Conservatory Flooring

[WeAreBongo]

Hi Folks,

Having a conservatory built and was wondering if anyone could help with my flooring dilema:

Should I install laminate flooring in my new conservatory or real wood?  What rules do I need to follow, and can anyone recommend a good underlay?

Thank you...

[justineo]

Hi wearebongo, had a conservatory last year, concrete based floor.  We couldn't afford real wood so have laminate flooring.  The underlay was a thick gold one from the same shop.  The flooring people will advise you if you ask and there is also information on the rolls themselves.  It's been fine so far and we have had quite a few parties with no problems.

[JudgeJ]

I thought long and hard about this when I had my conservatory built. My dilemma, though, was whether to go for wood (or laminate or whatever) or tiles. 

I chose tiles in the end. I did this mainly because I had seen a number of conservatories where wood or laminate had been used and they looked dreadful after a year or two. Laminate, in particular, reacts very badly to sunlight (which you get a lot of in conservatories!) but the worst thing is scratches and digs. Try as you may, it is impossible to trudge in and out of the garden without bringing in small stones and grit. Over a relatively short period this slaughters the appearance of your nice shiny floor.

Assuming you've got a concrete base, consider tiles. There is a wide variety available, they are easy to lay and are very durable and washable. They will cost you a bit more than wood or laminate, but it is money well spent because they will last many times longer.

[khana]

I put real wood (American white oak) in my conservatory and it looks lovely, the only thing I would say is make sure its not glued directly on to the floor, make sure they put it on a framework of slats as it needs the air to circulate underneath to stop the wood warping in the heat.

[s mckinley]

the heat in conseratorys affects the floor, if its wood it will expand and distort ,suggest you have ceremic floor tiles ,  steve

[oliveguy]

hi i had laminate flooring the underlay was a white sheet of kinda foam plastic 3 yrs on and its still brill i have had no probs whatsoever x