Most apartments and homes have a balcony as part of the layout. It is a space where most of us like to spend a lot of time unwinding, entertaining or just sipping that evening cup of tea.
Most homeowners make a common mistake when it comes to the balcony – the flooring. Yes! This aspect of the design is often overlooked as most focus goes on the decor and seating arrangements.
Balcony flooring is a crucial aspect of designing your home as the material you select needs to provide a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors.
A balcony with slippery tiles can lead to accidents especially if you have old parents or kids living at home. Also, balcony flooring must be able to withstand weather changes (like the onset of monsoon) apart from providing aesthetic beauty to the space.
Let us see in detail the different materials you can use for your balcony flooring so that it is safe, waterproof and one that stands the test of time.
What Is The Best Material For Balcony Flooring?
The market today has an array of materials that can be used as balcony flooring. Here in this guide we have listed out the best flooring options for your balcony, keeping in mind factors such as durability, design, overall appeal and maintenance.
Concrete
Concrete as the material for balcony flooring is quite popular as it is hard, durable and can withstand any weather. Concrete does not break easily and therefore is a suitable choice for your balcony especially if it is a space that has high traffic. So if you live in a home with kids who love to run in and out of the balcony you must consider concrete.
How Do I Maintain Concrete Flooring?
Concrete floors are relatively easy to maintain and clean when compared to other types of flooring materials. Since there are no lines, grouts or fibres to trap dirt, cleaning therefore becomes effortless. However, do note that concrete requires sealing every few years. But since it is water, stain and abrasion-resistant, cleaning it is simple. All you need is a microfiber cloth.
Wood For Balcony Flooring
Wood is a natural material that will never go out of style. It has been used in homes for centuries for both flooring and furniture and continues to be the go to choice when it comes to interiors. Wood as a material for balcony flooring is an option for those who want to give this space a homely and rustic vibe to it. Large planks of wood are painted or stained to form the balcony floor. Balconies with wooden flooring need to be painted on the top and underside as well. You will need to use a sealer to keep the wood in good condition.
How Do I Maintain Wooden Flooring?
Wood is a porous material which means it is susceptible to varying weather conditions. Wood can contract and expand (depending on the levels of humidity in the air) allowing dirt and grime to work their way into it over time. What you need to do to maintain wooden flooring is sweep and broom the wooden deck regularly to give it a thorough surface cleaning every season. Look for dents and scratches. If you do find them then it is time to give your balcony floor a new coat of polish and some sealing. You will need a tarp to cover it during the monsoon unless it sits above a concrete floor.
Artificial Grass
If you want to incorporate nature and greenery in your balcony apart from plants then artificial grass is the best option. An artificial grass carpet will give you a vibrant path of green all year long and one that is not prone pests and insects. Maintenance is easy since you do not need to water nor mow it. Further, artificial grass doesn’t itch like real grass as it’s soft which means your kids and pets are going to love it! You do not need any additional furniture if your flooring has artificial grass either. This type of flooring material is perfect if you can have a picnic of your own by laying down.
How Do I Maintain Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass does not need the same treatment that real grass does. Nor does it require the same maintenance. However, humans can be clumsy and therefore there will be an occasional spill or stain. When this happens you need to clean up the spill quickly with an absorbent towel. Rinse the area with a mild household detergent so as to not harm the fibers. If you have pets, then you must continuously clean and rinse the artificial grass. Allow the waste to dry before removing it and rinse it off with water.
Ceramic Tiles (Anti-skid)
If you are planning to floor your balcony with ceramic tiles make sure they are anti-skid variety. The non-slip version of ceramic tiles is the best option for balcony flooring. Some variants of ceramic tiles available in the market can mimic other materials like wood and stone and look fantastic. They are more durable than natural wood and stone depending on the quality of the tiles. It is of vital importance that the tiles are anti-skid if older people reside as it can lead to accidents.
How Do I Maintain Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles are trendy to have when it comes to flooring. Durable, versatile and stylish but like all floors, they need good care and cleaning. Sweep or vacuum your ceramic tiled floors thrice a week to keep them clean and shiny. You can also mop it with water and mild detergent as it can remove dirt and debris from grout lines. If you need to clean heavy grout lines then we suggest you hire a professional. Ceramic tiles need to be sealed after they have been installed as it will keep stains, dirt, and water from penetrating the barrier.
How To Waterproof The Balcony?
Weather varies from place to place, however, all balconies need to be protected from the rain. Monsoons can damage flooring exponentially as rainwater can damage sealants and joints. Therefore, waterproofing your balcony is a must and can save you money and damage caused by leaks. Many times, builders often overlook the importance of waterproofing standards to save some money. So here are some tactics to waterproof your balcony the right way:
- Choose the right sealant for balcony material
- Complete all-penetrative work before waterproofing your balcony – check all lines, grouts, to see if water is leaking or not
- Make sure all the penetrative materials are sealed and again resealed to be extra sure
- A good drainage system is required so water doesn’t accumulate in the balcony
- If the balcony flooring is wood then we suggest you buy tarp to cover the floor of your balcony
- The water must be channeled correctly and must be directed such so that the water does not seep into the surface.
There you go! There is everything you need to know about balcony flooring. Picking the right flooring material depends on your budget and lifestyle requirements. For instance, if you want your balcony flooring to be natural and have greenery then artificial grass is a good option. If you have older people living then anti-skid flooring is a better bet for you. It all depends on the style and the finish you want. We hope this guide helps you choose the right material for your balcony.
Also Read:
- Balcony Design Ideas For Indian Homes
- Balcony Decoration Ideas For Your Home
- Best Balcony Garden Design Ideas
