Wood flooring is the perfect choice for conservatories. No matter for what purpose you choose to use your conservatory, there’s more than likely to be a wood flooring option to suit your requirements. One thing to bear in mind when choosing wood flooring for conservatories is the impact the sometimes intense heat and light in your conservatory will have on the floor.
Conservatories are great places to enjoy a moment of peace, to socialise or even for use as a playroom or office. The type of wood flooring you choose for your conservatory is likely to be, first and foremost, affected by the purpose of the room.
If your conservatory is used as a kitchen, for example, solid wood flooring would be a less appropriate choice than engineered wood flooring. Wood flooring in kitchens get a tough time and the risk of high moisture levels, both from machines springing leaks and from the moisture naturally occurring in the air in kitchens mean you need to plan ahead carefully. Solid wood flooring in kitchens alone, let alone conservatory kitchens, are at a high risk of regular expansion and contraction due to moisture. This rapid expansion and contraction can, in turn, lead to warping and splitting. As a result, if you use your conservatory as a kitchen, the best wood flooring for your conservatory is likely to be engineered wood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring will withstand temperature and moisture changes much more than solid wood thanks to its construction. Engineered wood flooring is made up from layers of plywood topped by a solid oak lamella or top layer. It is this clever structure of engineered wood flooring which allows it to withstand heat and moisture fluctuations better than solid wood.
Generally speaking, no matter the purpose of your conservatory, engineered wood flooring is likely to be a safer option than solid wood. Even if your conservatory isn’t south facing, it is likely to build up much higher temperatures than other rooms in the home which will impact on the floor, causing it to expand and contract. It is for this reason that engineered wood flooring is the preferred option.
One other thing to bear in mind when choosing wood flooring for conservatories, is that it is a good idea to invest in a UV treated (ultra violet) finish because this will reduce the effect of light on the colour of your floor. Although this option may add to the initial cost of your project, you will be pleased in the long run that you thought ahead.
—
FAQ
Is wood flooring suitable for conservatories?
Yes, wood flooring is an excellent choice for conservatories. It can suit any purpose you have in mind for your conservatory. However, it’s important to consider the impact that the sometimes intense heat and light in your conservatory will have on the floor.
Which type of wood flooring is recommended for a conservatory used as a kitchen?
Engineered wood flooring is recommended for conservatories that are used as kitchens. Kitchens have a higher risk of moisture levels from machines springing leaks and from the moisture naturally occurring in the air. Engineered wood flooring, due to its construction, can withstand these temperature and moisture changes much better than solid wood.
How does engineered wood flooring stand up to temperature and moisture changes?
Engineered wood flooring is made up of layers of plywood topped by a solid oak lamella or top layer. This structure allows it to withstand heat and moisture fluctuations better than solid wood. It’s less likely to warp or split under rapid temperature and moisture changes, making it a safer option for conservatories.
Is engineered wood flooring a good choice for all conservatories?
Generally speaking, engineered wood flooring is a safe and durable choice for all conservatories. Even non-south facing conservatories can build up higher temperatures than other rooms in the house, causing floors to expand and contract. Engineered wood flooring can handle these conditions better than solid wood flooring.
Should I invest in a UV-treated finish for my conservatory wood flooring?
Yes, it’s a good idea to invest in a UV-treated finish when choosing wood flooring for conservatories. This finish reduces the effect of light on the colour of your floor, helping it to retain its original look for longer.