A Little Bit of All Regarding Kitchen Floors
There is no doubt that the kitchen floor takes the most beating in any household, thus it goes without saying that it should be durable and easy to clean. If you’re considering a kitchen renovation and looking for the most appropriate flooring solution, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the different types is of paramount importance. In today’s post, we;re on the hunt for the ever praised trio – looks, style and endurance. Let’s get to work.
Laminate flooring
Affordable and highly resistant, the laminate kitchen floor is a popular choice among homeowners. It consists of four different layers. The bottom is made from the backing layer which is designed to resist moisture; above it comes the inner core that has the function to enhance the durability of the flooring; next comes the design layer that can feature various textures and mimic the look of wood, stone, metal and many other materials; and finally, the ware layer, which is designed to provide protection against fading, scratches and any other kind of damage, comes on top. The best thing about this type of kitchen floor is that it’s very easy to install and requires very little maintenance. One downside is that it can’t be refinished, so once it wears out you would have to replace it.
Wood flooring
With its natural beauty and unique visual appeal, wood flooring can do wonders to any kitchen style. It adds class, value and a dose of warmth to any space, making your home look more inviting. Wood is a long-lasting material that can be coloured in a variety of shades to match your kitchen design. But unlike laminate, which is very easy to clean, wooden floors require a bit more care to maintain their polished look. They’re also more prone to scratches and require occasional refinishing.
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl is one of the least expensive flooring options and is available in a wide range of textures. It can easily mimic the look of other materials, such as wood and stone. It is moisture resistant and quite easy to install. You can choose between sheet vinyl and tiles – the main difference between them being the process of installation. Sheet vinyl is usually installed by professionals, while the installation of the tiles is something that you can do on your own. Regular sweeping with a wet mop is all you need to keep a vinyl floor clean and shiny. Avoid dropping sharp items on vinyl floors since this can easily tear and damage them. It’s important to mention that vinyl as a material is prone to fading when exposed to direct sunlight and may start to curl and dent.
Ceramic flooring tiles
Ceramic tiles give the space a clean and polished look and can be installed over any kind of surface, you can even install them over your subfloor. They are highly resistant to water and stains, which makes them the perfect kitchen flooring solution. Moreover, ceramic tiles are very durable, don’t ware out easily so you can rest assured they will last you for many years to come. However, installing ceramic tiles can be quite the challenge if your kitchen has a lot of corners and angles. Also, they are not the most comfortable material to walk on, so you might want to consider placing an area rug over them.
