Materials for interior cladding of balconies. Advantages and disadvantages

Nowadays a variety of materials are used for interior decoration. Their differences lie in strength, durability and performance characteristics. Modern manufacturers are striving to improve standard options by updating technical parameters. Finishing a balcony with MDF panels has many advantages. To cover a room with this material, you need to follow a step-by-step process.

When a balcony is decorated with MDF panels it looks very aesthetically pleasing.

Loggia finishing

Glazed balconies and loggias are unheated rooms. Unstable temperatures and high humidity are observed here. That is why the material for finishing the balcony must be resistant to these conditions.

The main materials are ceramic tiles, plastic panels, wood and MDF. It should be remembered that MDF itself is not a moisture-resistant material, but panels made from it have a moisture-proof film. As a result, the consumer receives products with the following qualities:

• ease of installation;
• beautiful appearance and a wide range of colors;
• not afraid of temperature changes;
• ease of care.

When the panels become dirty, simply wipe them with a damp cloth. Don't be afraid to use surfactant-based foaming detergents. MDF is covered with a laminating film and easily withstands the effects of such agents.

Decorative rock

Artificial stone can be classified as a type of ceramic tile that imitates natural material. The technical characteristics of the stone make it possible to use it in high-risk areas, including on the balcony, since it is not always possible to create favorable conditions on it, even if it is glazed.

Advantages of decorative stone:

• Variety of textures;
• Laying is done quickly, often without preliminary surface preparation;
• Easy installation;
• Fire safety;
• Durability, not susceptible to rotting;
• Resistance to chemical components contained in detergents.

The dark colors of the stone bring some gloom to the interior of small rooms, which include the balcony, and this is the main drawback of the material. To solve the problem, it is combined with other types of finishes. The most problematic areas - panels, areas near the door and under the window - are faced with stone, and a different type of finish is used to decorate the rest of the walls. You can also use light colors of decorative stone, which visually expand the walls and increase the size of the room.

Choosing MDF panels for the balcony

MDF is dense compressed cardboard or fiberboard, which is processed in a special way and covered with film. Interior decoration of the loggia using such panels will cost a small amount, and the effect will exceed all expectations.

The main advantage of MDF is its low cost. In terms of this parameter, the panels can compete with plastic, however, in appearance the latter do not look so impressive.

The strength of the panels is only slightly inferior to wood, but significantly superior to plastic. They are also superior to laminated chipboards in quality and strength. By choosing MDF panels, the buyer will ensure:

• leveling the wall due to the flexibility of the panels;
• heat and sound insulation;
• quick installation with your own hands, the work is very simple.

MDF panels are also suitable for partial finishing, when you want to change the appearance of only the ceiling or walls. The factory processes it as follows:

• covered with a thin layer of wood (veneer);
• laminated with film;
• covered with paint.

The consumer can choose any design he likes: from imitation wood to an abstract pattern. The front surface can be embossed or smooth.

Don't forget about the disadvantages of MDF panels. If rainwater easily enters the room, then you should first carry out repairs on the balcony, and not decorate it with panels that will quickly become unusable. Another disadvantage is that cardboard burns well. You should not take heating devices that are turned on out onto the loggia. The latter quality is unimportant when choosing the interior decoration of a loggia, where a fire itself is unlikely.

To choose the right MDF panels, pay attention to the following parameters:

• give preference to moisture-resistant panels, which must be indicated on the packaging (solid pressed MDF boards do not have a laminated film);
• depending on the area of ​​the room, you can choose large-area sheet panels or stacked panels;
• appearance and the presence of veneer are the personal preferences of the owner, but if it is very cold on the balcony in winter, give preference to a laminated or painted surface, it can withstand temperature changes more easily.

Decorative (artificial) brick

Advantages:

• is considered a durable, stylish and effective option for wall decoration on the balcony;
• absolutely safe in case of fire;
• walls can be easily washed from various contaminants.

The disadvantages include: complexity of installation, which requires additional skills or hiring specialists; very high cost.

Installation of MDF panels

If you decide to cover your balcony with MDF panels, you should evaluate how protected the room is from moisture, sun and cold.

