Conservatories, Sunrooms, Garden rooms, Solariums - Your Questions answered

INTERIORS / FLOORING (3)

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Ref:03
Question submitted by Mark

Where can I find modern conservatory furniture for a young feel?

This question answered by the Conservatories Online editorial team -  here are some of our favourite sites for conservatory furniture: http://www.conservatory-cane-furniture.co.uk Suppliers of cane conservatory furniture. Online gallery and details of mail-order service. Includes maintenance information, hints and tips http://www.greenhouseeffect.co.uk Terracotta, mosaic tables, chairs, ironwork and accessories for the garden or conservatory. Moroccan Designs. Based in Alfriston, East Sussex. http://www.gmtdesigns.co.uk GMT Designs have a nationwide reputation for producing superior glass and metal furniture, hand finished and manufactured to the highest possible standards. Made entirely in the UK http://www.conservatory-interiors.com Interior Design for conservatories, including conservatory blinds, cane furniture, underfloor heating, ceiling fans, air conditioning and flooring.

Ref:02
Question submitted by Marian

Do you have any comments about the suitability of wood flooring in a conservatory?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - If by wood flooring you mean - wood block flooring, parquet flooring or laminated flooring then I would say that until a few years ago most specialist flooring suppliers would have advised against it. The main problem with these types of floors has been the effect of heat build up in the conservatory especially when your are not at home. However in the last few years more and more people are specifying this type of floor for their conservatory. Apparently with improved manufacturing processes (glues etc) the feeling is that this type of flooring will in the right circumstances and to the correct specification work well. That said I do suggest you research your purchase well and take advice from several suppliers before committing to this type of flooring. In particular remember to leave expansion gaps at regular intervals in order to cope with temperature variations. One company on the web advertising wood floors for conservatories is "Wood 'n' Floors" at http://www.wnf.co.uk/ You might like to check their site out. I would also be pleased to hear from you about your experiences should you proceed with a wood floor. As a generalisation - I do recommend Pilkington "K" glass in all conservatories - no matter the location. It's just more important in North Facing Locations. Additionally if you use Polycarbonate - go with 25mm.

Ref:01
Question submitted by Keith

I have a PVCu conservatory, which is not complete as yet. As it gets extremely hot, can you recommend a suitable wood for inside window ledges please?

This Question answered by Tina Dunlop - Traditionally the back edge of a window board or window cill was "machined" so as to fit into a rebate in the back of the timber window frame - which it was fitting up against. This "connection" plus a good downward fixing through the timber window board into the brickwork below would "hold" the window board firmly in place. With PVCu there is no rebate in the back of the window frame - so you have to rely on the one "primary" fixing - usually downwards into the internal skin of brickwork. In excessive heat it could be possible for most materials used to show some signs of warping in the longer term. For this reason timber ledges/cills are not the most popular alternative to use in this situation. The most frequently used alternatives are - tiled internal cills (often Quarry Tiles) and MDF window boards. MDF can look similar to a timber cill. MDF is a good alternative to timber as it usually has a greater "density" (plus thickness) to most timber cills. MDF will require painting or alternatively some "stain and grain" applications can be applied which will give the appearance of wood. If you are determined to use timber then I would suggest a top quality hardwood - as thick as possible. As a guide a thickness of 28 - 32 mm is preferable. I would suggest specifying your intended use to your timber merchant when purchasing and take their advice. You should also use good quality fixings - quite close together when securing window board down (say 350 mm - 450 mm apart) One other alternative to consider - is to control the "heat gain". I would suggest solar reflective blinds for this.