When it comes to choosing the right material for your kitchen floor a range of factors will come into play. Kitchen floors have to survive the heaviest use. Spills and accidents are common occurrences in a kitchen’s lifespan so the appropriate products must be chosen while considering taste, budget and maintenance.
The good news is the are plenty of options for floor coverings ranging from cork, linoleum, vinyl, timber, tiles, stone, granite and more. Here we give you the lowdown on kitchen flooring choices.
Cork Tiles
Cork floor covering comes from the compressed bark of the cork oak. At present the colour range is limited to yellows and oranges. Cork tiles are glued to concrete or underlay sheeting. They are an effective floor option as they can last up to 20 years. Cork flooring is also durable, provides acoustical and thermal insulation and is resistant to moisture damage and decay. Cork flooring does however need be sanded and clear-coated once every few years.
Natural stone tiles
Natural stone tiles including granite, limestone and slate add a touch of style and elegance to any room. For best protection and durability natural stone tiles should always be sealed. Regular resealing may be required in heavy-duty areas such as your kitchen. Maintenance is simple and tiles can be cleaned using water and detergent.
3. Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tile flooring has a lasting and traditional beauty. Ceramic tiles are available in a range of colours to suit the style and theme of your home. Vitrified tiles have the same texture right through, whereas glazed tiles have glaze on a whitish base, which may show up when chipped. Unlike natural stone sealing is not required. Cleaning and maintenance is simple.
Terracotta tiles
Terracotta tiles are composed of baked clay with no surface coating. The tiles range from pinkish-red to brown in colour. Terracotta tiles come in larger sizes with wider joins than other tiles. They are laid on a cement base and need to be sealed or waxed. Significant colour variation in the same batch is common. They can be porous and will absorb grease and oil stains. Terracotta tiles create a wonderful warm and inviting look in any home. Be sure to immediately wash off spill with water and detergent.
Pre-finished hardwood
Pre-finished hardwood flooring is available in a wide variety finishes and styles. Using the latest technology, the factory finish eliminates the need for sanding, staining and finishing in the home. This makes pre-finished hardwood cost and time effective. Parquet, accent borders and random and strip planks are just some of the design possibilities. Timber floors come as strips, planks or boards in any size, glued to cement or nailed to battens. Softwoods should be avoided, as they are susceptible to indentations. After laying, the floor is sanded and clear-coated at least twice in either gloss or matt varnish.