If severe frosts are not dangerous for this material, then direct sunlight and constant leakage can cause serious damage. The finishing of the loggia inside should be done after the work:

• on glazing;
• for sealing old seams using polyurethane foam or moisture-resistant silicone;
• to protect walls from fungus and mold;
• on insulation.

Plastic glazing is an excellent modern option. If you are satisfied with wooden windows, consider the presence of canopies, because in heavy rain drops can easily enter the house through the cracks, which will negatively affect the finish.

Sunlight can gradually cause paint on panels to fade if its intensity is increased. In the case where the balcony is located on the sunny side, provide for the presence of blinds or choose veneer panels that are not afraid of the sun.

Mold is not harmful to MDF panels, but it will grow slowly. This is due to excess moisture. Before insulation work begins, the walls are treated with a special chemical composition. There are a lot of products of this type on sale.

Insulation is an important stage when repairing a balcony. You should not give preference to foam plastic; professional insulation materials are fireproof and environmentally friendly.

The next stage is installation of the sheathing. It is on this that the panels are ultimately attached. The lathing is carried out taking into account the curvature of the walls, trying to make it as even as possible. Once this stage is completed, you can install the panels, securing them to the sheathing. For a finished look, finish with matching corners.

Covering walls with MDF panels is a great way to qualitatively change the appearance of a balcony or loggia. This room has long ceased to be a warehouse, and today it is possible to equip a place here for proper rest.

Drywall

If you need to perfectly align the walls for decorative finishing, it is better to cover the balcony with plasterboard. The material itself is not used for finishing, but is used as a base for painting, wallpapering, including cork and bamboo, stone cladding and ceramic tiles.

Advantages of plasterboard sheathing:

• You can create a perfectly flat surface;
• It is easy to lay insulation under sheets of drywall;
• Easy to cut;
• The most convenient material for spot lighting.

The downside of drywall is that it is labor-intensive to work with: you need to install lathing for installation, thereby hiding useful centimeters of an already small space

As a rule, the walls and ceiling are simultaneously lined with plasterboard, which can be done on two levels (again, if the balcony area allows). Stretch ceilings also go well with plasterboard.

Important. Even if the balcony is well insulated, it is better to use moisture-resistant plasterboard in its decoration (it differs from the usual one in green color)

This will protect you in case there is no heating on the balcony for any reason.

Balcony cladding with MDF panels: installation and photo gallery

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.

Required tools and materials

To work with MDF there is no need for complex and expensive equipment. In this case, you need a minimum set of construction tools, which every home craftsman usually has. It should include:

• screwdriver;
• perforator;
• Screwdriver Set;
• cutting tool - electric saw or jigsaw;
• grinder or other tool for cutting metal;
• building level;
• furniture stapler;
• screws, staples, glue;
• silicone sealant;
• polyurethane foam;
• tape measure, ruler, pencil;
• personal protective equipment - gloves and goggles.

For work you need to choose a material.

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.

1. The panel is covered with a polymer film; it decorates and performs the function of protecting the material from moisture.
2. On the outside there is a plate made of high-quality types of wood.
3. A relief panel on which a design is cut out and varnished.

Plastering and further painting

This type of wall treatment will provide a flat, smooth surface. The walls can be painted any color you like. Dirt from such a surface is removed with a damp cloth. Walls have a high degree of fire resistance when choosing water-based paints. It is possible to use decorative plasters. This will create a unique interior design.

The main disadvantages of such finishing are the cost of finishing materials and the complex, labor-intensive process of leveling and painting the walls. This requires special knowledge and skills, or additional expenses when hiring professional workers.

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.

Lining

This finishing method was used back in Soviet times. Until now, it enjoys well-deserved attention due to its environmental friendliness, low cost and ease of installation.

Minuses:

• limited choice of colors;
• high fire hazard of the material;
• Despite the simplicity of installing lining on walls, this process is very labor-intensive. After all, you need to fix several hundred narrow slats, and then cover them with varnish or paint.

Examples of finishing with MDF panels

In the interior of a house, MDF panels can be used to decorate the walls of any room: living rooms and bedrooms, hallways, loggias and balconies, and even the kitchen due to the high level of resistance and moderate exposure to moisture. In rooms with high humidity - in the bathroom and toilet, there is no point in using MDF. Although there are also moisture-resistant models. They are used to make furniture for rooms with high humidity levels.

