Aspen lining: pros and cons

Decorating various rooms with clapboard is a fairly common practice. However, it should be borne in mind that this material has a number of important subtleties, ignoring which can spoil the impression of the lining and damage the interests of the consumer. Among the various types of wood, aspen occupies one of the leading places.

This hardwood is a serious competitor to coniferous wood. The cost is relatively affordable, while the visual structure of the tree is not too intrusive, as is its smell.

Aspen lining has a density of about 490 kg per 1 cubic meter. m.

The production of aspen lining differs little from the production of other similar wooden products.

It breaks down into the following stages:

• assessment of the properties of raw materials and their distribution by grades;
• drying;
• processing of front surfaces to full evenness;
• the use of grooves, folding;
• rejection of bad products;
• packaging of the released product in accordance with its category.

Only after studying the reviews, you can figure out whose product is of high quality and which does not meet the necessary requirements. In appearance, this is much more difficult to do. It is advisable to choose products that meet the requirements of GOST 8242-88, but most industries, unfortunately, switched to individual technical conditions. Regardless of the class of the lining, it should not have a single wormhole and signs of fungus.

Aspen wood has low thermal conductivity and hardly cracks, lends itself well to various processing techniques, even bending. It can be easily polished and painted. The material is relatively light, attractive white, with fine fibers. Ease of processing is also associated with the minimum number of knots. Subject to proper processing, objects become strong and resist decay very well.

The condition of patients with rheumatism, bronchial and pulmonary inflammation improves, even dysentery. It is important to remember that this still cannot in any way replace a full-fledged treatment, and any measures of this kind must be agreed with the doctors.

There is only one clear problem with aspen wood, and that is its tendency to rot in the middle. The problem is solved very simply, you just need to use trunks for construction at the age of 35-40 years (older ones rot more actively). All other difficulties are due to the low quality of work and non-observance of the rules of handling. It is important to consider that flawlessly high-quality aspen is quite rare, so its cost is higher than that of many other types of wood.

The differences between the individual types of aspen wood are due to:

• the level of humidity in the growing region;
• perfection of processing;
• varieties;
• quantities of products.

Russian wall paneling differs from foreign products in that there are no elongated grooves behind, with the help of which ventilation and release from condensate are provided. The increase in ridges and grooves of up to 0.8 cm, typical for Euro lining, helps to reduce the threat of crevices due to high temperature and humidity, thereby increasing the strength of the joints.At the end of the work, European lining is sorted, it is packed in a special film (mainly 10 pieces in one package).

Variety "Extra" it is considered the highest; to match it, the lining should not have a single defect or even a knot. The characteristics of the Extra variety allow you to form any wooden structures, and they will be aesthetically perfect. In group A, the standards allow the presence of knots and a difference in color from the usual color, but the mechanical and consumer properties are also not bad.

Grade B It occupies an intermediate position between the main types A and C, it is relatively good and sells for relatively little money. Category B is Class II wood, with a certain number of jagged and knotty areas allowed on board surfaces. Cracks are sometimes acceptable, knots should not fall out, but they can still cause accelerated damage to the lining.

Grade C characterized by extremely low requirements for raw materials - such wood may contain manifestations of decay and rot, a number of cracks and jagged areas, clearly abnormal in color of the area. In decoration, such solutions are not used, the only use is tools and devices for work.

Thermal aspen (that is, heat-treated aspen) is ideal for interior decoration of baths and saunas, because it can withstand significant heat better than usual. Therefore, its increased cost is fully justified. In the process of preparation, the raw materials are kept for a long time at temperatures above 200 degrees and even exposed to steam.

As a result:

• the moisture content of the wood decreases;
• density is growing;
• the intensity of absorption of new portions of moisture from the air is reduced;
• swelling is prevented due to constant contact with damp media.

It is difficult to find a more suitable material for the manufacture and decoration of a steam bath than aspen processed by the thermal method. It does not rot, unlike the usual type of material, and therefore loses its only significant drawback. With high quality processing, wood loses essential oils, therefore, its resistance to fire increases. However, for connoisseurs of rich and rich aromas, it is better not to use this type of wood for decoration, since it does not smell at all. In addition, you will have to handle thermal aspen more carefully than usual, as it is relatively fragile.

Typical dimensions of aspen lining:

• 1.25-1.5 cm in thickness;
• used width - 8.7-8.8 cm;
• width including thorns - 9.5-9.6 cm;
• typical length is from 100 to 300 cm.

Lining with a length of 4 meters is used extremely rarely, and only if it is justified for technical or design reasons.

In the process of finishing saunas and baths, the lining is placed either horizontally or vertically. In the second case, inexpensive shortened boards are often used, the joints of which are hidden under shelves or a decorative element. You can also save money by using material of a lower grade in inconspicuous places than that used in areas that are conspicuous.

The first step in finishing is to create a thermal insulation layer on the ceiling and walls. - for this purpose, use basalt wool with a layer of 50-100 mm. By varying the thickness of the thermal protection, the thermal properties of the room as a whole can be changed. It is necessary to put cotton wool in the intervals of a bar, the cross-section of which is 50x50 or 100x50 mm, a foil is placed above it to reflect heat, and the joints are treated with self-adhesive tape.

Then work begins with a frame made of well-planed slats, placed on gaskets 10-20 mm thick. It is most convenient to put the lining on the clamps, fixed with nails or screws. After completing the preparatory work, in the corners and at the intersection of walls and ceilings, they put internal corners and fillets. If necessary, cover strips and external corners are used.

The technology allows to mount lining panels from any anglebut professionals believe it is best to start with the left side slopes. For the decoration of large rooms, it is advisable to take a spliced ​​lining, which, in terms of technical parameters, does not differ from the usual one, but is noticeably wider than it. There is no need to paint the aspen blocks. Natural varnishes help to give an elegant appearance to these structures, which additionally protect the material from moisture and steam.

In wooden buildings, the cladding must be mounted directly to the ceiling or walls. It is possible to cover the internal volume of brick structures only with a slatted crate, the same applies to cases when a hidden vapor barrier, waterproofing, thermal insulation is being prepared. Vertical and diagonal fastening is better than horizontal, because the water then drains faster and does not stagnate in the grooves.

The use of aspen lining does not negate the obligation to impregnate facing parts and sheathing structures with antiseptic compounds and hydrophobic preparations. This must be done not only before installation, but also after its completion, as well as during the subsequent time - at least once every 6 months. It is advisable to use special gels or liquids that do not give off extraneous odors at significant temperatures and increased humidity.

The cost of aspen is determined by its variety and length., and when calculating the need for material, it is necessary to take into account that the area given on the packages will exceed the actually useful coverage by 9%. That is, to decorate a wall of 5 square meters. m, you need to use a material designed for 5.5 m2. The rest of the volume will be wasted when cutting, as well as due to possible defects in the lining.

Do-it-yourself installation of aspen lining is relatively easy, but if you turn to professionals for help, the work will be done faster and better. Compared to this benefit, the increased cost will not be that great.

Before installing the euro lining, you need to store it strictly in its original packaging in a dry and clean room. In this case, it is necessary to prevent sudden changes in temperature and contact with sunlight. The preliminary "habituation" of the material to the environment is achieved by exposure for 48 hours without packaging. It is necessary to remove dust particles and dirt from the lining using a completely dry cloth, only occasionally a damp cloth can be used. Before starting work, you need to make sure that the air in the room is not colder than +5 degrees, and its humidity is maximum 60%.

For aspen lining, see the next video.