Different kinds of genders
Types of gender identity: Types and definitions
Gender is different from sex. Although genetic factors typically define a person’s sex, gender refers to how they identify on the inside. Only the person themselves can determine what their gender identity is.
This article will discuss what gender identity is, some definitions of different gender identities, and where people can find support. It will also look at how gender exists on a spectrum.
The term gender identity refers to the personal sense of an individual’s own gender.
Because a person’s sex and gender identity do not have to be the same, it is important to know the difference between them.
Gender
A person’s gender is how they identify internally and how they express this externally. People may use clothing, appearances, and behaviors to express the gender that they identify with.
The World Health Organization (WHO) note that gender is a social construction that people typically describe in terms of femininity and masculinity. In Western cultures, people associate femininity with women and masculinity with men, but this social construction varies across cultures.
However, gender is not neatly divided along the binary lines of “man” and “woman.”
Sex
A person’s sex is typically based on certain biological factors, such as their reproductive organs, genes, and hormones.
Like gender, sex is not binary. A person may have the genes that people may associate with being male or female, but their reproductive organs, genitals, or both may look different.
This is called differences in sex development. People may also refer to differences in sex development as intersex.
People typically use the terms “male,” “female,” or “intersex” to refer to a person’s sex.
Learn more about the difference between sex and gender here.
The concepts and terms that refer to gender identity continually change, as our perceptions evolve.
The term “gender identity” first appeared in the 1960s.
It referred to a person’s inner sense of belonging to the category of male or female. In time, the term came to include people who identify in other ways. It refers to a person’s own sense of their gender, regardless of the sex a doctor assigned to them at birth.
Some terms, such as “transsexual,” have also changed meaning over time. In the past, this term referred only to people who had undergone certain medical procedures, such as a mastectomy or phalloplasty. The meaning of this term has since broadened to include people moving toward or having a gender identity that is different from the one assigned to them at birth.
Other language has changed in terms of acceptability. The term “queer,” for example, was historically used as a slur against people who did not conform to expectations about gender expression or identity. Now, some people have reclaimed it. It can be acceptable in some circumstances but offensive if people use it inappropriately.
It is also important to note that gender identify may not fit into a category.
Labels may help a person understand their identify, but gender identities are not always classifiable in these ways. As people come to perceive their gender identity in new ways, they may find that no single term defines it. Or, they may identify in several ways.
A person’s gender identity is not restricted to being either a man or a woman. Some people do not identify with any gender, while others identify with multiple genders.
According to The Trevor Project, a person’s gender can consist of the following.
Gender identity
This term refers to the personal sense of an individual’s own gender.
Some people identify as a man, while others identify as a woman. Others may identify as neither, both, or somewhere in-between.
Gender expression and presentation
This refers to how a person expresses themselves to others and how they want the world to see them.
A person may present themselves as wholly masculine or wholly feminine. Or, a person may present themselves as androgynous or nonbinary.
Gender expression and presentation involve aspects such as mannerisms, clothing styles, names, and pronoun choices, to name a few.
Here, learn more about gender pronouns.
The following are some gender identities and their definitions.
Agender
A person who is agender does not identify with any particular gender, or they may have no gender at all.
Other terms for this may include:
- neutral gender
- null-gender
- genderless
- neutrois
Androgyne
A person who identifies as androgyne has a gender that is either both masculine and feminine or between masculine and feminine.
Bigender
A person who identifies as bigender has two genders.
People who are bigender often display cultural masculine and feminine roles.
Butch
Women, especially lesbians, tend to use this term to describe the way they express masculinity, or what society defines as masculinity.
However, the LGBTQIA Resource Center state that “butch” can also be a gender identity in itself.
Cisgender
A cisgender person identifies with the sex that they were assigned at birth.
For example, a cisgender woman is someone who still identifies with the sex — female, in this case — a doctor assigned them at birth.
Gender expansive
The LGBTQIA Resource Center define gender expansive as an “umbrella term used for individuals who broaden their own culture’s commonly held definitions of gender, including expectations for its expression, identities, roles, and/or other perceived gender norms.”