Balcony walls can be covered with MDF panels from “A” to “Z” in rooms such as a hall, hallway or corridor.

This method is constantly used to decorate a bedroom with a bed. Another design option is to decorate the wall for a TV in the living room.

Another popular way to eat is using a kitchen apron. The colors of the texture should be in tandem with the finishing of the façade of kitchen furniture and equipment. There are factories that make their furniture with ready-made apron products from MDF panels.

Photos with possible designs of MDF panels on the wall are presented below. It's very fashionable now.

According to the classics, it also has the name “English”; usually the finishing occurs on the lower part of the walls in relation to the doorways, with the design of the stairs, fireplace and other elements that are in the house.

Photo:

There are different types of this finishing material. You can find out more information and see photos with possible design options at the end of this article.

Ceramic tile

The simplest, most affordable, and never outdated type of wall material is ceramic tiles. It truly is a panacea in many situations. As in the case of artificial stone, tiles are usually used to cover surfaces most susceptible to contamination, and the upper part of the walls is painted or wallpapered. If the design of the balcony allows, it can be completely tiled with ceramic tiles, choosing different shades of tiles for the panels and top.

Unlike many finishing materials, tiles can be used to cover not only walls, but also floors, harmoniously combining colors. A warm floor with electric heating is installed under the tiles, and then the room can be used comfortably even in winter. This is especially convenient when the balcony is adapted as a study or attached to a living room or kitchen.

office on the balcony

In addition to those already listed, we can name some more advantages of ceramic tile cladding:

• Unlimited service life;
• Easy to clean, not afraid of aggressive agents;
• Does not fade under the sun;
• The widest range of colors, sizes, textures.

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.

Video:

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:

1. In the case of sheathing, which is not designed without insulation, thin wooden slats are used for sheathing.
2. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lathing and insulation

Before installing the sheathing, special attention should be paid to the surfaces of the walls.
There is no need to level them before work, but a number of preliminary works still need to be done. This is due to the fact that balconies and loggias are very specific spaces, they are characterized by high humidity and temperature fluctuations

It is very important to make sure that moisture will not accumulate under the cladding and that there will be no sources of infection by fungal and mold spores. To do this you need to do the following:

• clean the walls from the remnants of the previous finish;
• seal all loose places and cracks;
• coat with special fungicidal and antifungal impregnations;
• treat with primer.

However, when cladding balconies, it is advisable to install it at least on the outer wall - in this case, insulation can be placed in the cells of the frame and how to create the most comfortable conditions for using the balcony as an additional living space. On an insulated loggia, thermal insulation and cladding materials can retain their functional and decorative characteristics much longer.

As a rule, wood sheathing is constructed to decorate balconies and loggias. It is easier to install than metal, and lighter - this is especially true when it comes to arranging balconies with weak slabs. At the same time, wood has the same absorption parameters as MDF material. Therefore, warping when exposed to humidity and temperature fluctuations will be less than with rigid fixation on a steel sheathing.

Finishing slabs can be placed vertically, horizontally, and also diagonally. Moreover, if the sheathing is vertical, then the panels should be directed horizontally. And, accordingly, vice versa - with horizontal sheathing, the panels should be directed vertically. When the panels are directed diagonally, the direction of the sheathing does not matter much.

Installing the frame involves several sequential steps.

1. Using a pencil and ruler, markings are made in increments of 50-60 cm.
2. Canopies are attached along the drawn lines; they will allow you to further level out any defects in the walls and bring individual parts of the sheathing to a single level.
3. Next, you need to install the beams and check the evenness of the entire structure. If necessary, the distances from the wall should be adjusted.
4. Next, all that remains is to firmly fix the sheathing to the base. After this, the wooden surface is treated with antiseptic impregnation, the insulation is cut according to the size of the cells and fixed between the logs.

Reviews

Victor, 42 years old.

“I would like to note the design of these panels. Some MDF colors are really nice, you just have to find a place that has a large selection. For my balcony I bought pine with knots.”

Nikita, 36 years old.

“We did the balcony a year ago, everything is holding up well, my wife boasted that cleaning was also great. We are happy with the result, and the main thing is that I did everything myself and we spent a minimum.”

