As the heart of your home, your kitchen receives more traffic than the rest of the house combined. But this natural popularity also makes kitchen flooring susceptible to accelerated wear and tear caused by stains, dents, and scratches. This is arguably why kitchens are the one of the most commonly remodeled areas of the home. But what should you look for in kitchen flooring? In our opinion, there are only two qualities you should put at the top of your priority list: durability and easy cleanup.
Long Lasting Flooring Options for Kitchens
Floating Laminate Flooring: Because of its scratch resistant nature, floating laminate is one of the most popular kitchen flooring options in Australia. Thousands of designs and colours are now available, allowing fans of traditional hardwood to enjoy the classic look of timber without exceeding their budget. Some examples of these realistic laminate planks include classics like the Quick-Step Largo Blackbutt and the Clix Rustic Dark Brown.
Tile Flooring: Although we’re not huge fans of tile (due to cracking issues and its hard surface), it’s worth adding to our list of options. Homeowners who install tile in their kitchen often do so because of its ability to withstand scratches, moisture, and stains. On the downside, however, tile is significantly harder than other flooring surfaces. As such, it’s often a better choice for families with grown children.
Vinyl Plank Flooring: Although vinyl is slightly softer than laminate flooring, it still provides an easy to clean surface that can last up to 10 years. Like floating laminate floors, vinyl planks also have the ability to mimic the appearance of solid timber flooring with requiring a substantial budget. Because vinyl may be scratched by wear and tear, we recommend using a lighter plank like the Hurford Mica in your kitchen.
Timber Flooring: For homeowners who want lasting value from their floor and don’t mind cleaning spills quickly and diligently, a solid timber floor may be the right choice for you. Available in dozens of warming colors and eye-popping grain patterns, timber floors can last over 50 years. Because of this longevity, they’re one of the most financially sound flooring investments a homeowner can make. Warming plank styles like Jarrah are able to bring a cozy feel into even the most contemporary kitchen, while cool-toned planks like French Oak can make small kitchen spaces seem larger. To keep your timber floor beautiful for decades, soak up spills immediately, and sweep, mop, or vacuum regularly for general maintenance.
Each of these floor coverings will last you ten years or more with proper care and maintenance. Although timber and tile compete for the longest lifetime, hardwood is softer underfoot and can create illusions of warmth throughout your living space thanks to its natural tones. If you need a quick and affordable installation, however, vinyl or floating laminate flooring can often fit limited budgets while helping you create a beautiful living space. For more information about picking the right floor for you, contact our experts today.