Vancouver, a captivating blend of urban innovation and natural grandeur, houses an often-unnoticed architectural gem—the commercial roof. These unassuming rooftops, overshadowed by towering skyscrapers and lush landscapes, possess the power to safeguard structures while profoundly influencing the city’s aesthetic identity. This article embarks on a journey to uncover the multifaceted impact of commercial roof design on Vancouver’s architectural landscape.

The Fusion of Function and Form

Vancouver’s distinct climate, characterized by frequent rainfall and occasional snowfall, presents a challenge for commercial roofing systems. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the city receives an average annual precipitation of around 1150 millimeters, underscoring the necessity for durable roofing materials and effective drainage systems. Here, functionality and design merge seamlessly, crafting a union that withstands weather while exemplifying aesthetic appeal.

In response to this, enterprises specializing in commercial roofing in Vancouver have emerged as pioneers in this fusion of function and form. Their portfolios highlight projects that exemplify the art of roofing, where practicality harmonizes with architectural splendor.

Sustainable Roofing Solutions

Vancouver’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its ambitious Greenest City Action Plan. This city-wide initiative has paved the way for the integration of eco-friendly roofing solutions, propelling the concept into prominence. Green roofs, as outlined by the City of Vancouver, manage rainwater, reduce energy consumption, and contribute to urban biodiversity. Additionally, solar panels incorporated into roof design harness renewable energy, aligning with the city’s mission to reduce its carbon footprint.

Amid this sustainability wave, businesses invested in commercial roofing in Vancouver are embracing green ideals. These enterprises are not only erecting buildings but fostering ecosystems that thrive on both aesthetics and sustainability.

Urban Landscape Integration

Vancouver’s urban landscape effortlessly blends with its natural surroundings, forming an exquisite harmony. This organic integration extends to rooftops, where gardens atop buildings create serene urban oases. Rooftop gardens offer more than mere aesthetics; they improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, and enhance well-being, as highlighted by the Vancouver Economic Commission. The city’s skyline has evolved to encompass these gardens, becoming a testament to the harmonious relationship between urbanity and nature.

Within this narrative, the concept of commercial roofing in Vancouver becomes an instrument of transformation. Enterprises are crafting rooftop sanctuaries, contributing not only to the skyline but also to the well-being of inhabitants.

Cultural Influences on Design

Vancouver’s rich cultural diversity is a wellspring of architectural inspiration. Commercial roof designs serve as canvases for cultural expressions, paying homage to the city’s varied heritage. With over 50% of Vancouver’s population belonging to visible minorities, businesses have an opportunity to infuse designs with elements that resonate with diverse communities.

This narrative comes alive through the prism of commercial roofing in Vancouver, as enterprises harness design to celebrate cultural mosaic.

Iconic Roofs That Define Vancouver

Certain commercial roofs have etched themselves into Vancouver’s architectural memory, becoming symbols of the city’s essence. The sails-inspired roof of Canada Place pays homage to the maritime heritage, while the “living roof” of the Vancouver Convention Centre exemplifies the blend of architecture and nature. These iconic roofs redefine skylines and become the blueprint for future commercial roofing endeavors.

Among these endeavors, a notable contributor is a trusted commercial roofing company. Their commitment to design excellence mirrors Vancouver’s spirit of innovation and resilience.

Regulations and Permits

The world of commercial roof design operates within the confines of regulations. Vancouver’s building codes ensure safety and compliance, sometimes testing the boundaries of creative freedom. Yet, within these boundaries, innovation thrives. These regulations require expertise to strike a balance between compliance and design.

Enterprises navigate this landscape with finesse, collaborating with architects to weave design within regulatory constraints. These collaborations have given rise to transformative commercial roofing solutions.

Roof Maintenance and Longevity

A well-maintained roof ensures both functionality and visual appeal. The Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) underscores that regular maintenance can significantly extend a commercial roof’s lifespan]. This underscores the significance of investing in upkeep.

Enterprises specializing in commercial roofing in Vancouver understand this relationship, offering maintenance services that preserve the longevity and aesthetics of their projects.

Facts about Commercial Roofing in Vancouver

1. Urban Forest Oasis: Vancouver boasts an impressive urban forest canopy covering over 25% of the city’s land area. The integration of rooftop gardens as part of commercial roof design adds to this urban oasis, showcasing how nature and architecture harmoniously coexist.

