Planning on upgrading your kitchen? Updating your set-up and having some shiny new surfaces installed is a great way to add some extra luxury to your home, but it’s important to lay the right foundations first. The flooring you choose for your kitchen will set the tone for the rest of the space and has the power to make or break the end result – but looks aren’t everything, so it’s wise to consider practicality, too. The perfect kitchen floor will be easy to clean and will resist staining as well as looking the part – but finding an option that ticks all the right boxes can feel tricky unless you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Nevertheless, whether you have a penchant for natural stone or are a fan of ceramic or hardwood, there is no shortage of stylish options to choose from that are more than capable of meeting your needs. Homehows flooring cost guide will help you to understand how much you can expect to spend depending on which material you choose. Here, we take a look at the different options available to help you make the right choice.
Hardwood flooring
Hardwood flooring has long been a popular choice and is a classic pick that will never go out of fashion. Hardwoods such as ash, walnut, oak and mahogany are recommended over softwood alternatives because kitchens tend to be high traffic areas and these options are durable and able to withstand wear and tear more effectively than, say, cedar or pine.
If you’re looking for a stylish and sophisticated finish that requires minimal maintenance, then consider a lighter coloured wood, as scratches and scuffs tend to appear more obvious on darker varieties. The natural beauty and impressive longevity of hardwood flooring is difficult to match, but it’s worth bearing in mind that they are one of the more difficult flooring types to clean and can warp over time when exposed to prolonged moisture – so you’ll need to keep them dry and open your windows to ventilate the room as often as possible.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are another elegant choice when it comes to kitchen flooring. Available in a range of beautiful colourways and designs, they’re the perfect way to add character and charm to a simple space, from geometric shapes to pretty Spanish and Portuguese patterns in bold hues. Such is their versatility and the breadth of choice that you’re certain to find a style that suits your desired aesthetic, and that will add a welcome touch of luxury and a dash of personality, too.
Easy to maintain and highly durable, ceramic tiles are also simple to keep clean. Their low moisture absorption rate means that they’re the ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms and if you opt for glazed tiles then scratching and scuffing will be minimal, even years after being laid. Able to withstand spillages and most detergents, there are few cons involved, but do consider that they can become slippery when wet and can crack or chip if something is dropped on them, making them a riskier choice for families with children.
Vinyl flooring
Another option that is available in a wide range of styles, colours and designs, vinyl comes in three forms, which include planks, tiles and sheets. There are a range of different installation methods for this type of flooring, from a simple peel and stick process to a slightly more complicated click and lock technique. If you’re eager to do the job yourself, then the former is a quick and easy way to makeover your room, but you may like to enlist the help of a professional floorer for the latter.
Unlike ceramic tiles, vinyl doesn’t chip, but indentations where furniture has been placed for extended periods are common – so, if you like to change your kitchen layout up from time to time, then they might not be the right choice for you. Again, it can be slippery when wet and, depending on the type you opt for, may also need regular waxing to keep it well maintained.
The bottom line
The right choice of flooring can make the world of difference to any living space, and has the power to quickly transform your kitchen with a luxurious looking upgrade. Deciding on the best option for your abode will depend on several things, including your desired aesthetic, as well as your lifestyle and future plans for the space – so bear these factors in mind when assessing the options to ensure you make the right call.
