A wide range of finishing designs and modern materials allows you to equip your bathroom floor with all the amenities. The bathroom is considered the wettest room in the house, so the materials selected must match the conditions of this room. When deciding how to make a bathroom floor, you need to take into account the properties of the selected coating and the features of installation work.
Most often, the flooring structure differs in coating, but the rest of the structure is the same. It includes a concrete base, a waterproofing layer and a screed.
Self-leveling floor in the bathroom
There are acrylic, epoxy, methyl methacrylate and polyurethane coatings. For the bathroom, a polyurethane composition is chosen. It is environmentally friendly, durable and has a non-slip surface. About 10 years ago, 3D design of self-leveling floors was the most popular, but today it has been replaced by plain prints.
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Self-leveling bathroom floor
The advantages of a self-leveling floor in a bathroom include ease of maintenance, moisture resistance, a comfortable temperature surface, waterproofing, seamless coating and durability. Among the disadvantages, experts note complex filling and the impossibility of fragmentary dismantling. If defects occur, you will have to remove the entire coating and then refill it. It is better to entrust the installation of such a floor, as well as restoration work, to professionals.
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Self-leveling plain floor in the bathroom
Leveling screed
To level horizontal surfaces, cement-sand mixtures or special self-leveling materials are used. Self-leveling floors are installed in rooms that do not have large distortions in the floor slabs. If there are holes in the bathroom or it is necessary to raise the corner of the room to a height of more than 50 mm, then the use of a self-leveling solution is not economically feasible.
Sequence of actions when arranging the screed:
- Mark the coating using a laser or hydraulic level.
- Mark on the walls the height to which the floor will be poured. If there is debris on the floor surface, it is collected with a construction vacuum cleaner.
- Install metal guide beacons, which are mounted every 1000 mm. The products are mounted on an alabaster mixture, which allows you to adjust the position. The material is laid in a heap, then the beacon is installed. To increase the hardening time, a cement-sand mortar is introduced into the alabaster.
- Mix a portion of the solution in a separate container or portable concrete mixer. The proportions of cement and water are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. The solution is stirred until a homogeneous mass is obtained; lumps are not allowed.
- Pour the solution onto the floor surface, then use a rule to level the material. The metal rule moves perpendicular to the guides; it is recommended to use a tool 200-250 mm longer than the gap between the beacons.
After pouring the floor surface, the screed is kept for several days. Beacons can be left in the body of the screed, but the owner can remove the elements before the solution hardens. The resulting cavities after removing the beacons are filled with cement, which is smoothed out with a steel spatula. Floor heating elements are laid on a layer of rough screed and then filled with a solution (for example, a self-leveling mixture). After the cement screed has dried, the quality of the coating is checked and the finishing coating is laid.
Vinyl floor in the bathroom
One of the budget types of covering - vinyl flooring is created using tiles. The variety of design solutions allows you to choose vinyl tiles for any interior project. The advantages of the material also include low cost, ease of maintenance and installation, and hygiene. However, toxicity during combustion, possible deformation when the temperature changes, burnout and not environmentally friendly are the disadvantages of the floor covering.
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Vinyl Bathroom Tiles
Ceramic tiles for bathroom floor
Eco-friendly ceramic tiles are resistant to humidity and temperature changes. The coating has a cold surface, but goes well with heated floor technology. Today, manufacturers offer many design options for tiles for different types of stone. Not only the color is repeated, but also the texture of the material.
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Ceramic tiles for bathroom
Among the advantages of ceramic tiles are hypoallergenicity, fire safety and resistance to chemical attack. Despite the heavy weight, the process of laying tiles is quite simple. Even a beginner can handle it. All the described qualities make ceramic tiles an ideal solution for creating bathroom flooring.
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Original design of bathroom flooring
Wall finishing materials
Professionally finishing bathroom walls is a serious undertaking. First you need to choose quality material. Such material should be moisture resistant, environmentally friendly and hygienic. It should be easy to operate and install. Its color should be in harmony with the overall condition of the bathroom. However, the colors of the walls and floors may differ. This will make the room even more interesting. When decorating a bathroom, tiles are most often used. She is not afraid of dampness and looks quite stylish. But not all interiors will have appropriate tiles on the walls. That is why all kinds of materials began to be used to repair bathroom walls: drywall, decorative plaster, self-adhesive film, etc. This variety allows you to choose the best products for your bathroom.