2. Living Roof Records: The Vancouver Convention Centre’s “living roof” is North America’s largest living roof, spanning six acres. This ecological marvel not only enhances the building’s aesthetics but also reduces rainwater runoff and energy consumption.

3. Cultural Murals in the Sky: Commercial roofs in Vancouver often serve as an unexpected canvas for murals and artworks, reflecting the city’s commitment to art and creativity. These artistic displays elevate the skyline, turning roofs into public art installations.

4. Zero-Waste Philosophy: Vancouver’s innovative commercial roofs don’t just end at aesthetics; they often adhere to the zero-waste philosophy. From incorporating recycled materials in roofing systems to reusing rainwater for irrigation, these roofs embrace sustainability to its core.

5. Protected by Mountains: Vancouver’s unique geography, nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, creates a microclimate that influences commercial roof design. Roofs must be resilient enough to withstand both coastal winds and potential snow accumulation.

6. Green Building Hub: Vancouver’s focus on sustainable construction extends to commercial roofs. The city is home to the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), which features an innovative rooftop that captures rainwater and utilizes solar energy.

These fascinating facts illuminate the intricate world of commercial roofing in Vancouver, where creativity, nature, and sustainability converge to shape the city’s architectural identity.

Conclusion

Commercial roof design weaves a thread that binds functionality, sustainability, culture, and aesthetics in Vancouver’s architectural tapestry. These rooftops guard businesses while contributing to the city’s allure. Each roof embodies not just shelter, but the spirit of Vancouver.

As Vancouver evolves, the role of commercial roofing remains pivotal. It’s a symphony where each roof isn’t just an architectural element; it’s a testament to the city’s soul.

The post Elevating Business Aesthetics: The Impact of Commercial Roof Design in Vancouver appeared first on Walls-by-Mur.

Most people don’t realize how much the mattress they choose impacts the look of the bed and, by extension, the feel of the bedroom. A plump mattress with a higher edge causes the comforter to billow over the mattress edges and creates a soft and inviting look. Conversely, a firm mattress with a lower edge height creates a more sleek look in the room because the duvet or comforter conforms to the mattress’s straight edges resulting in a boxier look. 

Both looks are attractive, but the look you want in your room will determine which mattress you should choose. Similarly, the mattress size you choose will also impact the interior design of your bedroom. So let’s take a look at some factors you can consider when selecting a mattress. 

Determine the design style you want in your bedroom, and then select the type of mattress that fits with that style. 

Mattress Size Affects the Bedroom’s Interior Design

It goes without saying that your mattress should be the same size as the bed frame or base. A mattress that is too big for the frame will hang over the edges and look untidy, not to mention that this will also probably damage the mattress’s edge support and reduce the mattress’s overall comfort. 

Similarly, a mattress that is too small for the bed frame or base will cheapen the look of the room and be extremely uncomfortable when getting into or out of bed. 

US mattresses come in five sizes; twin, double, queen, king, and California king. Their measurements are typically as follows:

• Twin Mattress. Which is 38 inches wide x 75 inches long, and 38 inches x 80 inches for extra length.
• Full Mattress. Which is 54 inches wide x 75 inches long and 54 inches x 80 inches for extra length.
• Queen Size Mattress. Which is 60 inches wide x 80 inches long and doesn’t have an extra length option. 
• King Size Mattress. Which is 76 wide x 80 inches wide. 
• California King Size Mattress. Which is slightly narrower but also longer than the king size, measuring 72 inches wide x 84 inches long. 

Choose the Ideal Height for a Mattress in a Box to Complement Your Interior Design

The thickness of the mattress has a direct correlation to how luxurious or minimalistic a room looks. This is because a mattress with a higher profile looks bulkier and more opulent. Conversely, a lower-profile mattress creates a sleeker look.

Bearing this in mind, you’ll want to choose the thickness of your mattress based on your personal aesthetic. The popular minimal and Scandinavian aesthetics will look great with a low-profile mattress, while bedroom interiors that are designed in classical themes will look wonderful with higher-profile mattresses that are thick and voluptuous. 

Higher mattresses look extravagant, while mattresses with a lower height look more modern and modest. 