Lyudmila, 39 years old.

“I have long wanted to bring the balcony back to normal. My husband finally got around to it. The repair took more than a week. So far everything is fine, there is no smell, no condensation.”

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Balcony insulation

Finishing an MDF balcony requires the installation of hydro- and heat-insulating materials. First of all, the balcony needs to be protected from moisture. Coating waterproofing material is applied to the floor, ceiling and, if necessary, walls. It can be sprayed onto the surface or applied with a roller or brush. If there is no humidity on the loggia, then it is enough to simply lay rolled material on the floor, which will be cheaper.

Coated waterproofing material is very popular and allows you to avoid moisture

Next comes the installation of insulation. When using rolled or block materials, they are simply fixed to the surface using special mastic; if it was decided to lay mineral insulation, then this needs to be done a little later.

What is the best way to sheathe the inside of a balcony - a detailed analysis of popular materials

Anyone who plans to carry out repairs on a balcony or loggia asks the question - what can you use to cover the inside with your own hands? Thanks to the variety of finishing materials, the number of interior finishing options is endless. We propose to consider the most popular types of cladding that meet the requirements of practicality, aesthetics and durability.

Laminate

This finishing material can be used both on the floor and on the walls at the same time. The main task is to choose a high-quality moisture-resistant type of laminate. This method of finishing, with a successful combination of colors, will create a stylish and individual interior for the room.

The main disadvantage is the high price of laminate. Swelling and deformation of the material is possible during prolonged contact with water, or at very high humidity, which often happens on unheated loggias.

What criteria should you use to choose a material?

Answering the question of how to cover the inside of a balcony, we looked at the most common materials. In addition to the above, the interior spaces of balconies and loggias are lined with decorative stone, cork panels, painted and even covered with wallpaper. However, such finishing methods are not so popular. This is due either to high requirements for the condition of the room, or to the high cost of the material.

As for the types of finishing that we have named, the optimal material for cladding balconies cannot be named among them - it all depends on the specific situation. If you are in doubt about your final choice, the following expert advice will help you:

• Any type of finish is suitable for heated and closed balconies;
• In unheated rooms, you should prefer lining, eurolining, PVC panels, siding or sandwich panels. Frost-resistant ceramic tiles can be laid on the floor;
• If your balcony has limited interior space, you should not choose a finish that requires a frame. In this case, it is better to spend time and level the walls and ceiling in order to install the material without a large distance from the walls;
• If you are used to storing bulky items (for example, a bicycle) on the balcony, then it is better to avoid using plastic - the likelihood of damaging the material is too high;
• If you have a limited budget, plastic panels are preferable;
• On balconies where maximum insulation and insulation is required, the best cladding option would be cladding with sandwich panels.

Cork panels

If you need to create a homely, cozy atmosphere on your balcony, cork panels are suitable for decoration. They are of natural origin as they are made from the bark of the cork oak tree. The bottom layer of the panel, 3-6 m thick, consists of crushed and pressed cork, and the top layer is natural cork veneer 1 mm thick, treated with a wax coating.

Advantages of cork covering:

• Does not burn;
• Easy to cut;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Does not rot;
• Does not attract dust;
• The top wax layer ensures water resistance.

The panels are mounted on a leveled wall: if the outer wall is brick, it is first plastered and puttied, after which the finishing coating is glued. On a very uneven surface, the main difficulty lies in leveling it. The most reliable way to get a perfectly flat wall is to cover it with plasterboard. Since the drywall is attached to the sheathing, the external walls can be further insulated by laying sheets of insulating material (mineral wool, fiberglass, polystyrene foam) between the beams. The panels are glued with a special cork adhesive.

Important. The cork glue sets quickly, so you need to glue the panel correctly right away, otherwise it will be impossible to move it later.

Despite the small range of colors, cork coating looks very noble and aesthetically pleasing. Panels are mainly produced in coffee, brown, sand and beige shades, close to natural ones.

Characteristics of MDF boards

Construction MDF panels are a fairly universal element of modern cladding, attractive both in terms of their external qualities and ease of use.

MDF itself is considered a modification of the well-known fiberboard (fibreboard), but is manufactured using a different method and has an additional quality - increased resistance to moisture. This is facilitated by a special laminating film, which, in fact, is the main difference between the two building materials.

