Renovating your kitchen can be a challenging endeavour, given that there are so many different options to choose from. Just like fashion trends change all the time, interior design is also subjected to modification, and what was trendy a couple of months ago may slowly start to seem outdated not long after. Another aspect is the fact that kitchens are more complicated than other rooms. There are several built-in components that you have to take into consideration, including plumbing, appliances and electrical wiring that come together to ensure everything is working accordingly and safely.
However, one aspect that gets overlooked quite frequently when it comes to kitchen remodelling is the flooring. Nevertheless, it is one of the fundamental parts of redecorating your kitchen, amounting to nearly 10% of the whole budget if you’re looking to revamp the entire room. You must also consider timing carefully, as taking care of the floors must come before you fix the appliances, countertops, cabinets and appliances.
But what are some of the best options you can try, and how do you decide which works best for you? Here are a few things to consider.
Hardwood
The classical option, hardwood, remains popular this year. Indeed, it’s unlikely that this tried-and-tested option will ever lose its appeal, as its versatility makes it easy to mix and match with any other design. Finding the best furnishing options to go with the design is a simple process if you head to Kitchen Warehouse Ltd. Cabinets in either black, light grey, taupe, cashmere, graphite or indigo blue are all timeless options that go well with any design.
Hardwood floors aren’t traditionally water-resistant, but they can get an added, waterproof finish during manufacturing. To avoid damage, you should clean any spills as quickly as possible. Left unattended, they can seep into the material and cause structural damage that can be challenging to repair.
Different patterns and colours are readily available, and environmentally sustainable solutions have become particularly attractive to customers. These include reclaimed or even recycled hardwood flooring. One of the main advantages of this type of floor is that it’s easy to upgrade. However, it can be slippery, so it might not be the best solution for you if you’re prone to slipping and tripping.
Stone
It can seem like a floor made out of stone can be pretty challenging to maintain. However, they are naturally very forgiving surfaces while practical and hard wearing at the same time. Since the kitchen in your house sees some of the most wear-and-tear of all, you want to choose something that can stand the test of time and look stylish simultaneously.
Not only are stone flooring plans resistant to spills and dents, but they are also well-equipped to withstand heavy foot traffic, don’t attract dust and are naturally elegant. It also increases the value of your home and is one of the best options for warmer climates, as stone is naturally cooling. In colder climates, they are also energy-efficient, as stone flooring works perfectly with radiant heat. The main disadvantages are that it is a pricier option than others and that falling can be more hazardous as there is less cushioning to the floor.
Concrete
Putting a concrete floor in your kitchen can seem like a design choice that’s a little too harsh from a visual standpoint. After all, the kitchen is supposed to be a cosy, welcoming and warm space. Concrete slabs are in complete antithesis with that. Well, at least at first glance. The main advantage of concrete flooring is that it is, you guessed it, highly durable. Few things last as long as concrete, and you can be confident that your floors will continue to look fantastic no matter how much time passes.
Concrete is also waterproof, which is highly valuable for the kitchen environment, where there are frequent changes in humidity and steam and spills from cooking preparation. If you want the concrete to be completely waterproof, you can improve it with a sealing treatment. It’s also recommended to add protective mats close to the areas of excessive moisture, such as in front of the sink.
If you are looking for something a little more elegant, you can choose concrete that has been styled to look like wood, tiles or stone. This is the best way to remove some of the harsh appearance of concrete and make it look like one of the more traditional methods. And, of course, one of the biggest perks of choosing a concrete floor is that it is significantly cheaper than other options. It is the perfect solution for your home if you’re working with a tight budget and don’t want to overspend.
Laminate
The less expensive cousin of hardwood flooring, laminate mimics the look for a smaller price. Similar to vinyl, it’s an excellent option if you’d like to install your flooring, as you can place them on an uneven subfloor with no issues. This is because the laminate planks can be easily glued down to one another. Depending on the kind you choose, the material can be resistant to moisture, so it’s essential to check before purchasing.
Not only does it imitate more expensive material, saving you some money this way, the fact that professional installation isn’t required means that you save up on the costs even more. However, it is not as durable as the other options, so if you’re not a fan of relatively frequent renovation work, you might want to look elsewhere.
Cork
This rustic option is relatively new to the kitchen flooring market but has nonetheless been gaining popularity as a DIY option. The ground-up cork is combined with resins, creating a material that can withstand staining but isn’t waterproof. Therefore, if you spill something on the floor, you should clean it promptly to avoid causing any damage. Nevertheless, in the case of staining, all you need to do is sand down the surface and retouch it with sealer and stain. Cork is also sound-absorbent, so it is the ideal option if you enjoy the quiet.
Cork floors are somewhat vulnerable to dents but usually spring back to their original shape if given time. Another disadvantage is that it is susceptible to sunlight damage, and UV rays can cause the colours to fade.
There are many different kitchen flooring designs, so you’ll have to dig around before settling on one that fits you.
