How to cover the inside of a balcony on the sunny side? Finish that will last for decades

How to decorate the inside of the balcony on the sunny side so that even in the heat the room is comfortable? Craftsmen recommend 5 finishing options: lining, plasterboard, PVC panels, laminate and plaster.

Each coating has advantages and disadvantages.

Lining

Lining is called narrow thin boards with fastening locks. They “snap” to each other, forming a surface without gaps. According to the installation technique, the coating resembles laminate or floor boards.

There are 6 types of lining:

• Eurolining – boards with pronounced angular edges. On the assembled canvas, the “paths” between the sections are clearly visible. Some people like this relief, others don’t.
• Calm – the seam between the boards is invisible. The finished canvas will be smooth, like a floor.
• Softline – the corners of the boards are slightly rounded. On the finished canvas, the sections lie end-to-end, but slight differences in relief are visible between them.
• Block house – boards assembled into a sheet resemble logs. Looks great on the walls, but awkward on the floor.
• Lawnhouse – an ornament is cut on the front side of the board.
• Double-sided lining – the back and front sides of the board are the same.You can choose the pattern and color of the surface - they are always different for natural wood.

Usually the lining is made of pine; this is the most economical choice. But there are more interesting options - oak, birch, walnut.

Plastic

Plastic panels are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is a lightweight, practical and relatively durable material.

A decorative pattern is applied to the outside of the panels - fantasy or repeating natural materials. There are options “stone-like”, “wood-like”, “brick-like”.

To protect against sunlight and scratches, a layer of glossy or matte varnish is applied to the panels.

There are two types of PVC panels:

• Plastic wagon – narrow panels that are connected end to end. Inside, such panels are hollow and hold their shape due to stiffening ribs.
• Sectional wall panels. Similar to lining, but 2-3 times wider.
• Sheet panels. They look like relief plates with a thickness of 0.4 mm. They look impressive, but are not suitable for finishing a balcony - they are too soft.

PVC is the most popular and most inexpensive finishing option.

Drywall

Gypsum cardboard is a “sandwich” of two cardboard sheets, between which there is a layer of hardened gypsum with fillers.

This material is sold in sheets 120 cm wide. For work, they are sawn into fragments of the required size.

Drywall is:

• Ordinary – cardboard + plaster.
• Moisture resistant. Can be used in rooms with high humidity levels.
• Fire resistant. Used for finishing fireplaces and walls located next to open fire.

For a balcony, the best option is moisture-resistant plasterboard.

Plaster

This is a timeless classic. But plaster is different:

• Regular – you will get ordinary smooth walls.
• Decorative. Structural creates a spectacular relief.Natural quartz, marble, granite are added to the mineral one. This plaster imitates a stone surface. Venetian gives the same effect, but without mineral additives.

Water-based plaster provides a durable, reliable coating - it is what is usually used for wall finishing. But if you want something more durable, look into non-water based mixtures. They are more durable, resistant to aggressive chemicals and adhere well to the surface.

Such mixtures include polyurethane or epoxy resin.

Epoxy based plaster is used only in enclosed spaces.

Laminate

Laminate is a thin, hard sheet of sawdust. It is laminated to durable plastic on top and bottom.

The laminate is attached into a single sheet in the same way as a carriage - you need to engage the locks of the dies, aligning them until they click. At the end you will get a smooth and even coating without gaps.

Typically, laminate imitates boards of different wood species, but there are options like “stone,” “metal,” “crocodile skin,” and even “newspaper.”

How are the coatings different?

Different types of finishes differ not only in design. Pay attention to the following characteristics of the cladding:

• Thermal conductivity. The balcony is located outside the house, so it heats up and cools down quickly.
• Moisture resistance. In wet weather, the balconies are humid.
• Ease of installation. How much time, money and effort will you spend on repairs?
• Durability. You don’t want to do repairs on your balcony every 2-3 years, do you?
• Strength. Large unnecessary things are often taken out onto the balcony. Imagine: you hit a wall with a bicycle and the paneling cracked.
• Fire safety. People often smoke on balconies. Someone threw out a bullock, the wind blew it through an open window - that’s the reason for the fire.

And, of course, the price. For many this is a key factor.

Pivot table

It is more convenient to compare the characteristics of materials in the table.

As you can see, the most practical options are wood and plaster. And the most controversial one is plastic. But inexpensive.

Pros and cons of lining

The lining has many advantages.

• Wooden cladding is an excellent thermal insulator.

In summer, clapboard-lined walls will protect from heat, and in winter – from cold. If you properly think through the internal thermal insulation, your balcony will be comfortable in any weather.

• Aesthetics.

Natural wood looks great even without painting or additional processing.

• Environmental friendliness.

The boards are hypoallergenic and do not emit toxins. The most problems you will get from the lining is a thorn in the palm.

• Durability.

High-quality wood, after proper treatment, will last for decades.

• Resistance to physical impacts.

It takes a lot of effort to break a board. Even a blow with a hammer will leave only a dent on the lining.

• Easy to install.

You can cover the balcony with your own hands.

There are also disadvantages.

• The lining can become deformed and even rot.

Moisture and temperature changes are destructive for poorly treated wood. To prevent this from happening, choose high-quality materials, use antifungal agents, antiseptics and special impregnations.

• Requires special tools and skills.

Mastering the technique is not difficult, but you still have to try.

• Fire hazard.

The wood is burning, and no amount of impregnation can fix this.

Pros and cons of plastic

This is the most economical type of finishing. Despite the low cost, plastic has many advantages.

• Easy to install.

A couple of videos on YouTube and you will cope with this task.

• Versatility.

This type of cladding can be installed both outside and inside. Not only the walls, but also the window slopes and the ceiling are sheathed with plastic.