Ceramic tiles
The range of such materials is quite wide. The client can buy tiles of different shapes, sizes and prices. There are many factories for the production of tiles and other tiles, but when decorating one room it is better to focus on one manufacturer. In this case, it will be possible to harmoniously decorate the walls in the bathroom, since they will be made in the same style. The tiles do not allow moisture to pass through, so the wall will be protected from excess moisture. Mold or mildew will not grow under the coating. Wall tiles made of tiles or ceramics are easy to use on a daily basis. They are easy to clean; you just need to wipe the surface with a sponge and water or detergent. However, this material does not have high mechanical strength, i.e. it is easy to break. In order for such tiles to look good on the wall, professionals should be involved in its installation.
Mosaic
Mosaic is a type of ceramic tile, to which elements from other materials are sometimes added. At the same time, there are many different forms of material. It is customary to divide mosaics into 2 types. The first includes those that are laid out on a special basis with separate pictures and elements. The second includes those elements that are laid out manually. The mosaic looks interesting and unusual. It's hard to break. It does not form mold or mildew. This material has a long service life. If you follow masonry technology, you can install any surface without visible joints. But it is better to purchase a mazika consisting of similar elements. A mixture of ceramics and metals will look stylish until the first rust appears, and glass, even in a mosaic picture, can be easily broken.
Natural and artificial stone
Natural stone is an expensive material that can only be used in particularly luxurious interiors that already have a stone floor. In other cases, it is better to line the walls with artificial stone. This material is very heavy, which is why its installation requires additional work. At the same time, stones should be used in the bathroom interior with the utmost caution. The material significantly reduces the visual appearance of the bathroom. Moreover, this applies to both artificial and natural stones. That is why this material is contraindicated for small bathrooms and separate toilets. It does not absorb moisture and in most cases has a porous structure. Thanks to this, the stones are able to “breathe”. They are environmentally friendly and absolutely harmless even for small children and allergy sufferers.
Natural wood finishing
Ordinary wood very easily absorbs water (including that which is in heated air), so it must be used very carefully to decorate bathrooms. Because of this, wood requires additional moisture-resistant impregnation, so it can remain in damp conditions for a long time. You can burn and process wooden panels yourself, but it is better to buy ready-made products and start covering the bathroom walls with them. Such panels are expensive, although they give the bathroom an extraordinary country house atmosphere. Also, similar wood panels can be used if there is a home bath in the bathroom. At the same time, decorating bathroom walls with natural wood (even lining) implies the presence of specific accessories (mirrors, hangers, partitions, plumbing equipment) that will emphasize the created style.
Flexible stone
Flexible stone became known to the general public relatively recently, but during this time it has managed to become extremely popular throughout the world. This is a thin facing material that is convenient for decorating the walls of various rooms. It consists of three layers. The first is a universal fabric base, the second is an adhesive, and the third is small chips of any stone (marble, granite, quartz, etc.). At the same time, the patterns in which small particles are laid out on the surface resemble the appearance of large natural stones. From a distance, the material can be confused with natural stone. Flexible stone is practical and durable, it can be used even in very damp and poorly ventilated bathrooms. The surface is rough to the touch, because the outer layer of the material is represented by stone chips.
Marble
Marble is a unique material that can be used for any design ideas. Today it is used in decorating bathrooms, since the porous structure of this rock makes it moisture resistant. Also, thanks to this, marble can be called a breathable material; mold or mildew does not form underneath it on the walls. Marble decoration of the bathroom looks luxurious, elegant and stylish. Moreover, this material is characterized by durability, impact resistance and relative ease of maintenance. It can be cleaned with ordinary detergents, although at the very beginning of use it is better to treat it with a special protective substance. Marble is also resistant to extremely high temperatures and does not crack under all kinds of temperature changes. However, marble is expensive, and therefore few can afford it.
PVC panels
Universal PVC panels are often used for bathroom renovations, but they require additional protection during installation. Mold or mildew can easily form under such panels in a damp and damp room, although polyvinyl chloride is a waterproof material. However, if installation errors are made, large gaps can be left between the wall and the panel, which will lead to unpleasant consequences. However, this material is cheap and every homeowner can afford it. Panels made of polyvinyl chloride can be painted in absolutely any color; they can fit into the most unusual bathroom interior. Some of these panels imitate natural stones, wood, tiles or are decorated with photo printing. This material is durable, has good sound insulation and retains heat well.
