Conservatory Flooring

A conservatory is traditionally made of glass walls and roof, a lovely addition to a home that many use as a greenhouse and place to relax and enjoy the view from through the glass. Choosing the best conservatory flooring requires some careful planning to ensure that it will withstand the light, moisture and traffic, as these are often gateways to outside areas around the home as well.

A Conservatory should be easy to clean and maintain, and should be able to withstand the moisture in the air from plants and also the occasional water spills.

Conservatory Floor Tiles

Ceramic tile is one the most popular options, and for good reason. It is durable, aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean and maintain, and withstands moisture well.

It’s also available in so many styles that anyone will be able to find ceramic tile to suit their personal tastes.
You can choose from glazed ceramic tiles which are water resistant, lightweight and not prone to chipping. Porcelain tiles are another choice, which have an earthy appeal and feel and are also water resistant. Terracotta tile are a beautiful choice for conservatory flooring, but require a little extra care and maintenance and they are softer than glazed tiles. Ceramic tiles are also a good choice for DIY homeowners as they are not difficult to install. Slate tiles or natural marble are also very classy conservatory flooring options. Because there is so much light and potential for moisture, these natural choices are best.

Conservatory Hardwood flooring

If a hard floor is not to your liking, there are other options, but unlike ceramic, many of them fade in direct sunlight and will not keep their new look for nearly as many years.

Some people choose to install engineered wood flooring, as solid hardwood will warp and crack in high moisture areas and engineered floors are more resistant to the effects of moisture. However they will fade in the sunlight.

Conservatory floor position

If the windows of the conservatory are protective against UV rays then the options for flooring are wide. A south facing conservatory will have direct sunlight and heat up quickly, so natural stone or ceramic is best. But if the conservatory is not facing south, or has UV protection, then it’s possible to install laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, cork or bamboo flooring, as long as the floor is protected from spills.

If the conservatory leads to a pool, then it’s necessary to ensure that the floor can hold large amounts of water on a regular basis without damage, as well as be safe and non-slip for wet feet. Ceramic is still a good choice, but it’s wise to place mats to collect the water from wet feet and dripping swimmers as they pass through, as well as to protect them from landing with a painful thud on the floor.

If the conservatory’s purpose is as a greenhouse, it’s always best to stick to ceramic, stone, slate or porcelain to withstand the moisture that will evaporate into the air and the spills from watering the plants.
 

Please remember the above is just a guide and you should seek professional advice.