Audrey
In many homes, the kitchen often gets the most foot traffic. It’s where you cook, eat, and spend time with your family. For this reason, kitchens need a hardwearing, practical, and low-maintenance floor.
However, modern designs aren’t limited to toughness and durability – looks are also important. So modernise your kitchen with these flooring options if you’re planning a home makeover.
Hardwood
Hardwood is renowned for its durability. However, many homeowners are reluctant to use it in bathrooms and kitchens because of their perceived susceptibility to moist conditions. The introduction of sealants and polyurethane finishes has changed this perception, as the material can now withstand damp environments.
It’s worth noting that the sealants and polyurethane don’t make hardwood entirely moisture-proof. So whether it’s solid hardwood or engineered floorboards, it becomes vulnerable to moisture over time.
Hardwood is classy and adds a rustic appeal, but it’s expensive and susceptible to moisture.
Vinyl
Like hardwood, vinyl is a classic flooring choice used in many interior spaces. More homeowners are installing vinyl flooring due to its modernisation in recent years.
Vinyl is waterproof and comfortable to walk on – it feels like a springboard. Moreover, it’s super easy to clean and maintain, and you don’t need professional experience to install it.
The most significant disadvantage of vinyl flooring is its softness. Large appliances such as cookers, dishwashers, and refrigerators can dent or scratch their surface. Ensure you’re careful when moving equipment in the kitchen.
Cork
Cork is a new entrant to the kitchen flooring options market. It is relatively affordable and easy to install. You can purchase it as glue-down, peel-and-stick, or snap-together planks.
Cork floorboards are a blend of ground-up cork and resins. They are available in shades of brown and grey. Besides affordability, coloured cork is durable and eco-friendly. It pairs well with wood flooring and can create a beautiful outlook if your kitchen is next to a dining area with a wooden floor.
Although it’s stain-resistant, cork flooring isn’t waterproof. Ensure you wipe off spills before they get absorbed into the floorboard. If it gets stained, scrub it off using sandpaper and retouch with stain and a sealant.
Cork floors suffer dents under intense pressure but can spring back to shape over time. However, they fade under direct sunlight, so it’s best to close your curtains when the sun is brightest.
Tile
Tile is a timeless kitchen flooring option. It’s available in many types, including ceramic, natural stone, and porcelain, giving homeowners room for customisation. The tiles also come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to choose unique patterns that showcase your style.
Tiles are durable, stylish, and suitable for high-traffic areas. In addition, they are easy to clean and require little maintenance. On the downside, the grout between individual tiles needs consistent resealing to prevent staining. Also, natural stone tiles are costlier than other flooring options.
Wrapping Up
Kitchens need durable, robust, and waterproof flooring materials. If you have budget constraints, consider cork or vinyl. Otherwise, invest in hardwood or natural stone tiles.
Whatever you choose, ensure you take good care of it. Proper maintenance prolongs your kitchen floor’s lifespan.
