Effective Flooring for Kitchens

Introduction to the Best Kitchen Flooring

If you are renovating your home, making the right choice for kitchen flooring could make you feel like you’re a wall. Naturally, we need something that looks great and complements the style of our homes, however certain floors can be a little bit of an error.

Selecting the best floor for the kitchen area is very crucial, and must be taken with care.

When you are choosing the floor covering it is important to choose something sturdy and easy to clean up stains the flooring, and with a durable waterproofing.

Kitchens are often the areas where most accidents occur, whether it’s the glass breaking, dropping your food or an appliance that leaks, so you must ensure that your flooring can handle the messes.

The wrong flooring choice for your kitchen could cause permanent water, scratch, stain damage, and much many more.

We’ll discuss the various types of kitchen flooring, the types of materials you should consider when purchasing fresh kitchen flooring as well as the price of installing flooring by professionals.

If you’re currently engaged in an interior renovation or you’re planning to pamper yourself with an entirely new kitchen Keep an eye on us!

What to Look for in Kitchen Flooring

When you’re looking for flooring options to your kitchen area, it is important to think about a few aspects.

Since this is typically the most crowded – and hazardous area in the house, the materials selected must be able to withstand a variety of diverse elements and things can come into close proximity to.

The best method to avoid a lack of clarity regarding the kitchen flooring is to conduct some research to determine the flooring that you have in mind is able to withstand the major hazards that can occur inside the kitchen.

Here are a few of the most frequent elements that the flooring in your kitchen will have to stand up to:

Moisture Resistance

Similar to the bathroom, the kitchen is an area in your home that is most likely to be afflicted by excess water that gets absorbed by the flooring.

Due to the abundance of water-based appliances and pipes in kitchens It is likely that you’ll experience an issue with your water at some moment.

It could result from damage to the pipe in your sink or a malfunctioning dishwasher or washing machine or even an accident in the kitchen, or simply someone getting a bit unsteady while holding a glass of ice water.

To avoid this the best choice is to select a kind of flooring that is waterproof.

Selecting the wrong type of flooring can cause permanent water damage and staining from water that will need to be replaced. flooring.

The constant exposure to water on non-compatible materials can cause the development of mildew and mould which can result in the floor to decay in time.

As an example, even though laminate flooring appears clean and contemporary, it will not stand up to water exposure well. If you drop something on or experience water leakage on the flooring made of laminate, the water may soak into the flooring, and cause the flooring to become damaged and warped.

Alongside flooring that is waterproof Certain flooring is labeled “water-resistant”.

While water resistance may sound like an awesome property for a floor to have, this is not enough for kitchens. When waterproof flooring does not permit water molecules to move through the surface, water-resistant products are constructed with a layer of material or coating which takes longer to absorb liquid.

Thus, if you had returned from a vacation and a pipe ruptured inside your kitchen area, a water-proof flooring would not be damaged and simple to clean unlike a flooring that was water-resistant would slowly absorb the water.

Laminate flooring, which we talked about in the past, is an excellent illustration of this. It’s incredible for the smallest spills that are cleaned quickly, but constant exposure to large quantities of water can cause damage, leading to expensive repairs.

Condensation is a major factor to be considered when choosing the flooring you want to put in. The rooms that have a lot of exposure to water could start to resemble the sauna in the event of heat.

Have you noticed that after taking your hot shower, your mirror appears blurred and the walls look damp? It’s the same in your kitchen.

Heat Resistance

Because of the abundance of kitchen appliances, heating is an important aspect to take into consideration when choosing flooring.

The flooring in the kitchen must be able to withstand variations in temperature within the room, as well as be capable of enduring the direct heat without harm.

The temperature in a kitchen can experience abrupt changes during the time that the homeowner is cooking, which is why the flooring should be made of a substance that is able to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.

While you boil the kettle, boiling your vegetables or using your stove to cook food, the water evaporates and settles on any objects that are close to it, causing them to be damp.

While this kind of condensation can be easily cured with the help the use of an extractor or a window that is open However, it is best to select the flooring material that is able to withstand the humidity of a humid area.

A flooring that is not properly installed and excessive water vapour can be an easy way to mould, damp and expensive repairs.

The kitchen is also the area in a house that’s most susceptible to coming into contact with fire. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your flooring is as safe as it can be.

It is important to make sure that whatever flooring option you select will not burn and ignite easily, is not able to allow the fire to spread far, and doesn’t generate large amounts of smoke when it’s burned.

