The Ultimate Guide to Balcony Flooring: Everything You Need to Know
Balconies are more than just an extension of your living space; they are a sanctuary where you can unwind, entertain, and enjoy the great outdoors. Choosing the right flooring is one of the most crucial aspects of creating a perfect balcony. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various options available and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about balcony flooring.
Table of Contents
- Types of Balcony Flooring
- Covering Your Balcony Floor
- Flooring Material Comparison
- Renovating Your Balcony Floor
- Budget-Friendly Options
- Additional Considerations
Types of Balcony Flooring
What is Balcony Flooring?
Balcony flooring is a specialized removable decking style specially designed for Condominium balconies or membrane roof applications. Both situations require the decking to allow for drainage, to be low profile, to abide by railing bylaws, and most importantly, to be removable, which allows for inspection, repair and cleaning of the surface below.
What Type of Flooring is Best for Balcony?
The best type of flooring for your balcony depends on various factors such as climate, usage, and budget. Here are some popular options:
- Composite Deck Tiles: These are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and offer a natural wood look. Check out our Outdoor Patio & Deck Flooring for more details.
- Exotic Hardwood Tiles: For a luxurious feel, consider Weatherproof Patio Tiles made from exotic hardwoods like Ipe.
- Porcelain Pavers: These are 100% waterproof and offer a sleek, modern look.
Is Vinyl Flooring Good for Balcony?
Vinyl flooring is an option, but it’s generally not the best choice for outdoor use. While it’s water-resistant, it’s not entirely waterproof and can be susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can include warping and cracking. Vinyl flooring was not designed with drainage or wind uplift resistance in mind. Although a great solution for a basement renovation, Vinyl flooring will not be a long-lasting option for a balcony application.
Covering Your Balcony Floor
What Can I Use to Cover My Balcony Floor?
You can cover your balcony floor with various materials, depending on your needs:
- Outdoor Carpets: These are a quick and inexpensive way to add comfort. Outdoor carpets can be added to a balcony that is already level, but be sure to check with your condo board, as carpets will hold moisture against the concrete and this generally leads to pitting and damage to the concrete over time! Since the condo balcony is actually a part of the condo buildings common elements, the board can hold unit owners responsible for damage caused by carpets over time.
- Artificial Grass: For a touch of greenery without the maintenance. There are spe
- Interlocking Deck Tiles: These are easy to install and remove, making them ideal for renters.
Flooring Material Comparison
Porcelain pavers are the most water-resistant flooring type. They are non-porous, meaning they won’t absorb water, making them 100% waterproof.
Which Flooring Type is the Most Water-Resistant?
Ipe Pavers are made up of Ipe Lumber, which is so dense it does not float. The density of the wood compositions combined with the naturally occurring oils means this wood absorbs almost no water
Composite deck tiles are made from a coextruded composite plank that is wrapped in a vinyl veil. The manufacturing process of our composite decking tiles makes it so the water does not absorb any water.
Why does Decking need to be waterproof?
Fun Fact! If you have noticed a theme, you are correct, one of the major factors contributing to the longevity of any other product is its resistance to absorb water. This is especially true when we are looking at decking. The reason being, water enters the materials in warmer seasons, and then the freeze-thaw cycles that naturally occur in nature, create the cracking, and rotting that has been seen in traditional wood decking over the years!
Renovating Your Balcony Floor
How Do You Renovate a Balcony Floor?
Before any renovation we recommend outlining a budget, the budget will help you understand exactly what products will work for your balcony space.
Renovating a balcony floor involves several steps:
- Assessment: Evaluate the current condition of the floor. Take a photo to document the current condition.
- Removal: Remove the existing flooring material. At times there may be a lower quality, or older balcony flooring that needs to be replaced. Removing and disposing of this in contractor commercial bags is the best and cleanest way to get the materials off your balcony, through your condo, and out to the condominium garbage room.
- Preparation: Clean and level the surface. Starting with a clean surface is key. In most situations, levelling the balcony will not be done with concrete, but instead, you’d look for a balcony flooring solution that has adjustable pedestals
- Installation: Install the new flooring material. Installing the balcony flooring and making sure the flooring is even piece to piece, deck tiles will match the slope of the existing floor. Paver-based decking systems have the flexibility of being able to level them off.
- Finishing: Clean up dust and debris from cutting the materials, and remove the excess materials from the site.
Budget-Friendly Options
How Do You Cover a Balcony on a Low Budget?
Like anything in life, there are tiers to the pricing of balcony flooring. The number of options at each level varies, but generally the following are options that condo owners tend to explore when cost is the determining factor.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider these options:
- Outdoor Rugs: Although outdoor rugs do not abide by condo bylaws and are not great for concrete, they are inexpensive and can add a pop of colour. The tricky part is that without some type of adhesive, they tend to blow around in the wind.
- Recycled Rubber Tiles: These are affordable and eco-friendly. The lack of drainage means that they do not abide by condo bylaws. Rubber fades over time in colour, and the trapped moisture under the rubber pavers between the concrete can damage the concrete and create a smell.
- DIY Boxes store tiles: Low-cost solutions for deck tiles are available at the box stores, they are okay for staging a house for a quick flip, or for a summer rental, but are not designed to be cut and tightly fit to the space. They generally do not provide the tightest final fit and are extremely susceptible to blowing off the balcony
Additional Considerations
How Can I Make My Apartment Balcony Look Good?
Generally, the best practice is to start from the ground and work your way up. Select a quality balcony flooring that allows for drainage and is completely removable. To select the colour of your balcony flooring, you should pick an outdoor flooring product that is as close to your interior flooring as possible. This will make the balcony feel like it is an extension of your living space and will increase the overall usable space of your home. Adding planters, outdoor furniture, and lighting can enhance the aesthetics of your balcony.
Can You Put Pavers on a Balcony?
Yes, lightweight pavers can be used on a balcony, especially when combined with adjustable pedestals for levelling.
In conclusion, the right flooring can transform your balcony into a personal oasis. Whether renovating or starting from scratch, this guide should help you make an informed decision. Don’t hesitate to contact us for personalized advice and a range of high-quality flooring options.
Happy balcony designing!
