Selecting the right flooring is quintessential in perfecting your kitchen. It is quite literally the foundations from which you build your dream design. Follow our kitchen flooring guide to ensure your finished project matches your ambitions.

Factors to consider when picking your kitchen floor

Picking a floor is more than simply opting for one based purely on aesthetics. In fact, there are many factors to consider, including:

• Durability – How resistant to wear and tear does your floor need to be? Do you have young children? If so, bear in mind that this floor will need to withstand scratches and spills for the next several years. Maybe you have a pet that is likely to make a mess, malt or smell? These are all things worth considering before choosing a particular kitchen floor.
• Budget – Some materials and floor designs are inevitably more expensive than others. Make sure you have a clear idea of the dimensions of your kitchen, this will allow you to calculate your budget per square foot.
• Maintenance – Ideally, how often do you want to be cleaning your kitchen floor? And how do you envision cleaning it? Some flooring materials require extra special care and treatment, while others simply need a good mopping every now and again.
• Design – Do you want a subtle floor that draws attention to other focal points in your kitchen? Would you like a floor that gives your kitchen that extra ‘wow’ factor? Are you adding a floor into an almost-finished kitchen or are you using your floor to inspire the rest of the room? Make sure you get a floor that complements your cabinets, furniture and appliances. 

What kitchen flooring material is right for me?

Have the answers to the above questions? Now it’s time to look at what material suits your needs.

Stone

Natural, subtle, unique… It’s no wonder stone is such a popular choice. Whether you opt for granite, limestone or another type of stone, the beauty of this is that no two slabs are identical. If you’re looking for a timeless, classy floor that’s easy to maintain, stone is a great option. However, it’s important to note that stone can be rather cold without underfloor heating and can scratch in accidents such as dropped crockery.

Rubber

Those seeking a warm and forgiving floor that comes in various textures and colours should opt for rubber. A tough and hard-wearing rubber floor is a fantastic solution for homeowners, especially given its easy-to-clean nature. However, it can also dent under heavy furniture.

Polished Concrete

A stunning centrepiece for those wanting a more unique design should consider polished concrete flooring. Whether you opt for an elegant, simple and sleek white floor or a more industrial aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with long-lasting polished concrete. While it’s easy to clean, you need to be wary when choosing a polished concrete floor, as, like stone, it’s vulnerable to cracking and chips.

Tiles

Porcelain – Requiring very little upkeep and maintenance, porcelain tiles remain an increasingly popular choice when it comes to kitchen flooring. Porcelain tiles can be made to look like other materials – such as wood and concrete – allowing for a range of textures and colour options. Similar to previously mentioned materials, porcelain tiles can be cold on your feet without underfloor heating.
Ceramic – Ceramic tiles are a cheaper solution to porcelain, without sacrificing on customisability in terms of shape, size, texture and colour. Again, this type of flooring is easy to clean and maintain but cold to the touch.

Wood

Solid – Nothing says charm and beauty quite like natural wood. Available in a range of shades and grains, solid wood is excellent in both modern and traditional properties. Wood flooring really emphasises the homeliness of a kitchen design but it can be a bit a more expensive. Positive elements of wood flooring include its renewability, recyclability, sturdiness and forgiving nature when it comes to bare feet. On the other hand, it can prove noisy and is more difficult to maintain, especially if your kitchen is prone to spills.

Engineered – Engineered wood is manufactured using two lengths of wood veneer, a layer of birch ply and engineered boards between laminate and solid wood. It has the aesthetics of real wood but with increased stability that allows it to withstand underfloor heating.

Cork – Did you know that removing the bark from cork oak trees prolongs their life? In that sense, opting for a cork floor actively helps the environment. Resistant to mould and easy to clean with a mop, if you seek a wood-type floor, it’s worth taking a look at cork. Bear in mind, however, that cork can fade in sunlight.

Poured Resin

A classy and elegant option that is proving increasingly popular is poured resin. Greys and whites are very on trend at the moment, and this flooring is available in matt, silk or gloss finishes. Warm underfoot and waterproof, poured resin flooring is tough, but they are vulnerable to scratching and arguably lack the same level of character as traditional wood or stone.

Laminate

Thanks to its resistance to wear and tear and affordability, laminate flooring is great for imitating all types of materials, including wood, stone and slate. You can now also buy laminate flooring that has a thin layer of wood. Without the need for sealing, laminate flooring is very easy to install, although some are not suitable for underfloor heating.

Linoleum

Linoleum is made from natural materials and comes in a variety of colours and shapes. Available in sheets or tiles, it is rather forgiving, easy to maintain and warm underfoot, although it can be damaged by fallen crockery or sharp objects.

Vinyl

Budget-friendly and able to echo anything from wood to stone and metallics, vinyl is another superb option for kitchen flooring. Although it’s easy to scratch and can fade in sunlight, it’s very easy to clean.

What next?

Whether you’ve decided upon a type of floor and need help with installation or seek further advice with your kitchen design, locate a Kbsa retailer today! We also have many sources for inspiration available on our website!

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