• Large selection of design solutions.

Brick-like, wood-like, floral, plain, glossy and matte... There are options for every taste.

• Plastic is not afraid of temperature changes and dampness.

Fungus does not live on PVC panels, neither does mold. The plastic does not deform, crack, swell or shrink.

• Price.

There is no cheaper option than PVC panels.

• Durability.

If you don't break the panels, they will last up to 20 years.

• Easy to care for.

Just wash the panels and wipe them clean so there are no streaks.

Plastic has serious disadvantages.

• This is a fragile material.

An accidental blow and a very noticeable dent appears on the panel.

• Defects cannot be repaired or hidden.

You can't putty or paint plastic. The only way to get rid of defects is to replace the entire panel. And for this you will have to disassemble the entire section.

• This is "cold" material.

Plastic is a poor thermal insulator. You can’t do without high-quality internal insulation.

• Toxicity.

When heated, PVC releases toxins. In the summer heat, you don’t need to stay on such a balcony for long.

• The panels turn yellow and fade.

On the sunny side, the plastic will quickly “grow old”.

• Primitive appearance.

PVC coating is bright, impressive, but looks cheap.The imitation of natural materials is unconvincing, and the most elegant ornament is still applied to the most ordinary plastic - and it shows.

Pros and cons of drywall

If you believe the reviews, drywall is the most convenient and practical finishing material. It really has a lot of advantages.

• Plastic.

You can bend the material into arches, form protrusions and depressions out of it.

• Outwardly indistinguishable from an ordinary wall.

Don't like flashy paneling, but don't want to waste time leveling the walls? So you need drywall.

• Lots of options for decoration.

You can plaster and paint, cover with wallpaper or decorative panels, and install spotlights.

• Safety.

Drywall is just thick paper and plaster. No dangerous chemicals, no allergens.

• Moisture resistance.

Special grades of drywall can even withstand steam in the bathroom.

The material has few disadvantages, but they are serious.

• Sensitivity to water.

Even moisture-resistant drywall will not withstand if streams of water pour on it. Take care of waterproofing.

• If the material is still wet, it will warp and move.

There is no way to fix this. A swollen, warped sheet will have to be replaced.

• This is not a wall.

False walls look just like real ones. And people who don't know about the "catch" expect the surface to be rock-hard. Just one accidental strong blow and a hole will appear in the plasterboard wall.

• Installing drywall walls is a dirty job.

When you start sawing the plaster, white dust will fly everywhere. It's hard to wash, and you can't vacuum it. If moisture gets into the vacuum cleaner, the plaster will seize and tightly clog the equipment.

Additional processing is needed.

The plasterboard wall will have to be finished, whether you want it or not. This way you protect the material from moisture, scratches and chips.

Pros and cons of plaster

Plaster is a convenient, practical and reliable coating.

• You can change the design of the room at any time.

Natural wood is a universal material. You can paint the walls any color, cover them with wallpaper or plastic panels.

• Easy to fix defects.

You can fill up holes and dents in a couple of hours and hide all defects under the decorative coating.

• Good thermal insulator.

A layer of plaster is additional protection from heat and cold.

• Wide field for design solutions.

You can beautifully combine the balcony with the decor of the room.

• Safety and environmental friendliness.

The plaster does not burn, does not emit toxins, and does not smell of anything even in the heat.

• High strength.

The plastered wall can withstand strong impacts and is not afraid of either heat or frost.

• Moisture resistance.

Use facade plaster, and you can water the walls with a hose - the coating will withstand everything.

This coating has only one drawback. Plastering walls is difficult, and hiring specialists is expensive.

Pros and cons of laminate

Laminate was conceived as a floor covering. But as a cladding, this material has many advantages.

• Easy to install.

Even a beginner can handle the installation.

• High strength material.

Laminate will withstand a blow that would break an MDF or PVC panel.

• High quality design.

Laminate perfectly imitates the surface of natural materials. This coating doesn't look cheap.

• Easy to clean from dirt.

Can be washed with water or any detergent.

• Not afraid of heat.

On the sunny side of the house this is a useful quality.

• Hygiene.

Fungi and mold do not grow on a laminated surface.

• Can be glued directly to the wall.

If you have smooth walls or drywall, the laminate is not attached to the sheathing, but simply glued. This way you will save useful space.

There are also disadvantages.

• Price.

Laminate is not the cheapest material.

• Sensitivity to moisture.

Cheap varieties swell in damp areas. To prevent this from happening, choose a moisture-resistant coating - the so-called yacht laminate.

• In severe frost it may delaminate.

The temperature on the balcony should not fall below 5 ^OWITH.

What is better to choose

Answer these questions before making your choice.

• Are you on a budget?

If you want to cover your balcony inexpensively and with high quality, choose wood, this is the best option. In addition to lining, popular economical options: PVC panels and plasterboard.

• Do you have allergies or people in poor health in your family?

If so, ditch the plastic. PVC fumes are not something that will benefit them.

• Do you like to change the design of the room?

Plaster the balcony or cover it with plasterboard. Any type of decor can be used on these coatings. The lining has fewer possibilities - you can’t cover it with wallpaper.

• Do you want to combine a balcony and a living room?

Cover the walls with plaster and decorate them in the same style as the room. Then the rooms will visually look like one whole.

• Is the balcony well insulated from moisture?

If the room is humid, it is better to avoid drywall and laminate.

Are the thermal insulating properties of a material important to you?

If so, decorate the inside of the balcony with wood, plasterboard or plaster.

There is no clear answer to the question of what to cover a balcony with. Different coatings are suitable for different conditions. Weigh the pros and cons and make the right choice!