Moisture-resistant wallpaper
Wallpaper in the bathroom looks original, but you need to carefully select this material. Ordinary wallpaper is not suitable for the bathroom, since due to constant dampness and high humidity they will instantly become unusable. In bathrooms, special moisture-resistant wallpaper, glass wallpaper or photo wallpaper (the latter less commonly) are usually used. They make it possible to bring to life the most unusual design solutions, since they have a huge range, while the finish will be durable. Wallpaper is relatively inexpensive when compared with natural stone or ceramic tiles, so this material is often used to save money. Before starting the renovation, the walls in the bathroom will require minimal preparation. Moreover, you can prepare the walls yourself, and then start covering them with the chosen wallpaper.
Decorative plaster
For bathrooms, special moisture-resistant decorative plaster is used. With its help you can create a completely unique room design. The pattern for decorating a bathroom can be anything. Almost anyone can apply decorative plaster to a wall; even a non-professional can do it. But this material is not very cheap. Some types of decorative plaster are extremely expensive, so their use as part of regular cosmetic renovations in an apartment (including in the bathroom) is impractical. For finishing bathrooms, sanitizing plaster, moisture-resistant plaster or facade plaster are most often used (it contains specific synthetic substances that help cope with dampness and high humidity). These materials normalize the microclimate in the bathroom, absorbing excess moisture.
Painting walls with waterproof paints
There are many varieties of moisture-resistant paints that can be used to decorate bathrooms. Water-based paint is one such material. Moreover, it is better to take water-based emulsion with special additives that prevent it from blurring. But it is not advisable for her to paint those areas of the wall that are 100% guaranteed to get water. Oil paint is used very rarely today. It takes a long time to dry, and with extremely strong temperature changes it can begin to peel off. Alkyd paint can be called one of the most popular, but it smells strongly. Moreover, the unpleasant odor remains even several weeks after the repair work. That is why now most often the walls in the bathroom are covered with acrylic paints. They are non-toxic and durable. Acrylic paints are easy to apply to walls; even someone who has never done a renovation in their life can handle it.
Self-adhesive film
Finishing with film looks original and unusual. This material does not allow moisture to pass through, so the possibility of mold or mildew formation is minimized. Self-adhesive film is cheap, although it looks impressive. There is a huge range of colors for this product. Moreover, today there is film with relief on sale. It costs more, but looks very interesting. This material is very easy to apply to the wall, so when making repairs you don’t even need to hire professional builders. You can handle it on your own. At the same time, it is easy to change the film if the pattern on it is tired or no longer harmonizes with the plumbing equipment. This material is easy to care for. You can simply wipe it with a damp cloth. However, self-adhesive film has low strength. It is easy to tear.
Tile in the bathroom
Tile is a traditional covering option for wet areas. It has similar properties to ceramic tiles. Among the differences are increased fragility and lightness in comparison with similar materials. The process of laying a tiled floor is simple, and the tiles themselves are budget-friendly.
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Plain bathroom coating
Stylistic directions
The style of the bathroom can be anything, but most homeowners adhere to certain ready-made solutions for bathroom design. Most often, the toilet is decorated in a classic style. This option looks beautiful and elegant. It is especially suitable for large bathrooms with a window. And the Art Nouveau style will be appropriate in small bathrooms. It allows you to install small functional shower cabins in the toilet. Art Nouveau is characterized by a natural palette of colors, floral motifs and the presence of all kinds of accessories with floral patterns. Among modern stylistic trends, it is worth highlighting bionics. This design style is characterized by the imitation of everything natural. Many people decorate their bathrooms in marine, ethnic, Scandinavian or Mediterranean styles. They look impressive and allow you to bring non-standard design ideas to life.
These styles can be combined.
Combination with underfloor heating technology
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Design project for a bathroom with light flooring
The presented materials combine well with heated floor technology. To prevent overheating of the coating, experts recommend choosing systems with external temperature control. Heating up to +25 degrees is not critical for the floor covering. However, material from different manufacturers has distinctive physical properties. When choosing a coating, it is worth considering the features of each individual type of coating and the general characteristics.
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Bright bathroom interior
Selection of plumbing fixtures and furniture
Plumbing equipment must be durable, reliable and multifunctional. It is better to buy products that were made from environmentally friendly materials. The color of the plumbing fixtures should be in harmony with the decoration of the room. Usually choose a bathtub, sink and toilet in classic white. They will not have to be changed if, even after a couple of years, the owner decides to change the color of the walls in the bathroom. All plumbing equipment should be selected at the same time. In this case, it will be possible to select the most suitable products for each other. Before purchasing devices, you should decide on the type of mounting and placement. Plumbing equipment comes in different sizes, and for small bathrooms you need to buy a sink and toilet in a slightly different format than for spacious bathrooms. General features of some types of plumbing fixtures are presented in the photo below.
| Plumbing equipment | Peculiarities |
| Shower cabin | Installed in small bathrooms. Modern shower cabins have a lot of additional functions: built-in radio, color lighting, massagers, etc. |
| Baths | Classic plumbing equipment. Bathtubs come in steel, cast iron, acrylic and even stone. Their appearance is determined by the general style of the room. |
| Toilets | It must be durable, reliable and as silent as possible (meaning the noise level when filling the tank with water). |
| Sinks | Can be of different sizes and shapes. They are mandatory plumbing equipment. |
Bathroom interior design
The flooring should be combined with the main interior design in color and texture. A floor in light colors will be a universal option that will fit into any project. If you are interested in a more original solution, give preference to a bathroom in dark colors.
