Article by Fennel Street Flooring
In a busy kitchen where you cook, dine, and relax, the flooring needs to be both hardwearing and easy to clean, as well as matching the style of your space.
The most popular kitchen flooring types
Explore three of the most popular types of kitchen flooring to choose the right material for your home.
Laminate kitchen flooring
Made from high-density fibreboard with a decorative top layer which recreates the look of wood or stone, laminate flooring is a low-cost, low-maintenance choice for a kitchen. This durable resin finish ensures that the floor can withstand everyday use without scuffs or scratches and its moisture-resistant nature means it can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Best for homeowners on a budget who want the character and colour of floorboards or tiles without the expense or upkeep, laminate flooring is also easy to install for a fast room refresh.
Vinyl kitchen flooring
Vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride resin plus a selection of additives to give it flexibility and colour while preventing fading from heat or sunlight. The result is a material that effectively reproduces the appearance of wood or tile in a durable flooring suitable for a modern kitchen.
Offering warmth and comfort underfoot, vinyl flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating for those who want a cosy kitchen which is free of radiators. Its non-slip surface also makes it a good choice if you have young children or pets, and means any spills can be quickly cleaned away with a damp cloth.
Kitchen luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
Made from PVC-based materials, luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is incredibly tough, and once installed will withstand many years of use in a busy kitchen. It tends to be warmer and quieter underfoot than laminate, which makes it a good option for keeping the space cosy and peaceful.
Although LVT comes at a higher price point than laminate or standard vinyl, it is also 100% waterproof, which means it is suitable for utility rooms or a family kitchen where spills are commonplace. This also allows you to continue the flooring throughout the living space, from the kitchen into the cloakroom or bathroom, to create a coordinated interior.
Things to consider when choosing kitchen flooring
When choosing a kitchen floor material, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Set a budget
If you are replacing the flooring as part of a bigger kitchen renovation, you might have less to spend on the floor after buying new cabinets and worktops. Similarly, if you are looking for new flooring to give the room a quick refresh, keeping costs down might be a priority.
Set a budget before choosing a material, and remember that flooring is usually priced per square metre, so having accurate measurements of your kitchen to hand will help you find options in your price range.
Consider maintenance
From cooking spills to washing up water, muddy boots to misplaced drinks, everyday life can throw a lot at the kitchen floor. That’s why it’s important to find a material that is easy to maintain – ideally with a quick wipe of a cloth or mop – and that won’t show signs of wear and tear in high traffic areas.
Some flooring materials require specialist cleaning products, and some need regular care to keep them looking their best. For a less stressful home, we recommend choosing something a little lower maintenance for a busy kitchen.
Coordinate or contrast?
The floor is the largest surface in the kitchen, so choosing a colour and pattern that complements the rest of the space is important. Decide whether you want flooring that coordinates with the colour scheme of your cupboards – a smart trick for making a small kitchen appear larger – or whether you want to make a statement with a contrasting shade or style.
To cut back on chores, choose a pattern that will hide the appearance of dust and debris, so you can go longer between sweeping.
Explore more in store
The best way to compare flooring options for your kitchen is to visit our showroom in Loughborough, where you’ll find hundreds of samples of laminate, vinyl, and LVT to explore. To allow customers to view products alongside their kitchen cabinets and worktops, we also offer a shop at home option, bringing our samples to you. Get in touch using our contact form or call 01509 236 964 to find out more.