MDF is produced according to certain standards, intended for construction work in the form of finishing premises (walls, ceilings), manufacturing frame furniture. If the material is needed for wall cladding, then it is advisable to use standard panels - this simplifies the finishing itself and increases the speed of installation.

MDF boards have a number of serious advantages:

1. The material looks like natural wood, but has flexibility and elasticity unusual for it.
2. Suitable for covering complex and not perfectly straight frames.
3. Using MDF, you can cover various defects in walls or ceilings; the panels do not require mandatory leveling of the surface before installation.
4. The material is relatively easy to install and inexpensive.
5. The laminated surface of the MDF panel allows you to apply decoration. It can be a pattern, texture or imitation of any complexity, for example: natural stone, wood. You can see the imitation options in our photo.

The interior decoration of a balcony with MDF panels requires maximum insulation from steam and moisture; it is desirable that the balcony be high-quality glazed and insulated. If there is a risk of increased moisture, for example, on the top floor of a multi-story building, then ventilate the balcony space more often.

Cork wallpaper

They are very rarely used for finishing balconies in our country, despite the environmental friendliness of the material.

Advantages:

• ease of installation and further maintenance;
• wallpaper will line the not entirely straight walls on the loggia;
• dust does not accumulate on cork wallpaper;
• walls with such a coating will create a cozy, warm room;
• The cork absorbs extraneous noise well.

Negative sides:

• monotony of colors;
• The price of the material is high, and it is not often found on sale.

Preliminary preparation of the loggia (balcony)

Before we begin covering a balcony or loggia with panels, let's start by preparing the workplace:

1. We take out all the unnecessary items that are not needed for installation.
2. We sweep and remove various debris.
3. If the balcony is covered without preliminary insulation, then we remove all recesses, cracks, and defects in the walls and ceiling. We use mounting foam or sealant for interior work. Elimination of defects is necessary both to preserve heat in the room and to increase hydro and vapor barrier.
4. Leave the treated surface until completely dry.
5. We clean out the unevenness of the dried foam.
6. We install preliminary steam and waterproofing of the working surface, covering the ceiling and walls with two-millimeter polyethylene film. For installation, you can use a special membrane, connecting the joints with liquid nails or regular construction tape.
7. We prepare the supporting frame and the sheathing material itself.

Sandwich panels

Covering a balcony with sandwich panels is applicable if the decorative outer layer is made of plastic or chipboard.

Among the advantages is ease of installation - the panels are mounted on a wooden or metal frame. The material combines three functions: insulation, good for waterproofing and sound insulation. At the same time, thanks to the variety of textures and colors, it is possible to choose an original design for a loggia or balcony. Sandwich panels have a low price and are widely available in construction stores.

Disadvantages include: release of toxic substances during combustion, fragility of the material.

Do-it-yourself MDF balcony finishing

Standard finishing of a loggia (balcony) consists of two stages:

• Supporting frame for sheathing (its assembly).
• Decoration of the premises.

In most cases, before the cladding of the room begins, the balcony is insulated, sometimes heating is installed, so the design of the future frame for cladding is based on the thickness of the thermal insulation layer. It can be an independent or regular frame.

• If the layer thickness does not exceed 3 cm, then an independent design is used, since with its help you can level the wall as much as possible. The thickness of the cladding in this case will reach 5 cm. If the loggia or balcony does not have a comfortable area for this, then it is advisable to provide for its reduction due to finishing materials in advance, since the loss of 10 cm of space is quite significant.
• If there is a light layer of thermal insulation or its absence, a conventional frame for sheathing is fixed directly to the wall. Such installation costs minimal time and money.

A standard cladding frame can consist of wood or metal profiles, each of which has its own limit of resistance to humidity and temperature.

Metal carcass

The supporting frame made of metal profiles is lightweight and low cost. Such qualities are especially useful, since the light weight of the frame does not greatly load the balcony slab of the house, and the low cost is a pleasant saving for the family budget.

The metal frame for the cladding is assembled from ordinary metal profiles and secured with construction dowels. To make it you will need:

1. construction hammer;
2. screwdriver;
3. metal scissors;
4. cutter;
5. a thread;
6. building level;
7. plumb and corner.

