The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. My family meals are prepared, homework gets done, and friends gather around, so of course choosing the right flooring for this busy space is important, but it can be quite tricky. We all want a floor that looks great, but it also stands up in terms of spills, messes, and foot traffic, but many people make mistakes when they pick kitchen flooring, which can often lead to frustration further down the line. Here’s some of the biggest mistakes that you should avoid at your peril, plus also some tips to choose the perfect floor for your kitchen.
Overlooking Durability
One of the biggest mistakes we make when choosing kitchen flooring is not thinking enough about durability and rather prioritising the aesthetics. Think about it: kitchens are high-traffic areas where spills, dropped utensils, and muddy shoes are more than a common occurrence. If your floor is not tough enough, it can quickly show signs of wear and tear.
For example, some people choose untreated hardwood or carpet for their kitchens, thinking it looks warm and inviting, but let’s look beneath the surface. Untreated wood can scratch and stain easily, and carpet is a magnet for crumbs, spills, stains, and more than its fair share of stink. Throw into the mix the fact it’s tough to clean and you’ve got issues. Instead, look for flooring materials that are designed to handle kitchen life; luxury vinyl flooring is tough, easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot, and engineered wood offers the beauty of hardwood but with moisture resistance, while porcelain or ceramic are durable and water-resistant.
Choosing Style Over Practicality
We’ve already touched upon aesthetics, but it’s natural to want a kitchen floor that looks beautiful and matches your home’s style, but if you focus too much on this without the practicalities, problems are not far away. For example, high-gloss floors may look stunning but show every scratch, smudge, and footprint, which means more cleaning and maintenance. Some trendy materials or finishes could be slippery or uncomfortable to stand on for long periods, which is something to consider if you spend a lot of time cooking or helping the kids with homework at the kitchen table.
Balancing style and function is about choosing flooring that compliments your kitchen’s look but also fits in with your family’s lifestyle. Textured finishes or matt can hide scratches and dirt better than shiny floors, while warm tones and natural textures create a cosy feel.
A Few Quick Tips When Choosing Kitchen Flooring
- Think long term, because your kitchen floor should last for years, so invest in quality materials that can handle your family’s daily routines.
- Consider floors that are easy to clean and maintain, which is particularly important if you’ve got little ones running around.
- Bring flooring samples home and see how they look with your kitchen lighting and décor before you make a decision.
- Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for advice, whether it’s flooring experts or reading reviews from other parents who have faced the same choices.
Choosing the right kitchen flooring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s just about making sure that you focus on durability and practicality, no matter how busy life gets.
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