Kitchens, by their very nature, are high-traffic, moisture-prone spaces. That’s why they should always be equipped with flooring that can handle the demands of daily life. However, flooring is one of the most difficult parts of your kitchen to change. Replacing it takes a lot of work, even if your kitchen is small!
Homeowners with DIY experience may be able to replace their flooring without professional assistance. Some laminate products, for example, come with user-friendly locking mechanisms that require no specialist tools.
Other options, like granite, are significantly heavier and can be much harder to complete on your own. Ultimately, choosing kitchen flooring is a matter of practicality. It must be water-resistant, within your budget and, of course, beautiful! So, use Rehome’s comprehensive guide to kitchen flooring and give your kitchen a fabulous finish.
What’s the worst flooring for kitchens?
The worst kinds of flooring are those that are difficult to clean and difficult to dry out. This includes:
Carpet
Kitchens are prone to spills and splashes, and carpets absorb liquids very easily. When food stains, oils, and moisture penetrate the carpet fibres, this can lead to lingering odours and, potentially, bacteria growth.
Plus, carpets also wear down quickly in areas of heavy foot traffic, which can lead to a less-than-fresh appearance over time.
Solid wood
Kitchens experience fluctuations in humidity from cooking steam and frequent exposure to liquids. As solid wood is highly sensitive to moisture, this can cause the planks to expand, contract, and even warp over time.
What’s the best flooring for kitchens?
In the exact opposite manner, the best type of kitchen flooring will be easy to maintain and water-resistant.
Tiles
Tiles, especially porcelain and ceramic, can work wonders in a kitchen. They offer exceptional durability, cleanliness and come in a wide range of designs. Porcelain tiles, which are denser than ceramic, offer great protection against spills and high traffic.
They are also compatible with underfloor heating systems! While natural stone tiles require sealing to prevent staining, when properly maintained, they’re exceptionally long-lasting.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood is an excellent alternative to solid wood, especially in moisture-prone areas. It consists of a stable plywood base topped with a hardwood veneer, which minimises the warping typically associated with solid wood.
The layered structure of engineered wood means it can also withstand the humidity and temperature fluctuations in kitchens. While spills should still be cleaned immediately, it’s a much more durable option than authentic wooden planks or carpeting.
Laminate
One of the most affordable options, laminate flooring is made with a protective melamine layer, high-quality laminate can resist scratches, staining, and minor spills (although any significant moisture exposure should be addressed quickly to avoid damage).
It can mimic the appearance of wood or stone without the higher cost, and newer, water-resistant laminates are specifically designed for kitchen settings.
Other things to consider when choosing your kitchen flooring material
In an ideal world, we would simply click our fingers and have our floor replaced in an instant! However, there are other things to consider when shopping for flooring materials, like any installation costs, long-term upkeep and, most importantly, your initial budget.
Maintenance
As floor replacement is a major service (that can warrant high costs), you should aim to get decades' worth of use out of it! Generally, laminate flooring should last between 10 and 25 years, whereas tiles have almost double the lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable and may only require a regular mop or sweep. However, grout lines can accumulate dirt, so using a smaller grout line or a darker grout colour can help minimise upkeep.
Engineered wood is equally stable in humid environments and, when properly finished, can withstand everyday kitchen use. However, it may need occasional re-oiling to maintain its appearance in high-traffic areas.
Budget
Of course, one of the biggest deciding factors in flooring will be the size of your budget. Tile options, such as ceramic, can start from around £10 per square metre, while higher-end options like porcelain and natural stone can range from £30 to over £80 per square metre.
These tiles are long-lasting, but installation costs can be higher because they must be installed professionally.
Laminate or vinyl floors are some of the more budget-friendly options. For example, if you need to replace the flooring of a big kitchen on a budget, high-quality laminate costs between £15-£25 per square metre. Vinyl, especially luxury vinyl tile (LVT), is slightly pricier at around £20-£40 per square metre but offers even greater durability.
What kitchen flooring is best for dogs?
Homes with four-legged friends need to make additional considerations when choosing kitchen flooring. LVT and vinyl are favoured due to their water resistance and ability to handle claws (and occasional messes) without showing much wear. Vinyl and LVT are also softer, which provides a bit more comfort for pets and will be quieter when their paws scurry across.
Porcelain tiles are a great choice for pets, as they’re highly resistant to scratches and don’t stain easily, but they might be harder on pets’ joints. Consider adding a kitchen runner to give them a comfortable resting place.
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