Fortunately, the mattress-in-a-box options in Australia, for instance, are so comfortable that their height differences don’t significantly impact the support they offer, so you can choose the look of the mattress you want without compromising on comfort. You can rest assured that the mattress height you choose looks good in your bedroom and is supremely comfortable, as this detailed guide on Comfybeddy explains. You could choose a mattress that is higher if you want to create a traditional look or a cottage feel, or you could choose a lower mattress depth if you want a modern look. 

A Mattress’s Plushness Enhances the Bedroom’s Aesthetic

A soft mattress will look different from a firm mattress because of how the bedding and other soft furnishings like throw blankets and pillows sit on the mattress surface. Soft mattresses tend to allow the bed linen to drape over the edges, and the fabric seems to slowly cascade and billow out, making the bed look cloud-like. 

Mattresses with pillow top outer layers will look plumper and give the bed edges a rounder look. 

Some people, however, prefer a firmer mattress to help with spine alignment. With a firm mattress, the duvet will often contour the mattress edge so that there are crisp lines as the fabric lays over the edge. This boxier look creates an uncluttered feel in the bedroom that can feel calming. It also makes the room feel cooler because of its minimalist appeal. To enhance this look, you can choose a mattress that has a lower height. 

The Mattress’s Structure Affects the Look Of the Bed 

The way the mattress is manufactured impacts its look too. The no-flip mattresses typically have one extremely plush and soft side with a thicker pillow layer, while the other side is firm and straight. If you put your mattress on the frame with the wrong side up, you’ll notice that the surface looks flat, like a tabletop, and you’ll want to turn it the right way before laying on it. 

However, mattresses that require regular flipping to prolong their lifespan will look the same on both sides and will typically have a thinner pillow top than the no-flip types to allow both sides to fit properly onto the bed frame. 

The Mattress Materials Determine the Overall Look

Foam mattresses look boxier than hybrid or coil mattresses. This is mostly because foam mattresses have edges that are enveloped by fabric that conforms to their layers, while coil mattresses have reinforced edges that are covered with quilted fabric. This means that the latter of the two types usually has better edge support and won’t sag along the edges, giving the mattress a better look and feel. 

The mattress materials affect the durability and overall look of the mattress. 

The mattress materials also determine how the mattress will wear over time. Low-density foam mattresses are not as durable as high-density foam mattresses and will wear down quicker, resulting in sagging in some areas of the mattress. This will make the bed look lumpy and untidy. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right mattress style and size has a significant effect on the overall look of a bedroom. Carefully consider the features of the mattress you choose depending on the look you’re going for in your room. Plush mattresses tend to look good in bedrooms that have a classic or farmhouse design style that creates a sense of homeliness and comfort. Modular mattresses with straight lines look good in modern, minimalist, and contemporary design styles. Hybrid mattresses look good in industrial and mid-century modern design styles that incorporate elements of comfort with a sleeker look. 

The post The Bed’s Impact: How Mattress Choice Shapes Bedroom Interior Design appeared first on Walls-by-Mur.

Communicate about changes

Even before you start changing the interior, you need to discuss with your partner how important it is to communicate and negotiate changes. By discussing openly all the ideas and wants, you find common ground way faster and avoid situations when you quarrel about nothing, just because your interests start to conflict. 

Choose the styles you like

The style will define the process ahead – the choice of decor elements and colors. If you don’t pick the style from the beginning, you can end up buying too many unnecessary things and exceed your budget. And you will also avoid many quarrels if you agree on style in advance. 

Choose a color scheme together

To avoid strange color combinations, decide on the color scheme early in your journey. Choose the main color that will dominate the whole place and then check solar schemes to find the things that look well together. Pick a neutral palette to keep a calm atmosphere.  

Pick DIY projects

Flat renovation and redesign can be a nice uniting experience for your couple. Find some work that you can do together as a team. Say, you can have fun painting a room or assembling a piece of furniture together. 

Get inspired by your surroundings

Check for design ideas around you. Be attentive to the beautiful landscapes and interesting interior ideas in your favorite restaurants. Maybe you can get some ideas for your flat there. 

