Foam for a DIY Balcony Revamp
If you have a balcony or small outdoor space, you may be wondering how best to customise it – and it needn't cost a fortune. Two simple things can revamp your outdoor space, involving EPDM foam, upholstery polyurethane foam, and a few basic DIY skills.
EPDM foam flooring
Revamping a balcony can make the space safer, more practical and more attractive. Many concrete-floored balconies are slippery when wet, which is a hazard. EPDM foam, a closed-cell sponge rubber, can cover a floor as a full sheet or as separate tiles. It's flame retardant – meeting balcony fire safety standards – and is weatherproof, temperature resistant and waterproof. EPDM foam makes a balcony or patio floor more comfortable, especially for young children, and if you use the space barefoot it feels similar to soil. Suitable for light use and easy to install on an old, sealed floor, it's a cost-efficient, high-quality option that avoids expensive building work and can be done yourself. If you're replacing the whole floor, EPDM can create a hard-wearing, waterproof layer beneath a tiled, paved or decked surface.
If your outdoor space sits on top of a flat roof, EPDM foam is also a suitable replacement for an existing underlay, as it's typically the material of choice for flat roofs.
Upgrading outdoor furniture
Beyond flooring, upgrading outdoor furniture is a straightforward DIY job with the right materials. Many of us have wooden table-and-chair sets or rattan-style egg or bucket chairs that look slick but aren't always comfortable. Using upholstery foam, you can order a seat cushion or back pad cut to size and shape to fit. Measure the base seat (width and depth) and the backrest (width and height), enter the dimensions into our cut-to-size tool, and when upholstering, use stockinette for easy installation. Upholstery foam is the most popular outdoor choice but isn't waterproof, so a waterproof cover when not in use is highly advised. For a more weatherproof option, consider Plastazote Superior closed-cell foam, which is non-absorbent, though being very high density it's less cushioning where comfort is key. For more outdoor ideas, see our guides to DIY glamping kits and beach hut foam.
For more on upgrading your balcony or outdoor patio space with foam, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is best for a balcony floor?
EPDM foam, a closed-cell sponge rubber, can cover a floor as a full sheet or as tiles. It's flame retardant (meeting balcony fire safety standards), weatherproof, temperature resistant and waterproof, and can also form a hard-wearing waterproof layer under a tiled, paved or decked floor.
Can I make outdoor seat cushions from foam?
Yes. Upholstery foam can be cut to size and shape for seat cushions or back pads. It isn't waterproof, so cover chairs when not in use. For a weatherproof alternative, Plastazote Superior closed-cell foam is non-absorbent, though firmer and less cushioning.
Is EPDM foam good for a wet balcony?
Yes. Many concrete balconies are slippery when wet, and EPDM makes the surface safer and more comfortable underfoot, especially for young children. It suits light use and is easy to install on an old, sealed floor.