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Vinyl Bathroom Covering
It is better to choose a monochromatic coating - any shade of the floor without a pattern will look restrained, stylish and noble. Active print is a controversial option. Such flooring will be appropriate only if the rest of the room design is minimalist. At the same time, if you stop at the design of the floor covering, then choose only simple options. A good solution would be geometry or abstraction. But it is better to refuse 3D drawings and plot paintings on the floor. Such options were popular about 10 years ago, but they almost always look strange, create a feeling of congestion and visually narrow the space.
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Unusual bathroom flooring
Beautiful examples in the interior
Finishing options are not limited to the popular eight: in addition to standard tiles, you can use, for example, natural pebbles. It looks stylish, and walking on uneven surfaces has a massage effect.
If you are looking for a way to perfectly match your walls, try the same tiles for both surfaces.
In this case, it is advisable to glue floor tiles to the walls, and not vice versa - wall tiles are still more fragile.
The last original solution is perimeter lighting. Please note that this will require keeping the room absolutely clean. But thanks to its originality, this solution can become the highlight of the interior.
All materials have pros and cons: decide what is more important to you and select them for yourself.
Features of bathroom flooring
The flooring in the bathroom should first and foremost be functional. It is important that the material is not afraid of moisture, is resistant to external environmental factors, tolerates temperature changes and does not slip. An additional advantage is the compatibility of the coating with heated floor technology. This is true if the material itself does not retain heat well.
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Accent flooring
In addition to general characteristics, also pay attention to the manufacturer. Preference should be given to a trusted company that specializes in the production of flooring. Another aspect when choosing a coating is service life. Between two identical materials, it is better to choose the more durable one, even if its cost is more expensive. In the future, you will save on repairs and restoration. Few people are ready to carry out repair work every year, so it is better to do everything efficiently.
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Drawing on the floor covering
The construction market offers design options for different materials. Complex shades and designs can almost always be purchased at a large store or ordered directly from the manufacturer. A wide selection ensures that you can choose the right flooring for any interior. Among the abundance of options, designers advise focusing on laconic design options - a plain coating or material with a laconic print. The flooring will be the base of the interior, and walls or additional details can act as an accent.
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Tile in the bathroom
Floor waterproofing
When repairing the floor covering, a layer of elastic material that does not allow water to pass through is laid on the concrete floors. Insulators are supplied to consumers in the form of mastic or in rolls. Before applying the insulator, the concrete surface is cleaned of dust and then impregnated with soil that improves adhesion. It is recommended to apply 3-4 layers of primer with intermediate drying and removal of lumps of cement dust.
Welded
Fused mastic, made on a bitumen basis, is applied to the surface in a heated state (to increase fluidity). The heating temperature depends on the chemical composition of the mixture; the parameter is indicated on the packaging. The material is applied with a spatula or brush to a horizontal plane and adjacent walls to a height of up to 300 mm. Additional portions of mastic are placed in the corners of the room and at the junction of the floor and walls.
After applying and drying the first layer, the connection lines between the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the room are covered with an elastic rubber tape, which is held in place with glue.
Then a second layer is applied, which hardens within 4-6 hours. The finishing layer is applied with a brush; After 24 hours the premises are ready for further construction work.
Roll
The rolled insulator must be laid in strips with overlapping side edges and extending onto adjacent vertical surfaces to a height of up to 150 mm. To ensure tightness, it is necessary to seal the seams with a gas burner, but since heating the material in a confined space is problematic, it is better to use special glue. The disadvantage of rolled material is the difference in height within 2-5 mm, which is formed in places where the top layer overlaps the bottom.
Painting method
If the owner of the premises wants to speed up repair work, he can make insulation from liquid mastic. The material is low cost and durable. The waterproofing solution is applied with a paint brush or roller in several layers with intermediate drying. The hardening time of the layers ranges from 4 to 12 hours (depending on the type of solvent and mastic manufacturer).
