How to Choose the Best Flooring for Conservatory

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Blog Category : All About Flooring

Oftentimes more thought is given to the structure, glass, and furniture in a conservatory, but what about the flooring? Conservatory flooring is especially important due to the weather and temperature conditions compared to other rooms in your home. If you choose the wrong flooring, it could fade quickly or get moisture damage for example.

Below, I look at the best flooring for conservatory extensions together with some key factors to consider such as sunlight, moisture, and aesthetic choices.

Sunlight and Temperature Considerations

The point of a conservatory is to be a place where you can relax, get closer to the outdoors, and enjoy the sunlight. This means that most conservatories are prominently made from glass with a UPVC frame.

As a result, the contents of a conservatory including the flooring are subject to a near constant barrage of sunlight and UV rays. You therefore need to choose a flooring type that is UV-resistant and won’t fade easily.

Also consider the temperature as conservatories are usually especially hot during the summer, but can be incredibly cold in the winter. You want flooring that neutralizes those extremes in temperature if possible.

Moisture and Humidity Resistance

Conservatories are also subject to differing moisture and humidity levels and they can be prone to condensation. Because of this, you need a flooring type that has some degree of water resistance such as vinyl flooring or ceramic tiles.

It may mean that other flooring types like carpets are not suitable because they can absorb moisture and get damaged easily.

Coordinating Flooring With Conservatory Design

Although practicality should be your first consideration, I get that you want your conservatory to look fantastic too which is why you have to consider the aesthetics and style of your flooring.

Typically, conservatories are light as they feature plenty of glass and white UPVC frames which is why a darker flooring option to add a little contrast could be a great option. Wood or stone effect flooring such as LVT is available in a myriad of colors and patterns that contrast perfectly with the light nature of conservatories for example.

Also, think about the furniture you have and how this will fit your flooring choice. Aesthetics and style are the parts you can have some fun with!

Best Flooring for Conservatories

a conservatory with stone flooring

Some types of flooring work brilliantly in conservatories while others just don’t work like carpet. Below, I have listed my top picks for the best flooring for conservatory extensions.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

LVT flooring is available in tiles or planks and is made mainly from vinyl with a protective top wear layer and a solid vinyl core. This is the best flooring for conservatory areas due to its versatility. It offers water resistance and UV protection so it won’t fade or get damaged easily by moisture.

Additionally, LVT flooring is warmer than stone floors or ceramic tiles, and it is available in designs that mimic wood, stone, and concrete floors. You can easily get a style to match your conservatory decor.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles

Tiles are another great choice because of their durability and resistance to water damage and UV damage. They are one of the most durable flooring types and offer better durability than LVT flooring.

The downside is that during the winter they are incredibly cold and don’t do anything to make your conservatory warmer.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Compared to traditional hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring is a cheaper alternative. It has a solid wood top and bottom layer, but an engineered wood core made from cheaper materials.

This means you still get a fantastic look and it is one of the more stylish options for your conservatory. The downside is that because the floor is real wood, it is subject to water damage as it can seep into the planks and cause warping.

Stone Flooring

Stone flooring is one of the more expensive options but like tiles, it offers some of the best durability to combat the sunlight and harsher conditions of conservatories. Stone floors are also easy to clean when people potentially trample dirt in from the garden!

Like tiles, stone flooring can be especially cold in autumn and winter which could limit the usability of your conservatory during these seasons.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring serves as an alternative to engineered wood flooring and it has the benefit of being water-resistant so it shouldn’t warp. The downside is the limited color palette and patterns compared to other types of conservatory flooring.

Finish Your Conservatory With the Right Flooring

Due to the extreme variances in temperatures and humidity, plus the sun exposure, it’s especially important to choose the best flooring for conservatory extensions. You need a durable flooring type, can withstand UV rays, but also enhances the aesthetics of the room and makes it comfortable regardless of the season.

Author

  • Ashley Funell

    Ashley is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Flooring Hut. Having been in the Flooring industry since before leaving school Ashley could rightfully claim to possess the most knowledge within Flooring Hut of all things carpet and flooring related. If you need a technical question answered quickly or information pertaining to supply only or supply and fit then Ashley is your first choice.

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