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 the best one 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.
Carpet 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. You can have the modern and desirable appearance of wood or stone, without having to pay as much. It is easy to maintain, just hoover it or wipe 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 in your conservatory. If it gets too cold in winter and too hot in summer, this could warp wood floors over time. To prevent this, keep your conservatory heated year-round with central or underfloor heating.
A hybrid hardwood flooring is a popular compromise. It has a thin layer of hardwood on top and composite wooden materials underneath. These materials fit together to create a classic floorboard look. This type of flooring is strong, durable, and easy to maintain.