Stain Resistance

Spillages can be a major issue in kitchens because of the amount of cooking, baking and more.

If you spill the contents of a bottle of wine or a can of soup made from tomatoes, or even have an accident with flour, you should be able to remove it.

The issue with some floors is that they’re porous, and they tend to absorb any liquid that is spilled. Concrete, for instance, and some other softer surfaces are more porous than the rest and therefore absorb liquids more quickly, which can cause permanent stains.

Hardwood flooring is regarded as one of the strongest alternatives for kitchens, and could suffer from staining, which is expensive and difficult to fix.

While cleaning the spill right away is a good way to tackle this problem in the event of a substance spilled, there will always be remnants that have already ruined the flooring.

The more solid flooring options like dark slates are a great way to keep away stains since they are extremely resistant to stains. They may get stained because of water spills and deposits that have been calcified, however this is a breeze to wash.

Impact Resistance

Every family has a member who cannot open a cabinet without breaking the table. or that friend who has a lot of glasses in their bedroom and then carries glasses back and forth between the kitchen and bedroom every week.

If a disaster is waiting to occur, the kitchen is likely to be the most likely place within the house for it to happen.

When evaluating your flooring choices, durability must be among the primary things to take into consideration.

You need to select the flooring material that can be able to withstand the force of dropping pots and pans and sharp objects that have fallen broken glasses and plates and even the occasional tumbler.

In essence, the more robust the flooring will be, the better.

Flooring that is more soft isn’t resistant to the impact of weight or sharp objects striking it at a high rate.

The installation of flooring in your kitchen using softer materials could cause damage in the future. These could completely alter the look of the space. It can also be a hassle to fix.

The flooring you put in your kitchen must be one that lasts for a long time without needing much maintenance.

Laminate flooring, for example, is a type of kitchen flooring that can be easily bumped or scratched and should not be used in kitchens.

If you’ve ever attempted to move a cabinet or wardrobe across a laminate flooring and got one or two scratches You’ll be able to understand what we’re talking about.

Best Types of Kitchen Flooring

There are a variety of possibilities when it comes to flooring your kitchen and often it can seem difficult to decide on the right one.

We’ll discuss some of the most sought-after kitchen flooring concepts and choices when it comes time to revamp their kitchens as well as describing the advantages and drawbacks to each.

Tile Kitchen Flooring

Tiles are a common feature in areas that are exposed to excess water, for example, kitchens and bathrooms.

They’re one of the most sought-after flooring options when it comes to renovating the kitchen; however, are they the most efficient?

There are many different types of tiles available and, based on the one you select, it can take a different direction. The tiles that are the least expensive are more prone to cracking or chipping when objects are dropped on them.

If you’re considering installing tiles on your kitchen flooring, consider investing in something that is a bit higher in price, such as ceramic stone, porcelain or even marble.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles, such as porcelain tiles, are extremely tough and can be a good alternative for kitchens.

They are made by enduring temperatures, making them designed to withstand the heat generated by cooking as well as direct heat from fires in the kitchen.

Ceramic tiles last for a long time and, over long durations of time, their appearance and colour doesn’t appear to change which makes them an excellent maintenance-free choice for homeowners.

Ceramic tiles can be found in a wide range of styles, colours and patterns to complement the style of your house they are extremely versatile for buyers who are a bit adventurous.

Ceramic tiles are great for areas with water, as even though they tend to absorb water a little, they are not affected by water. This makes them a great option for your bathroom or kitchen flooring.

While ceramic tiles are designed to resist staining, it is possible to see staining from other household items and appliances. One advantage is that stains can be easily removed with the help of appropriate cleaning agents.

The most frequent complaint regarding ceramic flooring concerns how cold and cold it will make a room feel in addition to how cold and uncomfortable it could be on the feet.

It is possible to fix this issue by using underfloor heating if you would like, but installing a heating system won’t be affordable for everyone.

Ceramic tiles are typically priced around £20 or £30 per square Meter.

Pros:

• Ceramic tiles are very durable.
• Ceramic tiles are water-proof.
• Ceramic tiles and low porosity stone tiles aren’t easily stained.

Cons:

• It can be extremely cold.
• Very rough surface.

Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stones are an excellent option for kitchens. Because they are made of real stone, it’s one of the strongest choices available.

There are a variety of different kinds of stone tiles you can pick from, based on the style you’re looking for.

There are many great options:

• Slate
• Limestone
• Granite
• Marble
• Sandstone

It’s all about the kind of stone you select since each stone has its own characteristics that give the stone advantages or disadvantages over other stones.

