From limestone to linoleum, concrete to cork, there's a host of flooring materials that can heighten the look of your kitchen. But before you set your heart on solid wood or splash out on ceramic, there are some prominent points to consider.
'The flooring you select should complement your kitchen, rather than being the focal point,' says Richard Robson of Paris Ceramics. 'It should supply a platform for the rest of the room without demanding too much attention.' The ideal flooring will help to originate a feeling of space and light, and if you have an open-plan living area, then consistency is crucial, so be sure to select a material that can run all the way through. Confident products may work in the kitchen, but won't feel right for the living area, for example, and this could affect your full, decision.
Wood Kitchens For Kids
'The key is to find a equilibrium in the middle of charm and durability,' says Tony Nicholas, managing director of Nicholas Anthony Kitchens. 'Always speak to professionals, who will be able to recommend you how different floorings will fit in with your lifestyle.
Industrial style flooring
Concrete
'Concrete adds a modern edge to a kitchen,' says Jonathan Reid of concrete surface design firm White & Reid. Colours range from charcoal to antique white, and it's ideal for open-plan extensions, where it can be laid both inside and out. Concrete is fairly low maintenance once sealed, and one of its advantages is that it can be poured directly onto the existing floor without there having to be anything underneath to level it. There are also lightweight versions that can be used on upper floors, but ask a structural engineer for advice.
Resin
Resin used in residential projects has a soft and flexible finish that's seamless, comfortable to walk on, sanitary and deadens sound, too. 'A silk finish is best for kitchens,' advises John Wilson of Stratum Uk resin floors. 'You can opt for gloss, which gives a real wow factor, but it doesn't have the hardness of polished marble or concrete. The gloss finish will finally mattee down and will need maintenance to bring it back to its old glory.' Remember, resin is a hand-applied system, so there might be minor flaws in the finish.
Tiles
Stone
'Stone comes in such a range of sizes, colours and textures it can complement any style of kitchen,' says Richard Robson of Paris Ceramics. select from rich browns to muted tones in greys, greens and yellows. Even the best-quality limestone is porous, but the most recent sealants are very sufficient and, once applied, the floor should be easy to maintain.'For a modern look, opt for matte-finish, extra-large tiles,' says Jo O'Grady at Stone Age. 'Distressed surfaces and random sizes, on the other hand, suit original kitchens.'
Porcelain
'Porcelain is so versatile and can be made to look like anything from limestone to concrete, or even modern metallics and weaves,' says Cressida Johnstone at Surface. 'It's maintenance free and practically bomb proof, so good if you have a messy dog or kids.' The most recent ranges include a wood effect, which looks indistinguishable from the real thing.
Composite Materials
With colse to 38 per cent quartz, quartz composite is part stone and part tile, and doesn't need sealing. One of the huge advantages is that you can have a matching work surface in the same material. To add glamour, select a composite with metallic flecks - fantastic teamed with stainless steel.
Ceramic Tiles
Primarily made from clay and other natural materials, ceramic tiles come in many different shapes, colours and textures. They're less high-priced than porcelain, but tend to be artificial with fewer straight edges and square corners. This means that grout lines need to be thicker, resulting in a more grid-like finish. However, glazed Moroccan or Syrian tiles can still be beautiful.
Kitchen flooring need to know
Underfloor heating can be used with most modern flooring.
Stone and concrete warm up and sustain heat well. But some wooden floors, particularly extra-wide boards, Confident veneers and some types of adhesive, can be heat sensitive.
Most flooring is best fitted by a professional.
Some needs to be factored in at the start of the kitchen design process, whereas others can be installed afterwards. Ask the manufacturer in advance.
Even if your floor is sealed, you should still wipe up spills as soon as possible. And remember to use products recommended by the manufacturer to ensure you don't strip oils, lacquers or sealants.
Floors and Work Surfaces
Interior designer Clare Pascoe of Molten London gives us her tips for achieving the excellent flooring/work surface combination. But do you want to coordinate or contrast?
To coordinate, go for materials in the same finish (matte or gloss) and match the colours as intimately as possible. Whether select a material that can be used for both worktops and floors, or match, say, a walnut floor to a rich brown stone or composite worktop.
