The balcony is given one feature - it is a room that is usually not heated and has a high level of moisture when choosing a finishing material. Therefore, the finishing material for them must be moisture resistant and insensitive to different temperatures. For this reason, it is popular to use MDF panels for finishing balconies.
Finishing a balcony with MDF panels is distinguished by its simple technique, the production is fast and there is no mountain of dust and debris left after the work, unlike other types of work.
Using MDF you can hide uneven surfaces without additional leveling, which is very convenient and saves repair time.
The balcony in a modern house has ceased to play the role of a storage room for rubbish, but has priority as a relaxation area. Everyone ever wonders how to make this area cozy and beautiful.
Characteristics and types of MDF panels
MDF panels are a type of chips that are pressed together with reinforcing components. The process occurs under high temperature and pressure.
Wide selection of MDF panels.
MDF is a type of natural material in which there is nothing superfluous. Therefore, they can be used to cover both offices and apartments, including balconies.
- The panel is covered with a polymer film; it decorates and performs the function of protecting the material from moisture.
- On the outside there is a plate made of high-quality types of wood.
- A relief panel on which a design is cut out and varnished.
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Loggia based on “Provence”
This style is suitable for those who are close to the theme of France. What makes this style different from others?
One of the main points is pastel colors and their combinations. Lavender, beige, peach-orange, sea green. These delicate tones will go well with the texture of old brick, wickerwork, forging, etc.
A large number of indoor plants will also “make friends” with French motifs. Patterned elements on pillows or bedspreads will complement the overall color.
We must not forget that the main purpose of this design is to create an atmosphere of calm, harmony and contemplation.
Small lampshades on lamps for dim light, rugs, and non-bulky pieces of furniture will contribute well to this.
Pros and cons of the material
Advantages of finishing balconies with MDF panels:
- This type looks attractive;
- They have a special film, which makes them moisture resistant;
- The panels come in different colors, which makes it possible to get a unique balcony as a result;
- The panels have a long service life;
- It is very easy to clean and wash MDF;
- Has minimal costs;
- The panels can hide height differences, so there is no need to level the walls;
- Low thermal conductivity;
- From an environmental point of view, MDF, in comparison with chipboard, does not contain harmful substances;
- It’s easy to decorate a balcony with MDF panels yourself; you don’t need to spend money on a professional.
The disadvantages include:
- The panels are not resistant to contact with moisture.
- In case of increased moisture levels, covering the balcony with MDF panels will quickly become unusable.
- Condensate.
- Laminate flooring may swell if exposed to moisture.
- The panels are not shock resistant.
- The structure of MDF resembles cardboard in composition and appearance; as a result of an impact, a dent is formed.
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General decor
When selecting options, the size of the room plays a role first of all. A small loggia can be used as a separate room, while a large one can embody the most daring ideas. It will not be difficult to decorate it as a rest room or living room. Large windows will create a cozy atmosphere of peace.
Windows should also be measured and can be decorated with custom designed curtains and curtains. A sofa or armchair will contribute to a pleasant pastime. Hanging pictures and shelves on the walls is also a good idea.
Modern ideas for a balcony in 2022 may even involve remodeling it into a kitchen. By installing special equipment, residents will have the opportunity to cook.
Good lighting and ease of ventilation will make this process more convenient. It’s easy to install the necessary elements - a kitchen table with a stove, a refrigerator, hanging shelves.
There is also a transformation into a work office. The advantage is that the table, chair and computer will fit in a small room. Wall shelves and lamps will add comfort at work. Regardless of the specialization, you can put flower pots. They are also hung on walls.
You can arrange a loggia in many ways, and everyone will find something suitable for them. In a small apartment it can be made into a secluded bedroom. The bed will fit perfectly into the design - it is important to choose the components and color scheme. A folding bed or transformable bed is ideal.
Some boxes have built-in lockers, which is important for small rooms. They are designed to store shoes, clothes or books.
Light is also important for decoration. Proper lighting is created by a system of floor lamps, lamps and lamps. Large balconies have chandeliers.
You should also pay attention to the sun and, if necessary, the thickness of the curtains to block it. Bright colors will delight children, while gentle ones will allow them to calm down and relax. You can equip a space for a child’s room with special areas: work, play, sports.
A winter garden with plants and flowers looks incredibly creative. You can put chairs and a table there.
Over the centuries, many directions of art have developed: Art Nouveau, Cubism, Minimalism, Plasticism and others. They are used in balcony interiors in 2022 and are suitable for decorating any room in the house.
Do-it-yourself balcony finishing with MDF panels
Balconies are an integral part of the apartment. It must have an attractive appearance. One of the interesting solutions that allows you to quickly and cheaply make repairs on the balcony is finishing the MDF balcony.
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What should you prepare for work?
MDF panels are very easy to install, so you can actually do all the work yourself, just buy the necessary tools and materials, and stick to simple work technology.
Initially, you need to take measurements of all the walls and ceiling (if it will be covered) and you need to calculate the square footage of the panels. The easiest way to find out the size of the balcony is to use a device like a folding meter. You can also use a laser rangefinder.
Separately, you need to count the number of external and internal corners to find out how many decorative strips you need to buy to finish the corners. This will help hide all the shortcomings of working on the corners, and you can also use them instead of ceiling friezes.
In order for balconies to be not only beautiful, but even more functional during the cold season, you need to insulate them using polystyrene foam, cotton wool and others.
Insulation is not necessary, but it is very important because... it maintains a more comfortable atmosphere on the balcony itself, saves heat in the apartment and prevents the destruction of panels from moisture and temperature changes. The amount of material that retains heat should be equal to the total area of the panels.