Those who are gender expansive include people who are transgender and people whose gender broadens the surrounding society’s notion of what gender is.
Genderfluid
A person who identifies as genderfluid has a gender identity and presentation that shifts between, or shifts outside of, society’s expectations of gender.
Gender outlaw
A person who identifies as a gender outlaw refuses to allow society’s definition of “male” or “female” to define them.
Genderqueer
A person who identifies as genderqueer has a gender identity or expression that is not the same as society’s expectations for their assigned sex or assumed gender.
Genderqueer can also refer to a person who identifies outside of how society defines gender or someone who identifies with a combination of genders.
Masculine of center
A person who uses this term is usually a lesbian or a trans person who leans more toward masculine performances and experiences of gender.
Nonbinary
A person who identifies as nonbinary does not experience gender within the gender binary.
People who are nonbinary may also experience overlap with different gender expressions, such as being gender non-conforming.
Omnigender
A person who identifies as omnigender experiences and possesses all genders.
Polygender and pangender
People who identify as polygender or pangender experience and display parts of multiple genders.
Transgender
This is an umbrella term that encompasses all people who experience and identify with a different gender than that which their assigned sex at birth would suggest.
Although most people think of trans men and trans women when hearing the word transgender, this term also encompasses people who identify as a gender other than man or woman, including nonbinary and genderfluid.
Trans
Trans is a more inclusive term that covers those who identify as nonbinary and those who are genderless, according to the LGBTQIA Resource Center.
Two Spirit
Two Spirit is an umbrella term that encompasses different sexualities and genders in Indigenous Native American communities.
There are many different definitions of Two Spirit, and Indigenous Native American people may or may not use this term to describe their experiences and feelings of masculinity and femininity.
This is a cultural term that is reserved for those who identify as an Indigenous Native American.
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for LGBTQIA+, visit our dedicated hub.
Not everyone is accepting of people with diverse gender identities, which can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health.
However, there are multiple websites and online communities that people can turn to for support. These include:
- The Trevor Project, which is an LGBT organization that provides education and support
- the National Center for Transgender Equality, which is an organization that provides education and support for transgender people
- PFLAG, which is an organization that provides support, education, and advocacy all over the United States, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico
- Trans Youth Family Allies, which is a website that provides resources and education to family members, friends, and allies of transgender people
- TransLatina Coalition, which is an advocacy group for transgender Latin American people and communities
- Gender Spectrum, which is a resource and education site
- World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which is a website that provides a directory of healthcare providers and scholarship opportunities for transgender people
Here are some questions that people might ask about gender identity.
How many gender identities are there?
There is no fixed number of gender identities. They occur on a spectrum, which really means that the possibilities are infinite. Each person might find that a certain point on the spectrum feels most comfortable and accurate, and this may change over time.
People do not know precisely what influences gender identity. Some genetic factors and factors that a person is born with may play a role.
What influences gender identity?
Various factors play a role, including socialization and our own choices. Gender roles and traits are dynamic, which means that they can change. Whether a healthcare professional identifies a baby as male or female at birth does not go on to define that person’s gender identity.
How can I know my gender identity?
The first step is to figure out what gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and sex assigned at birth mean and see how you feel about these ideas.
Then, think about the spectrum of gender identities and where you might feel comfortable.
Maybe speak with friends of various gender identities for inspiration.
And keep in mind that there is no need for any specific label. You might want to go without a label or even create your own.
A person’s gender identity is not always the same as their biological sex, nor their assumed gender based on their assigned sex. It depends on how they identify as a person, and this can change over time.
People can identify as more masculine, more feminine, a combination of both, or neither. How a person expresses or describes their gender is personal to them.
Types of sexuality and their definitions
Sexuality, or sexual orientation, has to do with whom a person is, or is not, attracted to either sexually or romantically. A person may identify more with one sexuality than another at different points during their life.
In this article, we discuss what sexuality is and provide definitions of some sexual orientations.
We also provide information on where a person can find support groups and clinics.
Medical News Today uses definitions of sexual, romantic, and gender identities that come from LGBTQIA+ and ally sources. However, it is important to note that these identities are personal, and people may define them differently. Always refer to a person’s sexual, romantic, or gender identity the same way the person describes it.
