Self-leveling floors in the apartment: we build the interior from the very bottom

Introduction:

How can you not be inspired by a spectacular floor, especially if it is self-leveling? To creatively implement an interior with gypsum, epoxy or polymer coating, read our material and look at photos of successful projects.

Why do you need self-leveling floors: pros and cons of the solution

To include a self-leveling floor in any interior, you need to masterfully create a texture of absolute smoothness and maintain ideal surface lines. The uniqueness of the system is that with proper preparation of the area, it will correct the distortions of the structure. Another advantage is the variety of decorative solutions.

Whatever the task: add light, set stylistic accents, change the geometry of the room, the self-leveling floor will cope with it.

Now let’s more clearly outline the advantages of self-leveling floors. They are capable of:

• Create a harmonious and laconic space.
• Accentuate the finish without drawing attention to itself.
• Provide a safe and durable coating.
• Become a trouble-free and easy-to-maintain floor covering.

Self-leveling floor in the house is a seamless covering. Such surfaces are equally indifferent to moisture, fungus, dirt, chemical detergents. Therefore, there will definitely be no problems with cleaning.

The strength of the material depends on the thickness of the poured floor in the room. There are options that require special and complex application technologies. The second type of coating is self-leveling. In this case, the whole “salt” is in the master’s ability to pre-prepare the space. It is necessary to seal cracks, restore crumbling areas, apply several layers of putty.

What types of self-leveling floors are there?

Epoxy, polyester, thin-layer, polyurethane are the main types of self-leveling floors. But this is not a complete list of options.

Initially, due to its high wear resistance, the self-leveling coating was used in industrial premises. Ease of installation and reasonable prices also played a role.

The coating is installed without seams, easily withstands temperature fluctuations, mechanical impact, serves well in conditions of high humidity, is not susceptible to chemically active substances. When the design companies of houses and apartments discovered these indicators, matte and glossy self-leveling floors entered the top interior solutions. Today, 4 types of coating are often found in home and office designs.

Polyurethane self-leveling floors

These are “three in one” floors. The coatings contain equal parts of modifiers, reactive oligomers and hardeners. Thanks to this chemical and physical composition, the floors are incredibly durable. They are not afraid of impacts or falling heavy objects. This is a great option if there are children in the house who conduct experiments in the spirit of fun science and adults who regularly hold crowded parties.

Thin-layer polymer floors

Polymer self-leveling floors for an apartment are more of a base for the coating. The material contains a large amount of sand filler. The thickness of such a floor is on average 1 millimeter.

The task of the polymer coating is to become a buffer between the “rough finish” floor and external influences. Without the poured material, the concrete screed will crumble over time.

Thin-layer coating is a good protection of the base from dust and chemically aggressive substances. And such a self-leveling floor, even taking into account its minimal thickness, creates a decorative effect.

The disadvantage of thin-layer polymer coatings is reduced impact resistance and reaction to chemicals. And the actual service life does not exceed 4 years.

Self-leveling floors

Self-leveling floors are a godsend for self-installation, if you have no experience at all. If you follow all the instructions, the coating can be applied quickly and efficiently.

The self-leveling floor will last up to 25 years. The coating thickness is approximately 5 millimeters. This is an average value for self-leveling floors.

In addition to the relative ease of installation, such floors are characterized by resistance to mechanical loads. Another important property is maintaining integrity under increased vibration. This is good for small production facilities or music studios.

Highly filled floors

If the content of sand filler in self-leveling floors is 50%, then in highly filled floors it is 85%. The coatings easily withstand impacts and significant loads.

Also, the floors do not suffer from abrasive wear. Due to their composition, they are similar in properties to polymer concrete mixtures.

Most often, durable floors with a thickness of 8-10 mm are chartered for industrial zones, although they are also suitable for other premises. As well as epoxy and polyester.

