According to the technical definition, the floor consists of all layers laid from the ceiling, meaning the structural layer. Its top layer, the finishing layer, is the floor covering (e.g., parquet, terracotta, etc.). .

 

However, let’s treat this as a curiosity; for the purposes of this study and the following ones, let’s simplify that when we talk about the FLOOR, we will mean only its top layer, i.e., the FLOOR COVERING.

 

When planning finishing details with clients, I often get the impression that the topic of the floor is treated somewhat carelessly. We usually pay more attention to walls or furniture. Perhaps these elements indeed provide a greater visual effect, or let’s look at it from a more 'executive' perspective and consider for a moment whether it is easier to replace furniture, repaint walls, or change the floor? The answer is probably clear... Therefore, I also suggest giving some thought to the floor in the apartment. In this post (which will consist of two parts), I will briefly describe the options we have to choose from, characterize each of them, and show examples of their application in the post's photos.

 

 

 

Aesthetic and functional qualities as above. Due to their layered construction, they are more durable than solid boards and can be installed when underfloor heating is present.

 

 

They exude warmth and elegance, made from small blocks, usually joined with tongue and groove and glued to the substrate. The blocks can be arranged in various patterns, including herringbone, squares, brickwork, or stripes.

 

 

The parquet equivalent of the above-described engineered floorboard, recommended instead of traditional parquet when using underfloor heating.

 

 

A cheaper version of traditional parquet. Its physical properties are similar, visual… I leave that to your judgment (see photo no. 5). It will not pass as a finish with underfloor heating.

 

 

On the market, you can find cork panels, boards, and carpets, which have a nice appearance, durability, hassle-free installation, good acoustic insulation, antistatic properties, and above all, the fact that they are warm and pleasant to the touch. Manufacturers allow the use of cork with underfloor heating.

 

 

They most often imitate the appearance of wooden boards. This is one of the cheapest and most commonly chosen floor coverings. There are also laminates that mimic the look of stone or other materials. An important parameter when selecting them is wear resistance. Labels should be checked for markings from AC1 to AC6; the higher the number, the more resistant the panels are to wear.

Good quality ones look very natural, so at first glance, it's hard to distinguish them from wooden boards. They can also have appearances that imitate other materials (an example of application in the kitchen in the photo). Thanks to their matte finish and delicate texture, they are very pleasant to the touch. They are highly resistant to mechanical damage, but like any panel, they may scratch or wear over time. They are waterproof and work excellently as a floor finish in a living room with an open kitchen. These panels can be used with underfloor heating.