A person’s sexuality, or sexual orientation, determines whom they do or do not feel attraction toward. This attraction is typically sexual or romantic.
Sexual attraction describes a person’s desire to have sex or form a sexual relationship with other people. It often also describes physical attraction, or lack thereof, toward others.
Romantic attraction can describe a person’s expression of love within a relationship. This relationship does not have to be sexual, and a person does not have to experience both romantic and sexual attraction to have a sexuality.
There are a lot of sexual orientations, and people who identify with one or more may find that their sexuality changes over time.
This is perfectly normal — a person’s orientation can be fluid.
What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?
LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive term that includes people of all sexual identities and gender identities.
LGBTQIA+ stands for:
- lesbian
- gay
- bisexual
- transgender
- questioning or queer
- intersex
- asexual
The ‘+’ refers to members of other LGBTQIA+ communities and allies.
Below are definitions of some types of sexuality.
Alloromantic
A person who identifies as alloromantic experiences romantic attraction toward others.
Allosexual
This is an umbrella term.
A person who identifies as allosexual typically feels sexual attraction toward other people. They may also want to have sex with a partner.
People who identify with this orientation may also identify with another sexuality, such as being gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Androsexual
People who consider themselves androsexual feel attraction toward men, males, or perceived masculinity, irrespective of whether or not they were assigned male at birth.
Aromantic
A person who identifies as aromantic may not feel any romantic attraction toward anyone. They may not want a relationship beyond friendship.
Those who identify with this orientation may also identify with another orientation.
A person’s romantic attraction can differ from their sexual attraction. For example, a person may not feel romantic attraction toward people but may still be sexually attracted to some individuals.
Asexual
Asexual is an umbrella term that encompasses a broad spectrum of sexual orientations.
According to the LGBTQIA Resource Center, asexuality is a spectrum. Some people may experience no sexual or romantic attraction toward anyone, while others may experience varying degrees of sexual or romantic attraction toward people.
Those who identify with this orientation do not have to abstain from sex to be asexual.
Some orientations that exist within the asexuality spectrum include:
- Sex-averse: This is when a person is averse to or entirely disinterested in sex and sexual behavior.
- Sex-favorable: This is when a person has positive feelings toward sex in some situations.
- Sex-indifferent: This refers to those who feel neutral about sex and sexual behavior.
- Sex-repulsed: This refers to those who are repulsed by sex and sexual behavior.
- Cupiosexual: If someone identifies as cupiosexual, they do not experience sexual attraction but still desire to engage in sexual behavior or have a sexual relationship.
- Libidoist asexual: This term refers to those who identify as asexual but experience sexual feelings that they can satisfy with masturbation or self-stimulation.
- Graysexual: Those who are graysexual experience sexual attraction either infrequently or not very intensely.
- Grayromantic: People who identify as grayromantic may experience romantic attraction either rarely or not very strongly.
Learn more about asexuality.
Autoromantic
Those who are autoromantic experience a romantic attraction toward themselves.
This does not mean that they do not experience romantic attraction toward others as well.
Autosexual
Those who identify as autosexual experience a sexual attraction toward themselves.
Similar to those who are autoromantic, people who are autosexual may also experience sexual attraction toward other people.
Bicurious
People who identify as bicurious are interested in having a sexual or romantic experience with someone of the same gender.
The term indicates that the person experiences some uncertainty as to how they identify romantically or sexually.
Biromantic
People who identify as biromantic feel romantic, but not necessarily sexual, attraction toward more than one gender.
Bisexual
A person who identifies as bisexual can be of any gender.
Bisexuality means that a person feels attraction toward their own gender and other genders or toward anyone regardless of their gender.
The LGBTQIA Resource Center notes that some people may use the terms bisexual and pansexual interchangeably to describe their sexual orientation.
Demiromantic
People who identify as demiromantic usually do not feel romantic attraction toward people with whom they do not have a strong emotional bond.
Demisexual
A person who identifies as demisexual typically only feels sexual attraction toward a person with whom they have already established a strong emotional bond.
