Poured floor in the apartment: pros and cons

It is often possible to find the wording self-leveling floor. In fact, it is correct to say – poured floor. But this does not change the essence: this option is not used very often yet, but in many cases it is an ideal solution. Let’s figure out all the pros and cons.

Types of poured floor

In general, a poured floor can be so durable that it is used on sports grounds, underground parking lots and even on the street at very low temperatures.

In apartments, two options are most often used: epoxy and polyurethane. Epoxy floors are very stable. They are not afraid of mechanical damage and caustic substances. Caring for such a floor will not be difficult. Polyurethane floors are also durable: they perfectly tolerate changes in humidity and temperature. If we compare the two types, then epoxy floors are considered more durable under high loads. But the properties of polyurethane floors are quite enough for an apartment. In general, they are very close in characteristics.

If you plan to fill the floor yourself, its composition will be important for you. The material is usually sold in the form of a dry mixture: one-, two- or three-component. It just needs to be mixed with water according to the instructions.  In the first case, the mixture is immediately ready for use. In the second case, you need to mix the base and the hardener. And in the third, decorative elements are added to them. This is the most difficult installation option.

Since we are talking about an apartment, there is no need to prepare the basis for a poured floor. You can use a more budget thin-layer option. Usually its thickness is up to 5 mm. Denser filler floors are called highly filled. The only reason to use them in an apartment is if you want to get a 3D image on the floor.

There is a stereotype that poured floors can only be glossy. Of course, this is not true. You can choose any type of coating to your taste: glossy, matte, semi-gloss or semi-matte.

The same goes for the colors. Floors can be either plain or colored. For example, with a marble texture, drawings and even filled objects. Shells and coins are especially often used for this. Speaking of color. The most difficult thing is to get a pure white color. Therefore, an aspic white floor may cost a little more than other colors.

Advantages of a poured floor

• Saving time. You choose one floor option for the entire apartment at once. If the apartment has a free layout, then you can immediately fill the floor in the bathrooms. Moreover, the operational properties allow this to be done.
• Absence of thresholds. What all modern designers are trying to escape from is the ridiculous thresholds between the rooms. The poured floor is absolutely smooth, without unnecessary joints and transitions.
• Safety for health. The mixtures themselves can hardly be called an eco-friendly product, but when poured, they emit absolutely no harmful substances.
• Practicality. This is a huge and, perhaps, the most important plus. Poured floors are not afraid of anything. They are not afraid of changes in humidity and temperature, scratches, bumps, water, coloring substances. A great option for apartments where small children and pets live.

• Long service life. Manufacturers claim that the minimum term is 15 years. And with careful attitude, such floors can last all 30.

• Minor repairs can be carried out. If chips or scratches do appear, you can carry out spot repairs without replacing the entire coating.

• Ease of care. You will not need special tools for washing such a floor. Even the strongest cleaning agents can be used – the poured floor is not sensitive to them.
• Antibacterial properties. It is very important for a humid climate: mold or fungus cannot get started in such floors.
  • Fire safety. Under the influence of high temperature, poured floors do not burn, but melt.
  • Versatility. It can be used absolutely in any room in the apartment. A poured floor is suitable for a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony.

• A huge selection of design solutions. No other material provides such scope for a flight of fancy. You can implement any color, pattern, imitate any material, make an image in 3D and even fill three-dimensional objects with a transparent composition. For example, shells or coins. Also, the floor can be glossy or matte.

Disadvantages of poured flooring

• Cold stuff. The poured floor is really cold. Some people like cool surfaces, but most people will not be too comfortable walking on it barefoot. The rescue can be the installation of a underfloor heating system. But this is an additional expense.

• The complexity of the installation. It will be problematic to lay the material yourself. It is better to entrust the work to professionals. After all, how wear-resistant the floor will be depends not on the composition, but on the quality of the installation.
• Step-by-step preparation of the foundation. In apartments it is necessary to make sound insulation and insulation under the screed.

• • The complexity of dismantling. If over time you want to change the poured floor to another material, it can become a real headache. The only good thing is that we will have to wait for this moment for more than a dozen years.
  • Color change. Under the active action of ultraviolet light, the poured floor can burn out. But in an apartment such problems are a huge rarity.
• Price. In general, this material can be attributed to the average price category. Laminate flooring will cost several times cheaper, but parquet is more expensive. And if you recalculate for the service life, then this is a very profitable investment.