Alternatively, incompatibility the finishes in the same colour, or incompatibility the colour in the same finish, such as a dark matte flooring with a pale matte composite worktop. You could even incompatibility both, such as a matte slate floor with a polished white granite worktop.
Bear in mind that kitchens are a long-term premise - make sure you won't tire of the finishes or colours you choose.
Wood, wood style and other natural flooring
Solid Wood
Renewable and recyclable, boards can be a real plus when it comes to selling a house. However, solid wood may move and curl if used in a kitchen, as it's both moisture and heat sensitive. 'Decide how inert you want the floor to be,' says John Davies at Plastik Architects. 'Solid wood will convert over time, so if you want your floor to stay the same, select other materials.' Wooden floors can be terminated in polyurethane lacquer, or natural linseed oil, which sets hard, seals and protects the wood. Most sealants will stand up to many years of traffic before they need reapplying. select any gloss level, but be aware that high gloss tends to show marks. 'Uniform boards give a modern look,' says Steve Maltby of Junckers. 'Boards with knots are more rustic.'
Engineered Boards
Constructed from multiple layers, engineered wood commonly has a softwood or plywood base and a wood or wood-effect top layer. 'Water and wood are never a good combination, but whereas solid wood may gape or warp, engineered boards have a central core that stops the top and lowest layers moving,' explains Bill Worman at Element 7. Although engineered boards can feel less solid, they come in a variety of widths and finishes and are excellent for achieving a natural wood look.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made up of artificial materials combined with natural and recycled ingredients. It comes in a number of formats, colours and designs, along with wood, stone and tile. And fellowships such as Pergo have now introduced laminate with antimicrobial and antistatic properties, which are ideal for kitchens. It's super-durable - defiant to staining, wear and fading - manufacture it excellent for high-traffic areas. Prices vary hugely, but you get what you pay for - selecting cheap laminate may ensue in ill-fitting, bouncy boards and will all the time be a false economy.
Cork
A long way from the curly orange tiles of the Seventies, modern cork flooring is available in a wide range of colours, designs and finishes. Tough and naturally antibacterial, it's great for habitancy with allergies, too. 'There are an fantastic 40 million cells of air in every cubic centimetre of cork,' says Paul Heatley from cork flooring firm Wicanders, 'which makes it very comfortable underfoot. It also has exceptional acoustic benefits.' Cork is harvested without damaging the tree. In fact, removing the bark means the trees live longer.
bamboo
With a higher fibre rating than any hardwood, bamboo is incredibly durable and is less likely to gape than other solid woods. commonly pretreated by the manufacturer, it can be stained or left its natural colour, then sealed with a gloss or matte lacquer. Bamboo releases 35 per cent more oxygen into the climate than trees, and is a fast-growing grass, so it can be harvested every 3-5 years, manufacture it a very eco-friendly product.
Flexible Flooring
Rubber
Silky, warm and tactile, rubber flooring comes in a huge range of colours and textures. Architects say they use rubber as its so resilient, yet it feels soft underfoot. It certainly is as tough as old boots, says Julie Mellor at Dalsouple. If it doesn't wear out in an airport, then it wont in your kitchen. select a flat surface or low-profile studs in a kitchen as they are easier to clean. Use products and polishes recommended by the manufacturer to mouth rubber flooring, especially initially, as its softer when new.
Linoleum
Similar in feel to rubber, linoleum's ingredients, the key one being linseed oil, are all natural and sustainable. 'Natural products like this have inherent benefits,' says Therese Magill at Forbo Flooring. 'They're certainly tough, but at the same time tactile and warm to the touch, manufacture them comfy underfoot.' Linoleum is also hygienic: bacteria can't live on it and it doesn't harbour dust mites, manufacture it ideal for habitancy with allergies.
Vinyl
Modern, high-quality vinyl is a world away from old-fashioned vinyl sheeting. Exceptionally hard wearing, designs replicate the look and feel of anything from natural materials, such as wood, limestone, slate and marble, to more modern finishes, along with zinc and glass. It can also be warmer and quieter underfoot than the real McCoy. 'Vinyl flooring such as Amtico is a good option if you have no time to mouth a delicate surface, but still want the look of a natural material,' advises Tony Nicholas of Nicholas Anthony Kitchens
complete Guide to Buying Kitchen Flooring