Some people who are demisexual may have no interest or only a slight interest in sexual activity.
Learn more about demisexuality.
Gay
A person who identifies as gay typically only feels sexual attraction toward people of the same gender.
Socially, people use this term to refer to men who are romantically and sexually attracted to men. However, those in the community use it as an umbrella term.
Gynesexual or gynosexual
People who identify as gynesexual feel sexual attraction toward women, females, and perceived femininity, irrespective of whether they were assigned female at birth.
Heteroromantic
Those who are heteroromantic may experience romantic attraction, but not necessarily sexual attraction, toward those of a different gender.
Heterosexuality
People who are heterosexual, or “straight,” typically feel sexual and romantic attraction toward people who are of a gender different than their own.
Homoromantic
Homoromantic refers to people who are romantically attracted to those of a similar gender to their own. They may not feel sexual attraction toward these people, though.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is a term describing those who are emotionally and physically attracted to people of the same gender.
However, the LGBTQIA Resource Center states that this term is outdated and may have negative connotations due to the past.
Lesbian
Those who identify as lesbian are usually women who feel sexual and romantic attraction toward other women.
Some nonbinary people — those who do not identify with the traditional binary sexes of male and female — may also identify as lesbians.
This may be because they feel a closer connection to womanhood and are mainly attracted to women.
Monosexual
Monosexual is an umbrella term encompassing all sexual orientations that feel a romantic or sexual attraction toward only one gender.
The sexual orientations that come under this term include heterosexuality, gay, and lesbian.
Multisexual
Multisexual is a broad term that encompasses all sexual orientations in which people are attracted to more than one gender.
Some sexual orientations that come under this term are bisexual and omnisexual.
Pansexual and omnisexual
These sexual orientations refer to people who feel attraction toward people of all genders and sexes.
A typical identifier for people with this orientation is that gender is not a factor in sexual or romantic attraction.
While there is overlap between these two terms and bisexuality and polysexuality, some people may prefer to use one term over another.
Panromantic
This term refers to those who experience romantic attraction, but not sexual attraction, toward people of any gender or sex.
Polysexual
People who identify as polysexual feel sexual or romantic attraction toward more than one gender.
Queer
People of all sexualities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella may also identify as queer.
Historically, many people used the word queer as a slur. People belonging to LGBTQIA+ communities may now choose to use this term to reclaim it.
It is generally not a good idea for people outside of these communities to use this term.
Sexual fluidity
People’s sexuality can be fluid. This means that their sexual orientation is not fixed, and they may not define themselves by any particular sexuality.
Skoliosexual
People who identify as skoliosexual typically only feel attraction toward people who are nonbinary.
Spectrasexual
Spectrasexual is a term that describes those who are romantically and sexually attracted to multiple sexes, genders, and gender identities but not all of them.
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for LGBTQIA+, visit our dedicated hub.
Some people suggest that sexuality exists on a spectrum or sliding scale.
The Kinsey Scale, which was first published in 1948, acknowledges the fact that many people may not identify as either heterosexual or homosexual.
The scale has six ratings, with an additional category:
- 0: Exclusively heterosexual
- 1: Predominantly heterosexual, only incidentally homosexual
- 2: Predominantly heterosexual but more than incidentally homosexual
- 3: Equally heterosexual and homosexual
- 4: Predominantly homosexual but more than incidentally heterosexual
- 5: Predominantly homosexual, only incidentally heterosexual
- 6: Exclusively homosexual
- X: No socio-sexual contacts or reactions
Although groundbreaking at the time, the scale now presents some issues as it does not address all possible sexual orientations and identities.
Learn more about the Kinsey Scale.
The Trevor Project suggests that there are a variety of spectrums focusing on a person’s:
- biological sex
- gender identity
- gender expression
- gender presentation
- sexual orientation
At one end of the sexual orientation spectrum, a person may only be attracted to women, and at the other end, a person may only be attracted to men.
In the middle of the spectrum are those who feel a range of sexual and romantic attraction toward different genders and sexes.
It is important to remember that a person can feel different types of attraction toward different genders. For example, a person may feel sexual attraction toward one or more genders and romantic attraction toward different genders.
