If you are having your dream conservatory built, then you are probably excited to get in there and start using it, especially with spring on the way. However, whatever your plans are for your conservatory, one of the things that you will need to do before you can get in there and start enjoying it, you will need to choose the right flooring.
If you are stuck, or overwhelmed with all the choices available, here are some ideas that could help you to decide which type is right for your conservatory…
Real Wood Flooring – This is a beautiful type of flooring, however, it is important to be aware that real wood will change size depending on the temperature, which can fluctuate a lot in a conservatory, so this is worth bearing in mind. If you can protect it from those temperature changes, by using blinds in the summer for example, and keeping the room warm in winter, it is a good choice.
Laminate Flooring – For the look of a wooden floor but a much more practical finish, go for laminate wood flooring like this irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/laminate-flooring As well as being a cost effective choice, it is also really easy to keep clean, and if your conservatory offers direct access to the garden, this is something that you will be grateful of!
Carpet – This isn’t a popular choice for a conservatory, as it is much more difficult to keep clean. However, carpet does have the benefit of helping to keep the heat in, which is a great thing to have if you have a conservatory that is in shade a lot of the day or is north facing and doesn’t get much sun.
Keeping a conservatory comfortable in summer
The right floor makes a conservatory pleasant to use, but so does the temperature. Many people find the room too hot to sit in during summer and too cold in winter, which leaves an expensive space standing empty for months at a time.
Good ventilation is the first step. It lets heat and humidity spread evenly and escape, rather than building up under the glass. Fans help too, keeping the air moving so the room feels fresher on warm days.
For a longer-term fix, look at what the roof is made from. Replacing a glazed or polycarbonate roof with a solid, insulated warm roof can keep the temperature more even all year round. If you are unsure what will work best for your conservatory, a professional can assess it and suggest the right solution, so the room can be used whatever the season.
Upgrading a conservatory for all-year use
Flooring is one part of making a conservatory feel luxurious, and a few other upgrades are worth considering at the same time. Start by measuring the space accurately. Knowing the exact size makes it far easier to plan any changes, and many attractive designs work well even in a small conservatory.
A warm roof is one of the most effective improvements. By replacing a glazed roof with an insulated one, the conservatory becomes a truly usable room throughout the year, as it will not overheat in summer or turn cold in winter. That makes your choice of flooring and furniture more worthwhile, because the room will actually be used.
There is a wide choice of conservatory furniture available, so pick pieces that suit the size of the room. Remember too that a conservatory changes the look of the whole house. A smart new extension will stand out more if the rest of the property is in good repair, so it may be worth tidying up the house as well.
Comparing wood, laminate, vinyl and carpet
Each type of flooring changes the feel of a room in its own way, so it helps to compare them before deciding. A real wood floor gives a traditional, classic finish and suits both older and modern homes. Carpet makes a space feel cosy and warm, though it is less practical in a room that opens onto the garden.
Laminate is a good alternative if you like the look of wood but want less upkeep. Modern wood effect laminate has come a long way and can look very like real hardwood. It is surprisingly warm underfoot and does not need the aftercare that real wood requires.
Vinyl is worth a fresh look if you have not considered it before. Contemporary designs come in a wide range of patterns, from subtle to bold, and the material is durable, versatile and comfortable to walk on. Take time to browse showrooms, magazines and catalogues for ideas, and compare prices and information on each type before choosing the one that suits the room best.
