is necessary to check the entire batch of materials, because an unscrupulous seller can mix the highest grade with lower quality ones. Extra lining is transported with extreme care, avoiding damage. Sometimes it is issued from the warehouse already packed in a vacuum foil. The board does not require adjustment, is easy to attach, and all fasteners are usually supplied with the material. For additional protection and improvement of decorative properties, the surface of the boards is additionally varnished, which requires additional care in maintenance and installation.

• Grade "A". Not much different from the highest. Some products of different grades from different manufacturers may compete in quality with each other. The first grade allows for minor defects. If there are cracks, then they cannot be through, have a length of no more than 10 cm and occupy an insignificant part of the board surface. In the case of the presence of knots, certain requirements also apply to them. Diameter should not be more than 15 mm, elements of light color. The knot must not fall out. Class A lining should be free from discoloration and rot. The surface of the boards is also varnished or waxed to give a natural shine.

• Grade "B". The lining is of even lower quality. Defects begin to catch your eye. There may be cracks, chips no more than 5 centimeters in size within 1 linear meter of the board. Also, the surface may contain blue areas of no more than 10%, darkened knots with a diameter of no more than 15 mm and ordinary light no more than 20 mm. There may be a maximum of 1 knot per rm of the product. Loose and rotten knots are not allowed. As for the swinging cracks, the through cracks should not exceed 30 cm in length, cracks along the fibers can be no more than 5 cm in length and 1 mm in width. Areas with darkening cannot be more than 10 by 20 cm. The presence of rot is possible, but not more than 10% of the board per 1 rm. Disadvantages of processing the contour edges should not interfere with the installation of products. The decorative look of the lining can be given by painting it in dark shades to veil defects.The only advantage of this option is its reasonable price.

• Third grade. The lowest quality of the lining with visible and pronounced defects: deep cracks, knots falling out, darkening, poorly joined elements, protruding resin. Suitable for budget decoration of premises that require wooden walls. To give an acceptable appearance, it becomes necessary to adjust the boards and then paint.

In addition to the standard classification, a separate subspecies can be distinguished - eurolining. Manufacturers from Europe have taken care of the additional benefits of this finish by redesigning the boards. The groove in this case is deeper than in conventional products, and the combs are longer. In order to maximally protect the coating from moisture and vapors, additional channels are made in the boards. The price tag for euro lining exceeds any high-quality products.

Even with a well-studied material like wood, manufacturers are trying to develop new technologies. Thanks to such attempts, heat-treated wood appeared. Its production is carried out by various methods: exposure to heated steam at temperatures up to 200 degrees, processing under pressure, exposure to inert gases and vegetable oil on the boards. The bottom line is that the lining is heated. Resins evaporate, products become more durable and less hygroscopic. Thermal board is a product of the highest level. Its quality characteristics make it possible to set service life from 50 to 100 years under any external influences. The only negative is the high cost of the material.

On the market you can find lining of various sizes. The main difference is between domestic products and euro lining. The most common dimensions for local manufacturers are boards with a thickness of 12 to 40 mm, widths varying up to 150-200 mm. The length starts from 200 mm and reaches 6 meters. In the case of European products, everything is strictly limited to several types: three types of thicknesses - 13, 16, 19 mm, width - 80,100, 110, 120 mm, length up to 6 meters.

The length of the board varies the most. This can be explained at least by the fact that this is the most important and defining parameter.

But with a lot of construction work, it is precisely large-sized products that are required.

For finishing the baths, it is advised to use linden, alder and aspen lining. The main visible difference between the two is that aspen and alder planks quickly develop dark spots around clogged fasteners. Linden is more expensive, but it will last longer, will not heat up and will give off a pleasant smell.

Below are the recommendations of experts on how to optimally finish linden clapboard.

• Before starting work, the lining must be kept in a warm room for several days.

• It is better to carry out construction and repair work with a wooden finishing board at a positive temperature outside or in a warm heated building.
• It is better to fasten the crate for the board horizontally every half a meter from each other. You can navigate along the lines marked with a building level.
• The lathing for the lining is mounted horizontally in increments of 40-50 cm.
• For couples, it is customary to use products whose thickness does not exceed 25 mm.

• The design can be any, but to increase the service life of the finish and its less wetting, the lining should be stuffed diagonally or vertically.
• Antiseptic pretreatment solutions can be used to enhance the protective properties.
• To give a greater decorative effect, the surface is treated with varnishes and various compounds intended for use in baths and saunas. Study the composition of such products carefully. They must be environmentally friendly and not emit toxic substances when heated.

• If you decide to insulate the washing rooms, it is best to choose materials with a vapor barrier function. This will keep the walls from rotting.
• If you have a small sauna or bathhouse at your disposal, choose boards no longer than 90 cm. They will visually expand the room.

In a small sauna, clapboard trim of different shades will look great. Stripes will give the room a more stylish look. And the effect of darkness and gloom can be avoided by using additional lighting on the ceiling.

At a minimum cost, and a very tiny steam room can be beaten with finishing in different directions. Vertical and horizontal elements of the same shade highlight different surfaces, but at the same time they look like one whole.

Contrasting colors will add an interesting accent. The main thing is not to get carried away with dark shades. They can emphasize seat backs and vertical trim elements, lamps. With a large amount of it, it will be dark and uncomfortable in the bath.

If wooden walls and ceilings are too boring for you, you can add brightness with themed panels with artificial lighting. Images of hot stones, wood or fire will add warmth, comfort and relaxation to the interior.

In the next video, you will find an overview of linden lining for a bath or sauna.