Also, a person may identify with one sexual orientation and experience different levels of sexual and romantic attraction within that orientation. For example, one person who identifies as bisexual may greatly prefer women over men, and another may experience greater romantic attraction toward women but stronger sexual attraction toward other genders.
A person’s sexuality determines whom they feel romantic or sexual attraction toward. People may feel that labeling their sexuality helps them deal with any oppression or difficulties they face. It may also help them find a community in which they can share their experiences.
People may also find it helpful to know the terms describing other sexual orientations. By knowing the terminology, people can better understand another person’s sexuality.
Do people need to identify their sexual orientation?
People do not necessarily need to identify as one type of sexual orientation.
People’s sexual orientation can change over time. They may also sit under an umbrella term but not find a label that accurately describes their experience.
However, some individuals may find that choosing a label for their sexual or romantic orientation helps them form communities with others who may share similar experiences.
What does ‘closeted’ mean?
The term “closeted” refers to those who have not disclosed their gender identity or sexual orientation.
There are many reasons why a person might not wish to let others know their gender or sexual identity. For example, they may fear how people around them will react.
It is important to remember that no one is under any obligation to disclose their gender identity or sexual orientation if they do not wish to do so.
It is also important never to reveal another person’s gender identity or sexual orientation without their permission, which is an action that others may refer to as “outing.”
Some groups and clinics that people can turn to for support include:
- The Trevor Project: This organization describes itself as providing information and support to the LGBTQ community.
- Audre Lorde Project: Based in New York City, this organization promotes social justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, trans and gender nonconforming (LGBTSTGNC) People of Color.
- Zuna Institute: This advocacy organization for Black lesbians focuses on the areas of health, public policy, economic development, and education.
- National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance: This organization states that it “empowers LGBTQ+ Asians and Pacific Islanders through movement capacity building, policy advocacy, and representation.”
- The American Institute of Bisexuality: Also known as the Bi Foundation, this organization supports people who identify as bisexual.
- CenterLink: People in the United States, Australia, Canada, Colombia, China, and Uganda can use this website to find local LGBTQIA+ community centers.
- Equality Federation: This federation provides a directory of statewide LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Learn more about the available mental health resources.
A person’s sexual orientation describes whom they feel romantic and sexual attraction toward.
Sexuality can exist on a spectrum, and people do not have to feel sexual and romantic attraction at the same time or toward the same gender.
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for LGBTQIA+, visit our dedicated hub.
what material to choose for the floor?
The first time after a renovation, we often look closely at the floors. Do floor coverings look good? Are they compatible with the interior? Then we evaluate their practicality. When moving furniture, we look to see if there are any traces left. Is there a lot of dust? Does dirt wash off well? I don't want to be disappointed at any of these stages. Therefore, try to approach the selection process as meticulously as possible. And we will help you sort out some of the nuances.
In this article, we will analyze the most popular types of flooring - laminate, tile, linoleum, self-leveling floor, parquet, parquet board, etc.
What kind of floor coverings are currently used in Russia in private houses and apartments?
There are other, less popular options - natural stone, marmoleum, concrete, etc. Other types of coatings are used for the street, but today we will not talk about them. Let us analyze in more detail what advantages and disadvantages this or that common floor covering for the home has.
When working with linoleum, it is important to properly prepare and level the surface before spreading it. The linoleum itself needs to be unrolled and left for a couple of days - so that it straightens out. Then stick with double-sided tape or special glue.
Pleases with affordable price and a wide range.
Ref:
- quite soft, easily squeezed by furniture;
- not environmentally friendly. Cheap linoleums can emit harmful substances.
Self-leveling floors
Self-leveling floors (photo #4)
A popular floor in the bathroom, but it can also be done in other rooms. Volumetric drawings create a sense of presence and allow you to develop original design solutions. The floor is smooth, even, without joints.
Self-leveling floors can be:
- cement-acrylic
- epoxy
- methyl methacrylate
- polyurethane.
Their advantages:
- unusual design;
- moisture resistance;
- ease of use.
