Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen flooring? Discover which materials are right for your design in our handy guide…
The flooring you choose in your new kitchen needs to not only look good but also be hard-wearing for such a hard-working space. To help you select the right option for your design, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has rounded up pretty and practical solutions, from stone, wood, to tiles.
Natural stone flooring
Natural stone has been an age-old favourite choice for kitchen floors, and for good reason – it’s stunning, adds character, won’t date and it can stand the test of time if looked after. One thing’s for sure; designs and colourways have become more adventurous over the past few years.
Classic checkerboard marble flooring is back in fashion, and homeowners are looking for even more distinctive designs – a great example being Lapicida’s Composition collection of geometric stone finishes. “Natural stone is a beautiful, organic choice, but you need to be open to the irregular markings, colour, texture and veining. If it’s a more uniform look you’re after, or low upkeep, stone-effect porcelain is probably a better option,” says Louisa Eggleston, creative director for Humphrey Munson.
Maintenance
While limestone and slate are popular choices for the classic English kitchen, they’re very porous and prone to scratches and stains, so it’s important to seal the stone to ensure longevity. You’ll also need to keep your floor as free of dust and grit as possible to make sure dirt isn’t compacted into the surface or joints of the stone.
“Installation of natural stone can be expensive and the price can vary widely, as it depends on availability,” explains Rebecca Nokes, design director at John Lewis of Hungerford. She suggests budgeting anywhere from around £40 per sq m for this type of flooring.
So, while natural stone may not be for the ‘Monicas’ out there or those who aren’t willing to put in the hard graft to look after it, it’s definitely for those with a generous budget who want to add character and don’t mind a bit of imperfection and elbow grease.
Vinyl flooring
“There are misconceptions about vinyl, notably that it’s cheap-looking and not hardwearing; but beautiful, natural-looking vinyl designs are now commonplace,” says Christoph Wellekoetter, head of product management at Parador. “Modern manufacturing techniques allow it to be made in a range of formats, including stone-look tiles and wood-inspired planks.”
The most popular vinyl flooring is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). Its scratch and dent resistance makes it a hit with busy families, plus most LVT products are waterproof, meaning spills and moisture won’t cause warping or damage. It’s also soft and warm underfoot, and it’s compatible with underfloor heating, as well – ideal for the colder months. The quality of LVT varies widely, however, and lower-end options may not offer the same durability or realistic appearance as premium brands.
LVT considerations
In addition, some LVT products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect indoor air quality. “Many brands, including Karndean, now offer low-VOC, phthalate-free options that meet high sustainability and health standards,” says Claire Ryan, UK digital manager at Karndean Designflooring.
When it comes to installation, Claire advises opting for a thicker LVT with a substantial wear layer (0.3mm or more) to ensure better durability and comfort – key for high-traffic areas such as kitchens. It’s also worth staggering the patterns of the grains, knots or textures in the planks or tiles to ensure you get a more natural, authentic finish. For an idea of cost, Karndean’s LVT collection starts at £31.99 per sq m and goes up to £79.99 per sq m.
Wood kitchen flooring
If you’re set on the real deal rather than a wood-look surface, engineered timber flooring is your best bet over solid wood. It’s durable enough to handle the wear and tear of day-to-day life, and will create a high-end and characterful finish, especially in period homes. Kitchens get a lot of footfall, so it’s important to ensure it’s top quality and durable.
“The construction of engineered boards means they’re less susceptible to warping and less likely to swell, shrink, cup or gap,” explains Anthony Scott, global product and innovation director at Havwoods. They can also be installed on top of underfloor heating, which isn’t the case for solid wood. For homes with pets, Anthony suggests a textured surface that won’t show marks as easily. To give you an idea of pricing, Havwoods’ PurePlank collection starts from £44.95 per sq m.
Increasingly, homeowners are exploring sustainable options for their kitchens such as cork, as an alternative to traditional timber flooring. Cork is natural, biodegradable, recyclable and renewable, with no trees being cut down or damaged when the bark of the cork oak tree is harvested – according to Flooring By Nature, the process can be done 15-20 times in its lifetime. Cork is durable, resistant to water, mould and mildew, but sealing can further protect it.
Tiles
On a recent trip to Cevisama – a ceramic tile trade fair – it became evident that large-format porcelain surfaces are now a top favourite, with an array of exciting, realistic-printed designs available, which don’t require the upkeep of natural stone. Convincing wood-look surfaces, marble and onyx effects and abstract-patterned indoor-outdoor tiles (great for kitchen extensions) were all noteworthy.
Porcelain is an excellent choice as it’s virtually bombproof – easy to clean, hygienic, non-porous, scratch and heat resistant. Plus, it offers ample design possibilities. For example, you can run your flooring up onto the side of your island for a seamless look, or continue it through onto a patio for an outdoor kitchen out of the same material.
Terrazzo
Real terrazzo tiles (made with marble chippings) have also become increasingly popular. While traditional, cement-based terrazzo requires sealing to reduce porosity and protect against water and oil absorption, Louisa Alice, creative director at Mosaic Factory, says that its innovative mineral binder has allowed the brand to create thinner and more stain-resistant formats. In terms of pricing, Mosaic Factory’s terrazzo tiles start from 128.40 per sq m.
Cement
Cement tiles are gorgeous, too. Handmade, they offer a ‘uniqueness’ you may not get with other finishes, and develop an aged patina that’s very appealing. Reclaimed cement tiles are incredibly popular according to Louisa, and command a premium. However, as a porous material, they’ll certainly require more upkeep, and installation can be a trickier process as, due to their weight, cement tiles need to be installed on a stable, level surface to prevent cracking and misalignment. Cement tiles start from 93.60 per sq m.
Happy renovating!
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