Think about proper lights and flowers

Lighting rooms properly means a lot. Plan your lighting in advance as it allows you to use more interesting lighting ideas by combining ceiling lights and lamps. Plants are also necessary to create a lovely home atmosphere. Add fresh greenery and your place will feel way nicer. 

Add a personal touch to the design

Running for an ideal and fashionable design, don’t overlook the personal moments. Small things, such as photos and tiny souvenirs from your common travels can add a sense of home. 

Make a list of purchases

Once you decide on the style, make a detailed list of the necessary purchases. Prioritize your needs to understand what you want to buy in the first turn. When your purchases are organized, it will be easier for you to agree with your partner on adding or removing some points. 

Divide and conquer

Do you remember this old saying? Big tasks are hard to handle. Whatever those tasks are, it gets way easier to solve a task when you split it into smaller ones and solve them one by one. The same is true for renovation and changing the design of your flat. Divide tasks between you and your partner taking into account what both of you can do better. For example, if you are better at choosing furniture or accessories, you can take this part, and choosing colors and wallpaper can take your partner if they like this more. 

Compromise

The golden rule to do any big project but still keep your relationship is to find compromises. Try to focus on things that unite you rather than on things that divide you. Sometimes you will have to find or invent something new that will satisfy the needs of both of you. Take turns in designing these new decisions and make sure that both of you are happy with the outcomes. 

Respect your budget

Renovation is always costly and hence can be a stressful experience. Define your budget from the very beginning and then check solutions that satisfy it. When there are fixed limits, it gets easier to stick to them. You will be more motivated to search for cost-effective options and things in your design. 

Use virtual tools to test your ideas

One of the biggest challenges in designing your flat is finding a way to make everything balanced. Fortunately, there are virtual tools for trying the design before you apply it in reality. Or you can just draw the plan yourself and check how it looks before buying something big. When you more or less understand how things will look in reality, you don’t buy unnecessary things or things that don’t match each other. 

Calm down

Changing the interior and decorating your flat can be both a funny and irritating experience. Yes, there will be delays and problems, but if you manage to stay patient and calm, you will go through this journey and strengthen your relationship.

The post Get a New Design of Your Apartment Without Disputes appeared first on Walls-by-Mur.

Why do you need to plan a flat renovation with your partner?

The first thing that you need to accept is that renovation requires planning. Even if you like to live in the flow of life without planning, renovation is the time to set your habits aside for a while and plan. A plan is needed to find a common vision of your future flat together. Without enough communication, you can end up in serious quarrels and the flat renovation which was supposed to unite you can lead to huge problems for your couple. 

How to communicate about renovation?

Communication is crucial when it comes to any changes in your flat and environment. As both of you will later live in this space for a long time, you need to make sure that nothing will trigger constant quarrels. 

First, you need to understand what exactly you want to have in your flat. You need to have a solid vision inside, as only this way you will be able to communicate about it freely. If you and your partner change your mind in the process, you will never reach a conclusion. 

Second, when you perfectly know what are the most and least important points for you, you can start to discuss these points. 

Listen carefully to each other and make sure you’re both on the same page about what you want to get in the end and how in particular you’re going to get there. You need to be very honest while discussing your expectations, budget, and timeline. Accept all the ideas and opinions, and choose those that you both agree on and consider comfortable.  After you come up with a plan, make sure that you both agree on it.

How to search for compromises?

Flat renovation, like all other serious decisions, requires talking a lot and making compromises. Be ready that you will have preferences that don’t match at all. Try to find solutions that can satisfy both of you. Even before the talk, you can mark the ideas that you want to keep for sure and those that you are ready to negotiate and sacrifice if needed. Remember that it’s okay if you want to stand on some points. In the end, this flat should be a reflection and delight for both of you, so be flexible but protect your desires as well. 

How to divide the chores?

Renovation is always linked with a lot of work, from managing to hanging wallpaper and cleaning the dirt after work. Renovation is always about tiring work, so you need to agree in advance on who is responsible for which part. Maybe one of you is better at a certain task, and the other one knows better how to handle something else. Think about your strengths and weaknesses and choose the tasks that both of you can handle. 

How to avoid hassle and quarrels?

Renovation is often linked to a lot of dirty work. You need to make sure that your place is always more or less clean. Try to clean everything every day after the work is finished. The less hassle you see, the less you are irritated by all this mess. And when you are less annoyed in general, you don’t quarrel.  

