During construction or remodeling of houses, homeowners must give equal importance to balcony flooring as other parts of the house, like the master bedroom and living room.
A balcony serves as a space that gives you instant access to fresh air and amazing views, which is one of the main reasons you need to keep your balcony in good shape.
Since balconies are constantly exposed to the outer environment, their flooring must be strong and durable enough to withstand fluctuations in weather; only then will they serve as a serene and calm space to relax and unwind.
We live in a world with abundant options for everything, including balcony flooring.
Good quality flooring not only enhances your home lifestyle but also improves the overall aesthetic appeal of your space.
While the final choice of balcony flooring heavily depends upon your budget, personal style, and the latest trends, you need to consider some other important factors.
This blog post will cover some of the best flooring options for your balcony.
First, let’s take a closer look at some of the things you need to consider before making this choice:
Things to Consider Before Choosing Balcony Flooring
Here are some questions you need to ask before choosing your balcony flooring:
- Is the flooring material durable and sturdy?
- How resistant is the flooring material to extreme weather conditions?
- Is the flooring slip-resistant?
- Is the flooring material easy to assemble and install?
- How much maintenance does the flooring require?
- Does it go with the overall aesthetics of your space?
- Is the flooring water-resistant and rot-resistant?
Best Flooring for Balcony
Here are some of the best options available for balcony flooring:
Concrete Flooring
If you want to go for a balcony flooring option that is budget-friendly and good for the environment, concrete flooring should definitely be your first choice.
One of the main advantages of concrete is that it is durable, and you can install tiles on this type of flooring later if you wish to change the outlook of your space.
Concrete flooring easily ties with other elements in the outdoor space.
Unlike other materials, it does not have maintenance issues and only requires professional grinding every five years.
Another plus point of concrete flooring is that it is incredibly slip-resistant and is comfortable to walk on.
If you’re into DIY projects, you will be happy to know that concrete can be painted or stained to add vibrancy and color to it.
You can also use stencils or add a customized pattern or design to your concrete floors.
However, one drawback of this type of flooring is that it is extremely heavy, and you will have to consult an engineer to determine if your balcony can handle its weight before going ahead with your balcony flooring project.
Stone Tiles
Are you looking for balcony flooring that is sturdy and durable?
If yes, stone tiles are what you need. Stone tiles are known for their durability and strength, which makes them a good choice for balcony flooring.
This type of flooring is known to last for centuries without any investment in repair costs.
Since each stone tile is unique, you can play around with how you install your tiles to create a one-of-a-kind look.
Moreover, there are many different options for stone flooring, including marble, granite, slate, etc.
However, one thing you should remember about stone flooring is that replacing it is not easy.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles have emerged as one of the most popular options for balcony flooring.
One of the most remarkable qualities of porcelain is that it is dense and highly durable, making it an excellent choice for the outdoors as it can naturally withstand external weather elements.
Porcelain tiles are non-porous, which means that they prevent the absorption of water.
So, if you live in an area where it rains, go for porcelain tiles, as porous flooring can lead to fungus and mold growing on the floors, especially during the rainy months.
Another advantage of porcelain tiles is that they require low maintenance; you must mop them regularly to keep them in their best shape.
Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of porcelain tiles designs and colors, which resemble natural stone and wood.
These tiles also add a contemporary touch to your space as they have a modern matte finish.
However, keep in mind that porcelain tiles are dense and heavy and are hard to cut through or drill, which does not make them suitable for a DIY balcony project.
These tiles require professional tools to cut them into the right shape.
Aluminum Flooring
Although aluminum flooring is not one of the most popular choices for balcony flooring, it is still worth considering for your balcony flooring.
Aluminum flooring is not prone to rust or rotting and is extremely weather resistant.
Another plus point of aluminum flooring is that it is lighter in weight than other outdoor flooring materials.
Moreover, aluminum floors have a protective powdery coating that increases longevity, preventing splits and blisters.
Since aluminum tiles have interlocking edges, you don’t have to worry about water seeping through.
Aluminum tiles are an excellent choice for places with extremely hot weather as they have heat-resistant properties and stay cool in hot summer than other flooring materials.
However, one of the downsides of aluminum flooring is that it is relatively more expensive than other choices.
Composite Decking
If you are an environmentally conscious homeowner, composite decking is an excellent choice as it is made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials.
Composite deck tiles are a mixture of wood and plastic, which makes them a cheaper alternative to natural wood. These tiles are also easy to install.
One of the most significant advantages of composite decking is that it is stain and weather-resistant and can withstand even the harshest weather.
This material is low maintenance; you don’t have to finish or restrain it frequently.
With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about expansion or contraction due to exposure to harsh temperatures and climates.
Moreover, this type of flooring is super easy to clean; all you require is a soap and water solution and a mop, which will be as good as new.
Another advantage of composite flooring is that it is less expensive and does not require one to compromise on the look and feel of their space.
Composite decking can also make for an easy DIY project as you can easily cut the tiles in the required size and fix them together without using a hammer or nails.
However, one drawback of composite checking is that it is prone to decaying and also vulnerable to mold and mildew.
Grass Carpeting
If you don’t have a lawn or garden in your home, adding synthetic grass to your balcony is the easiest way to enjoy some greenery within your home.
The most significant advantage of synthetic grass is that it highly resembles natural grass and does not require any maintenance. You can only tell if the grass is not real by touching it.
Another plus point is that it is easy to install. You can place it effortlessly like a carpet.
Good quality synthetic grass also contains UV stabilizers that prevent it from losing color due to long hours of sunlight exposure.
Synthetic grass carpeting can last up to 15 to 20 years, making it a worthwhile investment.
However, remember that this grass is expensive and may feel warmer to walk on during summer as it is made from plastic.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is an evergreen choice for flooring which never goes out of style. If you want to add a luxurious and high-end appeal to your balcony, go for hardwood floors.
This flooring makes for an easy DIY project as the installation process is relatively simple.
Additionally, hardwood feels wonderful to walk on and is also water-resistant.
Hardwood flooring works for both, whether you are going for a traditional look or a modern touch to your space.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for outdoor areas with less traffic, like balconies and terraces.
These tiles come in various colors, and you can also choose between a matte and glossy finish.
Moreover, they are also easy to maintain. However, one drawback of glossy ceramic tiles is that they are not slip-resistant.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Owing to its affordability and ease of handling, pressure-treated lumber is one of the market’s most popular choices for balcony flooring.
This type of flooring is widely available and easy to install. Furthermore, it is also resistant to rot and infestation.
Keep in mind that Pressure Treated Lumber requires routine maintenance to increase longevity, including getting it power washed once a year and applying a wood preserver.
However, one downfall of pressure-treated lumber is that it is not dimensionally stable, making it prone to cracking or splitting.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right balcony flooring may seem daunting, but with the appropriate knowledge of the different options available and their pros and cons, you can make an informed decision.
If you are planning to revamp your balcony, the balcony flooring choices mentioned in this blog are definitely worth considering as they are functional, durable, and aesthetically appealing.
However, remember that the best flooring selection for your balcony will depend upon many other factors, such as your personal choice and aesthetics, weather conditions, installation, and maintenance requirements.