15 Nov Concrete Flooring Alternatives for Balconies
Does it feel like you’re always answering questions about what the best balcony flooring options are?
While it’s common for specifiers and architects to have their ‘go to’ options – materials that really provide the best possible finish on their projects, there are countless others available.
From porcelain and stone paving to non-combustible timber flooring alternatives, the options are plentiful.
In this blog, we’ll discuss whether using concrete pavers is suitable for balcony flooring projects, and what alternatives there are that not only meet the fire regulations but are also aesthetically appealing for a range of projects.
Can You Use Concrete for Balconies?
One of the most important things to consider for any balcony flooring project is combustibility.
In the UK, it’s important to ensure that construction materials are tested to BS EN 13501-1, a British standard that measures the material’s reaction to fire and in turn, how combustible it is.
Concrete is given the rating of A1, and due to its composition is non-combustible with a slow rate of heat transfer making it suitable for use on high rise balconies.
What’s more, unlike other materials that may require additional treatment, or need to be coated in a certain way in order to make them non-combustible, concrete’s material properties minimise any fire risk.
However, despite meeting the fire regulations, concrete pavers aren’t the best-looking flooring solution you can use in your project.
Not only are they incredibly heavy, upwards of 1,000kg/m3, (which in some circumstances is desirable), their universally grey appearance means they’re not a great choice for contemporary projects and those in settings that require the best possible aesthetics.
Despite concrete finding use in places like football stadia and residential parks, when a quality appearance is required, other balcony flooring materials should be considered.
Concrete Flooring Alternative for Balcony Floors
With fire regulations so important to any balcony project, your first thought might be that it limits what your flooring options are, but there are plenty of class A materials that can be used.
As we’ve discussed, concrete might not be a natural choice for balconies, it isn’t the most pleasing on the eye, and while it is as heavy as things like natural stone and porcelain, appearance is critical.
That’s why it’s important to understand the options that are available to you before rushing into a decision.
Mineral Composite Decking Options – ZERODECK
One of the newest materials on the market uses mineral composites, giving you the fire regulations that are required, but is also aesthetically extremely desirable.
An appearance of timber decking is something that architects and specifiers like you have been looking for but having to balance fire regulations has meant balcony flooring material always felt like a compromise between head and heart.
ZERODECK answers this call and provides a fantastic alternative to concrete flooring while offering a desirable timber aesthetic.
Its construction guarantees long-term performance and installers will benefit from heightened project efficiency, benefitting from both a great looking and high-performance system.
Conclusion
While concrete ticks all the boxes of fire safety and non-combustibility, it isn’t necessarily the right material for balcony flooring projects.
That’s because it’s important to consider the aesthetics of the project as much as the regulatory requirements. After all, it’s all well and good having a safe balcony, but you want it to look fantastic, too.
That’s why we’ve offered a fantastic alternative to consider for your next project.
ZERODECK ticks all the boxes for your project, providing a quality timber-like aesthetic.
If you’d like to speak with our experts and to find the best possible solutions for the next project, then get in touch today.
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