Infused flooring for the bathroom

We are accustomed to the fact that the floors are usually laid. But did you know that they can also be poured? Such floors are therefore called poured floors and are a seamless coating, which resembles regular linoleum, but the smoothness is similar to tile.

The flooring is available in a variety of colors, and its thickness is usually in the range of 1-7 mm. It is usually advisable to make the coating 1.5 mm thick, as thicker floors are more expensive, and thinner ones lose all practicality.

There are 4 types of poured floors:

• cement-acrylic;
• polyurethane;
• Floors based on methyl methacrylic resins (methyl methacrylate);
• Floors based on epoxy resins (epoxy).

Let's consider each of these types in detail.

The composition of such a coating includes a high-strength aggregate, a polyacrylate copolymer and cement. Originally, cement-acrylic floors were intended for industrial use, in particular in the food industry, where heavy carts constantly ride on the floor and various liquids are spilled. Cement-acrylic flooring is highly resistant to mechanical stress and is not easily erased or damaged. At the same time they do not react to spillage on them a lot of liquid.

Also to the advantages of such a floor can be attributed:

• resistance to peeling even if there are cracks in the base;
• matt surface with anti-slip characteristics;
• versatility, since such a coating is suitable for freezers, and for the device in the building or outside it;
• no need for too meticulous leveling;
• an impressive thickness of 8 mm.

Floors based on polyurethane are quite often used in residential buildings.

The advantages of such a coating are as follows:

• The floors themselves have a long service life, lightness and elegance;
• durability and reliability of such floors do not cause any doubts;
• floors are resistant to mechanical stress, impact. They are not prone to abrasion and do not absorb water, so they are a good option also for office or commercial premises;
• such a floor is absolutely insensitive to thermal effects and has a high degree of hygiene, so it can be mounted in rooms where they work with food or medicines.

At the heart of such a coating are methyl methacrylate resins. By using a different number of additives can change the properties of the floor, for example, to make it more or less flexible, hard, heat resistant. The advantages of such floors can include:

• versatility: they are installed in both industrial and manufacturing facilities, where representatives of absolutely any area can work. At the same time, such flooring can also be installed outdoors;
• resistance to temperature fluctuations and UV rays, so such a floor can be mounted even in the freezing chamber of the industrial facility;
• ease of installation, which can be done in the cold season.

However, it also has its disadvantages:

• the coating hardens very quickly, and because of this it is necessary to carry out installation extremely quickly;
• strong, unpleasant odor, which requires constant ventilation of the room.

As the name already understands, the main components of such a coating are epoxy resins. It is convenient that as a base can suit not only concrete, but also wood or metal. Most often, epoxy poured coatings are used in industrial facilities where there is a high probability of chemical substances on the floor. Such coating is universal for laboratories, workshops, food or pharmaceutical industry premises.

Other advantages of epoxy flooring include:

• high resistance to chemical influences, as it has already become clear from the scope of application of such a coating;
• environmental friendliness, which makes it possible to put such a coating even in residential areas;
• practicality and easy care.

But the epoxy floor has a low elasticity, so where there may be severe mechanical damage, such coatings are not suitable.

This type should be described separately. Most often 3D floors are still used in residential areas, as they have a rather original appearance. Thanks to the special finishing layer, you can get beautiful three-dimensional images that will be admired by all who see the spectacle.

For 3D coating, you can use ready-made images of sufficiently high quality or draw something yourself. This gives great scope to your imagination, allowing you to create artistic works of art.

The development of the construction industry has given a wide scope to manufacturers, so now you can buy mixes for poured floors of various brands. Of course, you always want to save money, but it is still better to buy flooring from more or less well-known brands, which are not the first year of trading in the market of materials.

High quality dry mixes for poured floors from the following manufacturers:

• Knauf: offers the best value for money. The German brand values its worldwide reputation and therefore guarantees the use of the best materials;
• OsnovitThe company has more than 10 years on the market of construction mixes and offers worthy materials to create self-leveling floors;
• HorizonUnder this name mixtures for liquid floors from the company "Unis" are produced. The manufacturer has been on the construction market for over 20 years, and its products are known throughout Russia and the CIS;
• GLIMSGLIMS: Another Russian manufacturer, which consumers trust since 1994. It has a wide range of construction mixtures, including those for poured floors;
• Weber-Vetonit: World-class manufacturer of dry mixes. Is part of a French production company;
• VolmaVolgograd corporation that has reached the recognized quality level in the production of dry packaged construction mixtures.

The time it takes for the liquid floor to dry depends directly on the manufacturer, the type of liquid flooring, the thickness of coverage and climatic conditions in the room. If we take the room temperature of 18-20 degrees and humidity of 60-65%, the poured floor will dry out quickly enough. Take, for example, Knauf mixture. With a layer thickness of 2 to 15 mm, it takes 3 hours for the floor to dry so you can walk on it. But the final drying takes one day for each millimeter.

The cost of poured coating also depends on the specific situation. Here plays a role the manufacturer of the mixture, the type of floor, the area of the room. Services of specialists in the laying of the floor, too, everywhere differently paid.

Poured floors for industrial premises are cheaper than 3D or single-color coating.

If, for example, you're planning to put in a three-dimensional effect flooring, then prepare that the total can go up to $1,900 for a small space.

For larger rooms, the cost per square foot of hardwood flooring will be lower.

For single-color floors, the total can go up to $1,000 for the entire job for a room of up to 10 square meters.