From the materials we mentioned above Granite and slate have the highest durability, which means that with the right maintenance they’ll last for a long time which is what many homeowners are searching for.

Marble is a popular choice for those looking for a more expensive luxurious look, but it is true that marble tiles are the most durable of the tiles.

Sandstone is found in the middle of the earth, meaning it will wear away over time, but not as quickly like other ground types.

Another drawback of natural stone is the fact that it tends to get stained easily, because of the porosity. Depending on the type of stone you choose, you can expect different outcomes.

If you decide to go with marble or slate then you’ll encounter less problems in terms of porosity than if you opt for limestone or sandstone since they have a stronger construction.

Through regular touch-ups with the correct sealant, this could be prevented.

Natural stone is the best choice for rooms that might be more at risk of being in direct contact with flames because they are fire resistant.

Natural stone tiles are typically priced from £25 up to £35 per square metres.

Pros:

• Granite tiles and slate are extremely long-lasting.
• Costs can be high.
• Fire resistant.
• Resistance to heat.
• Certain tiles of stone are waterproof.
• Simple to clean.
• Many colours to choose from.

Cons:

• The sandstone, limestone and marble are susceptible to wear and tear over time.
• Certain stone tiles are very porous.
• Stone with higher porosity can be easily stained.
• It can be extremely cold.
• Very rough surface.

Solid Wood Kitchen Flooring

Flooring made of solid wood, also called ‘hardwood’ has been in use for quite some time and has been a common feature in homes.

It’s been argued whether it’s appropriate for bathrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, since it is generally regarded as porous as compared to other types of materials.

However, because of the use of sealants and other solutions to produce a water-resistant finish this is becoming more sought-after in these regions.

After the use of sealants, wood flooring could be a viable choice for a kitchen flooring but remember that sealing agents will create a flooring that is water-resistant and will not make it completely waterproof. So, wood flooring suitable to be used in kitchens remains vulnerable to water damage in the event of the floor leaks.

The sealants can make flooring longer-lasting and durable This means that when the proper maintenance is performed, it can last for quite some time.

The wood flooring can be porous and even with the correct use of sealants, it is susceptible to staining due to spills and other such. Even when using sealants, staining could still happen.

But, the great thing about hardwood floors is, instead of replacing the whole floor, you are capable of sanding down the floor, then protecting it to make it look like new!

While we tend to consider wood to be the ideal material to burn, this is only for certain kinds of wood.

Flooring made of hardwood is extremely fire-resistant because it contains water inside which slows the spread of fire. When sealants are included to shield this wood from burning, it can have a harder time staying alive.

Flooring made of wood is also simple to clean after sealants are applied properly provided that spillage is taken care of promptly.

Flooring for kitchens made of solid wood typically costs between £30 up to £70 per square millimetre.

Pros:

• A common material in homes.
• Water resistant.
• A fire resistant material that is good.
• Simple to clean.
• Durable.
• The sanding can be done and sealed, as like new.
• Sealant provides an additional shield.

Cons:

• Costs can be high.
• Stains can be stained and aren’t simple to get rid of.
• It’s porous when sealant isn’t properly applied.

Laminate Kitchen Flooring

Laminate flooring is a huge hit in modern homes and also in new builds. This is mostly because it’s much less expensive and more easy to install than other types of flooring. But, an economical floor does not always guarantee a superior flooring.

We’ll just be clear: laminate flooring isn’t a good choice for kitchens. Although it looks neat and is a good fit for an uncluttered modern style, it’s very porous.

Laminate flooring in kitchens has a problem of taking in any liquid that gets sprayed onto it. This makes it ideal for living spaces and hallways, but a bad option for damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

A tiny spill can be easily cleaned; however, if something more significant occurs, like an unclean washing machine spilling its contents onto the floor, you’re in trouble.

Laminate flooring absorbs liquids much more quickly than other types of flooring and if this occurs continuously the flooring’s surface could become very damaged and warped.

This is another instance of the material being water resistant and not waterproof.

However laminate flooring can be put back together easily because it’s basically a matter of being slotted into place by an expert. But, laminate flooring doesn’t remain on the market for too long.

Newer versions are likely to be released each few years, while older versions have been discontinued. So if decades have gone by, it might not get the same style and you might have to start starting from scratch.

Laminate flooring is not extremely durable, it is scratched, scuffed and buffed quite quickly. If you’re an uncontrollable habit of regularly falling over your appliances and cutlery then this flooring is not suitable for you.