Disadvantages:
- high cost
- time-consuming filling and dismantling process.
Parquet
Parquet (photo #5)
Classics out of time. Perhaps the most elite flooring is parquet. It happens piece, type-setting or shield. Produced from oak, ash, birch, pine, beech and about 50 other species.
Accordingly, the characteristics of the coating will largely depend on the type of wood used. Combinations of different breeds look beautiful, which create an interesting pattern.
As a rule, wooden floors are chosen for the hall, living room and bedroom. Parquet is rarely used in wet areas (kitchen, hallway). It is not at all applicable in the bathroom.
Benefits of parquet:
- Natural, environmentally friendly material.
- Durable (will last up to half a century or more).
- Looks expensive, aristocratic.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive.
- Low moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes.
- Complex installation requiring professionalism.
Parquet board
Parquet board (photo #6)
Thin fine wood panels placed on a pine or spruce substrate. They are laid without the use of glue, the so-called floating method.
Benefits of parquet boards:
- This coating looks spectacular.
- Produced from natural materials.
However,
- It is quite expensive.
- Afraid of moisture.
Carpet
Carpet (photo #7)
Warm and cozy option. This floor carpet covers the entire area of the room. Not practical for the kitchen, bathroom or hallway. But it is suitable for bedroom, nursery, living room, office, etc.
Advantages:
- Good heat, noise and vibration insulation properties.
- Pleasant, soft coating that almost completely eliminates the possibility of injury.
Faults:
- Carpets need to be cleaned regularly.
- They are afraid of water - in a humid environment, fungus and mold can develop under the pile.
- Require regular thorough cleaning.
!
Carpet is a soft surface that almost completely eliminates the possibility of injury. But it requires thorough regular cleaning to avoid the appearance of fungi, mold, and pests.
Tiles
Tiles (photo #8)
Practical and comfortable flooring. Until recently, it was used only in the kitchen and bathrooms. But after the appearance of underfloor heating systems, it began to be used even in the bedroom.
Can look like a smooth classic tile or mimic wood floors, brickwork, etc.
Tile benefits:
- Moisture resistant.
- Chemical resistance.
- A wide range of colors and textures.
- Fire safety (tile does not burn).
- Durability: Tile will last up to 50 years or more.
Faults:
- The tiles are cold without underfloor heating. It is uncomfortable to walk barefoot on it.
- The tiles are fragile. If you drop something on it, a crack or chip will appear.
- Many tiles are slippery.
Ceramic tiles are laid on special adhesives. The process is simple, but requires a meticulous approach so that all the seams are uniform as a result.
!
Ceramic tiles match well with underfloor heating systems. But she's pretty fragile. If you drop something hard and heavy, the tile will crack.
Porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware (photo #9)
Porcelain stoneware is also available in tiles. But stronger than ceramic tiles. Such floor coverings for the house are produced from pressure-compressed quartz sand, kaolin, feldspar.
Advantages of porcelain stoneware:
- Does not absorb moisture.
- UV, temperature and chemical resistant.
- Robust.
- Durable: lasts up to half a century or more.
- Off.
Porcelain stoneware, like ceramic tiles, is used with underfloor heating systems.
Disadvantages of porcelain stoneware:
- Without the "warm floor" system, the tiles are cold.
- Heavy weight.
- High cost of materials and installation work.
!
Porcelain stoneware is the most durable flooring material used in private homes. But he is heavy. It is important to make sure that the supporting structures are strong enough for its use.
Cork flooring
Cork flooring (photo #10)
The flooring is made from the bark of a cork tree and is sold in rolls or panels similar to laminate. It is laid on MDF panels and glued with glue.
Service life limited. Such floor coverings for apartments and houses will last an average of 10-15 years.
Benefits of cork flooring:
- Excellent heat and sound insulation properties.
- Warm. They are comfortable to walk on barefoot.
- Resistant to moisture and household chemicals.
Disadvantages:
- High cost.
- Low mechanical strength: animal claws, heels, heavy furniture can leave marks.
- Not very long service life.
Laminate
Laminate (photo #11)
Four-layer board based on fibreboard imitates wooden floors. But more practical:
- The laminate is easy to install.
