Today, the balcony has ceased to be a pantry for all trash and empty cans and bottles. Many owners are trying to remodel and improve this room. Some leave it open, wanting to be able to freely go out onto the loggia in order to get some fresh air, while others make a warm balcony by equipping it with a small study or just a relaxation room. However, in either case, the decoration of this room is still necessary. And if the walls and ceiling are more or less clear, then the question of what to make the floor on the balcony, sometimes causes some difficulties. And because of the abundance of decisions, and because of some nuances that should certainly be taken into account during the work.
How to choose the right option
And there are really a lot of them. But in order to choose the most suitable one, it is necessary, first of all, to decide for what purposes this room is equipped. Open balconies and loggias, as you know, are not protected from rainfall, so there will be puddles on the floor here during the rain, and in winter there will be snowdrifts. Accordingly, the material for the floor should be one that is not afraid of moisture. And here, I must say, there’s nothing to choose from. Either simply make a high-quality concrete base and then paint it with paint, or lay a tile. Both options, by and large, are interconnected. In any case, under the tile, the surface will have to be leveled, i.e. equip the same concrete floor. But with it, the coating itself will be better and more aesthetic. So, in fact, the question rests on finances, because laying tiles is, of course, additional costs. And not only material, but also temporary. And decide what to choose, only you. Although, of course, everything can decide for you and the condition of your home. How? Very simple. In the houses of old buildings, unfortunately, thoroughly dilapidated, balconies and loggias can no longer please the owners with the strength of the structure. And laying the same tile is an additional load, and a considerable one. So, thinking about what to make the floor on the balcony (not so, incidentally, it is important - open or closed), be sure to consider this nuance.
As for warm balconies, here you can choose from all available flooring options, especially if your home is also relatively new. And then we will briefly tell you what materials exist for this.
Tile
We already briefly mentioned it, but I would like to tell you in more detail nevertheless. This is an excellent material, which is lined with many balconies and loggias. It has good performance, unpretentious care. In addition, tile floors are simply beautiful, and the abundance of all kinds of shades, patterns and textures allows you to choose a tile for any interior. In general, this finishing material is simply universal. It is equally good for any balcony, moreover, the tile is ideal for arranging a warm floor.
Porcelain Tiles
Today, such tiles are often used on a balcony on the floor. Porcelain tile differs from ordinary porcelain by higher strength characteristics, since it practically does not give in to any mechanical influences (unless, of course, deliberately hit it with a huge hammer). In addition, it is more resistant to temperature extremes, which makes this material simply irreplaceable when arranging open type balconies . As for the appearance, here the range of tiles is very diverse, so picking up something suitable for yourself will not be difficult.
Wooden floor on the balcony
Great option. Quality, as they say, proven over the years. And there is no need to talk about the environmental friendliness of such a coating. True, the open balcony and wooden floor, as, in principle, and without explanation it is clear, the concepts are incompatible. Because this material will not withstand either temperature extremes, high humidity, or even more so for a long time snowdrifts lying on it, no matter what compounds and impregnations it is processed. It will not work in those cases, if it is decided to make a warm floor. A tree will literally begin to dry in a year, as a result of which cracks will form between the boards. In general, this, as you know, will not add beauty. For a closed balcony and creating a regular classic floor, the material is perfect. Advice! If you want your coating to be really wear-resistant, then choose better softwood.
And a few words about the process itself. Remember: deciding what to make the floor on the balcony, you need to understand that in any case you will have to carry out preparatory work. And first of all, level the surface of the base. The same goes for wood. So whoever thinks that if a tree is laid on its lags, then the curvature of the base surface does not matter, is deeply mistaken. Even as it has. And alignment procedures cannot be avoided.
Well, move on. What floors on the balcony are still popular? Laminated!
Laminate
This flooring, like the previous one, is only suitable if a warm balcony is installed. There can be no compromise. The material is gentle, does not tolerate moisture and temperature changes. As well as the curvature of the base. Therefore, the base surface will have to be carefully leveled. But there are pluses. Laminate is very easy to lay, you can cope with this work yourself, and quite quickly. In addition, if you purchase a coating of the appropriate class, then you can easily build a warm floor. Well, there is no need to talk about the aesthetic component at all. For many years, builders have been singing praises to the beauty and grace of laminate flooring.
Carpet
Budget, but extremely “cozy” option. It is suitable only for closed balconies, and is especially good if a rest room is equipped. Soft, silky, available in all kinds of colors and shades, it will fit into any interior. As for the shortcomings, the most important of them is fragility. After all, no matter how hard you try, in such a small space of incidents like a spilled glass of wine or an overturned cup of coffee can not be avoided. However, with a fairly low price for the material and a fairly simple installation process, you can close your eyes to this minus. After all, replacing it does not require particularly large time and financial costs. However, before initial installation, the base surface will still have to be leveled.
Linoleum
Budget option number two. But also acceptable, and in some cases when it’s tight with finances, it’s completely different. Especially considering the fact that today some types of linoleum imitate laminate and wood so qualitatively that it is almost impossible to distinguish fake from afar. So this coverage, being in search of an answer to the question of what to make the floor on the balcony from, just do not need to be discounted.
A few words about the warm balcony
When we talked about which floors on the balcony are the most popular today, we often mentioned open and warm structures. From the first, of course, everything is clear. But what is still a warm balcony? If someone thinks that this is a loggia that is protected from rain and snow by an antediluvian wooden frame, then this is not so. The frame, of course, is present on such a balcony, but modern, from double-glazed windows. In addition, walls are insulated, and certainly the side, the side of the loggia facing the street, and the ceiling, and the floor, which was discussed today. All this is done before finishing using the materials intended for this purpose (mineral wool, polystyrene foam, etc.). As for the floor, before laying the final coating, quite often special heaters are mounted under it, which will heat the room. And if such additional heating is provided for in the plans, then the material for the floor must be selected accordingly. What we, in fact, mentioned above.
Conclusion
We tried to tell as much as possible about what flooring is most often used today when arranging balconies and loggias. His choice, as you may have noticed, is more than great. In addition, the variety of textures, drawings and shades of the materials presented today gives the home foreman a unique opportunity to create a unique, inimitable and, not afraid of the word, author’s interior on his loggia.
Well, in conclusion, we express our timid hope that our article will be useful to you and will help to make the right decision in case of difficulties in choosing.