Materials for interior and exterior decoration of the house: what they are, what to consider when choosing

A private house or cottage is a personal fortress, a place where every family member should feel comfortable and convenient. To make the premises not only attractive in appearance, but also functional, you need to select high-quality materials that are practical and functional in use.

In this article we will tell you what building materials are used for interior and exterior finishing of private houses.

Materials for interior decoration of the house

The modern market offers a huge variety of products for finishing residential premises. It can be said that today there are practically no boundaries in the issue of implementing design ideas.

The choice depends on the purpose of the premises, hygiene standards and requirements for the object. The general concept of the interior is taken into account. For example, you can decorate the house in one style or use techniques from different design trends.

Thus, for living rooms it is better to choose breathable materials with low thermal conductivity, in kitchens or bathrooms – resistant to moisture and temperature changes, which are not afraid of dampness and mold. In corridors, abrasion resistance will be important.

Options for finishing materials for walls

There are many solutions, among all the variety we can highlight the renewal of surfaces by gluing wallpaper, painting, finishing with decorative plaster, wall panels, clapboard, brick, stone. Let’s consider the most popular of them.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is valued for its variety of textures and colors, you can paste it yourself, and some models even without preliminary preparation of the walls. Types of wallpaper:

  • Paper. The most economical option. Suitable only for dry rooms with normal humidity. They “breathe” well and can be glued with any type of glue. They tend to fade in the sun, tear, and eventually peel off the wall.
  • Non-woven. Combined type. Consists of cellulose and special fibers. Are highly durable, do not stretch during gluing, do not shrink. Look expensive and stylish.
  • Vinyl. Non-woven or paper is used as a base, a wear-resistant layer of PVC film is glued onto it. Durable, resistant to moisture, mold, fungus. Can be glued even to less than perfectly flat walls.
  • Textile. They have a paper base, but the top layer is made of linen, silk or viscose. They look impressive, are quite durable, but can be damaged if handled carelessly. They require a perfectly flat surface.
  • Liquid. A relatively new material. Creates a “breathing” coating that is resistant to static electricity and mechanical damage. Cracks and scratches are easy to repair with the same solution.

Glass fiber wallpaper is usually used to level and strengthen walls. Wallpaper can be glued or painted on top of it.

Dye

Paint is a universal option for finishing the walls of a house. It differs in composition, technological and operational qualities. Popular types:

  • Emulsion. They are made on the basis of water and polymer substances that give it the necessary viscosity indicators. They have no smell, are evenly applied to the surface, and are non-flammable. Depending on the type of active substance, they can be water-based, acrylic, latex, silicone, etc. Silicone ones are suitable for finishing bases in “wet zones”, they form a water-repellent surface and are not subject to rotting.
  • Organic-based paints. Alkyd paints are suitable for finishing plastered surfaces, as well as painting wood or metal bases. Enamel paints give the surface a glossy finish, are waterproof, and prevent rust formation when applied to metal.
  • Silicate. They are made on the basis of liquid glass. The mineral base makes them suitable for facade work, but they will not protect against precipitation. Therefore, it is advisable to use them when decorating verandas and winter gardens.

The main thing when painting walls is to carefully prepare the surface, otherwise after finishing the defects will be even more noticeable.

Decorative plaster

Decorative plaster is a simple and inexpensive way to finish walls. It is easy to apply, always forms a unique finishing pattern, is non-toxic, and improves the sound insulation of the room. It differs in composition:

  • Silicate. Forms a durable, hydrophobic coating that is virtually impossible to damage.
  • Mineral. The cheapest and easiest to apply option. Usually the mixture is white, coloring pigments are added for decorativeness.
  • Silicone. Very moisture-resistant and flexible.
  • Acrylic. Resistant to deformation, looks expensive and aesthetically pleasing.

Depending on the filling, decorative plaster can create a structural or textured base.

Wall panels

Wall paneling allows you to quickly transform the space, give it a finished look or a certain style. The elements are made of wood, plastic or other artificial materials, and can have different colors and textures. There are three options for the type of construction:

  • Slatted panels. They are obtained by combining slats made of MDF, fiberboard, PVC. They are suitable for finishing small rooms, visually expanding the space. They are mounted using the tongue and groove system or with special clamps.
  • Sheet type panels. They can have different shapes and sizes. They are made of PVC or fiberboard. The surface can imitate the structure of natural wood or stone.
  • Panels in the form of PVC, MDF and chipboard plates. They are produced in small formats and can be used to lay out any pattern or relief design.