This kind of flooring was made to be fire resistant but it’s not as durable as other kinds of flooring.

But, despite this the laminate flooring is simple to clean – just be sure to not use too much water!

Kitchen flooring made of laminate is generally priced between £20 up to £30 per square metres.

Pros:

• Much less expensive than flooring.
• It is very easy to set up.
• The fire resistance is quite high.
• Clean and easy to maintain.
• Repairs are simple.

Cons:

• Very porous.
• It is easy to damage bumps, scratches and easily damaged bumps and.
• Water damage is very easy to cause.
• It is difficult to locate replacement boards if it’s more than a couple of years since the floor was put in.

Carpet Kitchen Flooring

Of the numerous choices for flooring in the kitchen carpet is the most unsuitable of kitchen flooring choices you can pick.

Carpet was popular as a bathroom flooring option and other areas way back in the day. If you go to your grandmother’s house, you might still see one!

We have progressed in the advancements in technology and design and have discovered from experience that using carpets placed in the wrong areas of your home could cause a lot of damage.

Carpet flooring is perhaps the most porous and absorbent kind of flooring you can find which means that everything you spill over it will be absorbed up.

Cleaning is a complete problem, particularly when the spilled substance is a huge glass of wine.

While you might be thinking about the benefits of wool beneath your feet, the comforts will not last long.

Carpets are usually very resilient in its typical setting – the living room However, it could be easily stained and difficult to wash in the kitchen.

Contrary to what many believe carpets are actually fireproof. The majority of carpets are made to smother small flames within approximately a minute. 

However, we’re not certain that they’re a good choice in your home.

In addition, the condensation that is usually created during cooking could mean that your floors get damp constantly which can cause mould and even rot.

Pros:

• The fire resistance is quite high.
• It is easy to install.
• Comfy.

Cons:

• It is easy to stain.
• Very porous.
• Most likely for the growth of mould and rot.
• Not an easy fix.
• It is not easy to take care of.
• The material is easily damaged.

It is recommended to budget approximately £5 or £40 for a square meter of carpet.

Vinyl Kitchen Flooring

From all of the flooring options we’ve talked about, the vinyl option is our top pick and is definitely the most desirable kitchen flooring choice available. Vinyl has been used for since the beginning of time and became extremely well-liked in the 1970s, and continues to be a popular choice in homes today.

Many people think of vinyl flooring and experience an image of old-fashioned, patterned kitchen flooring that came in all sorts of bizarre shades. Vinyl flooring has come a vast way since when it first came out!

There are a myriad of options to pick from, it’s probably the most flexible flooring option available.

If you’re looking for an ultra-modern, minimalist style or a tiled style or something more flamboyant There’s always something that will complement your taste.

The majority of vinyl is elastic sheets, which are simple to install professionally and also easy to do yourself.

If you’re looking for something a bit more lavish, vinyl is available in planks that resemble wood laminate flooring, laminate flooring and more.

If you’re looking to decide on a laminate floor for your kitchen, then look for it now.

Vinyl flooring is a cheaper alternative when it comes to kitchens. It’s also incredibly easy to set up. It’s tough and totally resistant to stains, water damage and other forms of damage.

It’s incredibly easy to clean. All you require is a couple of hoovers and a great mop. It’s also waterproof and fire-proof. What else could you want?

Vinyl is also very affordable and easy to clean down and redo when you’re bored of the design, or if it’s beginning to look a bit less than perfect.

Certain warranties claim that vinyl lasts up to 20 years but on average, it tends to appear a bit damaged after about 7-10 years.

Vinyl kitchen flooring can cost around £15 or £25 per square Meter.

Pros:

• Very affordable.
• Very sturdy.
• It is easy to install.
• Easy to DIY.
• Very adaptable.
• Offers more luxurious options.
• It can be used to mimic other kinds of flooring, but at a higher value.
• Waterproof.
• Fire resistant.
• Almost damage proof.
• Simple to clean.

Cons:

• The flooring may not last longer than other flooring alternatives.

Engineered Wood Kitchen Flooring

When compared to other wood flooring options, like engineered wood or solid wood, it is the best choice for kitchens. Engineered wood has many layers, which allows it to stand up to fluctuations in heat and moisture within the kitchen.

Engineered wood isn’t waterproof, by any means however due to being more man-made than hardwood flooring, it is certainly more resistant to water.

It’s also a more economical alternative in comparison to solid wood flooring, which makes it a good choice for those who are on a tight budget. It’s much easier to put up and maintain than hardwood floors however, it won’t last for as long.