- Withstands mechanical stress.
- Low maintenance and long service life.
Like linoleum, it comes in different strength classes. From cheap residential to high-strength commercial options that are used in high-traffic areas.
Laminate Disadvantages:
- Most laminates are susceptible to moisture. Therefore, they are not suitable as a floor covering for the kitchen and bathroom.
In these rooms, you need to install a special waterproof laminate, which is more expensive than the classic counterpart. - Furniture, pet claws and heels may leave marks on low strength panels.
The floor surface must be level before installation. Otherwise, the laminate may begin to creak over time. For installation in panels, special locks are provided. At the same time, it is necessary to make a run-out of the end seams and an expansion gap along the walls approximately.
Quartz-Vinyl Laminate
Quartz-Vinyl Laminate (photo #12)
Practical modern flooring. Like a classic laminate, it consists of several layers, but instead of fiberboard, PVC is used with the addition of quartz sand. Therefore, quartz-vinyl flooring is not afraid of moisture and can even be used in the bathroom.
Quartz-vinyl laminate is mounted on an adhesive or, like a classic laminate, using a tenon-groove system. The latter option is preferable - it is much simpler.
It is used, for example, for the installation of Alta Step PVC laminate from Alta-Profile.
Advantages of quartz-vinyl laminate:
- Moisture resistance: even if water enters the gap between the panels, they will not swell or deteriorate.
- Durability: you can move furniture around, dance on heels without fear of damaging it.
- Temperature resistance up to +80 degrees: suitable for use with underfloor heating.
- Environmentally friendly: the coating does not emit harmful substances, it can be used in any room, even in a children's room.
- Lightweight: Easy to transport and install.
- Easy installation: you can get the job done without the help of a professional.
In addition, laminate is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to walk on barefoot. Looks beautiful, imitating wood, stone or other materials.
Disadvantages:
- The surface must be carefully prepared before laying the quartz-vinyl laminate.
But this is perhaps its only drawback.
Quartz-vinyl laminate will last 20-30 years or more.
!
Quartz-vinyl laminate looks like a wood or stone floor, but is not afraid of moisture and mechanical damage. Therefore, it can be used in any home and in any room. Even in the bathroom.
Which flooring to choose?
In the living room, traffic is higher, furniture moves more often. Therefore, the choice of flooring is limited to durable materials. It can be a high-class laminate, quartz-vinyl laminate, tile, parquet, porcelain stoneware.
In the kitchen and in the hallway, water occasionally gets on the floor. Therefore, materials should be chosen moisture resistant, which are easy to wipe off, unpretentious in care. Also, the flooring here must be strong enough.
!
The bedroom and children's floor should be warm and environmentally friendly. In the living room - durable and wear-resistant. In the kitchen and in the hallway - moisture and wear resistant.
And in the bathroom - water-repellent.
Results: the best flooring
the best flooring (photo #12)
Of course, there is no single optimal solution. Some covers are suitable for the bedroom, others for the kitchen or bathroom. There are universal solutions - such as porcelain stoneware or quartz-vinyl laminate. But they also have their limitations.
When making a choice, do not forget that in addition to practical properties, aesthetic ones are no less important. A wide range of colors and textures will allow you to choose a beautiful solution for any interior.
View the range of Alta Step quartz-vinyl laminate from Alta-Profil here.
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See also
- How to choose a laminate and which one is better?
- Parquet or laminate?
Floor coverings: types, types, differences
Today, the flooring market pleases with a wide range - you can find
floor options for every taste and budget.
But how can the buyer not get confused in everything
variety and choose a truly worthy option? In this material we are
consider the main types of flooring, guided by important
operational criteria for price, quality, moisture resistance, environmental friendliness,
strength, wear resistance, noise absorption, the presence of anti-slip
properties, chemical sensitivity, maintainability and
installation complexity.
Laminate
One of the most famous types of flooring won the love of customers
low price, variety of decors and the possibility of self-laying. But since
what features of the laminate do its owners live? This floor is not
moisture resistant and swells when exposed to large amounts of water. Plus, he's
is fragile - the thin surface of the laminate is easily deformed by heels,
animal claws, office chair wheels and so on. By the way, about the composition:
cellulose and wood material are poured with hot resin, which at
curing holds the layers together and gives strength.
