In all the excitement of getting a new conservatory, and what it does if your home, it can be easy to focus on the walls, windows, roof and doors, and forget about the floor. But, clearly, it’s a fundamental part of the structure, and it’s something that will need discussing with your installer.
Here are a few thoughts to help:
- What are you using your conservatory for?
To a large extent, the material you use for your conservatory floor will depend on how you will be using your extension. If it’s part of a kitchen, for example, the ability to resist spills and other moisture will be paramount. If children are likely to be running around playing, hardwearing skid resistance will be a priority.
At the same time, think about foot traffic through your home improvement to and from the garden. What dirt could get brought in from the outside on boots and shoes and what wear and tear will your floor need to withstand?
- Which direction is it facing?
A model that faces south will absorb heat swiftly, so for these conservatories think about ceramic or stone tiles that will keep the place feeling nice and cool.
- Going underground?
If you’re considering underfloor heating, be careful to have the right wattage and insulation. Tiles, wood, vinyl and carpeting will all have varying requirements.
Types of flooring
Here are a few to choose from, with a quick overview of the benefits of each:
- Cork
Warm, water-resistant and tough, cork is also an eco-friendly, naturally insulating material that’s also naturally springy and pleasant to walk over. It can be sealed for extra protection, and is easily cleaned.
You’ll also have a good number of colours to choose from, to suit your conservatory.
- Natural hardwood
It may not previously have been considered a good idea, but these days engineered hardwood is able to withstand moisture and heat. So you get a wooden floor that’s very strong and can be used quite happily in a conservatory.
- Laminate
Easily installed, laminate is made up of layers to look like a traditional wooden floor. You can get it in wood, natural stone or tile effect finishes.
- Natural Stone
You have plenty of choice if you choose natural stone, from granite and limestone to marble and slate, all with different colours and properties. Marble, for instance, isn’t good in a high traffic area, while limestone is naturally pale and granite is highly moisture resistant.
- Ceramic
Ceramic flooring can be glazed or unglazed, and tiles can be made from porcelain or terracotta or you could have softer quarry tiles with their natural earthy red and brown earthy colours.
Bear in mind that ceramic tiles can be quite cold to walk over, especially in winter, so consider underfloor heating. They are especially suited to a south-facing conservatory.
Carpeting
This will certainly keep your conservatory cosy when it’s chilly, but of course carpets can harbour dirt. So it may not be the best option if people are traipsing in and out into the garden.
Your final decision will depend on a number of things. Talk to us and together we’ll come up with something that’ll set you up for years to come.