Designing a new kitchen can be very stressful, as there are so many things to consider – what cabinets to get, the style of handles, which appliances to choose, and whether to go for a ceramic or stainless steel sink being just a few.
Another thing to think about is what flooring to put down, as you will want something that can stand the test of time after all that work putting in a new kitchen.
Here is our pick of the best types of flooring to choose for the busiest room in the house.
Vinyl
One of the most popular choices for kitchens is luxury vinyl floor tiles or sheet vinyl. The reason behind this is that they are easy to maintain and last a long time.
Vinyl is resistant to moisture, which is ideal in a kitchen, as there are bound to be spillages, whether your child drops their cup of juice or you slop some pasta water on to the floor by mistake.
Having a floor that does not deteriorate when it gets wet is essential in a kitchen, as this also means you can wash the floor regularly without it becoming damaged.
Another reason to get vinyl is that it is durable, so whether a plate drops on to the floor or your children are constantly running in and out of the garden, it will continue to look as good as new.
According to a survey by the London Cleaning System, Brits spend 253 minutes a week cooking and 98 minutes a week washing up, which amounts to 351 minutes or nearly six hours in the kitchen.
Of course, this does not include washing clothes, doing the homework with the kids, or eating, if these things are done in the kitchen too.
Therefore, it is essential to get a floor that can withstand many hours a week being walked on, as well as one that feels comfortable underfoot. Vinyl flooring ticks both boxes, and the best part is it is also easy to clean.
Stone tiles
Many families opt for tiled flooring in their kitchen, as it is extremely hard wearing and will last for many years.
Kitchens see so much traffic from children, friends and pets, and even more so if you have an open-plan kitchen-diner or kitchen-lounge. That is why it is important that you pick something that can withstand the heavy footfall.
This robust material will not become damaged easily, and it is very low maintenance. It simply needs to be swept and occasionally mopped to continue looking great.
Its redeeming property is that it is water resistant as well, which is essential in kitchens as they can hold a lot of moisture. This also means it can be thoroughly washed, and spillages will not cause lasting damage.
At the same time, it is heat resistant, so if you drop a hot pan or a cup of tea, it will still look as good as new.
Stone tiles do not go out of fashion, so if you do not want to replace your flooring regularly, it might be worth investing in tiles as they can last for decades.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring has become incredibly popular in recent years, as you can find all sorts of colours and patterns that will suit the design of your kitchen.
You can even get laminate flooring that looks identical to real hardwood, which is an aesthetic many people want in their kitchen. However, solid wooden floors are not the ideal choice for a cooking area, as it expands when the temperature in the room increases and contracts when it cools.
Therefore, this can cause damage to the flooring, meaning it will not last as long.
What’s more, solid wood does not deal well when it comes to high moisture levels. As it is hard to reduce the amount of moisture in a busy kitchen, not just in terms of cooking but also when it comes to spillages and washing the floor, solid wood is not the best option, even though it looks great.
Laminate flooring, on the other hand, can withstand water and temperature changes in the kitchen, and looks almost as real as solid wood these days.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with the CVT Direct team via our Contact Us page or give us a ring on 0345 121 1234.
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