These components are not
environmentally friendly, since the resin contains formaldehyde and other harmful substances
substance health. After deformation, this type of flooring needs
completely disassemble and reassemble - unfortunately, replace one die is not
succeed. In addition, the laminate has an average score on the
scale. impact noise suppression - when an object falls on it, the sound is clearly audible even
in the next room. This type of floor is also cool to the touch and
it is uncomfortable to walk barefoot, and being wet, it becomes slippery. Laminate
sensitive to chemicals and will fade in the sun.
Linoleum
This floor can be found in old Soviet apartments, however, due to the low
cost, it is often chosen as a floor covering and in modern
houses. Linoleum is a moisture resistant material with good heat and
soundproof, it is easy to lay it yourself.
Among the shortcomings -
non-ecological composition with a large number of chemicals, sensitive to
chemicals, low wear resistance, strength and
maintainability - linoleum is easy to damage, however, not easy to fix,
because the patches are visible on the floor surface.
Ceramic tiles
moisture resistance, wear resistance, low sensitivity to chemical
substances, a variety of decors and the ability to realize any design
solutions to life.
Its main disadvantages are the impossibility of self-laying (it is complex and
time-consuming process requiring knowledge and availability of special equipment),
fragility and low sound absorption due to falling objects. In addition, it is cold and uncomfortable to walk barefoot on ceramic tiles, and after it is wet
cleaning is also dangerous - the flooring becomes incredibly slippery.
Parquet
Expensive, beautiful, but very capricious floor that requires careful maintenance
relations.
Parquet does not differ in moisture resistance, wear resistance, resistance
to chemicals and sunlight, difficult to install, noisy.
Carpet and carpet tiles
The difference between these types of flooring is only in their size - carpet
presented in the form of a roll, tiles - in the form of squares.
Very pleasant to the touch inexpensive material that can be laid
on one's own. Unlike carpet tiles, carpet is less maintainable -
if the damaged tiles can be replaced, then the carpet must be re-paved, otherwise
the payoff will be significant. Carpeting is excellent at absorbing impact noise,
non-slip. However, it also has its drawbacks - low
wear resistance (easy to wipe), susceptibility to sunlight, and,
of course, the complexity of cleaning - carpet and carpet tiles easily accumulate dirt and with
hard to part with it. Therefore, this type of sex is contraindicated for people with
allergies.
Cork floor
Cork is a natural material that is made from oak bark using the method
crushing, heating and pressing. Such a floor is pleasant to the touch, absorbs well
impact noise, has good sound insulation, has a wide range of
decorations at a very low cost. In addition, cork flooring can be laid
independently and repair in case of damage by replacing the plate. To number
disadvantages include low wear resistance and moisture resistance, which this
material is no different.
Screed
polymer mixtures. Performed in advance
prepared concrete base or screed. Initially the material was
designed for floors with heavy load - for industrial, commercial,
warehouse and other facilities. Now they are actively advertised as "liquid
linoleum "- a convenient and durable coating for houses and apartments. Special
of interest is the effect of a three-dimensional image, noticeable only from one
point, but no less beautiful.
On a leveled base spreads
non-woven synthetic fabric coated with method
high-precision printing pattern, filled with a transparent polymer mixture.
This is what is called a 3D self-leveling floor.
Such a floor has many advantages - an unlimited number of designs,
wear resistance, moisture resistance, maintainability
Self-leveling floors are cold to the touch, have a non-environmental, harmful to
health, composition, expensive and installation can only be done by
professionals.
Quartz-vinyl floors
No longer a novelty, but still little known to many floor types
coatings. It also has several names - quartz-vinyl, PVC tile. Have
environmentally friendly composition - quartz sand and polyvinyl chloride, which
used to make medical devices, food containers and
other items. Due to its composition, PVC tiles have a high
strength and wear resistance, 100% moisture resistance and, at the same time,
anti-slip properties.
