Nothing beats designing your own bespoke conservatory from start to finish as you’ll know your brand-new living space will be precisely how you want it.
With that said, when it comes to designing your conservatory you’ll need to choose each element carefully, considering cost, aesthetic, energy-efficiency and comfort along the way.
Although its importance can sometimes get overlooked, one of the most important elements of your conservatory will be the flooring. In this blog post, we’ll explain why choosing the right flooring is essential, as well as covering the most common types and listing the pros and cons of each.
Tiles
One of the most popular flooring options for bespoke conservatories is tiles. Strong and durable, tiles are ideal for high traffic areas like conservatories and their robust nature means they’re able to withstand impact.
Tiles also come in a range of patterns and styles, so this versatility means they’re able to match a wide range of aesthetic styles. Likewise, tiles are easy to clean and maintain, so if anything gets spilled you can simply wipe it up with a cloth or mop.
Although tiles help keep cool in summer which can be a blessing, they aren’t the warmest choice in winter and they can feel a tad uncomfortable underfoot, especially in the colder months.
Tiles can also prove a little bit tough and unforgiving on the joints, and they can be slightly more expensive than other materials, which is worth keeping in mind..
Hardwood
If you’d prefer something a little warmer and more elegant-looking, hardwood may be just what you’re looking for. Offering a timeless beauty that’s both inviting and luxurious, hardwood is another versatile flooring type that works well with pretty much all conservatory designs.
When it comes to longevity, a well-maintained hardwood can last for generations, potentially increasing your property’s value. It can also provide energy efficiency as it’ll help your conservatory retain heat during the winter months.
Like all floor types, hardwood does come with some drawbacks. Arguably the biggest is the cost, as real wood can set you back quite a bit compared to other options. It’s also not the best choice if you have pets or small children as the wood surface is prone to scratches or becoming damaged.
Hardwood is also susceptible to moisture damage, making it less suitable for conservatories with high humidity levels, and it also requires time-consuming maintenance to keep it looking its best. So although hardwood can make for a beautiful floor, these are all things to consider when looking at this option.
Laminate
Another common option people tend to choose when selecting a flooring for their conservatory is laminate flooring. Similar in appearance to hardwood but often with a much smaller price tag, laminate can provide a cosy and welcoming aesthetic for your living space.
Laminate comes in a variety of styles. So although most will opt for a wood effect, you can actually get laminate that mimics the look of stone or tiles too. It’s also low maintenance and easy to fit if you fancy yourself as a bit of a DIY enthusiast.
As with the other flooring types, there are some disadvantages with laminate. Similar to hardwood, laminate is sensitive to moisture, which may limit its suitability for high-humidity conservatories. It’s also not as durable as hardwood, although it might not scratch quite as badly so its suitability may depend on whether you’ve got pets or young children.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are floor tiles that are designed to be a cost-effective alternative to real wood or stone flooring. Extremely versatile, they come in many different styles and designs.
LVT is highly resistant to moisture, making it suitable for conservatories with varying humidity levels. It also offers a softer and warmer surface underfoot compared to tiles, while its low maintenance nature means it’s easy to clean and keep in good condition.
If you have any pets or small children and you’re worried about your flooring becoming scratched, LTV could be the ideal solution. Durable, scratch resistant and easier to repair when damaged, it also looks like real wood, offering a nice middle ground that ticks both boxes.
One disadvantage is cost. Although it’s not as expensive as hardwood or tiles, LVT will usually cost more than laminate. It can also start to show wear over time, especially in high traffic areas which your conservatory may turn out to be.
So those are the main things to consider when you choose the flooring for your conservatory. Each type of flooring comes with its own set of pros and cons, so the key is weighing these up and deciding which is the most suitable for you.