Amazing Balcony Flooring Ideas, Designs with Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

An important element that determines the functionality and beauty of the balcony is the correct choice of material for the floor. Today, ceramic tiles and composite decking boards are increasingly used for flooring in intermediate areas. These modern solutions can successfully replace more expensive or less functional wood planks and stone tiles.

Balcony Flooring: What is Important to Know?

The balcony floor must be durable and practical. If you have an open balcony, then every day, it is affected by harmful external factors – rain, moisture, ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and street pollution. In addition, with intensive use of the balcony, the floor is abraded and dirty.

The materials used as cladding for balconies and terraces must be aesthetically effective and very practical, and functional. Choose those that have anti-slip properties, should be easy to clean, and resistant to scratches and cracks. Their resistance to atmospheric factors is also significant. Floor coverings intended for outdoor use must primarily be frost resistant, moisture, and UV resistant. Unfortunately, the materials used so far for balcony surfaces have not always been durable enough, and high-quality options are usually costly. Recently, you can replace them with products of the same high aesthetic value, which are cheaper.

Balcony Flooring with Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are still the most commonly chosen balcony cladding. Correctly selected and installed, it can create an efficiently finished floor, even for several decades. Gres tiles have a particularly high aesthetic and functional value since the absorption capacity is below 3%, corresponding to frost resistance. You can easily select non-slip tiles marked with the R9-R13 symbol (the higher the R-value, the better the anti-slip performance).

Structural granite tiles provide extra safety, as their surface has a rich texture, imitating, for example, the pattern and structure of stones. A good choice for a balcony would be glazed porcelain stoneware, which, in addition to being highly useful, has a vibrant design. Furthermore, it can reproduce surfaces typical of polished marble, granite, or wood.

• When choosing ceramic tiles for a balcony, you should pay attention to its abrasion class: the higher, the better in conditions prone to scratches from sand or furniture. Therefore, it must have IV or the highest abrasion class V. Ceramic tiles come in various sizes, from large pieces to small mosaics, and can be square or rectangular, mimicking the formats typical of large stone pieces.

A huge choice of designs, an easy-to-clean surface, good parameters, and an affordable price – ceramic tiles meet the basic requirements that most buyers follow. This finishing material works on the balcony as in rooms but provided that the tiles are chosen for the correct purpose and correctly installed.

• Only use outdoor balcony tiles. For a product to fall into this category, its absorbency, i.e., the degree to which it absorbs water, must not exceed 3%. Low water absorption ensures that the tiles are frost resistant and do not crack when exposed to low temperatures. If you don’t want to wash or sweep your balcony tiles every day, find a template that will make dirt less visible. Patterned, structured, or patchy tiles will work well. Pay attention to the smooth tiles in light colors, especially white and light gray.

Installing tiles on a balcony is not a complicated activity. Still, it requires proper preparation of the substrate and the use of appropriate materials, including a frost-resistant and elastic adhesive mortar. Any mistakes and omissions during the assembly phase can lead to cracking and weakening of the tile.

• The disadvantage of balcony tiles is the need for grouting. In the spaces between the tiles, the material likes to accumulate dirt that is difficult to clean, which spoils the floor’s appearance. To preserve nerves, choose a darker grout that masks dirt well.

The Wood like Floor in the Balcony

An interesting solution, which more and more investors come to, is decking made of composite wood fibers and plastics such as polyethylene. Due to the content of wood flour, they have all the aesthetic advantages of wooden deck boards, but they have no disadvantages – they are resistant to fungi, mold, and moisture. The colors and textures are very similar to exotic wood elements. Composite boards also benefit from the ease of installation. They are placed on square beams using system clips or screws. The bars are attached to the concrete base or left “floating.”

• When laying, remember to keep 10 mm between the joists and 15 mm between the wall. Since the boards are perfectly straight and longer than the natural wood trim, they fit very comfortably.

