Which Flooring is Best For a Conservatory?
When deciding on the flooring of your conservatory, the flooring should be durable. You can choose between vinyl or laminate flooring, Cork floors, or engineered wood. If your conservatory is part of the kitchen, you may not want to use marble or slate tiles. There are multiple choices and we take a look at your options below.
The best conservatory flooring depends on the use or purpose of your conservatory. If it experiences high traffic through the year then hard wearing, easy to clean and cost-effective solutions like vinyl, laminate or engineered wood are suitable, if its low traffic and warmth then carpet or real wood would suit better.
Vinyl or laminate flooring on conservatory floors
If you’re looking for a conservatory flooring solution, vinyl flooring may be the best choice. Vinyl is easy to clean and is resistant to moisture and temperature, so it won’t lift or fade like real wood flooring would.
In addition, it’s also budget-friendly and easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for busy families and those with pets. But before you choose this flooring option, make sure it is suitable for your conservatory.
Before you choose vinyl or laminate flooring for a conservatory, you should think about the type of use it will get. If your conservatory is intended to be used as a dining room or kitchen, water-resistant flooring is essential.
Quality laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are ideal for these purposes, and some even mimic real wood. Vinyl and laminate flooring can also be purchased in a variety of colors and styles, including the popular ‘wood look’, which is perfect for a more natural looking conservatory.
Both types of flooring have their advantages and disadvantages. Rigid vinyl is highly resistant to indentations, and is able to be installed over existing floor coverings. Large grout joints are another concern, but vinyl plank flooring can take advantage of subfloor grooves.
The subfloor preparation is vital to ensuring the optimal performance of vinyl flooring. It’s important to remove all dust, grease and unevenness from the surface before reflooring work starts.
Engineered hardwood on Conservatory floors
Traditionally, wood floors have not been recommended for conservatories because they could warp and shrink in the damp, south-facing space. However, today, there is an alternative available to this problem: Engineered Hardwood.
Engineered hardwood is a type of flooring that consists of two layers – one layer made of real wood and the other layer of plywood or high-density fibreboard. The top layer is made of real wood with plywood beneath it for extra stability and resiliency, and of course cost effectiveness.
During the winter, warm, humid air condenses on the glass and drips onto the floor. In summer, the sun bakes the room, making it even drier. While solid oak flooring is not ideal for a conservatory, the quality of engineered oak flooring is improving all the time.
However, you will need to consider your heating plan when selecting a flooring option. If there is a need to keep the warmth inside the room, consider an engineered wood floor.
Why not real wood for conservatory floors?
Real wood is also not ideal for a conservatory as it expands and contracts. The constant temperature changes can ruin a conservatory floor. Despite the high humidity and moisture levels, engineered hardwood floors are a great choice as they are easier to maintain and look great.
Compared to solid wood, engineered hardwood floors are more durable and will last for at least 50 years. To keep your conservatory floor looking good, you can also choose underfloor heating for both comfort and to prolong the life of your floor.
Cork floors
Cork floors for conservatories offer excellent thermal and acoustic properties. Cork flooring is naturally insulating, soft underfoot, and fire and insect resistant. Cork is also environmentally friendly, and is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more eco-friendly design.
You can purchase cork floors in many colours and designs. They are also easy to clean and maintain, and vinyl tiles are far less expensive than natural options.
There are many benefits to cork flooring, and it’s softness makes it a popular choice for rooms where people spend a lot of time. Cork contains a waxy substance called suberin, which repels insects and promotes a healthy environment.
However, cork is not an ideal flooring option for rooms with high traffic. It’s better to avoid this material in high-traffic areas, as pets, children, and elderly people can cause wear and tear to this soft flooring.
If you’d like to see a few examples of cork flooring in conservatories, head to Houzz. This website features 12 photos of conservatories that use cork flooring. The photographs are created by some of the country’s best architects, designers, and decorators.
Glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles
Marble Tiling for conservatories: When choosing a new floor covering for your conservatory, you have many tiling options. There are marble tiles, porcelain tiles, and glazed ceramic tiles. Marble tiles come in many colours and styles and are expensive. While they can add style to your family room or conservatory, you should be aware that marble is very sensitive to acids and must be polished regularly. Glazed ceramic tiles are easy to clean and hardwearing.
Porcelain tiles are particularly strong. They are produced by compressing clay under high pressure and can mimic the look of natural stone. Quarry tiles, which were originally made from quarried stone, are now manufactured from clay. Porcelain tiles are also available in many natural colours, including grey and red.
Terracotta tiles are much softer and are not as durable as glazed ceramic tiles. However, they do retain heat and are water-resistant.
Porcelain tiles are made of a more refined clay than the ceramic kind. They are often mixed with minerals to create a stronger form. Porcelain tiles are also fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles, and the surface coating is typically glazed to give them a high gloss finish. Porcelain tiles have more durability and resist stains and water infiltration. This type of tile is usually more expensive than ceramic tiles, but it does look great.
Real wood
Although real wood flooring is a great looking choice for a conservatory, you should consider the cost and its durability before making the final decision. Because conservatories experience high traffic and get dirty quite easily, you should consider its affordability and durability.
It is not the only type of flooring that looks great. If you want a high-end look, you may prefer vinyl flooring. It is resistant to moisture and temperature. Another advantage of vinyl flooring is that it is cost-effective, easy to maintain, and easy to clean.
How about Marble or Slate?
Travertine is a beautiful option for a conservatory, and it is an excellent choice if your home is older. This natural stone features scalloped edges and pitted surfaces. The downside to travertine is that it is porous and needs sealing.
Also, marble can become slippery when wet, so it is best to seal it. You should also consider the fact that this type of flooring can be susceptible to everyday acids, .
If you use marble or slate, you should be aware of the acid-damaging potential of the stone. These materials also have a tendency to mark easily, so they should not be used in areas with high traffic. Additionally, they require regular polishing.
Slate tiles come in different colours and textures, but they should be carefully chosen and properly sealed, otherwise they can peel and dislodge Especially in areas of high traffic.
Carpet in a conservatory?
Carpet is a popular flooring choice for conservatories, because it adds depth to the room and creates a comfortable living area. However, it is not as easy to clean as laminate, so it is not a good option if you plan on using your conservatory for outdoor entertaining or if you have pets. However, if you’re hoping to create a quiet, relaxing space in your conservatory, carpet is the way to go.
While carpets add warmth and cosy touches to a conservatory, they aren’t always a good choice if the conservatory gets a lot of sunlight. During the summer, temperatures can reach high levels and carpets can get ruined by the sun.
While carpets are warm and welcoming, they can also become faded over time, particularly if you have a conservatory with external doors. Fortunately, some carpets are resistant to the sun’s UV rays, making them more durable and easy to maintain so do your research before buying.
Conclusion
There are plenty of floor options for your conservatory, and thousands of different styles to choose from but it boils down what you are planning in using it for. If you have an active house with people in and out from the garden 24/7 then Engineered wood, laminate or vinyl may suit you better.
if its a snug place that you plan on sitting, almost, outside with a good book on a cold day then carpet may be more suited to help you feel warm and snug.
The key is to think of how your conservatory will be used not just in Summer but all year round and plan accordingly.
