What requirements should be taken into account?
To understand what kind of floor to make on the balcony, you should understand the requirements that the floor covering must meet.
- Temperature changes. On a closed balcony, this is noticeably less, but even it is subject to these fluctuations, not to mention an unglazed one: the material must be resistant to heat and frost.
- Variable humidity. In some cases, even dampness, so the future balcony floor must be absolutely hydrophobic. And in the case of a floor on a balcony without insulation, where humidity meets cold air, it must also be protected from fungus.
- Sun rays. It will be unpleasant if after the first summer season the covering becomes deformed or fades in the sun – therefore, for southern balconies, choose materials that are free of this drawback.
The photo shows tiles on a loggia with panoramic glazing
Which flooring material is better to choose?
So, the floor on the balcony should be moisture-, frost-, and ultraviolet-resistant. There are not many options that meet the specified characteristics.
Laminate
Let’s start with the most controversial flooring. Laminate is known for not liking high humidity – when constantly exposed to water, it swells, becomes “house-like”, loses its appearance without the possibility of restoration.
Accordingly, laminated panels are not suitable as a finishing coating for open or cold loggias. But they will fit into the interior of a warm glazed balcony.
Pros
Cons
Tiles
One of the most reliable materials for the floor on the balcony. The resistance of tiles to various types of impacts makes it possible to use them as a floor covering for an open balcony.
Advantages
Disadvantages
The presence of seams is worth mentioning separately: yes, the tiles themselves are not afraid of water and frost, which cannot be said about the grout. In addition, the seams will have to be periodically updated so that the floors on the balcony in the apartment look neat.
See the recommendations for choosing the color of the grout for the tiles.
Linoleum
Not all types can be laid on the floor of the loggia, suitable ones meet the following characteristics:
- Water resistance. Look for types with a smooth rubber backing, not a felt backing.
- Durability. The thicker the material, the longer its service life.
- UV resistance. There are models covered with a special protective film – they do not fade under the sun’s rays.
The positive and negative sides of this type of flooring:
Advantages
Disadvantages
Ease of maintenance. It is easier to wash a seamless canvas than with seams.
Decking
If you want to lay the floor on an open balcony with a wood texture, but the previous options are not suitable, pay attention to decking.
Decking (or deck) board is made on the basis of wood-polymer composites, due to which it has a number of advantages over solid boards.
Pros
Cons
The photo shows a terrace board in the interior
Soft floor
This type of floor covering material includes carpeting and artificial turf. With their help, you can create a living space for work and rest, but what is the peculiarity of their use?
Advantages
Disadvantages
The photo shows artificial grass covering
Recommendations for choosing for different types of balconies
The main factor influencing the decision on what to put on the floor on the balcony is its type.
Open
Due to the constant influence of the external environment, the choice is extremely limited. Tiles or porcelain tiles, decking boards will do. Sometimes a self-leveling floor is used.
The photo shows an option for decorating an open space
Heated and glazed
The simplest option, which does not impose special requirements on the floor: the covering can be anything from laminate to carpet. In this case, the base can be leveled with concrete, plywood or chipboard.
Unheated and glazed
With a cold glazed balcony, things are a little more complicated: choose hydrophobic materials: linoleum, tiles, decking.
Can I use underfloor heating?
According to safety regulations, it is prohibited to move a water heating radiator to the balcony. Therefore, a reliable way to make the space suitable for use in winter is underfloor heating on other types.
Important! It makes no sense to lay a heating system on an open loggia or balcony without insulation, so first of all, the room should be prepared – strengthen the parapet, install high-quality double-glazed windows, additionally insulate the walls, lay waterproofing.
Warm floors are:
- Water. They are connected to heating devices or a heating network, so they cannot be called autonomous. Since they are mounted under concrete, the height from floor to ceiling will decrease by the entire thickness of the screed. They are considered economical, but unsafe: pipes can leak, and for repairs you will have to break the entire structure. Incompatible with linoleum, carpet, wooden floors.
- Electric. There are cables that are also filled with cement or mats – they are laid on glue, without covering with a screed. It works autonomously, you can set the desired temperature by regulating the energy consumption. Compatible with any type of floor covering, but artificial ones can emit chemicals when heated.
- Infrared. Provide the most effective, uniform heating, but if used incorrectly, it can spoil the decorative flooring. Requires a solid, level base, not recommended for use with carpet or linoleum.
You can use underfloor heating on loggias, the main thing is that it is compatible with the finishing.
Beautiful design ideas
Does using standard tiles seem boring? Combine it, for example, with a lawn: artificial grass will help create a real garden on the loggia.
The second option is to choose unusual tiles. With abstract black, white patterns, colored inserts, non-standard shapes and sizes.
If the balcony is combined with the room, the spaces can be divided with different materials: Fortunately, specialists know how to make beautiful joints between tiles and laminate.
The photo shows the combination of tiles and laminate
Rooms with wooden or soft floors look the most comfortable. The loggia is a great place for a home lawn: this solution will be appreciated by children and adults.
The small area of the loggia is an advantage that allows you to choose high-quality material without spending a lot of money. Don’t skimp on the flooring: it may be a little more expensive, but you won’t have to redo the renovation in a short time.