Composite boards are made from a combination of wood flour and PVC. Thanks to a special formulation, they combine the natural look of wood with the high strength of plastics. As a result, composite panels do not need additional protection or systematic maintenance. Unlike wooden boards, they are resistant to water and moisture, and their maintenance is limited to regular cleaning of the surface. It is enough to protect the floor from high temperatures and greasy dirt, leaving a permanent mark in everyday life.

The boards should be laid on beams placed on the floor and connected by steel clamps. Manufacturers offer ready-made decking systems that contain all the accessories necessary for the correct fixing of the panels. The uniform dimensions, uniform color, and simple shape of the boards make the floor perfect, quick, and easy to install. Thanks to a well-thought-out installation system, all fixings are hidden and do not spoil the location of the balcony.

• The biggest challenge during the assembly phase is the handling of the slabs. Most of the panels available on the market have a specially profiled edge that allows the boards to be attached to the clip. However, once trimmed, it may not be possible to assemble the board following the manufacturer’s instructions properly.

An alternative to balcony planks is modular wood floors. Under this name are platforms, planks, or panels that need to be connected using special hooks and placed on the floor. Installing the floor is as easy as folding blocks, so it doesn’t require specialist assistance. This is the perfect solution for a small balcony in an apartment that needs a quick and inexpensive metamorphosis.

The wooden platform can be laid directly on top of old tiles or other stable and level surfaces. Before installing the floor, clean the surface of loose elements, dirt, and dust. If necessary, the panels can be cut to fit the size and shape of the balcony. In most cases, the timber is protected by the manufacturer. Smearing or painting should be repeated once a year (depending on the method chosen) to renew the color of the floor and prevent damage to it. Then, wash the floor every day with water and a mild soapy solution. If the floor under the planks requires cleaning, the platform can be easily removed and reassembled.

• When choosing a platform, beware of cheap products from unknown manufacturers. The quality of the seams and wood elements used to make them can leave a lot to be desired.

Concrete Floor in the Balcony

Modern concrete slabs successfully mimic stone elements such as sandstone, limestone, granite, marble, and wood, but at the same time, they are much cheaper than the originals. Their advantage is also durability, resistance to weather conditions such as frost, moisture, and mechanical damage. They do not slide. The material owes its utilitarian qualities to Vibro compression: concrete compaction using vibration and pressing simultaneously. The use of concrete mixes with low water content is also a guarantee of quality. The mixtures can contain aggregates in colored particles or pigments that color the cube in the entire section or the upper layer. Slabs 4 cm thick is suitable for terraces and balconies.

• Concrete slabs are elegant, durable, and easy to maintain. Unfortunately, due to their heavyweight, it may not be possible to install them on a balcony in an apartment. Therefore, they are mainly used on above-ground terraces and large balconies in single-family homes.

When choosing concrete slabs, pay attention to the material parameters. Outdoor products will work on the balcony – solid, wear-resistant, non-absorbent, and non-slip. Since concrete is inherently absorbent, the slabs must be impregnated.

• Concrete slab manufacturers are superior to each other on how to make their offer more attractive. Boards surprise with unusual shapes, colors, or textures. Next to the classic gray version, some surfaces look like granite or wood.

The Stone Floor in the Balcony

Stone tiles are some of the most expensive and durable floor coverings around. Correctly installed and impregnated, the material can serve several generations, as it is resistant to frost, water, moisture, mechanical injury, and constant pollution. Even if the tiles are crumbling, the damage will be barely noticeable because the stone has a homogeneous structure.

The strength and aesthetics of a stone floor on a balcony are determined not only by the installation and safety method but, above all, by the type of stone used. When choosing tiles, beware of porous stones such as marble, limestone, or sandstone, which quickly get dirty and wear off. Granite, slate, and basalt tiles will work best on a balcony.

• Installing stone tiles is similar to installing ceramic tiles. Stone products, however, are definitely harder and heavier than porcelain stoneware or terracotta and, therefore, more difficult to process. In addition, this material requires the use of a special adhesive solution and stone joints.

Rubber Plates in the Balcony

If the balcony is a children’s playground, consider adding rubber planks to it. It is a great material that gives kids a sense of security. Rubber sheets, also called flexible platforms, are soft, so they relieve falls. Their advantage is durability because they resist weather conditions, including frost, moisture, and ultraviolet radiation. The rubber plates are also maintenance-free. In addition, they fit very easily directly onto the ground.

