​How to choose the right kitchen flooring

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Kitchen, dining room and garden in one, Holloways of Ludlow Bespoke Kitchens & Cabinetry Holloways of Ludlow Bespoke Kitchens & Cabinetry モダンな キッチン 木 木目調
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Stylish cabinetry that are both beautiful and functional for storage; decent lighting to ensure no gloomy working areas anywhere, a striking island right in the centre of the room… The ‘must-have’ items for any kitchen continue, as homeowners everywhere want to ensure the hearts of their homes possess all the relevant factors for homey, welcoming and practical spaces that can function equally successfully for food prepping and socialising.

It’s thus no wonder that kitchen flooring get overlooked far too often, shoved aside by appliances and textile-planning instead. And don’t get us wrong: these factors are important too, yet if you’re planning on designing a kitchen from scratch or giving your existing one a major overhaul, yet don’t plan on including a professional floorer in the process, the end results are bound to be dismal. 

Seeing as the floor for your kitchen (or any other room) is likely to be one of the largest surfaces of the entire space, it makes it quite the crucial factor to consider, wouldn’t you agree? 

Kitchen flooring can make or break the rest of the space in terms of your kitchen design ideas, but remember that it must also be durable, safe and easy to clean – quite a list that must be checked off, right? 

But let’s make it easier by starting at the beginning…

1. What to ask yourself about your kitchen flooring

1. What kind of kitchen do I want? Do I want everything sleek and polished, or something with a more rustic character?  

2. Do I have an open-plan layout? (Hardwood and laminate flooring are perfect for making large spaces seem warm and inviting). 

3. What is my budget? 

4. How much time will I devote to cleaning and upkeep? (If a simple mop-and-go cleaning ritual is more your style, don’t consider more porous flooring options).  

5. Does my kitchen have to be as eco-conscious as possible? (If you feel there’s no reason why a 50-year-old tree should be turned into a wooden floor, then cork and bamboo are perfectly sustainable).

2. Kitchen flooring options: Concrete

If a clean and contemporary look is what you envision for your dream kitchen, concrete can be ideal. It can take on numerous looks (stained and scored to resemble large tiles, even), is one of the low-maintenance choices, and is also quite the budget-friendly option. 

However, concrete floors are rock hard, meaning they can take a toll on your joints if you’re bound to spend hours and hours planted in front of the stove or island. But that is why they invented cushy rugs and mats, isn’t it?

3. Kitchen flooring options: Tiles

Modern-day tiles are available in a wide array of finishes, perfect for just about any interior style. Additional benefits include their hard surfaces, stain-resistant features, and the fact that they are impervious to moisture. The two most popular options are porcelain and ceramic: 

• Porcelain tiles are one of the most versatile types and are adept at resembling anything from concrete to wood.  

• Ceramic tiles are less costly than porcelain, yet tend to be manufactured with fewer straight edges and square corners, which could mean thicker grout lines.

homify hint: Always double-check that you buy ‘floor’ tiles. Choosing wall tiles for a floor could result in a too-slippery surface for walking.

4. Kitchen flooring options: Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is definitely an exceptional level of elegance. True, it’s an expensive choice, but a vital one if you want to create a look that will never go out of style. 

What’s more, wooden floors are a superb investment if you ever plan on selling your house. It’s a tried-and-tested option that can withstand decades of use and is ideal for open-plan rooms. Its drawbacks are that it can be prone to the occasional scratch, as well as vulnerable to moisture.

5. Kitchen flooring options: Laminate and vinyl

Laminate flooring is a fast way to recreate the warmth and charm of a wooden floor for less money. Vinyl flooring has come a long way over the years and also available in a wide range of colours and textures. 

Both options are cost effective, plus ensure soft underfoot sensations. The great thing is that they are also more moisture-resistant than hardwood floors.

The downside? As they are not solid all the way through, they can’t be refinished if damaged.

6. Kitchen flooring options: Bamboo

Incredibly durable, bamboo is less likely to gape than other solid woods. Usually pre-treated by the manufacturer, bamboo flooring can be stained or left in its natural colour, ensuring you a wide array of options. 

Eco-conscious is another big benefit, as bamboo releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than trees.

7. Kitchen flooring options: Cork

What’s quiet, durable and softer underfoot than hard tile or concrete? Cork, of course! It’s also quite the sustainable option, as cork trees take only nine years to regenerate. And thanks to its natural texture, it’s one of the best slip-resistant options. 

Even though it’s somewhat ‘self-healing’, cork flooring can get scratched or dented, so a proper resealing every three to four years is advisable.

8. Kitchen flooring options: Rubber

If rubber flooring doesn’t wear out in an airport, your kitchen is a safe bet! Because even though it’s soft underfoot, it’s very resilient.

Rubber flooring is available in tile and sheet formats and should be sealed after installation, plus with the additional one-to-two year repeat, depending on foot traffic and wear.  

homify hint: Whichever material you opt for, always consider the width of the boards and/or the size of the tiles for your kitchen flooring. Think about how your kitchen units and appliances will sit on them – if the floor lines aren’t parallel or perpendicular to the plinths, it can look strange.

Ever wondered Which floor for the bathroom? Let’s find out…

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