Looking for a way to remodel your kitchen floor? Afresh set of flooring that is affordable, easy to fit, and durable? One of the most practical, cost-effective, and at the same time stylish-looking floors is the vinyl tiles for the kitchen. As a space with many purposes such as cooking, entertaining, and eating, you certainly want your kitchen to look beautiful but easy to maintain.
This is an environment where moisture is frequent and steam, spills, and splashes happen no matter how careful you are. And if you have toddlers or pets, then you know all about the kitchen messes. Selecting a floor that can withstand moisture, is scratch-resistant, and is a breeze to clean is the perfect solution.
The latest designs and colours have taken this material to the next level, so finding something that will suit your style is easier than ever. Nowadays, you find a variety of vinyl tiles for kitchen that mimic natural wood, marble, and stone or have stunning patterns and geometrical shapes in different colours. The options are endless, you just need to decide what kind of look you want.
Types of Vinyl Flooring Suitable for the Kitchen
Being around for decades, the basic vinyl has gone through many changes and improvements leading to today’s highly resilient varieties such as sheet, tile, and plank vinyl types. They are all essentially a layer of PVC bonded to a fibrous core, adorned with a printed design layer, and covered with a tough and clear wear layer.
What differentiates a low-quality and a high-quality product is the thickness, the type of backing, and the resilience of the wear layer. Both vinyl roll also known as sheet vinyl, and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LTV) are suitable for the kitchen environment as they are low-maintenance and adequate for floors that need to be water-proof.
The Benefits of Vinyl Kitchen Flooring
Any type of vinyl flooring has a number of advantages over other materials and is extremely economical, strong, and functional, it is becoming increasingly popular for high-traffic spaces like the kitchen.
It’s Perfectly Water-resistant
When everybody is a ‘chef-in-the-making’, apart from having the privilege of tasting some of the best and weirdest food combinations, you will have to clean loads of spills and stains from the kitchen floor. From accidental water pools, a knocked coffee mug, to harder-to-clean food messes and mishaps, and to mention a leaking tap or a broken-down fridge, the floors in the kitchen really have to take a lot. Luckily, water-resistant vinyl tiles for kitchen can take it all. Unlike natural wood and laminate flooring that could be completely ruined by excessive dampness, most types of vinyl are 100% moisture-resistant.
It’s Incredibly Easy to Clean
The cooking, all the traffic in the kitchen, your pets, or young helpers will inevitably lead to dirty floors that need to be cleaned frequently. Vinyl floors are extremely easy to clean. You can simply vacuum, sweep or mop the floor with warm water and neutral detergent. This will keep it dust-free and unsoiled. Spills can be easily wiped with a damp cloth and in case of some stubborn stains like wine or fruit juice, you can mix water and some baking soda and rub gently.
It’s Comfortable and Warm
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you know that standing on cold tiles or stone is not that comfortable, especially in chilly temperatures. The vinyl offers better insulation and more cushioning, so spending hours on your feet cooking or cleaning up the kitchen is better when you can feel the softer and warmer surface.
Affordable and Easy to Install
Compared to wood flooring, ceramic tiles, stone, or laminate, vinyl flooring is quite inexpensive, so if you are renovating on a budget or renting, it’s by far the most affordable alternative. And when you take into account the fact that it’s a piece of cake to install it, which means you can do it yourself, then you will save on installation costs too. As long as you have a clean, dry, and flat surface, all you need is a tape measurer and a sharp knife. The luxury vinyl tiles and planks usually come in different sizes and they snap together easily for a seamless surface.
Authentic Designs and Styles
The superior graphic process used in the production of vinyl tiles allows authentic designs and a variety of styles. You can go retro and choose from a rustic style wood effect, relaxed stone effect, or go bold with an unusual geometrical pattern. If you prefer a more traditional look and like wood without the time-consuming upkeep, then the ultra-realistic wood design is an ideal solution. For those who love the rural feeling of encaustic cement tiles, with the vinyl tiles you can get this look plus feel warm standing on it.
On the more modern side, you might want to choose visually striking cubist tiling or slate effect tiles. The parquet effect or the classic herringbone styles in a blend of colour can give your kitchen a finessed look that no other material can. If you are feeling extra creative and want to add a personal touch, you can even try and make your own design using different finishes to create focal points and highlights.
Final Word
As one of the most versatile options for flooring, on top of the many benefits, the vinyl tiles give the freedom to choose a floor for your kitchen that will not only match your taste but make your life easier. All the spills, muddy pawprints, and kids’ messes can be handled in an instant without a nervous breakdown. With some care and maintenance, these floors can last 20 years, but if you decide you want to change them for aesthetic reasons, then removing the planks is just as easy as installing them. Take the pieces apart in reverse and you can reinstall them again, or replace them with a new look.