Panels made of natural wood are considered an elite option.

Floor finishing materials

During operation, the floor withstands large static and dynamic loads. Plus, the coating must be resistant to abrasion, ultraviolet radiation, look aesthetically pleasing and have a long service life. Let’s consider the most popular options for building materials for finishing floors in private homes.

Laminate

Panels consisting of a layer of pressed wood board, double-sided polymer coating, decorative film. They can imitate the color and texture of wood, stone or have any other design. They differ in strength class, moisture resistance level, maximum load, etc. Average service life is 15-20 years. Sensitive to moisture, so recommended for installation in dry rooms.

Parquet

Premium class covering. It is formed from piece natural wood. The upper part consists of veneer. The parquet is durable and long-lasting, environmentally friendly, but susceptible to temperature changes and high humidity. Such a home renovation will be expensive, but will allow you to create an elite designer space.

Quartz vinyl tile

Floor covering based on PVC and quartz sand. The slabs are thin, flexible and very durable, laid on glue or self-adhesive film. 100% moisture-resistant, able to survive a blow from a heavy or sharp object. Even without a substrate, they create a warm floor.

Porcelain tiles

A base that is as strong as stone. Slabs are produced in different shapes and sizes. They can have different colors and patterns, often imitating the surface of natural wood, marble, onyx.

Porcelain tiles are suitable for finishing floors even in wooden houses, if the base has been strengthened beforehand.

Parquet board

Combines the advantages of parquet and laminate. The material is natural and has a multilayer structure. This option is more affordable. The boards are easy to lay, you can change the direction and create original patterns. They are distinguished by high strength and resistance to bending loads.

When and why is it necessary to repair the facade of a house?

The facade of the house is a decorative cladding that protects the walls of the building from precipitation, frost, low temperatures, as well as ultraviolet radiation and mechanical impacts.

Facing is carried out at the final stage of construction; facade repair is necessary in the following cases:

  • Wear and tear of building materials due to long-term use or improper operation.
  • Violation of building codes during finishing works.
  • Consequences of emergency situations – strong wind, flood, fire, etc.

The facade can also be replaced to update the appearance.

The best materials for facade finishing

Properly executed finishing of the external walls of the house significantly extends the service life of the building, makes being inside more comfortable. In addition, the facade is the front side of the building, by it one can judge the taste of the owners.

Decorative siding

These are facing panels, fastened into blocks of a certain shape and size. They are made of PVC and composite materials. To ensure microcirculation of air, the siding is equipped with perforated holes. They are not subject to corrosion, resistant to atmospheric precipitation.

Metal siding is made from thin sheet steel, with a protective decorative coating on top. It is distinguished by increased impact resistance.

Vinyl siding on a polymer base has a low cost, is presented in a wide variety of colors and textures. Fiber cement panels are used for finishing the basement of the building, they are also suitable for cladding garages.

Decorative plaster

Facade plaster is the most popular option for finishing external walls. Plaster mixtures can have an acrylic, mineral or silicate base. After application, they form a reliable protection against moisture, precipitation, and mechanical impact. They provide a decent level of sound insulation, help to align corners, and cover up wall defects.

For use in temperate climates, it is worth choosing frost-resistant mixtures that can withstand numerous freeze/thaw cycles.

Facade tiles

It is produced in flat “bricks” up to 1 m long and up to 30 cm wide. It is made of bitumen or fiberglass. Externally, it imitates the surface of natural stone or brick. The tile is extremely easy to install; even a person without experience can handle the finishing.

Facing brick

Classic version of facade finishing. Various bricks can be used:

  • Ceramic fired.
  • Hyperpressed.
  • Silicate.
  • Clinker.

Bricks can be laid in geometrically correct lines or in figured elements. They form a durable, wear-resistant coating, which significantly surpasses other materials in terms of performance.

Tree

For finishing, planken or carefully planed board is used. The panels are mounted in a vertical or horizontal orientation. They are impregnated with antiseptics and fire-protective agents.

Another option is thermally modified wood. Wooden boards are treated with steam, which makes them highly resistant to moisture.

Sandwich panels

The plates consist of a sheet of metal and a layer of insulation. Such a multilayer structure provides both heat and noise protection properties, prevents the negative impact of rain, snow, low and high temperatures.

When choosing materials for interior and exterior home renovation, the type of building (wood, brick, foam blocks, frame technology), local climate, and other external factors are taken into account.