We begin work with standard markings for guide profiles (usually oriented towards a door or window opening). According to the markings, a line is drawn along the ceiling. The intersection point of this line and the angle of mounting into the wall is fixed by a dowel on which a plumb line is placed. This method of marking the walls breaks it vertically.

• To mount a metal profile with your own hands, we make holes 40 mm deep, focusing on the entrance diameter we need, and then drive fasteners into them.

For various unevenness of the balcony wall, the metal profile needs to be slightly cut to avoid future deformation of the frame.

• Next, the profile of the dimensions we need is mounted in the upper and lower guide of the structure, measured with a building level and fixed with a notch along the edges.
• Under the window opening, between two vertical frame elements, a horizontal line is installed (forming a window sill), which is connected with self-tapping screws.

Verticals (as a rule) are not installed on a solid balcony wall.

When fastening a metal profile (belts) horizontally, on which MDF is mounted, the fastening of the belts themselves is done with a cutter, and the correctness of the horizontal position is regulated by a level. The optimal distance of adjacent chords is 60 cm, in some cases - 40 (if it exists, an increased load of the wall is assumed).

When installing horizontal profiles, minimize the joints and connections; corners can be made from the profile itself, cutting and adjusting it to a right angle.

Sometimes, before covering a balcony or loggia with MDF panels, centralized heating is installed on them. In this case, the actual width of the batteries is taken into account so that they do not peek out. The batteries are covered with a removable grille, which provides constant access to them.

In order for the installation of gratings to be possible during the installation of the metal profile, it is important to provide special cells. The gap of these cells should be 0.5 cm larger than the gratings themselves.

Frame using slats

Frame covering

Standard balcony cladding with MDF panels is assembled from the corners, where the outer panels are fixed to the frame with self-tapping screws (after installing the slabs, the caps are hidden with a decorative corner). Starting from the second panel, we fix the MDF sheathing with fastening edges or clamps.

If wiring (lighting, switches, etc.) is pre-installed on the balcony, then you can use a simple and effective method to cover the switch (lighting cell or socket):

• We install two wooden beams along the width of the switch mounting to the wall.
• We cut through the MDF in this place.
• We mount the switch itself into the cut-out part, the antennae of which are held by the bars.
• We complete our cladding with slopes.

A starting PVC profile is installed along the entire perimeter of the door or window opening, onto which we attach the MDF blank (the other side of the panel should rest against the vertical). Then we move on to installing decorative corners. You can use liquid nails for this.

You can see the completed cladding in our photo.

Material options for interior decoration of balconies

When choosing how to decorate the inside of a balcony, you should consider different types of finishing materials. They have certain features, advantages and disadvantages. This allows you to choose from all the variety the most optimal material for covering the balcony in each specific case.

Rice. 2 Interesting interior finishing options

Wooden materials

Wood is one of the best finishing materials. It does not emit harmful substances and is not destroyed when exposed to low temperatures. Of course, wood needs to be treated with anti-rotting agents and it does not like high humidity, but for finishing open and glazed balconies this option will be one of the best.

Rice. 3 External view of the interior decoration of the balcony with clapboard

Wooden finishing materials are represented by lining, euro-lining and block house. Lining is a narrow wooden board. The individual boards are connected using a tongue-and-groove system. Eurolining is also a board, but more advanced. The surface can be profiled, the connecting elements are deeper and more reliable, and ventilation grooves are located on the inside.

Rice. 4 The lining is suitable for cladding the inside of the balcony

Block house is a wooden material that imitates a log or timber frame. Its elements are voluminous, which creates the desired effect. Connections are also made using mortise and tenon systems.

Rice. 5 How to decorate a loggia yourself - block house

Among the advantages of wooden materials, naturalness and environmental friendliness should be noted. Thanks to its special characteristics, wood regulates humidity on the balcony. It releases moisture into dry air and takes it away from humid air.

Ease of installation: it is not at all difficult to cover the walls of the loggia with clapboard yourself.

Wooden finishing materials are durable. But they require processing and coating. Antiseptic compounds will protect the tree from rotting.