One more crucial thing to do to make renovation less painful is to celebrate your progress. Give yourself small rewards for your accomplished things. Go to a restaurant after hanging wallpaper or installing the floor. The more you reward yourselves, the more you want to go on doing it. 

And finally, take regular breaks. All boring work can lead to exhaustion and a constant desire to yell at each other. Always keep in mind that your final goals are a beautiful apartment and a healthy relationship, and take your time to maintain your relationship. 

Are you starting a renovation project? What tips would you use? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments. 

The post Flat Renovation Without Quarrels: Is It Possible? appeared first on Walls-by-Mur.

The Formula of Soft Minimalism

“Soft” is “soft.” This style is about comfort, about the desire to escape from the rigid rhythm of the city and the uncertainty of the world. At the same time, soft minimalism “frees” the head from unnecessary things. In this environment, you concentrate better on what you are doing: whether it is recreation or remote work.
            Soft minimalism is a design with a simple formula: Japanese philosophy of beauty of imperfection and restraint + Scandinavian comfort of hygge + materials with expressive texture.
            In such an interior you will feel comfortable and safe. And quarantine is the best time to update.
            “Minimalism” is part of the global trend for an eco-friendly attitude to design. It includes both cluttering the dwelling and sensible consumption. Multicolored decor and unnecessary things are the information noise of the home space. Getting rid of it, you can find new strength and inspiration.
            A lot of light, little furniture. Light and pastel colors, neutral color scheme. Soft lines, smooth shapes, semicircular arches, furniture without sharp angles, lamps with round shades. Materials with complex textures: wicker, velvet, ceramics.

• Soft minimalism is similar to Scandinavian style, but it has more color.
• Similar to Japanese interiors, but adapted to the Western lifestyle.
• Similar to minimalism, but with decor and textiles. Minimalist style photos are nice to look at, but it is not easy to live in such an interior. Soft minimalism softens the intransigence of asceticism and adds warmth to the space.

Elements of soft minimalism

• Color scheme.
  Nude tones, light wood colors, pastel colors and colors with the word “dusty” in the name.
• Furniture
  Low, rounded, upholstered, compact. Tables with smoothed corners, a cupboard with an arched top.
• Fixtures
  Round overhead lights and lamps with lampshades made of natural materials. Lots of natural light.
• Decor
  Ceramics, arts and crafts. Wooden boards and bowls, wicker garlands. Anything related to personal memories and hobbies. And definitely live plants.

How to decorate an apartment in the style of soft minimalism?

Be guided by feeling and get rid of unnecessary things.

The work starts with the space. Light is an important condition, so get rid of heavy curtains, replacing them with a light cloth or blinds.        
            The best flooring is wooden. Another interesting, but difficult option in the home is cork. Carpets and rugs make the room cozier.
            Walls – flat, with wallpaper for painting or plastered. Try warm shades of gray and beige or eggshell color. Pure white looks too cold in most interiors. A spectacular technique is to use several shades of the same color.
            Decor and finish materials are natural, textured, and expressive. Combine wool with cotton, weave with velvet, brass with wood.
            If working on your own with an established interior, the first step is to get rid of the excess. The main goal is to leave only those pieces of furniture that are a true joy and do not overpower. And pay special attention to details: beautiful cabinet handles, laconic compositions of books, candlesticks and vases on tables and nightstands.

Ground Rules:

• Clean lines. Trivia can be hidden in closed cabinets and storage systems, leaving only the bare minimum of decor in plain sight. And, of course, in order to maintain the effect, you will have to maintain order. Clean surfaces – clear thoughts. This is especially true in quarantine, while working at home.
• Connection to the world. Natural light, natural materials, living greenery.
• Soft colors. Choose shades of sand, complement with light wood. If you want saturated colors – your choice is terracotta, dusty pink or sage green. Spot bright accents are acceptable.
• Buy less. Pay attention to what you already have. Out of a dozen vases, keep one, but put it in a prominent place.
• Each piece is special. When there are few items, each one takes on meaning and fits into the routine. Let a favorite teacup, a cozy plaid, a home library be the object of decor.

