Most people first built conservatories to make the most of the sun giving them a place to keep plants. Nowadays conservatories are extra rooms, somewhere to relax, read or used as a dining area. This makes choosing the right flooring more important than ever.
The most popular flooring types are carpet, laminate and wooden floors, but there are other options too. With so many conservatory flooring types available, how do you go about choosing? We’re here to help. In this guide we’ll go through the more popular flooring types and their suitability for your conservatory.
If you use your conservatory as a cosy hideaway, carpet is a good choice. As well as being comfortable underfoot, it can be laid on almost any sub-floor. Using good underlay will improve thermal efficiency and comfort.
When it comes to styling, carpet has a lot going for it too. It is available in and almost limitless range of colours and styles. This makes it easy to find something that fits perfectly with your taste and furniture. Costs can vary depending on quality and underlay, but it means it can be flexible for your budget.
The downside is that carpet can get dirty and more easily stained than wood or laminate. So if your conservatory door leads straight into your garden, it might need more cleaning than other floor types. If it is the main entrance to your garden and you use it often, this could be a problem over time.
For those on a tighter budget, laminate flooring is a great option. It's practical, easy to fit and can fit any style. Laminate flooring is a versatile and affordable option for any type of home, and it can improve heat retention too. There are so many types and designs of laminate flooring out there to suit your style.
Laminate flooring is often a lot cheaper than wood and even carpet, so you can achieve the modern and desirable appearance of wood or stone, without having to pay as much. It is also very easy to maintain. You can normally hoover it and wipe it clean with a pad or wet cloth, perfect if you are in and out of the back door a lot.
Practicality and easy maintenance aside, some types of laminate flooring are more prone to sunlight and heat damage. You may find that finishes fade over time. So if your conservatory gets a lot of light, make sure you get laminate that can withstand the sun.
If your conservatory is a dining or entertaining space, wood is a fantastic option. It gives an immediate wow factor, and looked after it will last a very long time. However, wood floors tend to come at a higher cost than other types of flooring.
Heat fluctuations can cause problems if your conservatory temperature isn’t regulated. So if your conservatory does get quite cold in winter and hot in summer, this could cause the wood to warp over time. This usually means your conservatory should be heated year-round with central or underfloor heating, adding to overall costs.
A popular compromise is a hybrid hardwood flooring. It comprises a thin top layer of hardwood, sandwiching composite wooden materials, all slotting together for a classic effect. This maximises strength and durability, and can make it easier to maintain too.
Styling your conservatory
Adding finishing touches to your conservatory is the best part! Here, we give you tips on the best flooring, lights and even plants to add to your new living space.
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