Rubber plates are a solution used in playgrounds and playgrounds as well as private balconies and terraces. The boards are made of tough yet resilient rubber that cushions fall and do not deform under the weight of the furniture. Thanks to its pleasant-to-touch, non-slip structure, the rubber surface provides ideal conditions for children to play.

Rubber slabs are frost-resistant and water-permeable so that they can be used all year round. A drainage system at the bottom of each unit allows water to be drained from the balcony without any problems. Likewise, caring for the rubber surface does not create any problems. Every day, wash the floor with water and a mild detergent.

The advantage of rubber plates is that they are easy to install. Safe surfaces can be laid on any level, clean and dry surface. Depending on the method chosen, glue the material to the floor with polyurethane glue or connect it with special dowels and lay it on the floor. The boards can be easily cut with a knife or jigsaw.

Wooden Flooring in the Balcony

A balcony with a wooden floor is a continuation of the interior of the house. Unlike cool tiles, wood gives the impression of being cozy. The wood is warm to the touch but does not heat up from the sun and does not burn the feet. In addition, children can play safely on a wooden balcony because the material cushions fall, and the grooves in the planks provide the floor with good anti-slip properties.

Cleaning hardwood floors is as easy as cleaning tiles. Boards can be damp cleaned with universal (but gentle) cleaning agents. Any dirt must be removed regularly so as not to discolor the material. If the wood is damaged locally, it can be easily repaired. A well-groomed wooden floor ages beautifully and serves households for many years.

When choosing a balcony with a wooden floor, you need to be prepared for additional costs and responsibilities. Wood is sensitive to fluctuations in water, moisture, sun, and temperature. If neglected, it becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms, insects, and fungi. If the floor was purchased untreated, it must be impregnated and protected with a special agent such as oil. Maintenance operations should be repeated regularly – once or twice a year. Due to the sensitive nature, wood flooring must be on the glazed balcony.

Of course, a lot depends on the type of wood you choose. Exotic species do best outside. They are more expensive than locals but hard and rich in oils that act as a natural impregnation. An attractive alternative to exotic wood is native wood, which undergoes complex heat treatments to improve the material’s properties.

• Due to the demanding nature of the work, wood floors must be done by professionals. In some cases, the thickness of the floor can be a problem. The planks must be installed on beams and washers that fit onto a properly prepared balcony slab. To build, a minimum difference of 6.5 cm between the level of the balcony slab and the exit must be observed.

Flooring in the Balcony with a Waterproof Coating

Waterproof coatings are ready-made surface treatment systems based on polyurethane resin. Floors made with them combine waterproofing and ancillary functions. Thus, they do not require the use of an additional layer of insulation, which protects the balcony structure from the effects of water and moisture. Polyurethane resin systems can be used on concrete and wood substrates as well as old ceramic tiles.

• Properly applied coatings create a smooth, seamless surface that is easy to clean and washable with all-purpose products. Unlike other materials, the resin on the balcony is completely waterproof, resistant to moisture, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures. Thanks to this, it will work on balconies without a roof.

Laying the resin floor on the balcony takes at least a few days. For installation, you will need several ingredients, sold in pre-packaged kits, to be applied to a smooth, clean, and even surface in the manner specified by the manufacturer. Between the laying of subsequent layers, it is necessary to maintain technological breaks so that each coating has time to dry and harden well. By using appropriate additives (quartz sand or aggregate), you can give the floor an anti-slip and decorative effect.

• Laying individual layers of resin flooring is simple but must be done with great care. Any mistakes during the pouring phase can deprive the product of its properties and lead to damage to the floor. Therefore, instead of applying the coatings yourself, it is much safer to entrust this task to an experienced person.

Artificial Grass in the Balcony

Artificial grass is another way to arrange a balcony quickly. With its intense color, it brings spring energy to the arrangement. Together with plants, such a floor creates a pleasant green area, which is ideal for relaxation. In addition, the surface is soft and pleasant to the touch, and therefore comfortable for children.