Basic mistakes:

• Not considering the situation. Impeccable soft minimalism in an apartment with a small child is a dubious venture, if not a failure, then difficult.
• Strive for the picture from the cover. Take into account the desires and needs, fit what you already have instead of buying up a catalog of furniture from the first page to the last – this is contrary to the very spirit of soft minimalism.
• Acidic colors, screaming patterns are tiring, and the interior in the style of soft minimalism should be soothing.

Where to look for inspiration?

In fashion, architecture, design, and the websites of leading furniture and decor brands.

Pinterest. Be inspired not only by photos of interiors, but also by combinations of fabrics and colors in fashionable images on soft minimalism.

IKEA is an affordable source of edgy ideas. Consider, for example, this Vedbu armchair: rounded shapes, soft lines, and a cover of textured fabric in a dusty color. Perfect for soft minimalism.

Suitable ideas can be found on the websites of HM Home and ZARA Home.

Where to find furniture and decor?

Furniture and decorative items are in the range of many stores – the same Ikea or Zara Home. If you prefer a unique design – in the style of soft minimalism there are world-renowned designers.

MEMBERSHIP

The post Soft minimalism: how to self-insulate beautifully and simply? appeared first on Walls-by-Mur.

Despite the fact that every day is creating and improving more and more floor coverings such as: carpet, laminate flooring, cork flooring, ceramic tiles, a large part of the population gives their preference for natural wood flooring. These coverings will always remain in top positions, for those who care about their health, the health of their families, who value comfort, naturalness and durability. Here are some of the main advantages of wood flooring.

In today’s article we will pay attention to the parquet, engineered and hardwood flooring as the main representatives of the wooden floor coverings, we will give their basic properties and parameters, as well as their brief comparative characteristic. After all, even those who choose wood as a finishing material for their apartment or house, not always understand the difference between the parquet and hardwood flooring, and, often, the advantage is on the side of the one whose price will be slightly less expensive for the purse. If you have also repeatedly asked yourself the question: Does it make sense to overpay when buying the parquet, if the parquet is also a natural material? Now we will try to understand this, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of our “competitors”, which are so similar at first sight and so different in their construction.

So, in order to determine what is still better and whether it is worth overpaying, let’s touch upon the following questions:

• The construction of solid parquet board and plywood parquet
• Laying methods
• Advantages that the materials being compared have
• The price nuance of the question
• Let’s proceed to the disclosure of the first question and begin with the characteristics of our “competitors”.

What exactly is a parquet and a parquet board? As you have probably already guessed, there are several versions of the names of each of these two structures.

Solid wood

Solid (also parquet or solid hardwood flooring) is, in the classic sense, 100% natural wood. The floor of solid wood has never gone out of fashion, has always been highly valued and spoke of the wealth of its owner. The thickness of solid parquet planks can vary from 14 to 25 mm. Each plank is equipped with a tongue-and-groove (or tongue-and-groove) joint around the perimeter. Parquet can be manufactured from different types of wood, both classic and more familiar to our ears: oak, ash, walnut, birch, maple, alder, growing in Europe, and exotic: Tahuari (Brazilian oak), Jatoba (Brazilian cherry), campas, Sucupira, teak, mahogany, merbau, etc., growing in South America, Brazil, Indonesia, Africa, South-East Asia, etc. Naturally, the cost of exotic varieties of wood is order higher than those growing in our climatic zone.

Parquet Board

Parquet (plywood parquet), however, consists only of a third of the precious veneer of wood (lamella), and the rest of its structure is a few layers of plywood, which can be made from different types of wood. Today the market offers parquet boards of thickness from 11 to 17 mm. The veneer can reach a thickness of 5mm. It is worth noting that when forming the cost of the parquet board one of the determining factors is the thickness of the valuable wood species. I.e. the cost of 2-layered engineered boards with lamella thickness up to 4 mm will be higher than the cost of a similar product with a 2.8 mm lamella thickness. 2-layer engineered boards use tongue and groove joints for joining slats, just like solid planks. A more advanced product is a 3-layer engineered planking, which uses a locking system to join the slats.

It is also worth noting that both solid planks and hardwood flooring strips around the perimeter are equipped with a micro bevel. Bevel not only allows to avoid violation of the protective covering of the boards, but also bears some decorative load – a solid array with bevel looks lighter and neater, each board of such a floor looks isolated, and the whole picture of the floor – complete.