On the other hand, with the added layers of strength, it’s an ideal choice for kitchens because of it being able to withstand heat and water more effectively.

It’s easy to clean and spills can be cleaned up quickly without worry about the spillage or the water’s tendency to warp the surface.

The cost for an engineered kitchen floor ranges from £18 or £70 per square meter.

Pros:

• Water resistant.
• Fire resistant.
• It is able to handle heat fluctuations well.
• Much more affordable than hardwood.
• Versatile.
• The flooring mimics the look of hardwood You shouldn’t be able to discern the difference.
• Clean and easy to maintain.
• Durable.
• It is not easily damaged.

Cons:

• Not completely waterproof.
• It may not last for as long as hardwood flooring.

Cost of Installing Kitchen Flooring

Before you install your kitchen, it is important to understand the price of everything.

Different kinds of kitchen flooring are available with a variety of prices for professionals to install. Most can’t be done for DIY-based installation. The prices for the replacement of kitchen floors is the following:

Tile Flooring Cost

If you’re thinking of installing tile flooring in your kitchen it will require tiles. In 2020 the cost of the tiler needed to install flooring is between £600 and £700 for the entire installation.

Most tilers will charge between £150-£200 each day. However, regions with higher costs like London might charge more for installation.

You can put in tiles yourself, but when you have to do the job of lifting the flooring, taking off the skirting boards, and then preparing the area for tiles it might be more convenient in the long run to employ an expert.

If you’re considering the option of a solid wood flooring it is essential to hire an expert in wood flooring. The cost of flooring made from wood is usually approximately £1300 for a moderate size room.

The daily rates for wood flooring experts are around £150 per day.

Laminate Flooring Cost

Laminate flooring is much more affordable, costing about £600 for installation in a room of average size and the price for engineered wood is in the middle because it’s a more durable flooring option than laminate, but not as durable as other woods, such as oak.

Laminate flooring is priced on the average £1–£3 per square foot.

Carpet Flooring Cost

Carpet is difficult to determine an average cost for due to a myriad of variables that could impact the cost.

The kind of carpet you’re planning to put in can significantly impact the cost, based on whether you’re looking for something low-cost, middle-class or a more lavish one.

Pricing is also contingent on the dimensions of the room as well as the type of room that you want to install carpet in. Living rooms and staircases for instance, could have very different prices.

Carpet is among the most efficient flooring options. It can take around 3 hours to put in, along with moving furniture and getting ready.

The price of carpet fitters to install a carpet ranges from £90 to £120 which does not include the cost of the materials that are estimated to be £400.

Vinyl flooring specialists typically cost about £300 to fit vinyl flooring in the average size room.

A typical tradesperson will cost between £15-20 an hour for their services but this will vary based on the place you’re living in.

Vinyl flooring is very easy to install, taking approximately a day to install.

FAQs

Q. What is the best option for kitchen flooring?

A: The best flooring for kitchens in terms of flooring that fits the categories of being safe for kitchen use (fire/heat resistant, waterproof, damage resistant), are vinyl, tiles, solid wood and engineered wood.

Out of the bunch, vinyl and tiles are the better options, engineered wood comes in strong second place and solid wood makes it at third runner up due to it being less resistant to water than the other options.

Q: What is the cheapest option for kitchen flooring?

A: If you’re looking for a budget flooring that comes in a range of styles and designs, and is easy and cheap to install, vinyl is your best bet.

Vinyl materials are the cheapest flooring option, and they are extremely compatible with kitchen surroundings.

Q: What type of flooring takes the least time to install?

A: Out of all of the options, carpet wins the race of being the quickest flooring to install – taking only 3 hours on average.

Of course, you will need to factor in the preparation and clean up time, which includes moving furniture.

Q: Is all flooring fire resistant?

A: Most flooring is made to be fire resistant to some extent, however not all floorings are equal in this department, especially when it comes to kitchens.

For a room which is highly likely to be exposed to heat and direct flames, something like tiles, vinyl or even wood would be your best bet.

We would advise not putting carpet on the list, even if it does state it is fire resistant.

Q: What is the most waterproof type of kitchen flooring?

A: The most waterproof type of kitchen flooring is definitely either tiles or vinyl. Both have the amazing ability of repelling water, and are extremely easy and efficient to clean.

Other types of flooring such as laminate and solid wood can become warped over time when exposed to water, and carpets are very prone to mould and rot when damp.