Choosing the right floor also plays a crucial part in kitchen decorating. When you come to select your kitchen floor there are many options available to you. Some solutions are more hard-wearing than others, so select your flooring with care.
Whatever sort you go for, you’d be well advised to have it laid by a professional. Unless you’re a seasoned do-it-yourself person, a professional will have both the tools and the knowledge to avoid costly mistakes. Once your kitchen floor is put down and all the units fitted, you don’t want to have to take it up again.
Types of Flooring
Various makes of linoleum are perhaps the least expensive. You can also get vinyl and rubber floor tiles, as well as carpet tiles which are hard wearing and waterproof.
Wood is still a very attractive option, and when treated correctly will provide many years’ service. It does, however, need regular attention to keep it in good condition.
Kitchen with diagonally fitted floor tiles. Note the work surface; the same material has been used as a splashboard (under the wall units). There is also storage for saucepans above the island.
Tiles are probably the most practical and hard-wearing floor you can have. They come in different shapes, patterns, sizes, and textures. There are ceramic, terracotta, quarry, and brick tiles. If you go for a stone floor, you can use flagstone, slate, marble, granite, etc.
When selecting tiles or stone floors your best plan is to visit a local business where you can get expert advice and help. This is not an area where you want to take any risks.
Kitchen with wood finish floor. Out of interest, note the tiles under the wall units which have been fixed diagonally.
Larger Kitchen and Dining Area
If you are in the fortunate position of having quite a large kitchen and dining area combined, you may want to have different flooring in each section. However, do make sure that if you go for a carpet or rug in the dining area that it’s hard-wearing. You’ll also have to clean it on a regular basis.
One type of carpet to avoid is the grass weave or coir carpet. These have a hard feel to them and so appear to be hardwearing. But their disadvantage is that once any food has been dropped on them, it gets down into the base of the carpet and is extremely difficult to remove.