The kitchen is, inevitably, the highest foot traffic area of any home, so choosing the right flooring is super important if you want it to maintain its original good looks.
Your choice of flooring will determine the feel and style of any room and will affect your choice of colour and style of fittings.
HARDWOOD BOARDS HIT THE HEIGHTS
Hardwood timber floors are very popular.
They suit pretty well every kitchen design and cleaning is a breeze, requiring nothing more than a sweep or a damp mop.
But without regular maintenance, timber tends to show dirt and smudges and, sometimes, cracks and splits.
It can also get stained if not treated properly and replacement in case of damage can be costly.
VINYL IS VERSATILE
Vinyl can resemble wood, stone, marble and many other surfaces, but it maintains the resilience and adaptability of plastic – ideal for busy kitchens.
Some might view vinyl as a cheap, inferior product, but it deserves better.
It’s waterproof, heat and stain-resistant and is so easy to clean.
It’s also quieter than wood, tiles or concrete to walk on and can prevent echo, especially in larger rooms.
THE COOL OF CONCRETE
Concrete, the ultimate in low-maintenance flooring, has become the go-to surface for designers and renovators.
Concrete delivers an ‘industrial’ look but is also wonderful with sharp, contemporary house designs.
Costs vary and can be steep, but keeping the concrete as poured in foundations can be a much cheaper option.
Some find this too ‘rough and ready’ but with correct polishing and sealing, concrete can come up a treat and won’t break the budget.
FLOAT THE FLOOR
Timber floating floorboards, the much cheaper cousin of hardwood, essentially click together over a flat surface and don’t need treatment or coating.
If quality is good and the boards are laid “under” skirting boards without the need for ugly quad, they can be difficult to pick from the real deal.
