The best new floor covering for your kitchen is the one that best suits not only the current design and layout of the room, but all you needs as well. The kitchen is the part of a home were you spend the most time together with family and friends. To be the room you feel comfortable in to cook and eat, it has to be inviting, warm, practical and bright. The whole design of the kitchen should provide you with a long term satisfaction.
So, how to choose the right kitchen floor. There are so many options, from stone and ceramic tiles to hardwood, timber and vinyl floor coverings for kitchens. Criteria when choosing the right kind of kitchen floor should include:
- ability to withstand high traffic,
- easy to clean and maintain, and
- waterproof, water resilient and not being prone to stains, scratches and damage.
With so many options to choose, it is hard to know which flooring solution is the best for your kitchen. Here are our tips to help on you decide whether to invest in ceramic, wood or vinyl floor coverings for kitchens.
Ceramic tiles – Popular for centuries, it’s an inexpensive choice that can add elegance to any kitchen. Available in a huge range of designs, patterns and colours, ceramic flooring offers high durability, and is resistant to dents, dings and scratches. Another benefit is the possibility to remove and replace an individual cracked tile without having to tear up the whole floor. However, if tiles are installed over an existing floor that has structural movement, the new floor will be prone to cracks, thus it is recommended to replace the sub floor. Another disadvantage is leg and lower back pain when standing for long period.
Wood – Even though the initial cost is relatively high, the longevity that hardwood floor offers, makes it an excellent choice. With its warmth and seamless look, hardwood flooring is a perfect solution for open floor plans like kitchen and family rooms. Usually, it can be easily repaired – it just needs to be sanded and refinished. The potential of water damage or denting is the major disadvantage. In order to protect the flooring from moisture, inevitable in the kitchen, apply a protective finish. You will also have to be carefully when moving heavy objects as this can scratch the floor and leave dents.
Vinyl Flooring – Vinyl floor coverings for kitchens, for many homeowners is the most practical choice. Cheaper than tile and hardwood, it is very durable. It is available in a wide range of colours and patterns and you can also find sheets or squares that imitate the look of wood or stone. It often comes in self-adhesive sheets, thus is easy to install. Vinyl floor coverings for kitchens is very soft and comfortable and will not cause any stress and pain to your back and legs even after standing for a long time. This flooring solution is also very easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and moping with clean water and mild detergent is all you need to keep the dirty away. When looking for a vinyl floor coverings for kitchens, make sure to choose the quality. Cheap vinyl floor can easily peel or curl at the edges making the look unattractive.
As you can see, each type of floor has its pros and cons. Picking out the one ideal for you will depend on many factors, such as your budget, current kitchen design, layout and personal preferences.