Wood is a good insulator. It will additionally insulate the space and protect it from the penetration of extraneous sounds if you line the balcony inside.

The main disadvantages of this finish are flammability and rather high cost. We must not forget about the ability of wood to fade in the sun; sunlight acts even through glass.

MDF panels

MDF panels are classified as wood materials, but they are not made from solid wood. They are based on wood fiber boards, the density of which is medium. They are made from crushed wood, the fibers of which are glued together under high temperature and pressure. The material contains no harmful impurities.

The surface of panels made of MDF boards is covered with laminating materials, veneer or other decorative coatings. The result is an excellent material suitable for decorating balcony walls. Decorating the balcony with MDF panels looks attractive and interesting. When choosing what you can use to cover the walls of your balcony with your own hands, you should choose MDF boards. However, they are not suitable for open or excessively damp rooms, otherwise you can say goodbye to the finish.

Plastic finishing materials

The next group of popular types of finishing are plastic materials. These are PVC panels, vinyl siding and plastic sandwich panels.

PVC panels have many advantages. They are resistant to many external influences, do not rot and are not destroyed by corrosion. Surfaces with this finish are easy to care for, because... dirt is not absorbed.

Rice. 6 Interior decoration of the balcony with plastic panels

PVC panels are easy to install, you can install them yourself, and they last a long time. The evenness of the finished surfaces is unimportant. The upholstery passes over the sheathing and the lined surfaces become perfectly smooth. Thanks to the variety of colors and many imitating patterns, you can choose the material for any balcony design.

The disadvantage of PVC panels is their fragility. A relatively strong impact can cause the element to crack. But such a part can be easily replaced.

Using PVC panels you can get a neat finish with minimal effort, time and money.

Siding is more often used for exterior decoration, but its vinyl version can be used to cover the balcony from the inside. If the structure is open or unheated, then it is better to decorate the balcony structure with siding from the inside. Vinyl siding is highly resistant to climate change and precipitation. It is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful substances. When choosing how to cover a balcony quickly and inexpensively, you should take into account that installing vinyl siding is quite simple, and it can be done at any time of the year.

Rice. 7 Finishing the balcony with plastic - siding

Using vinyl siding for finishing, the structure can be insulated. The insulation is placed under the cladding between the sheathing elements.

The material has a wide range of color shades. There are options that imitate natural materials, for example, logs.

Vinyl siding has few negative aspects. The main disadvantage is some roughness. The design that looks normal in exterior decoration does not work in a small space.

In some cases, the internal surfaces of the loggia can be covered with sandwich panels. This material consists of two thin sheets of plastic, between which there is a foamed polymer composition.

Rice. 8 Finishing balconies yourself and cheaply with sandwich panels

This balcony covering provides good thermal insulation. If you need to reduce insulation costs, it is better to decorate your balcony with sandwich panels. They withstand mechanical and atmospheric influences. Sandwich panels have a small variety of shades, but they practically do not fade when exposed to sunlight.

Ceramic tiles, decorative stone and plaster

The next group of finishing materials, which includes ceramics, decorative stone and plaster, can be called mineral.

The tiles are well suited for both heated and cold balconies and loggias. There are regular and frost-resistant options. The main thing is to choose the right one.

The advantages of tiles are varied. It tolerates high levels of humidity. There are a lot of colors and textures; manufacturers produce entire collections of ceramic finishing materials. The tiles do not burn and do not emit harmful substances.

Rice. 9 Ceramic tiles for finishing the loggia

Among the disadvantages, a lot of weight is noted, so more often only the floor is finished with this material. In addition, a tiled space is not very comfortable; the surface of the material always remains cool. To ensure a comfortable temperature under the tile layer, it is necessary to install a “warm floor” system.

To decorate the inside of a balcony, artificial decorative stone is usually chosen. Natural is too heavy and expensive. All types of stone are beautiful and provide a representative appearance to the interior.

Rice. 10 options for finishing a balcony with artificial stone

Another finishing option is plaster. This is wall material. It is very diverse. There are options in many color shades and textures.

Rice. 11 What is the best way to decorate the walls of a small balcony - plaster

Disadvantages include sensitivity to humidity - the plaster layer can swell and peel off. The complexity of application also does not make plaster a popular option for finishing a balcony.