The conservatory is one of the most versatile rooms in your home. In the summer it brings the outdoors in, so you can bask in the sun or throw the doors open and enjoy the breeze. In winter it brings the indoors out, so you can enjoy the feeling of being in the garden without the brisk temperatures.
But how do you choose conservatory flooring that’s as versatile as the space? We take a look at some key considerations when choosing flooring for your conservatory – plus give you a rundown of the different materials available.
The best conservatory flooring ideas
Finding the perfect conservatory flooring depends entirely on the way you use the room. Do you want it to be a comfy extension of your home? A luxe space to relax and enjoy the sun?
Or would you like your conservatory to be more practical? A place where pets or kids can move freely between the garden and the house?
Knowing what you want to achieve with your conservatory flooring – both functionally and aesthetically – will help you narrow down your options.
Conservatory Flooring Considerations
The conservatory is unlike any other room in the house so there are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing the right floor:
Direction and sun
Firstly, you need to determine which way your conservatory faces. Is it south-facing and therefore likely to see a lot of sun? Or does it face in another direction and stay cold for most of the year? Some floors fade easily or expand/contract in changing temperatures and might not suit a south-facing space. For example, real wood is prone to bleaching under high UV exposure, so you’ll want to opt for something that can withstand the power of the sun.
Heat regulation
Talking of temperatures, heat regulation is an important consideration in any conservatory. Do you need your floor to be warm or cooling underfoot? Will you be using underfloor heating? Some types of flooring will be warmer or cooler than others and only a few are compatible for use with underfloor heating. Certain flooring types are engineered to incorporate heat-regulating technology, such as LVT and laminate. Real wood, on the other hand, tends to swell and warp in varied temperatures, and will be a far riskier option in conservatories.
How to Maintain Your Conservatory Flooring
Conservatories usually see a lot of movement between the indoors and the outdoors, making good maintenance – and smart flooring choices – all the more important.
Depending on your garden, you might need to go for a floor that is stain-resistant, waterproof, or easy to clean – especially if you have grass, pets, or children.
Vinyl, laminate, and LVT tend to be good options for this, as they come with a protective layer which guards against stains and scratches, and they’re compatible with most cleaning solutions.
Affordability vs Durability
Conservatory floors need to be durable; more so than any other area in the house, since it’s the room that experiences the most extreme conditions and greatest difference in temperature. It’s tempting to go for cheaper flooring, especially if you know it’s going to see a lot of traffic and dirt, however, unless you like reflooring every few years, it’s a good idea to think about how much of a compromise you’re willing to make between durability and affordability.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice for conservatories because it’s attractive, it suits bright airy spaces, and can be extremely durable and long-lasting.
That being said, sun exposure can damage or fade hardwood floors permanently. Natural wood floors are also susceptible to temperature changes, expanding and contracting as your conservatory heats up and cools down throughout the day. So wood floors might not be the best choice for a south-facing sun trap – but could be the perfect warm-underfoot floor for other conservatories.
Laminate
If you want a wood floor but you do have a south-facing conservatory (or one that isn’t heat-regulated), you could always opt for laminate flooring instead.
Laminate floors give you the same feel and look as wood floors but without the expense and maintenance. They aren’t vulnerable to changing temperatures and are less likely to fade under intense sun exposure. Laminate floor brands like Balterio also specialise in making wood-look flooring that’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Stone or ceramic tiles are a popular option for conservatories but they’re often expensive and can be very cold underfoot – especially if you want to use your conservatory in winter.
Luxury Vinyl Tile is a more affordable, durable, and comfortable option. Most luxury vinyl tiles are scratch-resistant, waterproof, and slip-proof – ideal if your family frequently moves between the garden and the conservatory. They’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to style; you can choose luxury patterns and colours from the likes of Harvey Maria or find a hard-wearing, practical option at Rhinofloor.
Carpet
Carpets aren’t the traditional choice for conservatories but they’re becoming more and more popular as a way to transform cold spaces into warm and cosy ones. Carpets are a great choice for making your conservatory feel like an extension of your home. They are warm and soft underfoot, which works well if your conservatory is on the colder side, too.
The only downside to carpets is that they aren’t as stain-resistant or waterproof as hard floors and can cling on to dirt and moisture. They can also be vulnerable to fading in direct sunlight. Brands like Victoria Carpets make UV and stain-resistant carpets that should be ideal for a conservatory space.
Feeling inspired? Whether you’ve come to a decision or need more advice on choosing the perfect conservatory flooring, please don’t hesitate to pay us a visit at our Ipswich showroom where you can browse our full range of flooring, from carpet and laminate to vinyl and LVT. We also offer a free measure and design service, delivered in the comfort of your home – get in touch today to find out more.
Ready to pick your flooring?
Feeling inspired? Whether you’ve come to a decision or need more advice on choosing the perfect conservatory flooring, please don’t hesitate to pay us a visit at our Ipswich showroom where you can browse our full range of flooring, from carpet and laminate to vinyl and LVT.
We also offer a free measure and design service, delivered in the comfort of your home – get in touch today to find out more.