• Artificial grass is sold in rolls (like regular carpets) or the form of square tiles. Practical and strength values ​​are determined by the type of foundation used. The balcony grass should have a rubber or latex bottom with water inlets. Before buying, you should watch the product live and touch the green fleece to assess its softness and flexibility.

Artificial grass on the balcony, especially of the best quality, requires minimal attention. It is resistant to sunlight, moisture, water, and extreme temperatures. Thanks to this, the material does not change color, does not grow moldy, and does not emit an unpleasant odor. To keep the surface in good condition, all you need to do is vacuum it regularly and rinse it with water and a mild detergent if necessary. Does the artificial grass on the balcony have any drawbacks? Users note that the surface absorbs water in the rain (but dries quickly) and lingers in heavy use areas.

• Artificial grass can be laid on any stable, smooth, and clean surface. It is recommended to attach the material to the floor with polyurethane glue or dowels and attach the edges of the rollers with double-sided tape. This prevents the grass from moving when walking. If you want to consider the flooring a temporary solution, you can spread it on the floor, pressing it down with furniture or large pots.

Warm Flooring in the Balcony

Underfloor heating, which is becoming more and more popular today, is not a new invention. Unlike central heating systems with wall-mounted radiators, radiant heating works over the entire floor area. Due to the large heating surface, the outlet temperature of the coolant can be lower than that of conventional radiators. This, in turn, makes it easier to use ecological heat sources such as heat pumps or solar collectors. Underfloor heating can be divided into three types:

• water
• electricity
• air

The decision on which floor will be installed on the balcony depends, among other things, on the amount of available space and financial possibilities. A significant point is also the possibility of installing thermal insulation. A water system requires much more space than an electrical one. Therefore, it is worth getting to know the various floor heating systems on the balcony to make the right decision.

Flooring Insulation in the Balcony

Even minor mistakes made during the thermal insulation and finishing of the balcony can cause moisture and freezing of the building board. To get rid of thermal bridges, you need good design as well as meticulous artistry.

How to Effectively Insulate the Floor in the Balcony with your own Hands?

Most balconies are cantilevered structures that are fixed and connected to the ceiling. In brick houses, they are usually reinforced concrete slabs, the reinforcement of which is combined with the ceiling. Unfortunately, such a plate conducts heat very well and thus cools the adjacent ceiling. Additional heat loss is also caused by surfaces surrounding the window and balcony door, including the jamb, lintel, and sill area.

• Leaving a balcony without insulation is a mistake that leads to uncontrolled heat removal from the house. A heated living room or bedroom clearly feels the intense cooling of the balcony. Water condenses on the cold baffle surfaces, which contributes to moisture in the structure. However, it is not so easy to insulate the balcony.

The most popular way to limit the thermal bridge at the junction of the balcony with the wall is to insulate a reinforced concrete slab. Balcony insulation should be installed both on the bottom and on the top surface of the balcony. Then the heat that penetrates through the balcony slab through the ceiling wreath has to go a much longer way to get out. It is a mistake to lay insulation only on the underside of the board because heat, finding the shortest path, comes out through the second plane. To prevent the thermal insulation from getting wet, it is necessary to carry out a treatment on the front surface of the balcony slab, which will prevent water from leaking under the balcony.

• It is not worth saving on thermal insulation. Insulation that is too thin or lacking will lead to thermal bridging. On the other hand, the correct thickness will prevent ceiling cooling and water condensation on the ceiling of rooms below the terrace. In standard solutions, it is recommended to install about 15 cm of insulation on the balcony.

Which floor to choose for the balcony? The times when options were limited to ceramic tiles are long forgotten. Today, you can choose from various materials that combine attractive looks and durability and meet a wide variety of needs. Do you like frequent metamorphosis? Get to the artificial grass or wooden platform, which is set up in less than an hour. Have you been looking for a solution for years? Choose from stone tiles, composite boards, or resin floors while enjoying a modern look.