When choosing flooring for a balcony, we often face a dilemma. On the one hand, we want it to be beautiful and cozy. On the other hand, the flooring must be able to withstand temperature changes, moisture, and sunlight. This is not just a decorative choice, but a practical solution that determines durability and comfort.
There are actually quite a few options. Some people prefer classic tiles, others prefer modern laminate or practical linoleum. And even wooden flooring is suitable for creating a special atmosphere. Each material has its own strengths and installation features.
In this article, we will analyze the pros and cons of popular solutions. We will talk about what to look for depending on whether your balcony is glazed or not. This will help you make an informed choice and create exactly the space you dream of.
What requirements should be considered?
To understand what kind of floor to make on the balcony, you need to figure out the requirements that the floor covering must meet.
- Temperature changes. This is less noticeable on a closed balcony, but even it is subject to these changes, 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 completely water-repellent. And in the case of a balcony floor without insulation, where humidity meets cold air, it must also be protected from mold.
- Sunlight. It would be unpleasant if, after the first summer season, the flooring became deformed or faded in the sun, so for south-facing balconies, choose materials that do not have this disadvantage.
The photo shows tiles on a loggia with panoramic glazing.
What is the best flooring material to choose?
So, the floor on the balcony must be moisture-resistant, frost-resistant, and resistant to ultraviolet rays. There are not many options that meet these requirements.
Laminate
Let's start with the most controversial flooring. Laminate is known for not liking high humidity — when constantly exposed to water, it swells, warps, and loses its appearance without the possibility of restoration.
Accordingly, laminated panels are not suitable as a finishing coating for open or cold loggias. However, they will fit into the interior of a warm, glazed balcony.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish appearance, looks expensive in the interior. | Sensitivity to moisture. They cannot withstand even high levels of humidity, let alone raindrops. |
| Many designs — from imitation parquet to old boards or stone. | Requirements for leveling the base and thorough preparation. Otherwise, it will start to squeak after a short time. |
| Easy to install. You can even lay them yourself. | Unnatural. Inexpensive glued material can emit harmful substances. |
| Wide price range — you can find both budget and premium options. |
Tiles
One of the most reliable materials for balcony flooring. The resistance of tiles to various types of impact makes them suitable for use as flooring for open balconies.
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Resistant to temperature changes. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are not demanding in terms of operating conditions. | Cold. Ceramic tiles often require underfloor heating. |
| Hydrophobic. Tiles are even used to line swimming pools, so balcony precipitation is guaranteed not to damage them. | Difficult to install. You need to have enough experience to lay a level floor. |
| Practical. Care is as simple as possible: you can wash the tiles with anything. | Unsafe. Some types become slippery when wet. |
| Durable. Thanks to its high strength, it can withstand serious mechanical loads. | |
| Beautiful. The choice of decorative collections is dazzling: it will not be difficult to find colors and textures to suit your taste. |
The presence of joints should be highlighted separately: yes, the tiles themselves are not afraid of water and frost, which cannot be said about grout. In addition, the joints will have to be periodically renewed so that the floors on the balcony in the apartment look neat.
See recommendations for choosing a grout color for tiles.
Linoleum
Not all types are suitable for laying on the floor of a loggia; suitable types have the following characteristics:
- Water resistance. Look for types with a smooth rubber backing, not felt.
- Durability. The thicker the material, the longer its service life.
- UV resistance. Some models are covered with a special protective film that prevents them from fading in the sun.
Pros and cons of this type of flooring:
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Easy to care for. It is easier to wash a seamless surface than one with seams. |
Vapor impermeability. Mold can form between the covering and the concrete screed. |
| Simplicity and speed of installation. A suitable option for those who plan to finish their balcony themselves. | Unnaturalness. Unlike natural ceramics, cheap options give off a pungent odor at first. |
| Relatively low requirements for screed. Floors on the balcony under linoleum do not require high-quality leveling or 100% dust removal. | Short service life. Again, compared to porcelain stoneware or tile, linoleum will last much less. |
| Affordable price. Covering the floor with linoleum is cheaper than with laminate or tile. | |
| Extensive range. The textures, shades, and colors are virtually unlimited. |
Decking
If you want to cover the floor on an open balcony with a wood texture, but the previous options are not suitable, consider decking.
