A Buyers Guide to Kitchen Flooring
The flooring that you choose for your kitchen is just as important as the design of every other element of your kitchen, although however, it often gets overlooked. There are many different types of flooring available to suit all tastes but you need to consider these important points before you make a final decision.
If you want everything to match then opt for flooring with the same finish as the kitchen such as a glossy, mat or wood finish. However, you may prefer it if the flooring and the kitchen units contrast but remember that once you have made the decision you may have to stick with it for some time.
The types of flooring available:
Rubber flooring can be laid in a wide range of colours whilst being soft yet hard wearing where as linoleum flooring is similar to rubber but it consists of natural ingredients. It’s durable, comfortable and easy to clean. Vinyl flooring on the other hand has changed a lot over the years. Once again, this is hard wearing and can be designed to look like a number of finishes such as wood or tiled.
There are many different types of floor tiles to choose from and all can add an element of charm and personality to your kitchen.
Stone floor tiles can be found in many different styles and colours but they can wear rather easily, particularly those that are porous. To overcome this problem, sealants can help to keep the floors easy to maintain.
Porcelain tiles offer complete versatility because they can come in a number of different styles such as metallic effect, concrete effect and even wood effect. They are easy to look after and are extremely durable.
Quartz composite tiles are made up of stone and tile and they can be found to match the work surface. These can look mightily impressive, especially in a range of styles and looks.
Ceramic tiles are created using clay and natural materials and can be purchased in a variety of colours and textures. They are often cheaper than porcelain but they require a bit more work to get a neater finish.
In contrast to floor tiles, many people are opting for industrial flooring due to its different look and style, as well as the fact that it is extremely hardwearing and durable.
Concrete flooring can look contemporary but it is definitely versatile and for those properties with an open plan extension, it can be used throughout.
For something more comfortable under foot, resin flooring is a great choice. It is flexible and clean, although over time, the shine will disappear so it will require maintenance to keep it looking like new.
For those who prefer a type of flooring that looks more natural, there are many options available.
Solid wood is always a great choice because it looks so good but it is prone to a few issues such as movement and chipping. To protect it, it will require a later of lacquer or linseed oil which will help to make it last for longer.
Engineered wood is often a lot cheaper than solid wood but they enable people to create a natural look for a fraction of the cost. However, laminate flooring makes the perfect choice for kitchens because of its durability. It can be purchased very cheaply which means you will have to compromise on quality but the more expensive options will last longer.
Things to think about before you make a decision
The kitchen is an important room in any home. Therefore, you need to think about the look of your kitchen which means choosing the correct flooring that complements your kitchen units. If you use your kitchen a lot, maintenance is key because you will need to consider how much maintenance the flooring needs. Will it need sealing? Can it be wiped easily? Can it take heavy traffic? All of these questions can help you to make an informed decision but getting it right will ensure that you kitchen looks spectacular.
Tara Neil are a bespoke kitchen specialists, with a wide range of contemporary kitchen designs available from their showroom in Woodley, Reading.
from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog UK http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/07/a-buyers-guide-to-kitchen-flooring.html