Textured graphite self-leveling floor

An accent in the interior is a fine line between richness and lack of “air”. It is important to maintain a balance of quality filling, functionality of things and furnishings, light and palette. To avoid overloading the room and to keep it harmonious, you need to find some play. This is a detail that will dilute the overall rhythm and tone. A self-leveling floor can become such a part of the design. It will be an inconspicuous but capacious accent.

Dense, deep, textured – this “graphite” will help to create an epoxy coating of dark gray color. It goes well with chalky wallpaper and paint on the walls.

Surprisingly, several dark gray walls make the space feel cramped. And in combination with an accent surface, they create depth and highlight the other shades. To complete the picture, you can  arrange spectacular retro wiring in the room .

In Scandinavian interiors and lofts, in projects with bright furniture, coworkings, hostels and rented apartments, a single-color self-leveling floor is the optimal solution. The graphite shade will make the environment neutral and attractive at the same time.

Immersion in folklore and natural rhythm with self-leveling flooring

The ornament looks good not only on the walls, in stucco or wallpaper patterns, but also on the floor. Such decor is suitable for self-leveling floors. The solution is popular in such styles as antique, empire, baroque and rococo, as well as in any variations based on their motives. Folklore ornament also diversifies  interiors in the eco-direction.

You can add a revolutionary arrangement of accents to the design in any of the classic “imperial” styles. Usually, natural wood or materials imitating it are in the lead in such projects. It is better to decorate the walls, moldings and ceiling with an ornament. And the self-leveling floor will blur the line between the classics and accents. It completely changes the usual geometry. That is why traditional projects look unusual and interesting.

Eco-friendly, technological and almost stone self-leveling floor

Self-leveling floors can easily fit into eco-friendly design. And it’s not just about the richness of shades and textures. But also about the fact that our subconscious categorizes what we see based on the initial data. For example, even the highest quality linoleum is often perceived as something artificial, synthetic. Such material will not fit into a number of projects. But self-leveling floors based on gypsum, concrete and sand filler consist mostly of natural materials. Therefore, they are successfully integrated into eco-friendly interiors.

What styles will self-leveling floors fit into perfectly?

We have discussed the advantages and types of self-leveling floors. Now let’s discuss what styles it can be implemented into.

Steampunk

In steampunk, a style where original details are important, a laconic futuristic floor will be an appropriate detail. It will successfully harmonize with parts of mechanisms, natural wood in the finish, minimalist furniture.

Fantasy

Creating a fairy tale in an interior composition is a delicate job. Ideas for color schemes and decoration can be taken from illustrations of finished projects. But you will have to think about the type of flooring. “Modern stone” will do – a concrete or gypsum base. The poured surface perfectly imitates the floor of a tower or a knight’s battlefield.

Scandinavian

In a calm interior of the “hygge” format, natural light shades and minimalism prevail, coupled with cozy textiles. Epoxy or gypsum flooring will be an excellent and very practical solution. Such a covering is not afraid of family parties, general cleaning, children’s parties and pets’ claws.

Japan and China

Unlike traditional interiors of these countries, thematic design concepts are often embodied in minimalism. Gray and white colors together with natural greenery require a carefully selected base. Self-leveling flooring in the living room is an excellent option. Seamless and effective coating does not change the geometry of the room, leaving a feeling of freedom of space.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean home interior – saturating the space with rich colors typical for the subcontinental climate. For example, such tones as azure, fuchsia, gold, sand, coral. A light, single-color floor will be a good basis for a riot of colors in the style of Italy.

Hi-tech

Bold high-tech interiors give the feeling of a leap forward in time by a couple of centuries. The right environment will help create such an illusion. In which a self-leveling floor with a laconic design will fit perfectly.

3D floors with bright prints

The trend of the 2000s — bright imitation floors in bathrooms and bedrooms is not so popular today. But such coverings remain an interesting tool for stylizing the room. For example, for a guest bathroom in a tropical style, a swimming pool, a recreation area in a hotel or boarding house. If you miss sand and sea under your feet, then such a covering will make the environment more diverse.