Do-it-yourself MDF installation is done on the lathing.
The materials and width of the frame depend on the presence of a layer that retains heat:
- In the case of sheathing, which is not designed without insulation, thin wooden slats are used for sheathing.
- In another situation, the frame is made of a metal profile or bars, the thickness of which must be equal to the thickness of the insulation.
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Choosing a frame for sheathing
The service life of the entire structure will depend on the choice of frame. An important point is humidity. It is ideal when moisture does not exceed 12 to 16% , but a maximum of 18% is allowed. The evenness of the surface depends on this.
Lathing that is attached to the wall using dowels. You can also attach it to wooden walls with self-tapping screws. To do this you will need a building level and a pencil.
The panels can also be placed vertically - this will visually increase the height of the balcony, or horizontally - it will expand the area.
As one of the options, a combined finish is used. In any situation, the bars must be placed perpendicular to the direction.
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Frame installation
Preparation for work on the installation of the frame is the application of markings.
This is an important stage on which the durability of the frame and the aesthetic perception of the structure depend after installing MDF on the balcony.
Incorrect calculations, inaccuracy and errors in the marking process can lead to distortion of the structure and excessive consumption of material.
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Fastening MDF panels
The panels can be attached from any angle. You need to remove the ridge from the first panel using a hand saw; the day before you need to mark the parts along the entire length. Before installing MDF panels on the wall, you need to clearly calculate what gaps remain after installing the penultimate panel - if the gaps are very narrow, it is better to cut a wide strip from the first panel to make the finish look aesthetically pleasing.
The first panel needs to be pressed with the cut side onto the sheathing of the adjacent wall and, using a self-tapping screw, attached to the frame slats, which are placed horizontally with an indentation of 1 cm from the edge.
Each subsequent panel is placed with a ridge into the MDF groove that was placed before it and secured with clamps. The last element is cut to width, and its edge is fastened with self-tapping screws to the vertical batten of the sheathing.
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The final stage of work
After the balcony is covered with MDF, you need to glue the ceiling and floor plinth. Then all internal and external corners need to be covered with special decorative elements - split corners for MDF, matched to the tone of the finish.
We place the split corners on glue, which is convenient to apply in a thin snake along the entire length of the element.
A beginner can do a good job of covering balcony walls with MDF panels on his own. If you choose a renovation with lathing, it is important to accurately calculate the amount of materials and fasteners needed. We advise you to draw a detailed diagram in advance and take all measurements.
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Color spectrum
The interior of balconies in 2022 is often found with the arrangement of an adjacent kitchen, decorated in black tones. The balcony goes perfectly with it: it brings light to the dark parts thanks to the large windows.
In modern design, dark shades are replacing cold ones and replacing the Scandinavian style. The same applies to loggias. As designers say, the most relevant and widespread color is “spicy honey”. The name describes the essence: this shade adds warmth, light and comfort to the room.
Caramel, wood and sandy colors also look good, especially in the northern part of the house. This is relevant for buildings located in cold northern regions. There, summer does not last long, and such an interior will soften the atmosphere.
Among the cool shades that are losing popularity, mint, gray-green and soft blue should be highlighted. Combined with art deco, they dilute catchy bright colors (red, orange, gold). These colors also highlight details where necessary.
Warm gray shades are common in minimalism. They dilute the white color and do not require special conditions for use. These shades go with any style. The only point is that you don’t need to neglect contrasting elements, or the room will look faded.
For a specific room, you need to select a list of suitable colors. In a loggia adapted for a bedroom, it will be beneficial to use a warm and soft color scheme. You should add brightness to the living room, and for the kitchen, keep in mind that surfaces often get dirty.
For a balcony in 2022, a stone finish is well suited. Wood and other natural compositions are also popular.
Do not use dark red and purple solutions. They create the effect of making the room smaller, which is critical for loggias. Dark shades are common in the decoration of other rooms.
Work site
The window sill can act as a full-fledged desk for a schoolchild, student, or office worker. With the optimal thickness of the table top, a small printer, racks for paper folders, and boxes for stationery can be installed on the working surface.
The advantages of such an organization of the window sill are the following aspects:
- Sufficient space and the ability to install chairs under the tabletop.
- Window sill strength.
- Optimal level of natural light.
The loggia is always the most peaceful room due to some isolation from the rest of the living area.
Book rack
When setting up a bedroom or mini-living room on a glassed-in balcony, you should think about organizing a compact library. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to install a separate shelf or rack on the loggia.
The wide window sill can be used as a full shelf for books. Here, throughout the entire free area, souvenirs, framed children's drawings, and gift baskets with decorative flower bouquets can be placed.
Insulation
This is quite easy to do, since this will require the application of hydro and thermal insulation materials. It is especially important to create high-quality protection against moisture. For this purpose, coating-type waterproofing is used. Depending on the type, it can be sprayed over the entire surface area or applied using a roller. If the balcony is sufficiently dry, you can only stop at laying roll insulation, since this option is much cheaper.
Modern design solutions
Today, the fashion for combining a room with a balcony is gaining momentum. But often the owners of such reconstructions are driven not only by the pursuit of fashion and comfort. They are forced to look for solutions to expand the space due to the small dimensions of their housing.
Such a solution in the design of a balcony can be implemented both in an apartment in a panel apartment building and in private properties.
Dinner table
You can also use a wide window sill to organize a dining area or tea room. Miniature tea sets, cup stands and souvenirs can be placed on an improvised tabletop.
Several chairs are placed under the tabletop. This approach to optimal zoning of premises allows you to save as much free space as possible on the one hand, and on the other hand, to decorate the interior of your own apartment in an original way.
