Which kitchen floor to choose?

The kitchen is a place where many of us spend a lot of time during the day. It is here that we prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we often like to linger over coffee or tea. That is why its decor and style are so important. One of the most important elements of the room is certainly the floor. Which type should we choose?

• Consistency comes first
• Durability is essential
• Ceramic tiles
• Natural stone
• Wooden floor
• Laminate flooring and cork flooring in the kitchen

Consistency comes first

The kitchen floor should above all match the rest of the furnishings, especially the kitchen furniture. Gone are the days of our mothers and grandmothers, when it was often hard to find not only solid materials but any functional furniture that matched the rest of the interior. Today our kitchen floor should match the cabinets, the kitchen area and also the living room, if the rooms are open-plan. That is why it is worth thinking carefully about the material and colour scheme.

Durability is essential

The kitchen floor will probably be the element we replace least often in our house or flat. On average, a kitchen floor is replaced every dozen or so years. For this reason we must pay attention to its quality and durability. After all, such a surface will be exposed to numerous stains, scratches and contact with hot, heavy cookware. It is therefore good to check the protection rating and maximum load of the laminate or tiles, as well as their susceptibility to staining.

READ ALSO – IN WHAT STYLE SHOULD YOU DECORATE A FLAT?

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles have recently been very popular in kitchen spaces. They are valued in particular for being easy to keep clean, for their attractive price, and for their resistance to abrasion and scratches. Another advantage is their rich variety. Many manufacturers' ranges include square and rectangular tiles, in glossy or matt versions, with a smooth or rough surface. Add to this a wide range of colours, so there is plenty to choose from. Better-quality tiles are also resistant to mechanical damage, so dropping a glass, mug or plate will not damage them. It is worth remembering, though, that such tiles can be slippery and cold. That is why in winter, without underfloor heating, they will not be very friendly to our feet.

Natural stone

An alternative to ceramic tiles is natural stone. Here, however, we must be prepared for much higher costs from the outset. Stone is valued for its aesthetic qualities as well as its physical properties. Above all it is a hard material that is resistant to acids, water and stains. Even if it gets damaged, chips and defects can be effectively masked with adhesives and resins. Because of the many textures, colours and structures, here too we have quite a wide choice. Marble, granite and slate are certainly the most popular. They can blend superbly with kitchen worktops. Manufacturers often offer stone tiles with unusual patterns and sizes, so we can match them much better to our individual requirements. Here too, the downside is the floor's thermal properties.

READ ALSO – A MODERN FLAT – HOW TO DECORATE IT

Wooden floor

A wooden floor can certainly look simply stunning in a kitchen. Unfortunately, of all materials, wood is the most exposed to moisture, stains and scratches. Constant contact with water or steam can lead to warping. That is why it is best to choose only selected species of wood: oak, beech, sycamore, Brazilian cherry and a few exotic species. It is also worth remembering to opt for a material of uniform colour, free of knots, with even grain. In addition, it is important to impregnate the wood and to use only selected cleaning products.

Laminate flooring and cork flooring in the kitchen

Laminate flooring will be a great alternative to a wooden floor. We are usually offered models with a high abrasion class that are also resistant to moisture. With laminate flooring, correct laying is important, as otherwise it will make a characteristic knocking sound. A considerable advantage of this material is certainly its variety of colours and structures, as well as a much lower price compared with natural wood.

Much less popular, but equally worth attention, are cork floors. The cork boards are covered with a special vinyl coating. They will not only look excellent in a kitchen space but will also effectively dampen sound. Wooden, cork and laminate floors alike offer greater comfort, especially in the autumn and winter.