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A recent study suggested that people spend three years of their lives in the kitchen and a further two and half years cleaning their houses. Now, you may contest the validity of these claims, but you cannot deny that we spend a considerable portion of the day in the kitchen. This is irrespective of whether we love cooking up a storm or not, because the kitchen is a space that is used as much for preparing meals as for socialising with other members of the family or very close friends.
Those with open plan kitchens also dine in the same area. It is of paramount importance to keep the kitchen at its hygienic best. Choosing the right flooring helps with easy cleaning. Unsurprisingly, this area needs maximum attention and time in this regard as well. With appropriate flooring in place we may finally manage to reduce the amount of time and effort needed to keep our houses clean. The right kitchen flooring also aids in creating a stylish home. Today, we will make you familiar with various kitchen flooring options and will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Stone is another all time favourite flooring. From polished marble to rustic boulder rocks, a variety of stone floors are used to stylise the kitchens. More refined interiors prefer the use of marble, granite, sandstone, limestone, slate and other basaltic rocks. Nearly all of these options are highly expensive. In order to have stone flooring, you need to have a properly reinforced floor capable of withstanding the presence of such heavy materials.
Stone floors are very easy to clean, extremely durable and elegant. If your house is located in one of the warmer regions of the world you will have added reasons to prefer the cool effects of stone flooring. Slate is cheaper than the other options, but is prone to chipping.
Kitchen flooring cloaked in hand painted ceramic tiles was once a prized possessions of many homes. Decorative ceramic tiles are still used to embellish the floor, walls and ceiling of many modern kitchens.
You can choose ceramic tiles of different motifs to create a beautiful patchwork on your kitchen floor. Monochromatic ceramic tiles are available for a more minimalist setting. The brick red tint of terracotta tiles easily adds a touch of vibrancy to any kitchen. Both of them are easy to install and replace, but they can be less durable than most of the other options on this list. Purchase at least a couple of dozen extra tiles and safely store them away. You can use them to repair those that show signs of wear and tear in future time.
Hardwood flooring gives your kitchen a luxurious makeover. It was and still is a favoured flooring option for scores of home owners. When maintained properly it can last for ages.
However, hardwood is expensive and periodic maintenance takes up a lot of time and energy. Only properly seasoned hardwood is sufficiently resistant to water-related damages. Engineered wood is more affordable but does not hold similar appeal and durability. Though not really a hardwood variety, bamboo is another choice that is fast gaining in popularity.
Porcelain is preferred for their durability and ease of maintenance. They are available in a wide variety of colours and textures. These wood effect porcelain tiles by The London Tile Co combine the classy appearance of wood with the durability of porcelain.
They are hardier than ceramic and terracotta tiles, but compared to ceramic and terracotta tiles they are not that easy to repair. Besides, they could be slippery— not exactly child or elderly friendly.
Luxury vinyl flooring has gained in popularity in recent time. Like porcelain, it can be made to resemble stone or wood planks without their drawbacks. It is considerably durable, although not so much as hardwood or stone flooring, and it can be installed on any clean and flat surfaces.
Plywood installations will help to extend the life of your vinyl flooring. However, vinyl flooring can easily develop scratch marks. It is also said to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to the body.
The use of cork flooring for kitchens is a very recent development. Cork flooring is carpet-like, soft, warm to feet and, owing to their unusual texture, can easily enhance the beauty of modern kitchens. Cork flooring has great acoustical benefits.
They are quite affordable, but they should be sealed with water resistant lacquer to prevent damage. This must be done meticulously as cork flooring can develop a wavy surface if liquid spills through the surface. They are also prone to wear and tear.
Since kitchens accumulate considerable dust and grime, it is best to keep this area free of any overly cosy rug. For comfy feet and relief in harsh winter months, you can place area rugs or organic mats in your kitchen. Rugs and mats made of sisal, jute, coir, cotton etc are pocket friendly, not excessively susceptible to smoke and grease, and can be washed easily at home. They are eco-friendly and are suitable for giving a fashionable look to your kitchens.
Do forget to check some of the fabulous ceiling finishes useful for creating a charming atmosphere in any of your rooms, including the kitchen!