Decking (or deck) boards are made from wood-polymer composites, which gives them a number of advantages over solid boards.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Weather resistance. Snow, heat, and heavy rain will not affect even an open balcony. | High probability of encountering a fake that does not meet the stated quality. |
| Long service life. Under suitable conditions, the structure will last 15+ years. | It fades in the sun even when glazed. |
| Safety. Wood does not slip even when wet. | Installation requires basic knowledge, so it is best to entrust it to a professional. |
| Decorative. Lamellas are available in various colors and do not need to be coated with special impregnations or painted. | High price. Pays for itself with a small room area. |
The photo shows decking in the interior.
Soft flooring
This type of flooring material includes carpet and artificial turf. They can be used to create a living space for work and leisure, but what is special about their use?
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Pleasant to the touch. It is pleasant to walk barefoot on a soft loggia. | Carpet can become moldy from water and is only suitable for dry types of balconies. Lawn does not have this disadvantage. |
| Suitable for decorating a lounge area. No furniture is needed: just lay down the carpet and throw on some cushions. | Only compatible with the most expensive type of heated flooring—infrared. |
| Low requirements for the balcony floor base. Large holes will, of course, need to be filled in, but there is no need to make it perfect. | Accumulates dust, which is difficult to remove. Not suitable for people with allergies. |
The photo shows artificial grass flooring
Recommendations for choosing different types of balconies
The main factor influencing the decision on what to put on the balcony floor is its type.
Open
Due to constant exposure to the external environment, the choice is extremely limited. Tiles, porcelain stoneware, or decking are suitable. Sometimes self-leveling floors are used.
The photo shows an option for designing an open space.
Heated and glazed
The simplest option, which does not impose any special requirements on the floor: the covering can be anything from laminate to carpet. At the same time, the base can be leveled with concrete, plywood, or chipboard.
Unheated and glazed
With a cold glazed balcony, it is a little more complicated: choose hydrophobic materials such as linoleum, tile, or decking.
It is best to make the floor on the balcony from materials that are resistant to temperature changes, moisture, and sunlight—for example, decking, high-quality laminate for outdoor use, or porcelain stoneware. The main thing is to take care of waterproofing and insulation if the balcony is glazed and used as a living area. The choice depends on your budget, appearance, and how you plan to use the space: simply to store things or to create a cozy corner. The main thing is that the floor does not rot, is not slippery, and is easy to clean.
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 to install other types of underfloor heating.
Important! It makes no sense to install a heating system on an open loggia or balcony without insulation, so the first thing to do is to prepare the room — reinforce the parapet, install high-quality double-glazed windows, additionally insulate the walls, and lay waterproofing.
There are two types of heated floors:
- Water-based. These are connected to heating devices or the heating network, so they cannot be called autonomous. Since they are installed under concrete, the height from the floor to the ceiling will be reduced by the entire thickness of the screed. They are considered economical but unsafe: pipes can leak, and the entire structure will have to be demolished for repairs. Not compatible with linoleum, carpet, or wooden floors.
- Electric. There are cables that are also covered with cement or mats — they are laid on glue without covering them with screed. It works autonomously, you can set the desired temperature by adjusting the energy consumption. Compatible with all types of floor coverings, but artificial ones may release chemicals when heated.
- Infrared. Provides the most efficient, even heating, but if used incorrectly, it can damage the decorative flooring. Requires a solid, level base; not recommended for use with carpet or linoleum.
Warm floors can be used on balconies, as long as they are compatible with the finish.
As you can see, choosing flooring for a balcony is not that difficult if you take all the conditions into account. The main thing is to honestly assess how you plan to use this space, what your budget is, and how much effort you are willing to put in.
Don't be afraid to experiment with combinations of materials. For example, a practical tile floor can be enlivened with a soft rug or a couple of bright runners. This will add comfort and hide any coldness of the surface.
Remember that a good result depends half on the quality of the base preparation. No matter how beautiful the material you choose, it will not last long on an uneven or damp base. Do not neglect this stage.
Ultimately, the ideal floor is one that will delight you every day, suit your lifestyle, and create the right mood. Good luck with your renovation, and may your balcony become your favorite corner of the house!