Let’s move on to the second part of the reasoning. So, we have already considered the designs of both “competitors”, highlighted the differences between them and now we know, for sure, that the same appearance does not indicate the same internal stuffing!

Different design also leads to different ways of laying.

Let’s turn first to the solid. Since solid wood is all-natural wood, it is more exposed to environmental influences than plywood parquet or is more responsive to changes in the microclimate. In order to minimize seasonal fluctuations, it is recommended to lay solid wood on a substrate. As a substrate can be used plywood or OSB-plate, which are attached (with glue and screws) to the concrete screed.

Engineered and parquet boards have a simpler method of laying. For the installation of 2-layer engineered boards, as a rule, the method of gluing it directly to the screed is used, but do not forget that the screed must be in perfect condition (flat, not porous, should not crumble). The laying of 3-layer parquet boards with a locking joint can be made by floating (glueless) method on the substrate or by gluing it to the screed.

The most important things to know about the parquet and the parquet flooring, we already know.

Highlight the advantages of these types of materials in the knowledge we’ve already received.

• First, solid, as already noted, it is a solid piece of wood, 100% environmentally friendly natural product, whose structure does not contain any artificial materials, in contrast to the board, where the veneer is only a few millimeters.
• Secondly, laying solid parquet allows you to reinforce the structural strength of the floor in the room. As a rule, the parquet is laid on the plywood with the thickness of not less than 10 mm. With the thickness of the parquet 19.05 mm the total floor level will be almost 3 cm. When laying parquet on the screed, the floor level may be about 14 mm (2-layer engineered boards) or about 17 mm (3-layer parquet boards).
• Thirdly, solid wood provides excellent soundproofing. Thanks to its thickness, it more effectively absorbs the sound of footsteps when walking and various extraneous sounds. If your downstairs neighbors like to play guitar and your children like to play ball, a solid board will protect you and your ears from unnecessary noise.
• Fourthly, wood is known to have excellent thermal insulation properties, so it is very pleasant to walk on the parquet barefoot even in the cold season. It should also be noted that it does not make sense to lay a warm floor under the parquet, because of the great thickness of all the heat will absorb the material itself. By choosing parquet, you are getting a warm floor from nature, thereby saving a great deal of money that is spent on water or electric floor heating. If you do decide to lay a warm floor, we recommend that you look at 2-layer engineered or 3-layer engineered parquet.
• Fifth, solid hardwood flooring is more durable than planks. This is evidenced by the different layer of wear: for the parquet, it is 7 mm, which allows it to resurface 6-7 times, for engineering and parquet board – 4 mm, and it is, respectively, 3-4 sanding. Therefore, the service life of solid flooring is much longer than that of the board.
• Sixth, let’s turn to the method of laying. Parquet, of course, and the complexity and duration of installation inferior to the parquet flooring. However, after laying the floor once, properly, you will never remember to replace it. While the board after a certain period of time you will have to re-lay.
• Seventh, we would like to mention the undeniable advantage of solid wood flooring from exotic wood species. It consists in its unique color, because the solid exotic wood is not tinted, that is its natural color. When the parquet retreatment retains its original appearance and it is enough to cover it with oil or varnish. While with the reshining of tinted parquet, you will first have to achieve the desired shade by applying beiz (a dyeing substance used in tinting parquet, in order to imitate more expensive wood – walnut, teak, mahogany, merbau, etc.) and only after that proceed to coverage with oil or lacquer. Agree that the difficulties with the second version of the sanding is more.
• Eighth, speaking of the solid parquet, it is impossible not to pay attention to such a variety as the radial solid parquet. This parquet is made from wood, located in the core of the trunk, which is characterized by increased density and hardness. Such a parquet belongs to the highest quality category, the wood fibers on the upper surface of the parquet slat are practically parallel along the whole length of the slat, and the radial rays are clearly visible. Radial parquet is more stable to the change of geometric dimensions under the fluctuations of the humidity of the environment, it is less subject to warping and deformation.
• Ninth, it is necessary to note such advantages of engineered and parquet boards in comparison with parquet, as greater stability.

The post Is it worth overpaying by buying solid parquet? appeared first on Walls-by-Mur.