Often both beautiful and functional, balconies come in many different sizes, shapes and styles, and can help add outdoor space to homes without yards, courtyards, terraces, or patios.
Surrounded by either a low wall, a railing, or in some modern properties: glass, balconies are safe spaces to enjoy some fresh air that are usually accessible from a room inside the property. And whether big, small, covered, or uncovered – and no matter what purpose they serve for their particular household – balconies can be useful and attractive, particularly when the flooring has been thoughtfully chosen.
Why is the flooring of a balcony so important?
Helping to protect a balcony from the elements, provide an aesthetic feature, and give users of the space a feeling of security beneath their feet, the floor of a balcony is essential to its design, and as such, deserves to be so much more than a mere afterthought. A stable base upon which other aspects of the balcony can be constructed, here are some of the most common materials that can be used to pave a balcony:
Concrete
Incredibly durable, but also incredibly heavy, while concrete pavers are an option for a balcony, they must only be used if the structure is able to support their weight fully. Requiring treating and sealing to keep them fade and stain-resistant, concrete pavers are heavy and difficult to cut to size, making them a less than ideal choice for the average balcony.
Porcelain pavers
While they are a more expensive option, porcelain pavers can add a luxurious element to a balcony, and as well as looking stunning, they are strong, long lasting and require minimal maintenance. Available in a lot of different colors and styles – many of which are designed to resemble natural materials such as stone or wood – it’s easy to find porcelain pavers to complement your space. Frostproof and fire resistant despite their cost, if you’re prepared to spend more and pay for them to be professionally fitted, they can be an attractive option.
Composite pavers
Lightweight yet durable, composite balcony pavers are a low-maintenance option for balconies, and if you’re a n experienced DIYer, you may be able to install them yourself with a few household tools. Usually comprised of materials that are recyclable, they help to divert waste material away from landfills, and although they are often costlier than some other paving options, you may be able to save some money by installing them yourself.
NB: paver installation isn’t recommended for anyone but the most experienced of DIYers, and for the very best, professional and long lasting results, hire a local masonry contractor.
Interlocking wood deck tiles
So easy to install, these are a favorite of DIY home renovators, and can simply be snapped together over an existing surface. It’s also possible to remove them quickly and easily should you need to, and reuse them somewhere else in and around your home. Often pre-treated and coming on an integral base of plastic, water sealant can be used on them for additional protection. If the look of natural materials such as wood, appeals to you, then this can be an affordable and simple-to-install alternative to the real thing.
Structural wood deck tiles
Just as is the case with interlocking wood deck tiles, structural wood deck tiles are made up of a combination of planks that form a large, square tile, and are relatively easy to install. Although costlier than their interlocking relative, they can be installed on adjustable pedestals or at a fixed height.
To know more about the different options available to you for paving your balcony, chat to a local masonry contractor, who if necessary, can come to your home and assess the structure to give you a more accurate recommendation.