Tiled Kitchen Floor

Tile flooring is durable and can withstand heavy loads (such as kitchens and bathrooms) without showing signs of wear. Tiles are well suited for kitchens and bathrooms because they are one of the easiest flooring materials to maintain. The look and durability of tile have come a long way in recent years, allowing it to work well in many other rooms in your home.

Ceramic floors are very resistant to physical damage, but cracks can occur due to improper installation or problems with the tile subfloor. Some ceramic floor tiles can be quite heavy, and all tiles need a hard and robust floor frame to avoid cracking

If you would love the look of a wood floor in your kitchen but need a safer option, porcelain tile will give you exactly the look you want without any risk. Porcelain stoneware is also ideal for damp environments and areas that require constant cleaning, such as kitchen floors.

Stone Flooring in the Kitchen Part 2

Following our Stone Flooring for the Kitchen Blog Part 1, we are pleased to present Part 2.

In Part 1, we looked at slate, travertine, sandstone.  In this blog, we will look at Marble, Granit and Limestone.

Marble: Just all-natural stones, marble must be sealed before use and have this sealant reapplied regularly.  Marble, like travertine, is susceptible to staining, so we recommend cleaning up any spills immediately to avoid any potential damage.

Granite: A hard, heavy and unforgiving stone that must be laid on a perfectly even surface that is strong enough to hold its weight.  If there are any bumps or tiny valleys within the surface it is laid on it will crack very easily.

Limestone: Limestone comes in various colour choices and is ideal within high traffic areas, like kitchens.  A sealant must be used at installation and reapplied regularly.

Stone Flooring in the Kitchen Part 1

Natural stone tiles have been popular as kitchen flooring for centuries.  Stone tiles bring colour, natural texture and warmth to a room that other flooring options don’t. They are super durable, making them ideal for heavy traffic areas like the kitchen.

In this blog, we will look at Slate, Travertine and Sandstone.

Slate Tiles: These are usually duller and have an uneven look but are a perfect choice if you are looking for a non-slip surface.  They come in various colours and patterns, meaning you can choose from a rustic or modern look.  Slate is also more stain-resistant than other times and is highly durable. 

Travertine: Travertine has natural holes within it, created during its formation.  To protect the stone, you need to have it sealed before grouting and again after its installation.  If not treated, it will absorb water and stain.

Sandstone: Sandstone is a relatively soft stone that will scratch and dent over time from pet’s claws, high heeled shoes or things being dropped onto it by accident.  If you have your sandstone polished, it can be highly slippery. 

Why Choose Granite Flooring?

Stone flooring is an excellent choice that give a timeless look to your home. One very popular type of stone flooring, is granite. Granite is a very dense and strong igneous rock that makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. The durability and versatility of granite makes it quite popular in kitchens and bathrooms as it can also be coated with an anti-slip grit that will help prevent slips and falls, when wet. The main draw back for some, could be cost, the fact that granite is quite a heavy material and the maintenance could be tedious.

The beauty and long-lasting appeal of granite is undeniable as it comes in several colours and sometimes crystals can be added to the surface to add a bit of shimmer to it. It is a fantastic choice for any home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms due to its resistance to spills and stains. Not to mention, it also is a great way to add property value.

Securing the services of a reputable flooring contractor

Finding a reputable roofing contractor to complete your job is not always easy, and it’s certainly not a decision you want to rush into. There’s so much research needed to find the right individual for you, and this research should include:

  • Online reviews
  • First-hand recommendations
  • Company information
  • Locality
  • Contact Details and Address

If you’re not able to find much information on the individual and there aren’t reviews from satisfied customers on their website or any third party site, then you should probably keep looking. In most cases, it’s best to ask friends and relatives if there is anyone they can recommend, whilst you can ask for recommendations on Facebook too, which we feel is always a great idea. Once you think you find the right individual or firm to complete the job, be sure to have a meeting with at least one team member who will be present on the job.

Cork flooring for your kitchen; the environmentally friendly option

 

Cork is an environmentally friendly flooring option for your kitchen, made naturally from cork oak trees. This type of flooring is becoming more and more popular over the years as it holds such a positive reputation for kitchen flooring. Not only is it a safe option for fire safety, if a fire does occur, the cork does not release many toxins and produces less smoke.

The durability of cork flooring is the main reason it is being chosen in many households. Any furniture placed on the cork flooring will not leave any indentation as it will simply bounce back into shape. If any sharp or hard items are dropped onto the flooring, which isn’t unheard of in a kitchen environment, cork is not susceptible to marking or cracking.

Cork flooring is a very soft and comfortable flooring option, making it easy to walk on, this is due to the slight bounce you will feel when you tread upon it. Another key benefit is that it tends to keep a good insulation, meaning you don’t have to brave walking on it during the colder mornings.

There are two types of cork flooring that you can choose from; acrylic-based or water-based. With water-based cork flooring you may see yellow colouring appear over time, however the process of production makes this option eco-friendlier. If you are looking for something a little tougher, then the acrylic-based cork flooring may be the better option for your kitchen.

Choosing a flooring for your kitchen is never an easy task, it takes time and consideration. One large factor when it comes to selecting the right flooring for your home is the design. Cork flooring doesn’t come in many types of designs, usually you would just have the corks natural colour run throughout, however there is the option of having black cork, which if placed in a chequered pattern can also look very stylish.