Important Aspects to Consider for Choosing and Installing Quality Flooring
Flooring is one of the most crucial elements in any indoor or outdoor space, often overlooked but with the potential to significantly impact a room's appearance and functionality. Choosing the right flooring involves several aspects to ensure durability, aesthetics, and suitability for the type of space. In this article, we'll share some essential tips for selecting and installing quality flooring.
- Subfloor Smoothness and Preparation
The first critical aspect to consider is that most flooring types require the subfloor to be level within +/-2mm per 2 meters. If the subfloor's adequate smoothness is not ensured, most flooring solutions may yield unsatisfactory results for the customer after installation. This isn't due to poor flooring quality but rather unsuitable subfloor conditions, meaning the conditions required for material installation aren't met.
- Proper Installation Tools and Materials
The second important aspect is using the right installation tools and materials recommended by the manufacturer – leveling compounds, primers, adhesives, underlays, and more. When installing parquet flooring on a concrete base using the floating method, it's always necessary to use a moisture barrier film in addition to the underlay. For tiling work in moist areas, waterproofing is essential. It's advisable to choose a quality and suitable underlay or underlayment since a dense, quality underlay helps reduce footstep noise on the flooring and mildly stabilizes potential subfloor irregularities.
- Ensuring the Right Installation Conditions
The third, certainly not less crucial aspect, is ensuring the right conditions for installation:
Proper subfloor moisture level, which must always be checked using a moisture meter before commencing installation. The acceptable concrete moisture level for most materials is up to 2% CM.
Leveling uneven subfloors with the appropriate leveling compound. When gluing wooden parquet directly to concrete, the leveling compound should have sufficient adhesion strength (for example, UZIN NC 172 biturbo) to prevent it from breaking away from the concrete due to potential stress from the wooden floor. For roll materials that are 2-2.5mm thick, using a fine leveling compound is crucial, as otherwise, the flooring surface will clearly reveal all potential subfloor defects (cracks, depressions, bumps, etc.).
Preparation for underfloor heating: If you plan to install underfloor heating, ensure it is turned off before installation, and the temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius.
Humidity level: Special attention should be paid to the humidity level, especially for wooden floors. The humidity level should mainly be in the range of 35-60%, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise. Monitoring humidity levels is also essential for extending the flooring's lifespan, preventing the formation of drying cracks.
In summary, selecting and installing quality flooring is a thorough process that requires attention to detail. Proper preparation and condition creation before commencing installation are crucial to ensuring the long-term durability and visual appeal of the flooring.
- Patterns, Colors, and Style
Once you've addressed subfloor preparation and selected appropriate installation materials, it's time to focus on the design of your flooring. Patterns and colors are essential elements that determine the overall style and atmosphere of a room. Consider the overall design of the space and choose a pattern and color that complement your style and interior design.
- Flooring Type
The type of flooring is also an important consideration. Different materials like wood, ceramics, laminate, or carpet offer distinct characteristics to a room. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each material, taking into account the room's usage and maintenance requirements.
- Installation Quality
Finally, the quality of installation plays a significant role in the long-term durability and appearance of your flooring. If you're uncertain about your installation skills, consider hiring professional installers to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting and installing quality flooring is a significant investment in your home or commercial space. Proper preparation, the choice of installation materials, and creating the right conditions before installation are key factors that influence the appearance and durability of your flooring. Never underestimate the importance of the installation process, and if in doubt about your skills, seek professional installers to ensure the best outcome. Well-chosen and properly installed flooring will provide you with years of enjoyment and comfort.
We hope these tips help you make informed decisions when choosing and installing flooring that meets your needs and creates a pleasant living or working environment.